Suwarjono, Jakarta – Just because they weren’t wearing a tie, a journalist was denied entry to the State Palace to cover a cabinet meeting. The in question journalist was in fact a woman.

The incident occurred as the first cabinet meeting was taking place at the presidential offices at the State Palace in Jakarta on Friday October 22.

The journalist was denied entry by one of the president’s security guards because she was not wearing a tie.

Although the journalist protested the absurd regulation the security guard insisted that they were not allowed to enter. “A regulation where a women’ [must] wear a tie. Hey, there’s no way I would wear a tie”, the journalists retorted. “This is a press bureau regulation” replied the guard.

The journalist then rushed to the press bureau offices to find out if there really was such a regulation. In fact there is not. She then returned accompanied by a press bureau staff member and was finally allowed to go inside.

According to the old regulations, male journalists are obliged to wear a shirt but not a tie while women are required to wear a formal top. Jeans are not allowed. Formal wear such as a jacket is only worn at state functions.

The cabinet meeting began at 10am and was expected to end at 11.45 before the commencement of Friday prayers. (sss)

[Translated by James Balowski.]