President Jokowi Leaves for Thailand to Pay Final Tribute to King

Jakarta, 24 Muharram 1438/25 October 2016 (MINA) – President Joko Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, and First Lady Iriana left for Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday, to pay their last tribute to the late Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

According to Antara, the presidential airplane, Indonesia-1, departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base, East Jakarta, at 9:30am local time.

Upon their arrival in Bangkok, the Head of State and his entourage are scheduled to proceed to the Grand Palace, where the remains of King Bhumibol were resting for mourners to pay their last respect. The president is to lay a wreath.

From the Grand Palace, Jokowi will go to Indonesias embassy in Bangkok.

In the afternoon, the president and the first lady will return to Jakarta.

The Indonesian government had offered condolences on the demise of the Thai king in Bangkok on Thursday (October 13).

“Indonesia extends its deepest condolences on the demise of His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej,” the foreign ministry said in a press statement released on Friday.

“Indonesia prays that the Almighty and Most Merciful God may give peace to King Bhumibol Adulyadej and strength and fortitude to the entire royal family facing this sorrowful situation,” the statement added.

With the death of King Bhumibol, ASEAN in particular and the world in general have lost a leader who was highly respected and loved by his people, the Indonesian government stated.

“Thailand is Indonesia’s brother country in ASEAN,” the ministry said.

The late king was a statesman who was close to his people and brought unity, reform and prosperity for the people of Thailand, the Indonesian government said.  (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)