The normally quiet office of Information Minister H. Harmoko was transformed by the arrival yesterday of boxing legend Muhammad Ali. As part of his goodwill visit to Indonesia on behalf of VitaPro Foods and the Muhammad Ali "Champions For Children" relief effort, the three-time World Boxing Champ was awarded an "Apinan Tak Kunjung Padam" (Fire That Never Dies" lapel pin.

During the brief visit, Ali was served his favorite beverage, sweet tea. Yank Barry, President of VitaPro and sponsor of Ali's visit, joked that "Muhammad always asks for four sugar cubes in his tea". He also noted that VitaPro vegetarian foods are Halal approved for Moslems and are a delicious low fat, low cholesterol, inexpensive food.

Still powerful and charismatic thirty-six years after his Gold Medal at the Rome Olympics, Ali broke up the normally staid dignitaries when Information Minister Harmoko placed a black "peci" hat on his head. Although normal for the typical Indonesian, the hat was far too small for the towering Ali.

Muhammad Ali's mission to fight poverty, social underdevelopment and racism brings him to Indonesia for the third time. In recognition of his many humanitarian efforts, Minister Harmoko presented him with the title"Honorary Information Master of The Republic of Indonesia".

Back to Main Press