JAKARTA. President-elect Joko “Jokowi” Widodo is scheduled to visit the State Palace in Jakarta on Sunday afternoon, during which he will be informed by outgoing President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono about a number of facilities that can support his work as Indonesia's new president.

Presidential spokesperson Julian Aldrin Pasha said Jokowi would arrive at the State Palace at around 3 p.m. on Sunday to be shown around the palace, as well as to strengthen the bond of friendship between Jokowi and President Yudhoyono.

“They will visit the Presidential Office, which is used for Cabinet meetings and welcoming guests,” Julian said.

He further said that Yudhoyono and Jokowi would return to the Merdeka Palace after the tour to check on the preparations of a welcoming ceremony for Jokowi, which is due to take place after he is sworn in at the House of Representatives compound on Monday.

Earlier on Sunday, Jokowi and vice president-elect Jusuf Kalla attended a dress rehearsal for their inauguration. They left Jokowi's residence on Jl. Taman Suropati in Jakarta in a black Mercedes at 9:45 a.m. on Sunday.

People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) secretary-general Edi Siregar welcomed Jokowi and Kalla who at the MPR at 9:55 a.m. The head of Jokowi's transition team, Rini Soemarno, and her deputy, Andi Widjojanto, also attended the dress rehearsal.

A number of heads of states as well as former leaders from a number of countries are scheduled to attend Jokowi's and Kalla's inauguration at the House compound on Monday. (ebf)

Editor: Yudho Winarto