Jokowi visits his VP in hospital

JAKARTA, Indonesia — After his much-awaited economic stimulus announcement, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo visited his Vice President Jusuf Kalla, who was noticeably absent at the event.

Kalla was confined at Cipto Mangunkusumo public hospital (RSCM) due to heart disease.

Kalla was not seen when Jokowi announced his government’s new economic policy package at the State Palace, although many policymakers were present. 

“(The) President visited JK at 7:30 pm,” Darmansjah Djumata, the president’s secretary, told Rappler on Wednesday evening.

Asked about the absence of Kalla, head of the vice presidential expert team Sofyan Wanandi said that Kalla needed to rest after a routine check up in RSCM. 

“JK went in to RSCM for check up this afternoon. He routinely checks his health every six months. (The doctor) said he needed to rest, so he’s at home,” Sofyan said.

Kalla spent the night in the hospital but is expected to be discharged Thursday, September 10.

“VP will be going home today,” said Husain Abdullah, Kalla’s spokesman. “According to Dr.  Muhammad Yamin, heart specialist, the doctor decided that JK can go home today. Thank you for your prayers for JK.” — Rappler.com