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strong>Nov. 20, Online

President Joko '€œJokowi'€ Widodo and First Lady Iriana are scheduled to fly to Singapore on Friday to attend the high school graduation ceremony of their youngest son, Kaesang Pangarep.

Cabinet Secretary Andi Widjajanto said the trip was personal and that the couple would fly Garuda Indonesia economy class, attended only by a few personnel from the Presidential Security Detail (Paspampres).

'€œThey will attend the graduation ceremony. It'€™s a personal trip so no ministers or officials are in tow,'€ he said. '€œThis is Pak Jokowi as Joko Widodo, not as the President.'€

Jokowi, who is scheduled to leave Jakarta at around 4 p.m., would stay one night in Singapore at a modest hotel, according to Andi.

Your comments:

Well done, Pak Jokowi. Respect to you. I hope your government officials follow your example.

Deedee S

Traveling in economy class, opting to not hold meetings in hotels, riding in an unglamorous horse-drawn carriage during his inauguration parade, wearing a plain white shirt and casual shoes, Jokowi is sending a powerful message about work ethics and morals to all those holding civil-service positions.

This new mentality is long overdue for our country.

I maybe overreaching, but Jokowi is in the same league as Lincoln, Gandhi and Mandela.

The sad part however, is that Jokowi is almost like a novelty '€” he stood out among all the corrupt officials. I wish Jokowi success in bringing Indonesia to a new level. God bless us all.

James Waworoendeng

Pak Jokowi just wanted to show the world that Garuda'€™s economy class is world class, fit for a president like him. Talk about a publicity stunt.

Face J

First of all, there is no longer private person called Joko Widodo. He is the Indonesian president 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

He should travel in the safest way even if it costs the state extra. High-ranking officials should of course show restraint in their spending, but security should always come first.

It would be irresponsible of President Jokowi to expose himself to unnecessary risks. So no more economy flights with low security as well as no hobbies like skydiving. Indonesia needs him to be president for the next five years and that is worth far more than saving a few bucks on an airline ticket.

Orang Biasa

Jokowi wants to show the world that he has no fear, also a message to his enemies.

Greg Daru

When a person is honest, he has no fear of anyone except the Almighty. Simplicity is the best policy. Dare anyone try to disrupt or harm our President; they will have to deal directly with the population who voted for the President.

Ramsingha

Is this a publicity stunt or what?  It'€™s going to be a nightmare for his bodyguards and a huge opportunity for his would-be assassins.

Flying economy and letting the word out for his trip is a huge breach of security. It'€™s not a good thing because the savings are tiny.

However, this is a very good lesson for all the corrupt officials and crooks.

Why do some people need 17 flashy cars? Why not assume a low profile and live like Jokowi?

Pauloh

Personally, I do like what he is doing. He is setting an example and showing that extravagance has no place in Indonesia'€™s civil service.

But he should also know that he is currently leading a nation and decisions have to be made by him that affect the nation.

Exposing himself to unnecessary security risks is not worth it sometimes. On a lighter note: does he have to board the plane in the seat number sequence?

Ponders

Jokowi has earned respect not just from Indonesians but from foreigners as well.

Andric Ng

I salute the attitude and actions of Mr. Jokowi.

Heliyana

Mr. President, you are a model for thousands of civil servants who misuse government vehicles for private use.

Michael Beer

The President is doing all the right things, isn'€™t he?  He is not afraid of tackling difficult issues like fuel subsidies.

Jackact