Susilo bids farewell to state palace staff

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono bid farewell to employees of the Presidential Palace in Jakarta after serving as the president of Indonesia for a decade, reports Indonesia's Antara news agency.

"Myself, the First Lady, the secretary of state, and the cabinet secretary would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for the support and assistance from every employee in the presidential palace. Without it, I could not carry out the governance task well," the president said here on Thursday during a farewell photo session.

The president emphasised that the cooperation and role of every palace employee also contributed in helping him to successfully carry out the presidential duties.

"Everyone is important whether the officials and all members of the secretariat of state, the cabinet, the Palace`s housekeeping staff including the Presidential Security Detail Paspampres, Special staff, and the team of doctors and journalists," Susilo said.

"Therefore, I sincerely express my deepest gratitude and appreciation," stated the president.

The photo session, which started at 8.00 a.m. local time, was attended by all the presidential secretariat employees from various fields, Presidential Security Detail officers (Paspampres), the palace`s housekeeping staff, and journalists who served in the Presidential Palace on a daily basis.

"Please forgive me and the First Lady if the employees and staff experienced any unpleasant incident during my 10-year service as president," Susilo remarked.

The head of state also reminded that such level of cooperation must also be extended for the next state`s administration.

"Please convey my love and regards to the family and friends at home," Susilo said.

"Please excuse me from the presidential position on Oct 20. Hopefully, we will see each other again in the future," he added.

Susilo will be replaced by his successor President-elect Joko Widodo and Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who won the presidential election held on July 9.