Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The general chairman of Golkar Party, one of the country`s biggest political organizations, Aburizal Bakrie, attended President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono`s open house on the occasion of Idul Fitri at the palace on Thursday.

"It is only for an exchange of greetings and apologies, (that`s all)" he said afterwards.

At the end of the fasting month traditionally people in the country would visit each other to exchange Idul Fitri greetings and apologies.

Other Golkar Party figure who was also seen attending the open house of the President was Golkar`s advisory board chairman Akbar Tanjung.

Former military figure Prabowo Subianto who is now also the chief patron of Gerindra Party was also seen attending the gathering.

He said afterwards at the palace compound "It is Lebaran (Idul Fitri) and so we exchange greetings and apologies. I may possibly have made a lot of mistakes," he said.

The open house this morning was for state officials and foreign dignitaries.

In the afternoon President Yudhoyono would receive members of the general public. Guests to the president`s open house were also entertained by religious singer Opick.

Reporting by muhammad arief iskandar


(T.SYS/B/H-YH/O001) 08-08-2013 13:58:05

Editor: AA Ariwibowo
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