JAKARTA, 5 October 2004 — Rising above crime, corruption and terrorism, Indonesians look forward to the more peace and an economic upturn under the leadership of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who will be sworn in president on Oct. 20.
This was the sentiment of a cross-section of Indonesians interviewed by Arab News in Jakarta.
Yudhoyono, a former security minister and retired four star army general, emerged as the clear winner of the country’s first ever direct presidential elections yesterday when final results were announced.
Already a hero to millions of Indonesians, Yudhoyono was found busy receiving thousands of people wishing to congratulate him on his election victory at his home in Bogor in West Java. His home was flooded with commoners dining with their country’s new leader.
“He is a person who had understood the needs of the nation and we are hopeful that he would justify the confidence reposed in him,” chief of internal audit at AQUA Group, PT Tirta Investama, told Arab News. He added that the president-elect, who holds a master’s degree, is a friend of the common man and the masses are confident that he would deliver the goods.
“Yudhoyono's presidency will be the beginning of a corrupt-free rule,” said Lestari Kartika who works as a sales manager in an advertising firm. She added that everyone likes him since he is an honest and dedicated person who means what he says.
Anggy, a receptionist in a popular hotel, thinks the country will be in for rapid development in all sectors under his administration since he has popular support.
“Our country will usher in a new era where people could live happily free of corruption and nepotism,” said Alia, general manager of a spa resort in West Java.
Rudi, a rider of a tricycle rickshaw, was elated at Yudhoyono’s victory and said the country was in a shambles and he was hopeful that Yudhoyono will re-organize the entire system and put the house in order.
The regional secretary of the special region of Yogyakarta, Bambang Priyohadi, hoped that the new regime will enhance the global image of Indonesia.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people have written to Yudhoyono asking to be appointed Cabinet ministers in the next government. Surrato Siswodihardjo, one of the close associates of the president-elect, said: “Several politicians will be accommodated in the Cabinet provided they meet the requirements, including moral integrity and competence.”
While accepting a doctorate in agro-economics at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) at a convocation, Yudhoyono said he would require all ministerial candidates to sign contracts spelling out their commitment to state duties.
“I will summon more than one candidate for each Cabinet position and ask them to draw up a contract on their commitment. The process will be transparent and accountable,” Susilo told reporters after defending his doctoral thesis.
Selection is expected to begin soon. The provisional vote-count saw Yudhoyono with an unbeatable 20 percent lead over the incumbent, Megawati Sukarnoputri.
However, a number of women activists criticized Yudhoyono for ignoring gender equality in allocating only four seats for women in his Cabinet, which is expected to comprise 31 or 32 ministers. Among the activists are Saparinah Sadli, Herawati Diah, Rita Serena Kalibonso, Smita Notosusanto, Atas Habsyah and Emmy Hafildz.
“He should refrain from setting such a quota. Women deserve the same opportunities as men. Yudhoyono must select his aides based on their professionalism, capabilities and track record, not by gender,” a woman activist said.
She said women deserved a greater chance, as their votes had significantly contributed to Susilo’s victory.
Megawati presided over the swearing-in of a new Parliament on Friday. Some analysts say the new house will usher in a new era of democracy for Indonesia, but others are predicting legislative gridlock as Megawati’s successor would grapple with a Parliament in which he has less control.
