Susilo wants smooth transition

Susilo wants smooth transition

The Jakarta Post, Bogor, West Java

President-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono delivered on Saturday a
long overdue victory speech, with a smooth transition from
outgoing President Megawati Soekarnoputri's administration
topping his agenda.

In his first formal speech since the Constitutional Court
confirmed his election victory two days ago, Susilo said that one
of his main priorities would be coordinating the transition
between his administration and the outgoing administration.

"Do not let a gap form between me and the administration of
Megawati. During the transition process, government jobs and
public services must continue," he said in a brief speech.

Following the General Elections Commission's declaration of
Susilo's victory, Megawati remained largely silent over her
landslide defeat.

The only statement she made about the election result was
during a speech to commemorate the 59th anniversary of the
Indonesian Military, when she urged the nation to accept whoever
won the election.

She has remained tight-lipped since the Constitutional Court
confirmed Susilo's victory.

A much-awaited meeting between Megawati and Susilo will take
place soon, according to Megawati's brother Guruh Soekarnoputra,
who said Susilo would be invited to a meeting with the family of
founding president Sukarno. Guruh, however, ruled out possible
talks on a transition during the gathering.

Susilo said the second item on his agenda would be forming his
Cabinet. "I will select candidates for all ministerial posts. I
will announce the Cabinet and swear in the ministers on Oct. 20."

The selection of his Cabinet is expected to begin on Sunday.
He said the Cabinet would immediately get to work solving the
country's problem.

"We will immediately take steps to tackle the task of solving
regional conflicts. We will start an active drive against
corruption. We will undertake immediate measures to stimulate the
economy," he said.

Susilo's third priority will be putting his programs into
action during his first three months in office. These programs
will include reviewing the 2005 state budget, he said.

The former Army general also called on supporters of all
presidential candidates to resolve their differences and work
together for the country's future.

"To supporters of Ibu Megawati and other candidates, let us
face this as a reality of democracy. There was a time when we
competed, now it is time for us to unite," he said.

Susilo's gave his speech amid heightened security within and
around his private residence in Cikeas, Bogor regency, West Java.

Scores of presidential guards are now patrolling Susilo's
residence around the clock to provide security for the president-
elect and his family.

The chief of the presidential guard division deployed at
Susilo's residence, Second Lt. Edi Purwanto, said 100 personnel
would officially assume their duties on Monday. "They will work
in three shifts," he said.

On Sunday, Susilo is slated to attend a program aimed at
reconciliation. All of the presidential candidates who were
eliminated in the first round of the election, as well as
Megawati, were also invited to the program.