Developers refuse to shake SBY's hand

JAKARTA: While most people are eager to shake hands with the President, members of the Indonesian Real Estate Developers (REI) do not fancy the idea.

Over 100 REI members passed up the opportunity when Minister of Public Housing Yusuf Asy'ari said they could either shake the hand of the President or speak with him during a get-together at the State Palace on Wednesday.

"No," the developers unanimously responded to the offer to shake hands with Susilo, who responded with a big smile.

When given the chance of raising questions, REI chairman Lukman Purnomosidi and another developer voiced complaints over the high-cost economy.

Susilo eventually shook hands with the developers at the end of the dialog, though there was no photo session. -- JP