Some 10,000 people had come together for the gathering and were grouped in the associations of Pacitan, Ngawi, Magetan, Madiun, and Ponorogo districts in East Java.
Among cabinet ministers who attended the event were Coordinating Minister for Politics, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono, and Culture and Education Minister Muhammad Nuh.
Chairman of Pacitan Peoples Association Sudibyo Alimoeso said the Pawitandirogo communities were very enthusiastic about meeting President Yudhoyono, who is considered the best son from Pacitan district.
"We distributed only 5,000 invitations but there are more than 10,000 people in attendance," Sudibyo noted.
The Halal Bihalal friendship gathering included various art performances from each district and an exhibition of products.
Sudibyo Alimoeso, the director of the Population and National Family Planning Board (BKKBN), said the Pacitan Peoples Association Cooperative cooperated with the Jawa Post to erect a smart kiosk, inspired by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono`s promotion of Smart Indonesia.
"We are going to erect the smart kiosk at the outskirt of Pacitan district in our effort to improve the economy of Pacitan people," Sudibyo said. (*)
(O001/KR-BSR)
Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
