Indonesia: September 21, 2004

Archives

The presidential election results were confirmed, and former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono defeated president Megawati Sukarnoputri. Yudhoyono got 61 percent of the vote, mainly because he had a reputation for honesty, decisiveness and action. Megawati lacked these qualities, and got elected in the first place because she was the daughter of one of the founders of modern Indonesia. Yudhoyono promised to quickly work out a deal with separatists in Aceh, Mulukus and Papua, and crack down on Islamic terrorism and government corruption. Yudhoyono will take power in October 20th, and sever a five year tour. Local and foreign observers considered the election free and fair.