SBY Wins in Indonesia

Bambang (Best! Name! Ever!) has won in Indonesia. Now the feeling is that he needs the opposition to effectively govern. He seems to be low-key and capable and he also has a wide base of support. Indonesia has opted for calm and competence with this leader.

Reconciliation with Mega a top priority
By Devi Asmarani

JAKARTA - Indonesia's President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hardly looked victorious as he made his first public appearance after the announcement of his victory yesterday.

Contrary to his display of confidence in the last two weeks, he seemed emotional and did not say much to a barrage of questions posed by journalists at his private residence in South Jakarta.

'I am grateful,' he said when asked how he felt.

But, wary of making any statement resembling an acceptance speech, he added: 'Our theme has not changed; we will focus on reconciliation because that is the most beautiful thing.

'After the competition and democracy comes reconciliation. And from there, we will take a step forward towards the future.'

Dressed in a batik shirt, Mr Bambang said little else, preferring to shake hands with supporters who had come from the provinces.

Indeed, his appearance was a surprise for journalists stationed at his compound.

Earlier, one of his aides said he had cancelled a scheduled acceptance speech, deeming it inappropriate as his rival Megawati Sukarnoputri had refrained from making a statement.

The aide, Mr Mohammad Lutfi, told reporters: 'He needs to reconcile with the Megawati party. That is why he feels it is not appropriate to give an acceptance speech.'

And to think that Suharto was running the place only a short time ago, and now they are peacefully holding elections. Wow.