The president left for Solo."Banda Aceh (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and his entourage departed from an air force base in Aceh for Solo, Central Java, at 4:16 p.m. local time, on Friday, after celebrating the Eid day in the province.
"The president left for Solo," Regional Government Secretary of Aceh Ali Alfata noted here on Friday.
He remarked that during Jokowis stay in the Indonesian westernmost province, he took part in various activities in the two cities of Meulaboh, West Aceh, and Banda Aceh city.
Alfata stated that Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah and several Aceh officials bid farewell to the president.
Earlier, President Jokowi joined the Muslim congregation to offer Idul Fitri prayers at Banda Acehs Baiturrahan grand mosque in Indonesias westernmost province of Aceh on Friday.
The head of state and First Lady Iriana arrived at the mosque at 7:05 a.m. local time where they were greeted by Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah and Mayor of Banda Aceh Illiza Saaduddin Djamal.
During the prayer service, President Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister of Economy Sofyan Djalil, Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Ferry Musyidan Baldan, Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah, and several local government officials.
Since 6 a.m. local time, thousands of Muslims flocked to the mosque where security was tightened, as the president and other state officials also offered Idul Fitri prayers.
The prayers were led by Syeck Ali Jaber, who also acted as the preacher.
During his Idul Fitri sermon, Jaber stated that being a devout Muslim was the key to attaining happiness and salvation, as Allah would ease the peoples difficulties and bring them good fortune.
He also encouraged the congregation members to pray for their fellow Muslims in other countries such as in Palestine, Syria, and Iraq.
"I would like to encourage all the gathered people to pray for our fellow Muslims in Palestine, Syria, and Iraq," Jaber remarked during his sermon.
After performing prayers, President Jokowi was swarmed by the people congregated at the mosque who were eager to shake hands with him.
"I am really happy to be able to shake hands with the president," noted Edi, one of the congregation members.
(Uu.A014/INE/KR-BSR/A014)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2015
