SBY to visit regions during Ramadan

JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is scheduled to visit several provinces during the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan, State Secretary Hatta Radjasa said Monday.

Hatta said the trips were related to government programs, denying speculation the President was using the tours to campaign ahead of the 2009 elections.

"We have arranged a series of trips for the President during Ramadan until early next month," Hatta said at the State Palace.

Included in the President's itinerary is a visit to Purwokerto, Central Java, on the 17th day of Ramadan, and a visit to the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar to inaugurate the newly renovated Hasanuddin Airport.

"So this program has nothing to do with the 2009 elections, and the President will still focus on his duties," Hatta said. --JP