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