Yogyakarta, Nov. 19 -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has appealed to regional leaders to end the practice of mobilizing schoolchildren to line the roads during his official visits, citing health, safety, and learning-time concerns.

"I would like to urge all local leaders across Indonesia, including district heads and mayors, against mobilizing schoolchildren when I visit your regions," he remarked during the inauguration of the Kabanaran Bridge in Yogyakarta on Wednesday.

Although he expressed appreciation for people's enthusiasm in welcoming him, the president noted that he is concerned about the health and comfort of schoolchildren if they have to wait for long periods under scorching heat.

"On one hand, I am impressed by the...