Jakarta – Grace Fadli Zon, wife of the House of Representatives deputy speaker, has hit back at criticisms of a holiday trip to Japan for members of the House wives association, or PAI, saying it had been planned last year.

"It was official with all members of PIA. Leaders of the association, including the chair of PIA acknowledged and supported the program," Grace said in a statement on Wednesday (06/04).

The holiday program is just one of the programs offered to association members, she said. The association also offers programs in the country, including providing free medication in Cilincing's Fishermen Village, North Jakarta, as well as the hygiene and dental health advisory in Mekarjaya elementary school, Depok.

She said dozens of other social activities has taken place before March, prior to the holiday visit. Grace said the visit was a holiday intended to strengthen the bond of PIA members, comprising of 10 factions of the House.

"The Japan trip uses personal fund, not state funds," she said, adding that they have not requested any travel perks from Indonesia's overseas mission in the country. The holiday schedule was arranged by PIA and guests stayed in three-star hotels.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/fadli-zons-wife-defends-japanese-holiday/