Potential ministerial candidates, including Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) chief Mardiasmo and Public Works Ministry director general of spatial planning Basuki Hadi Muljono were among those spotted at the palace in the afternoon.

'€œYes, I was invited here,'€ Mardiasmo told reporters at the palace, according to Antara news agency on Sunday. Mardiasmo, who arrived at 1:40 p.m. is rumored to be named the deputy finance minister.

Meanwhile, Basuki, who is tipped to be the public works and public housing minister, said he had been invited to the palace in the morning and was told to wear a long-sleeved white shirt for an occasion. Basuki returned to the palace at 2 p.m.

Ministerial candidates were apparently told at 9 a.m. to wear long-sleeved white shirts provided by the palace for the Cabinet announcement.

Another potential ministerial candidate, Khofifah Indra Parawansa, the former women'€™s empowerment minister, said she had been told to don white apparel for an event at the palace, tribunnews.com reported.

Meanwhile, kompas.com reported that other guests spotted at the palace included Sofyan Djalil, reported to be coordinating economic minister; Susi Pudjiastuti, tipped to be the maritime affairs and fishery minister; former Army chief of staff Ryamizard Ryacudu, tipped to be defense minister; and National Awakening Party (PKB) politician Marwan Jafar, tipped to be villages, disadvantaged regions and transmigration minister.

Preparations for the announcement at the palace were made earlier in the day, with a stage being set up for the occasion. (dyl/nvn)

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