SBY, VP to open houses to public

Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

Upholding the prevailing tradition, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Vice President Jusuf Kalla will open their houses to people who wish to greet them during the Idul Fitri holiday on Thursday.

After Idul Fitri prayers at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque in Central Jakarta, the President and his family will first receive Vice President Kalla and his family from 9:00 a.m. until 9:15 at the presidential palace.

The President will then receive his close aides from 9:20 a.m. until 10:00 a.m., before meeting leaders of state institutions, Cabinet ministers, diplomats and governors between 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

The first family will open their doors to ordinary well- wishers starting from 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. Last year around 3,000 people came to greet President Susilo during the major Islamic holiday.

Susilo and his family are expected to spend the second Idul Fitri holiday at their private residence in Cikeas, Bogor, West Java.

"Amid the difficult situation confronting some people in our country, the President is wishing the nation a very happy Idul Fitri. All the hardships should help us test our patience," presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said on Tuesday.

Vice President Kalla will hold an open house at his office on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, after visiting the President.

Kalla will meet officials, ministers and diplomats starting at 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon. Well-wishers from the general public will then be given a chance to greet the Vice President starting from around 12:30.

Cabinet ministers will also open their houses to well-wishers.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda will arrange an event on Thursday at his official residence in the Widya Chandra housing complex.

Aside from officials from the ministry, a number of foreign ambassadors, diplomats and House of Representatives members are expected to attend, ministry spokesman Yuri Thamrin said on Tuesday.

Hassan will open his doors to well-wishers between 12:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono will also open his house at the Widya Chandra complex on Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The government and major Islamic organizations will meet on Wednesday to set the date for Idul Fitri holiday, which almost certain will fall on Thursday.