Susilo in command despite U.S. trip

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will run his administration and issue directives to his aides while on a week-long trip to the United States, a presidential spokesman said.

Dino Patti Djalal said the President would make use of technology to keep him in command despite his physical absence. "During his U.S. trip, the President will continue to run the administration and routinely communicate with the Vice President and ministers through digital video conferencing," Dino said in a statement.

Susilo is making a second American visit in four months to attend the United Nations Summit in New York. The President's entourage includes his wife Kristiani Herawati and son Edhie Baskoro, as well as several current and former Cabinet ministers. -- JP