First Lady Iriana Joins Spouse Programs with Japan’s Empress Masako

Japan’s Empress Masako (right) draws batik pattern, “Pisan Balen”, at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday (06/19). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Muchlis Jr)

First Lady Ibu Iriana Joko Widodo Monday (06/19) joined the series of spouse programs with Japan’s Empress Masako during Emperor Naruhito’s visit to Indonesia.

First Lady Iriana and Empress Masako planted a gaharu tree (gyrinops versteegii) along with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo and Emperor Naruhito before heading to Griya Anggrek Bogor Botanical Gardens to see a collection of orchids.

They also witnessed Benediktus Anfield, a painter with disability, did a koi fish painting. In the meantime, President Jokowi and Emperor Naruhito held a tête-à-tête meeting.

Afterwards, First Lady Iriana and Empress Masako saw a batik artist drawing batik pattern, “Pisan Balen”, which implies a meaning of “returning after visiting once”.

Both spouses also visited Java Hokokai batik exhibition in which the collection has Japanese influence before having an intimate teatime. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (RAS/MUR)