21-gun salute planned for Indonesian president

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. Picture / Reuters

Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will be greeted by a 21-gun salute when he arrives at Government House in Wellington tomorrow.

Mr Yudhoyono's visit -- delayed because of last month's devastating earthquake -- will be the first from an Indonesian president since 2001, when former president Abdurrahman Wahid came to ease differences over East Timor.

The New Zealand Defence Force will contribute a 100-strong guard of honour to compliment the gun salute, which will be the first such welcome held in the grounds of Government House.

A Maori culture group will also perform a welcoming powhiri for Mr Yudhoyono, who is scheduled to stay in New Zealand for two days.

- NZPA