Bendera criticizes 10,000 invitations for Ibas-Aliya wedding

A total of 10,000 invitations have allegedly been spread for the upcoming wedding of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s youngest son, Edhie Baskoro “Ibas” Yudhoyono, with Siti Ruby Aliya Rajasa.

Non-governmental organization Bendera said, based on information it had gathered regarding the wedding, that the invitations were for the wedding ceremonies, which will be held at Cipanas State Palace in West Java on Nov. 24, and the reception at the Jakarta Convention Center.

“The total number of invitations spread for the entire event is estimated to reach 10,000. With each invitation card predicted to cost Rp 140,000 (approximately US$15), the total cost for the invitations only can reach Rp 1.4 billion,” Bendera activist Mustar Bona Ventura said in a press statement on Saturday.

Mustar further added with each invitee assumed to bring a companion, a total of 20,000 portions of meals would have to be prepared. With each portion predicted to cost Rp 300,000, the total cost for meals will be about Rp 6 billion.

“So it is Rp 7.4 billion for invitations and meals only. The figure has yet to include other costs, such as the wedding dresses and dresses for family members… decorations, documentations, souvenirs and transportations,” he said, as quoted by tribunnews.com.