Jokowi to travel overseas with small delegation

JAKARTA. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is set to use the presidential plane for the first time for an overseas business trip on Saturday but he will do so in a more conservative way than his predecessor, says Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto.

Jokowi will visit Beijing, China, on Saturday to attend the 22nd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit. He will leave China for Myanmar on Thursday to attend the attend the 24th ASEAN Summit and will end his trip by visiting Brisbane in Australia to attend the G20 Leaders’ Summit scheduled for Nov. 15-16.

"Compared to previous [ones], this presidential delegation is small, comprising only 46 people," Andi said on Friday at the Presidential Palace compound.

The Boeing Business Jet 2 was procured during the administration of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono amid public criticism.

The plane, which can carry a maximum 54 passengers, was purchased for Rp 847 billion (US$91.2 million). In early 2012, further concerns were raised when the total funding needed to purchase the aircraft was revealed to be 36.4 percent higher than the $58.6 million earmarked for the project in early 2011.

Yudhoyono took a maiden flight on board the plane—which arrived in Jakarta from its manufacturer in April —to Bali in May.

Andi said the budget for the trip was also cut, but refused to elaborate further.

"Yes, but I don't know the details; the state secretary knows. However, the advanced team only comprises 16 people. The main delegation comprises 46 people, including the President, the First Lady, several ministers, security detail and members of the media," Andi said.

According to Andi, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Trade Minister Rachmat Gobel, Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro, Coordinating Economic Minister Sofyan Djalil and Andi himself would accompany Jokowi on the trip.(Ina Parlina)