Former US president Barack Obama waves as he arrives on stage before attending a discussion with the German Chancellor in Berlin on May 25, 2017. (AFP Photo/John MacDougall)
Acting Jakarta Governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat is planning to invite the FormerUnited States President Barack Obama on a short trip to several locations in Jakarta.
Obama and his family are planning a trip to Indonesia and visit Jakarta at the invitation of President Joko Widodo.
According to Djarot, the first place he will ask Obama to visit is his elementary school in Menteng, Central Jakarta. This school was chosen because it has a historical value for Obama, who spent a few years of his childhood in Jakarta.
"At least, he must visit his school in Menteng," said Djarot at the Jakarta City Hall, Tuesday.
Furthermore, Djarot wanted to invite Obama to stop by the tourist attractions and former prostitution area Kalijodo.
"Probably Kalijodo and theOld Town, if he is willing we can invite him to Thousand Islands," he said.
Obama himself is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on July 1, 2017 to attend and give a speech at the 4th Indonesian Diaspora Congress in South Jakarta.
"This will be Obama's first speech in Asia since stepping down from the presidency. We've proposed that later Obama toaddress the issue of globalization and pluralism," said Indonesian Diaspora Network Council Chairman Dino Patti Djalal on Monday.
Dino said that Obama's presence at the congress is an honor, considering he had a special relationship with Indonesia and the Former President of the United States is a close friend and an inspiration to the Indonesian diaspora.
"So, Obama is answeringPresident Jokowi's invitation to take a vacation in Indonesia while providing a speech at the Diaspora Congress," said the former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
(brl/red)
