Indonesia's
new President Joko Widodo caused a stir this weekend by opting to fly economy
class to watch his son's high school graduation in Singapore, drawing both
praise and criticism online.
Skipping
the usual heavy security protocol for heads of state, Widodo and his wife
Iriana queued for check-in at Jakarta airport like ordinary passengers before
taking their economy seats.
Widodo is
known for his common touch, and his family have maintained a modest lifestyle
since he became leader of Southeast Asia's biggest economy last month.
The
presence of the president, known by his nickname Jokowi, caused a buzz at
Jakarta's airport as passengers shouted and clamoured to shake his hand, with
some taking selfies on their phones.
Some,
though, thought it was a publicity stunt.
"Why should he go through the metal detector, join the queue, etc. Sir, stop polishing your image, just act natural," Rangga Aditya commented on news portal Detik.com.
Harry Azet tweeted: "Living a fake life is difficult: Jokowi went to Singapore flying economy but slept in an expensive hotel."
Widodo stayed in a five-star hotel on Orchard Road, Singapore's shopping mecca, an Indonesian embassy spokesman in Singapore told AFP.
"Why should he go through the metal detector, join the queue, etc. Sir, stop polishing your image, just act natural," Rangga Aditya commented on news portal Detik.com.
Harry Azet tweeted: "Living a fake life is difficult: Jokowi went to Singapore flying economy but slept in an expensive hotel."
Widodo stayed in a five-star hotel on Orchard Road, Singapore's shopping mecca, an Indonesian embassy spokesman in Singapore told AFP.
But his
choice to fly economy also won widespread praise, with many urging other
government officials to follow suit.
"Jokowi
sets a good example by flying economy. Hopefully other officials can follow in
his footsteps," tweeted Anita Tobing.
Widodo said
he did not use the presidential private jet or the VIP terminal because he was
travelling for personal reasons.
"I am
going for family matters, a private agenda, not a state visit -- so why should
I use the facility?" Widodo told reporters.
The
president and his wife were in Singapore to see their youngest son, 19-year-old
Kaesang Pangarep, graduate from the Anglo-Chinese International School on
Friday evening. The couple have two other children.
Widodo had
breakfast with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong before flying back to
Jakarta on Saturday morning.
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