PRESIDENT SKIPS SEVERAL SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES OVER MOTHER'S HEALTH

Jakarta, Feb 22 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on Monday scrapped a few of his scheduled activities after his mother, Habibah, was admitted to Husada Hospital.

Presidential spokesman Julian Aldrin Pasha said the head of state and First Lady Ani Yudhoyono on Monday were at Husada hospital to accompany Mrs Habibah who needed medical treatment.

Julian said the mother of President Yudhoyono had been treated for two days at the Gatot Subroto Hospital but at 11 am on Monday morning had to be moved to Husada hospital for further treatment.

The President's team of doctors had advised him to remain at his mother's side for the time being until her health had improved.

"When President Yudhoyono visited his mother at Gatot Subroto hospital on Sunday night, the presidential team of doctors asked the head of state to remain close to Ibu Habibah," Julian said.

But he declined to explain the kind of medical treatment Habibah was undergoing not the kind of sickness she was suffering from.

"Let the team of doctors explain what illness she is suffering from," Julian said, adding that Habibah was still conscious and able to communicate.

At the hospital, President Yudhoyono was accompanied by Minister/State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Radjasa, and State Minister for Youth and Sports Affairs Andi Malarangeng.

The president was on Monday morning actually scheduled to dedicate the recently completed Kebon Jeruk-Penjaringan Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR West-1) and five other public works projects but he eventually asked Vice President Boediono to represent him.

The president also postponed a meeting he was scheduled to have with the Presidential Advisory Council (Wantimpres) on Monday, and cancelled his plan to open the 11th international environmental ministers' meeting in Bali.

If possible, Julian said, Vice President Boediono would also represent the president at the Bali conference.