REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, SURABAYA -- President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, flanked by First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, attended the 80th anniversary of GP Ansor, the youth wing of the Nahdlatul Ulama Islamic organization, here on Saturday evening.

Besides NU clerics and NU executives, a number of cabinet ministers also attended the event, including sports and youth minister Roy Suryo, defense minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro, defense forces (TNI) commander General Moeldoko and national police chief General Sutarman.

President Yudhoyono arrived at 7.30pm, welcomed by thousands of GP Ansor members who had been at the anniversary celebration since the afternoon.

GP Ansor general chairman Nusron Wahid, in his speech, warmly welcomed President Yudhoyono.