Prabowo Summons Garuda CEO and Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology to the Palace on Monday Afternoon

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has summoned the President Director (CEO) of Garuda Indonesia, Glenny Kairupan, and the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Brian Yuliarto, to the Presidential Palace of the Republic of Indonesia in Jakarta on Monday afternoon.

Glenny arrived at the Presidential Palace complex around 1:00 p.m. WIB, followed by Brian who entered the inner palace area around 2:00 p.m. WIB.

When asked by reporters, Glenny explained that he could not yet disclose the agenda of the meeting with President Prabowo on Monday. He also declined to share with reporters the reports prepared for the President.

“The Hajj is all smooth. […] Well, basically, all Hajj journeys are good,” said Glenny in response to reporters’ questions.

Meanwhile, Brian Yuliarto, who entered the inner palace area carrying several documents, stated that he would discuss the content of his meeting with President Prabowo after the meeting.

“I don’t know yet (the meeting agenda) after coming out from inside,” said Brian in response to reporters’ questions.

During the Government Working Meeting, attended by 800 state officials including BUMN directors, on Wednesday (8/4), President Prabowo ordered Garuda Indonesia to explore cooperation in forming a joint venture company with Saudi Arabia’s national airline, Saudia Airlines.

The President explained that the joint venture could help Indonesia reduce Hajj costs, while also providing benefits for Indonesia’s and Saudi Arabia’s national airlines.

If the concept materialises, Garuda aircraft transporting Hajj pilgrims to the Holy Land could return carrying passengers. The same would apply to Saudi aircraft; after completing the transport of Indonesian Hajj pilgrims back to the homeland, those aircraft could carry passengers to Saudi Arabia.

In that meeting, President Prabowo then called Glenny Kairupan.

When called by the President, Glenny responded loudly: “Ready!”

The President then reminded Glenny that the instruction had been given about two months ago. Therefore, the President asked Glenny to report in person on the follow-up to that instruction.

“Has it been worked on yet? I ordered it about two months ago. Yes, this must be done quickly, the Garuda CEO will report to me,” said the President to Glenny.