The President and his wife, Ani Yudhoyono, went to the Istiqlal Mosque in Central Jakarta earlier today to attend Idul Fitri prayers before going to the palace, just a few kilometers from the mosque.

The Idul Fitri celebrations at the Palace were scheduled to begin at 9:30 but the first 15 minutes were earmarked for the Yudhoyono family, according to an official announcement by the Palace's press office.

Indonesian Muslim families perform sungkeman ' kneeling down in front of the older family members, pressing the nose to their knee and asking for forgiveness ' during Idul Fitri.

At 9:45 a.m., the First Family will receive Vice President Boediono and his family.

Idul Fitri open house for Cabinet members, leaders of state bodies, ambassadors and governors was scheduled from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. After a short break, the Palace will be open from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. for the public.

Public Idul Fitri Open House at the Palace has been an annual event during Yudhoyono's presidency. Each guest usually receives a package containing souvenirs and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Last year, the Indonesian Forum for Budget Transparency (FITRA) criticized the government for the open house, which cost Rp 1.5 billion (US$158,061) from the state budget.

The Religious Affairs Ministry on Wednesday decided that the first day of Idul Fitri 1434 H would fall on Thursday. The decision was taken at an itsbat (confirmation) meeting held at the Religious Affairs Ministry on Wednesday evening.

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