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Gus Dur pays courtesy call on SBY

NU Online  ·  Ahad, 20 September 2009 | 05:17 WIB

Jakarta, NU Online
Former president KH Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid and his wife Sinta Nuriyah paid a courtesy call on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at the State Palace on Idul Fitri holiday on Sunday.

Despite his constant criticism against Yudhoyono, Gus Dur who is also the leader of Ciganjur Islamic boarding school (pesantren) said that he had for several times come to the State Palace for the Idul Fitri Celebration.<>

“I have been here for Idul Fitri celebration for three or four times. It’s the state that invites me,”  said Gus Dur, who, like his wife, was confined to a wheel chair. 

When asked about his health, the former general chairman of the Central Board of Nahdlatul Ulama (PBNU) said: “I’m fine.”

While, Vice President Jusuf Kalla also paid a courtesy call on President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono for the Idul Fitri celebration at the palace.

The president and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono received Kalla,  his wife Mufidah Kalla and their family for 20 minutes, before other guests had their turn to greet the First Family.

Vice president-elect Boediono, his wife Herawati and their family arrived in a convoy of five cars just after Kalla left the palace. (dar)