REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA - Indonesia's political transition with the inauguration of a new president on October 20 is a true testament to its successful transfer of leadership, according to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
"It is not easy to organize a general election. It is tiring, complex and even emotion-consuming. I think it is just the same as the other general elections in the world," the president remarked while inaugurating the Bali Democracy Forum (BDF) VII in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Friday.
He noted that not many believed that the democratic process would proceed smoothly, but when the new president was inaugurated in the next few days, Indonesia would prove to the world that power transfer could take place in a secure and constitutional manner.
"The parliament members and senates have carried out their tasks since October 1, 2014. And on October 20, 2014, President-elect Joko Widodo will be sworn in," he stated.
The annual forum, since its initiation in 2008, is now being co-chaired by President Yudhoyono and the Philippines President Benigno Simeon Aquino III. This was the last time for President Yudhoyono to inaugurate the BDF as his term in office ends on October 20, 2014.