SBY ready for Jokowi's welcoming ceremony

JAKARTA. Former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has arrived at the Presidential Palace, entering the compound through the State Secretariat gate after officially handing over the presidency to Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

Yudhoyono arrived at around 11:50 a.m. at the State Secretariat's main building after attending Jokowi's inauguration ceremony at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) building.

Yudhoyono, who was accompanied by former Cabinet members including outgoing Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi and Coordinating Economic Minister Chairul Tanjung, greeted palace staff upon arriving.

Members of Persit Kartika Chandra Kirana, an organization of soldiers' wives, greeted Yudhoyono, flashing posters that said "Thank you Pak SBY".

Yudhoyono is set to have lunch at the State Secretariat building before holding a welcoming ceremony for Jokowi, also at the State Palace. (Ina Parlina)