Obama will likely leave Indonesia several hours early to avoid complications surrounding ash in the country’s airspace from a nearby volcano, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs told reporters Tuesday.
The President was scheduled to visit the country twice this year, but rescheduled since they came amid an important health care vote and the Gulf Coast oil spill.
The President landed in Jakarta Tuesday after visiting India. Upon his arrival, Obama was greeted by Indonesian President Susilo Bambyang Yudhoyono and other key members of the country’s government.
Obama, who spent part of his childhood in Indonesia, wrote “I am so glad to return to Indonesia and hope the bonds between our two countries continue to grow stronger” in the country’s guestbook.