Monday, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang D-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Her Majesty the Raja Isteri and Yang Teramat Mulia Azrinaz Mazhar consented to receive in audience the Indonesian President and wife at the Istana Nurul Iman. The Indonesian leader and his wife were greeted at the Brunei International Airport by His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muthadee Billah, the Crown Prince and Senior Minister at the Prime Minister’s Office and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna.
Thousands of flag waving school children lined the routes leading to the Istana. His Excellency Doctor Haji Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Ibu Hajah Ani Bambang Yudhoyono were welcomed at the Palace by His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam; Her Majesty the Raja Isteri and Yang Teramat Mulia Azrinaz Mazhar. His Majesty and His Excellency then proceeded to the royal dais to receive the royal salute. The national anthems of both countries were played, followed by a 21-gun salute. His Majesty and His Excellency also inspected the guard of honour mounted by personnel of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces.
From the royal dais, His Excellency and wife were introduced to members of the royal household, Yang Amat Mulia Pengiran-Pengiran Cheteria, Members of the Legislative Council, Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Foreign Diplomats. The Indonesian leader in turn introduced members of his official delegation to Their Majesties and Yang Teramat Mulia Azrinaz Mazhar. His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam; His Excellency Doctor Haji Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono; Her Majesty the Raja Isteri; Yang Teramat Mulia Azrinaz Mazhar and Ibu Hajah Ani Bambang Yudhoyono subsequently proceeded to Balai Penghadapan for an audience ceremony.
Also present were His Royal Highness Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah, the Crown Prince; His Royal Highness Prince Mohamed Bolkiah; His Royal Highness Prince Abdul Malik; Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Masna and Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah Amal Umi Kalthum Al-Islam.
During the audience, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam consented to bestow the State Decoration of Brunei Darussalam, the Most Esteemed Family Order Laila Utama or Darjah Kerabat Laila Utama Yang Amat Dihormati, DK, which carries the title Dato Laila Utama upon His Excellency Doctor Haji Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
To bless the occasion, doa selamat was read by the State Mufti, Pehin Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Haji Abdul Aziz. From the Balai Penghadapan, His Majesty and His Excellency proceeded to hold a four-eye meeting and discussed bilateral relations and regional issues of common interest. Brunei Darussalam and the Republic of Indonesia established diplomatic relations on 1st January 1984.
(28th Feb 2006)
