Assembly speaker remarries after wife's death

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Mon, 05/12/2008 10:51 AM  |  Headlines

People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Hidayat Nur Wahid and his new wife Diana Abbas Thalib were all smiles (photo above) as they completed an Islamic ritual marking their marriage at Taman Mini Indonesia in East Jakarta.

Speaking to reporters, Hidayat said he had no plans for a honeymoon, citing his state duties.

"We don't want to go somewhere for a honeymoon. Every day tastes like honey ...," Hidayat said as quoted by Antara news agency.

It is the second marriage for Hidayat, 48. His first wife, Kastrian, died in January.

Diana, 42, is the director of a maternal hospital in Pondok Bambu, East Jakarta.

About 1,000 guests were invited to the wedding reception, including Cabinet ministers, Supreme Audit Agency chief Anwar Nasution, Constitutional Court head Jimly Asshiddiqie and members of the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS), which Hidayat once led.

Former Jakarta governor Sutiyoso, who hopes to run in next year's presidential election, and Jembrana Regent Winasa, who is running for Bali governor, also were in attendance.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono acted as a witness for Hidayat, while Vice President Jusuf Kalla was a witness for Diana during the ceremony.

PKS leader Tifatul Sembiring said the marriage was welcomed by party members.

"Since the death of his late wife, PKS members had expected Pak Hidayat to find a wife. Love can kill the pain," Tifatul said in a speech during the ceremony.

Tifatul said PKS members and all Indonesians hoped the marriage would help Hidayat better carry out his state and party duties.

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