JAKARTA, 23 September 2004 — Indonesian former Gen. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has achieved a clear majority in the presidential election, voting figures showed yesterday as the leader-in-waiting worked to finalize the Cabinet team he needs to fulfill high public expectations for change.
With almost 101 million votes counted so far from Monday’s poll, Yudhoyono had nearly 62 million — a majority based on turnout estimates of 123 million. With a 61.1 percent share of the vote so far, he commands a landslide lead over the 38.9 percent for incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri.
Yudhoyono has yet to declare victory before official results due on Oct. 4. He is keeping a relatively low profile at his private residence south of Jakarta as scores of journalists camp outside. Behind the scenes the future leader was believed to be working hard with running mate Yusuf Kalla to assemble a Cabinet capable of transforming his broad pledges of reform into eagerly awaited change in the country.
Promises of economic transformation, as well as an end to endemic corruption and better security in the face of terrorist attacks, were key elements of the campaign which helped Yudhoyono trounce the increasingly unpopular Megawati.
The stock market yesterday slipped back from a record high as investors cashed in gains to focus on the new Cabinet, while local media engaged in heavy speculation on what shape it would take.
Potential candidates include Yudhoyono’s close aide and former Gen. Sudi Silalahi and human rights lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis.
