President Jokowi Holds a Public Open House at Bogor Presidential Palace

President Jokowi holds an Open House at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Friday (15/6) morning (Photo: BPMI).

On the first day of Eid al-Fitr 1439H/2018M, Friday (15/5), Bogor Presidential Palace was opened for public so that people could shake hands with President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo on a silaturahim (an amicable gathering).

Public from Bogor city and its surrounding areas were in long lines to enter the Palace beginning from 9.00 am.

At Teratai Room of the Palace, President Jokowi along with the First Lady Ibu Iriana Jokowi was ready to welcome the people. Also presented were Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Ibu Mufidah Jusuf Kalla.

The happily gathered visitors came from various background and ages. There was also the line of becak (pedicab) community operated in Paledang area, Bogor, not far from state officials. “I was in hurry to get here, just want to have silaturahim with Bapak President,” a man in the community said. They were not well-dressed, wearing only t-shirt and slipper as their daily outfits while pedaling pedicap, some even bringing along their farmer’s hat.

“I congratulate the President Eid al-Fitr and pray for him,” another man said.

Martolo came from Bekasi acknowledged that he was impressed by the open house which was held twice by President Jokowi. “I was very impressed because this is people’s party that does not differentiate any tribes or religions. It reflects the true Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (unity in diversity),” Martolo explained.

For the record, before shaking hands with people, the President and Vice President hold a silaturahim with head of state institutions, ministers of Working Cabinet, ambassadors of friendly countries, and other state officials. (BPMI Setpres/ES) (EPI/YM/Naster)