Jakarta – The French government has decided to award Indonesian Research and Technology Minister BJ Habibie with the "Grand Officier de la Legion d'Honneur" medal in appreciation of his contribution to the promotion of relations between the two countries.

The French embassy in Jakarta disclosed Tuesday the highest French government token of appreciation to an official from another country will be presented by French Ambassador to Indonesia Thierry de Beauce.

"L'Ordre National de la Legion d'Honner" was instituted by Napoleon Bonaparte on May 19, 1802, in appreciation of civil and military services rendered in time of war or peace.

In 1986, Habibie was awarded the "Grand Croix dans L'Ordre Nationale du Merite".

Habibie was also honoured for his contribution to Indonesia's industrial development and care for the promotion of research and the dissemination of the latest techniques and cooperation established with French companies.