The President left Tegal railway station at around 12.00 western Indonesian time, accompanied by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono and a number of ministers, including Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, National Education Minister Mohammad Nuh, Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, and State Minister for Cooperatives and Small Businesses Syarif Hasan.
During his five-day Ramadhan safari, the President visited a number of places in West Java and Central Java, such as Ciawi, Cianjur, Cipatat, Padalarang, Nagreg, Tasikmalaya, Wanareja, Majenang, Purwokerto, Banyumas, Brebes and Tegal.
The President said he held the safari to see for himself the activities carried out by the public in a number of places.
"The objective of my safari was to meet and hold get-together with local residents," he said.
Yudhoyono said he used the safari to inspect the conditions of several elementary school buildings which were no longer fit for learning because they were damaged lightly or heavily.
According to him, 10-15 percent of elementary school buildings in Indonesia were in bad condition and no longer fit for learning. Therefore, the government intended to improve elementary school buildings across the country in three years` time by making efficient use of the existing budget.
During the safari, the President also visited public health service posts in remote areas to see the condition of health services for the local people.
He also held dialogs with farmers and fishermen in Cilacap, Brebes and Tegah districts. The President said the government had committed itself to improve the living standard of farmers and fishermen.
"We also inspected the offices of village heads to see how they serve the public," he said.
(Uu.S012/HAJM)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
