MSC Musica - on charter for the 11th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Countries

**Ally** · 03-15-2008, 05:19 AM

Quote:

Dakar (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono made a short visit to a cruise ship, MSC Musica, amid his participation in the 11th Summit of the Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC) here on Friday afternoon.

Some of the President`s entourage to the Summit, including reporters are staying in the ship.

The president made the visit to meet Indonesians working in the Italian-flagged ship which has a facility similar to that of five-star hotels.

Some 50 Indonesian crew members, who were on their day-off, sang the national anthem, the Indonesia Raya, when the President and First Lady Mrs. Ani Yudhoyono walked on the red carpet spread on the ship`s stairs.

The President then toured the ship which has 1,260 rooms.

Among those accompanying the president were State Secretary Hatta Rajasa, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda, presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng and the President`s youngest son, Eddie Baskoro.

They also held a dialog with the Indonesian workers.

"I am proud of you," the President said.

He also asked them not to forget to send money to their families and maintain the good image of Indonesia.

In a press conference with Indonesian reporters, he called on the media to help publish job opportunities abroad so that people would have the chance to develop their potentials.

This would later contribute to the country`s income, he said.

Some 400 out of the 987 crews of the ship are Indonesians.

The President is slated to leave for South Africa on Saturday.

ANTARA :: President makes short visit to Indonesian-Manned Cruise Ship