President Jokowi Kicks Off Bengkulu Working Visit
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, accompanied by First Lady Ibu Iriana, Wednesday (07/19) departed for Bengkulu province for a working visit.
The President and his entourage took off from Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, Jakarta, at around 14.00 Western Indonesian time.
Upon arrival at Fatmawati Soekarno Airport in Bengkulu city at approximately 15.15 Western Indonesian time, President Jokowi was welcomed by Bengkulu Governor Rohidin Mersyah and his spouse, Commander of Regional Military Command II Sriwijaya Major General Hilman Hadi and his spouse, and Bengkulu Police Chief Inspector General Armed Wijaya and his spouse.
In the evening, the President visited the 2023 Tabut Festival held at Merdeka Square, Bengkulu city and was greeted enthusiastically by the people in the area.
For the record, the festival is a special tradition for welcoming the Islamic New Year, which fell on July 19 this year, and commemorating the death of Prophet Muhammad’s grandchildren Husein.
In the festival, President Jokowi also bought some cotton candy and shared them with Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, and the Bengkulu Governor.
While enjoying the atmosphere of the festival, President Jokowi also posed for several pictures with the people.
After an hour, the President left the festival to return to his hotel to stay the night.
The next day, President Jokowi is scheduled to inaugurate the Bengkulu-Taba Penanjung Toll Road, among others. (BPMI/UN) (FI/MUR)