President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's graying hair is clearly visible in this recent photo. Yudhoyono now officially counts himself among the ranks of Indonesia's elderly. (Antara Photo)
Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono played the age card when he addressed an event convened to celebrate National Elderly Day on Wednesday.
“Having gray hair like myself means I am an elderly person,” Yudhoyono said to chuckles from the audience gathered to mark Hari Lanjut Usia.
As further evidence for his claim that he could be counted among the nation’s senior citizens, Yudhoyono said that this September he would be 61.
“My wife will join in two years from now,” he said to continued laughter.
The president said that as a person advanced in years they became wiser.
“That is what expected by our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Confirming his argument, he quoted several sayings about old people.
To further bolster his argument, Yudhoyono said there were a number of saying regarding the elderly that were used in daily conversations, “such as the whiter someone’s hair is, the wiser he is.”
“The other saying is that ‘I have been young like you, but you never been old like me.”
Yudhoyono, who demanded a greater state budget allocation for the elderly, said that government should provide aid and protection to senior citizens to allow them to enjoy better lives in their twilight years.
“One of the characteristics of a good society is ... respecting senior citizens,” he said. “Civilized nations respect old people, our previous leaders.”
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, right, and first lady Ani Yudhoyono , center, greet an elderly woman during an event to commemorate the National Day for Older Persons at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday. Yudhoyono said the government would increase the social security fund for elderly people, which is currently Rp 300,000 per person per month. Antara/Widodo S. Jusuf
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