SBY receives Batak title, not Batak clan name

Presidential spokesman Julian Adrin Pasya has revised several reports in the media which stated that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) and First lady Ani Bambang Yudhoyono received the Batak clan names Siregar and Pohan.

“We wish to clarify that the President only received the title Patuan Sorimulia Raja. This title doesn't include any Batak clan name,” Julian said in a text message sent to reporters on Wednesday.

The Batak Angkola traditional institution presented the honorary titles to the President and Ani on Tuesday.

SBY received the title Patuan Sorimulia Raja, while Ani was given the title Naduma Harungguan Hasayangan.

Julian's statement contradicts an earlier statement received in a press release issued by the State Palace press bureau on Tuesday, which says SBY and Ani also received two clan names at the event: Siregar for SBY and Pohan for Ani.