JAKARTA. Outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hosted his successor Joko "Jokowi" Widodo at the Presidential Palace compound on Sunday afternoon and took the president-elect on a tour of his future residence and workplace.
Jokowi arrived at about 4 p.m. and was welcomed by Yudhoyono at the Merdeka Palace Terrace.
Both presidents then toured the compound from the Merdeka Palace to the Presidential Office, the State Palace and the Wisma Negara guest house for about one hour.
After the tour, they witnessed the general rehearsal of the greet-and-farewell session that will be held on Monday after Jokowi is officially sworn in at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in the morning.
Yudhoyono was wearing a short-sleeved brown batik shirt, while Jokowi also wore a brown batik shirt, but with long sleeves. They looked relaxed during the visit.
Accompanying Jokowi were the head of his transition team, Rini Soemarno, and team member Andi Widjajanto. Meanwhile, Yudhoyono was flanked by Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Economic Minister Chairul Tandjung, State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Moeldoko, National Police chief Gen. Sutarman, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam and Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu.
It was reported that Jokowi has opted to reside at Wisma Negara during his presidency as he does not own a private residence in Jakarta.
Previous presidents who chose to reside at the compound included Soekarno and Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, who both picked the Merdeka Palace. (nvn)
