Susilo nominated

Susilo nominated
for president

From Koran Tempo

The Democrats Party has nominated Coordinating Minister for
Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, as a
presidential candidate for 2004 election. The nomination was
disclosed to the press by H.M. Yusuf Pardamean, in his capacity
as Chairman of the Democrats Party of North Sumatra chapter.

The party has come to this decision in view of Yudhoyono's
nationalism, religiosity, pluralist views and humanism, qualities
allowing him to solve all conflicts now sweeping Indonesia.

As Yudhoyono is one of the initiators of the Democrats Party,
it is understandable why the party has nominated him as a
presidential candidate. Then, given that he usually impresses us
as a considerate and wise person, there is nothing wrong with
this nomination.

It is still a common practice in this country that certain
government officials from a political party still maintain their
attachment with their party so that it is not clear whether their
activities are carried out in their capacity of government
officials or as party members. Obviously, this situation leads to
a conflict of interest, a condition which may later trigger
irregularities.

Therefore, in the case of the nomination of Yudhoyono as a
presidential candidate, he must decide whether to remain in
office and reject the nomination or run for the presidency and
quit his office. In this way, he will serve as a role model for
other government bureaucrats.

IBNU SUTRISNO
Jakarta