Yudhoyono’s re-election: Can SBY and Indonesia up their game?
Author: David G. Timberman
The re-election of Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (known in Indonesia as ‘SBY’) to a second five-year term is a positive development for Indonesia. With the election over, the question becomes, can SBY and Indonesia ‘up their game’? For Indonesia to achieve its potential as one of the world’s largest middle income countries, it will need to ratchet up the pace and scope of reform.
The election was Indonesia’s second direct presidential election and, as with the first, it was largely devoid of controversy or violence. Indonesian voters once again demonstrated their sophistication, with about 60 per cent (based on early, unofficial ‘quick counts’) voting for a leader they feel is honest and who has brought tangible improvements to their lives. The April parliamentary elections and Wednesday’s presidential election continue a process of evolution of political parties in Indonesia– a process marked by the decline of Soeharto-era parties and the inability of Islamic parties to expand their appeal beyond about a quarter of the electorate.
However, two aspects of the elections were less positive.