JK signs off from public office

Outgoing VP Jusuf Kalla bid farewell on Monday from a long career of service in government, thanking the media for helping him in his office these last five years.

Kalla said during breakfast with media editors and senior journalists at his official residence that he plans to retire to private life beginning Tuesday, including in business of developing green energy.

"I can't go higher than this," he said, adding that in spite of his long career in government,  the number one job had eluded him.

As minister and vice president he had occupied offices in Jl west, east and south of Monas square. "The one street I never occupied is the one in the north," he said, alluding to the Presidential Palace.

Even the license plate of his official car escaped him: "I had 12, 21 and 2, but never the number one," he said.

Kalla contested the July presidential election and lost badly to the incumbent president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

He served as trade minister, welfare minister and vice president in different governments.

Kalla was to vacate his official residence on Jl Diponegoro for the new occupant and his successor beginning Tuesday, economics professor Boediono.