VP keeps costs low on overseas trip

VP keeps costs low on overseas trip

JAKARTA: Vice President Jusuf Kalla said on Saturday he
did not bring his children with him during his recent four-day
official trip to Singapore and Malaysia, in a bid to minimize
expenses.

Kalla, who was accompanied by his wife during the visits, said
he and President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expected their
subordinates to follow their example during overseas trips.

"This will save the state budget," the businessman-turned-
politician said upon his arrival at Halim Perdanakusuma airport
in East Jakarta.

Former presidents Soeharto, Abdurrahman Wahid and Megawati
Soekarnoputri often brought their children with them on official
trips abroad. -- Antara