Mega takes day off after return from Mecca<\/p>\n
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, Jakarta<\/p>\n
President Megawati Soekarnoputri took the day off on Monday,
\ncanceling all scheduled activities upon returning from a minor
\nhaj pilgrimage.<\/p>\n
Megawati, who arrived on Monday morning from a three-day
\npilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, was scheduled to receive a number of
\nguests, including visiting Miss Universe 2004 Jennifer Hawkins,
\nmembers of the Indonesian-Chinese intellectuals community and to
\npreside over a limited Cabinet meeting.<\/p>\n
However, she canceled her appointments upon arrival at Halim
\nPerdanakusumah air base at 6:30 a.m. \"The President is too
\ntired,\" a palace press officer said on Monday.<\/p>\n
Megawati, who was accompanied by close family members, left
\nJakarta for Saudi Arabia on Thursday and was scheduled to return
\nhome Sunday evening.<\/p>\n
She decided to delay her flight back home in order to meet
\nwith the Indonesian community in Jeddah.<\/p>\n
During the meeting with around 100 Indonesians at the embassy,
\nPresident Megawati urged all Indonesian migrants to register with
\nthe embassy.<\/p>\n
\"How can the government assist you if there is no record of
\nyour existence?\" the President said during the meeting as quoted
\nby detik.com.<\/p>\n
She ate lunch with the Indonesian community at the embassy
\nbefore departing for Jakarta.<\/p>\n
During her visit, Megawati stayed at King Fahd's Guest House.
\nHowever, she did not meet with any Saudi Arabia leaders as she
\nwent there solely for a minor pilgrimage.<\/p>\n
The presidential entourage included Megawati's husband Taufik
\nKiemas, daughter Puan Maharani and Minister of Religious Affairs
\nSaid Agiel Munawar.<\/p>\n
Upon her arrival on Monday, the President was greeted by
\nseveral Cabinet members, including Indonesian Military (TNI)
\nchief Gen. Endriartono Sutarto and Minister of Trade and Industry
\nRini Soewandi.<\/p>\n
Megawati spent all day at her official residence on Jl. Teuku
\nUmar, before attending the celebration of Singapore's National
\nDay later in the afternoon.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/mega-takes-day-off-after-return-from-mecca-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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