Cabinet Secretary Emphasizes No Alcoholic Drinks Served at State Banquet for President Macron in Jakarta

A state banquet for President of the Republic of France Emmanuel Macron at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (05/28). (Photo: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat)

Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya countered the widespread rumor that alcoholic drinks were served at the state banquet held by President Prabowo Subianto during President of the Republic of France Emmanuel Macron’s state visit in State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday evening (05/28).

At the state banquet, the two Heads of State were pictured making a toast by raising glasses filled with golden colored drink. The pictures raised public speculation that alcohol drinks were served in the official state event.

In response to the speculation, Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya emphasized that the drink used for the toast was non-alcoholic. “Oh, that was a Sparkling Apple Cider, 100% juices. It was not wine, it was alcohol-free. It was selected for the toast for its non-alcoholic nature,” said the Cabinet Secretary.

The statement confirmed that the protocol for the state banquet in the palace respects Indonesian cultures and values. The Cabinet Secretary also wished the public not to be influenced by baseless information and to observe that all the series of the state agenda was carried out in accordance with the existing norms and values in Indonesia. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat) (RD/TM)