Cabinet ministers busy during Idul Fitri
JAKARTA (JP): Cabinet ministers celebrated their first Idul Fitri since taking office with traditional open houses and receptions.
On the first day of Idul Fitri on Saturday, most ministers received visits from their staff, related organizations and the public at their official or private residences.
Unlike the past, the routine event this time around looked more simple and unrestricted for people from all walks of life who wished to come and greet the ministers. The hosts served their guests with seemingly unlimited food and beverages.
Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto held the event at his official residence on Jl. Denpasar Raya in South Jakarta until late in the afternoon, receiving guests, either military or civilian.
The high-profile minister, who is currently under scrutiny for his alleged connection to the East Timor mayhem, also welcomed the media but politely refused hard-line questions.
Foreign minister Alwi Shihab held the event at his private house in the South Jakarta suburb of Ciganjur. Access to his residence was congested with cars belonging to well-wishers.
Former minister of foreign affairs, Ali Alatas was seen among the guests, who included ambassadors of neighboring countries, the ministry's officials and surrounding residents.
Attorney General Marzuki Darusman, along with his wife and daughter, also received guests at his private residence in Bintaro, South Jakarta.
State Minister of the Empowerment of Women Khofifah Indar Parawansa held the event on the second day of Idul Fitri on Sunday at her official residence at the ministerial complex on Jl. Denpasar Raya.
From 11 a.m. the minister received guests from her office and the National Family Planning Board, which is currently under her auspices. Khofifah also received several activists of some women organizations.
The director of the Indonesian Women for Justice, Nursyahbani Katjasungkana, and several activists of the Indonesian Women's congress were seen among the attendees.
Separately, Dili Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo conveyed his Idul Fitri greeting to people in the predominantly Muslim province of West Nusa Tenggara.
"From our heart, on behalf of the Catholic community in Dili and my personal capacity, I would like to say happy Idul Fitri and apologize for all of the wrongdoings I made in the past," Belo said in Dili on Saturday as quoted by Antara.
The bishop noted the good relationship between Muslims and Catholics in East Timor should stay as it was proven during the riots before, during and after the popular consultation on Aug. 30 last year. (04)