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President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono held an open house event on Monday to mark the Idul Fitri holiday at their private home in Puri Cikeas Indah in Bogor, West Java.

Unlike Idul Fitri festivities in previous years, the president and the first lady this time only welcomed visitors for one hour, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, under extra tight security.

Before they could shake hands with the president, well-wishers had to pass through three metal detectors.

At the third gate there also was a monitor to check visitors’ body temperature for possible bird or swine flu symptoms.

Guests were also not allowed to bring along bags or other unnecessary personal belongings.

On the first day of Idul Fitri on Sunday, after performing prayers at Jakarta`s Istiqlal mosque, the president also held an open house event for the public at the State Palace for three hours.

Thousands of people stood in line for hours before they could finally enter the palace.  The open house started at 2 p.m. but some people had been waiting outside the palace since 8 a.m.

Other leaders also opened their doors to the public over the Idul Fitri holiday.

Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Sunday held an open house that was attended by Vice President-elect Boediono as well as a number of other government ministers.

Antara