Yudhoyono promises to lead RI through crisis

Erwida Maulia ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Sat, 07/04/2009 11:05 PM  |  Presidential Election

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono vowed in his final campaign rally in Jakarta on Saturday to lead the country through the global financial crisis safely if reelected.

He reminded the public of his administration, which had recorded economic growth despite the crisis, while most other countries worldwide were going through recessions.

"[Running mate and former central bank governor] Pak Boediono is smart, a hard worker and an expert economist,” Yudhoyono told tens of thousands supporters at the Bung Karno Stadium in Senayan, South Jakarta.

“Together, we will lead the country through the crisis.”
 
Yudhoyono also promised that within the next five years, he would further boost the country's growth to 7 percent, reduce poverty to between 8 and 10 percent, and unemployment to between 5 and 6 percent.

He added he would continue building a clean government and increase efforts to combat corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Yudhoyono then warned his supporters of possible massive smear campaigns against him and Boediono during the campaign-free period from July 5 to 7, and asked them to remove all campaign regalia in public places.

"I apologize to the people of Jakarta for causing the traffic congestion," Yudhoyono said, referring to the massive tailbacks caused by the campaign rally.

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