Jakarta. Members of Joko Widodo’s cabinet accompanied the former president to the steps of an Air Force plane on Sunday, marking the end of his decade-long presidency as he departed for his hometown of Solo.

Dozens of ministers and heads of state agencies formed a long line under the Jakarta sun at Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in a heartfelt gesture of gratitude and respect -- a scene unlike any seen in previous power transitions.

Many of these high-ranking officials will continue to serve in the cabinet under newly-inaugurated President Prabowo Subianto, who accompanied Jokowi and former First Lady Iriana from the inauguration ceremony at the legislature to the power transfer at the State Palace and then to the airport.

Jokowi and his wife shook hands with each cabinet member, one by one, with Prabowo walking alongside them during the intimate event streamed live by BTV news broadcaster. Just before Jokowi reached the stairs, former Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati requested a selfie with her cellphone, and former Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi quickly joined in, positioning herself just behind them for the photo.

Sri Mulyani has confirmed that she has been asked to continue her role as finance minister, while Retno will take on a new position at the United Nations as the Secretary-General’s special envoy for water.

The State Secretariat had previously announced that Jokowi would take a commercial flight for his return home, but the military made alternative arrangements, providing an Air Force plane for the two-term president’s journey.

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