Jokowi 63rd Birthday, Palace: Father Never Celebrates Birthday

JAKARTA - Presidential Special Staff Coordinator Ari Dwipayana said that Indonesian President Joko Widodo never celebrated a special birthday, including this year which falls on Friday.

Ari said that President Jokowi, who was born on June 21, 1961, did not have the habit of celebrating his birthday.

"Mr. President has never celebrated his birthday specifically, and there is no special reason. It just doesn't become his custom," Ari said in a written message to the media received in Jakarta, Friday, June 21, which was confiscated by Antara.

On the commemoration of his 63rd anniversary this year, President Jokowi even continues his activities as usual at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Friday.

"There is no special event. The President continues his activities as usual at the Merdeka Palace," added Ari.

Deputy for Protocol, Press and Media of the Presidential Secretariat Yusuf Permana also confirmed that President Jokowi was still active in Jakarta on Friday.

"Still in Jakarta. Today the President's activities are based at the Palace as usual," Yusuf said in a short message in Jakarta, Friday, June 21.

Based on observations, a number of ministers wished President Jokowi a happy birthday via Instagram social media uploads.

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto in the @prabowo account uploaded several photos of himself together with Jokowi.

In his description of his upload, Prabowo, who is also the President-elect of the Republic of Indonesia, wrote a prayer and hope "May always be in the protection of Allah Swt.., always be given health and strength in carrying out service to the country and people of Indonesia. Happy birthday Mr. President @jokowi".