NEW PRESIDENT, NEW ERA: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono takes the oath

NEW PRESIDENT, NEW ERA: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono takes the oath of office at a ceremony at the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Oct. 20, 2004. Susilo, Indonesia's first directly elected president, has the task of dealing with numerous problems, including rampant corruption and continuing violence in the country.

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SECTARIAN CONFLICT: Residents watch as buildings burn during clashes between Muslims and Christians in Ambon, Maluku on April 25, 2004. Sectarian and ethnic conflicts remain a major problem for Indonesia.

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SET FREE: Then House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung is kissed by his wife Krisnina Maharani upon hearing the verdict of the Supreme Court on Feb. 12, 2004 acquitting him of all corruption charges concerning the misappropriation of non- budgetary funds belonging to the State Logistics Agency (Bulog). The case drew great public interest as it uncovered corrupt practices at every level, including the bureaucracy.

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PUBLIC DISPLEASURE: Riot police scuffle with student protesters during a demonstration outside the Supreme Court on Feb. 12, 2004 where former House speaker Akbar Tandjung was cleared of corruption charges. The country has been struggling to establish rules of engagement for the security apparatus when dealing with street protesters.