Kalla opts to stay out of Yudhoyono's new govt

Vice President Jusuf Kalla turned down an invitation from President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to work in his next administration following the end of Kalla's term of office in October.

Kalla, who was defeated in July presidential election, said Friday that he opted to stay out of the next administration but would offer input, if needed, on certain state issues.

He chose to split with SBY in the recent presidential election when Golkar nominated him as a presidential candidate and received his decision to pick Wiranto, the chairman of the People's Conscience Party (Hanura) as his running mate.

In the cabinet meeting Wednesday, SBY, who is scheduled to be sworn in as president for the second term, expressed his willingness for Kalla to help him in the next government but he did not elaborate what job he would be offered.

Many have speculated the President would ask Kalla to be a presidential advisor or another important post in his ring in line with Kalla's good performance in settling sectarian and secessionist conflicts and in making quick and appropriate decisions.

When asked about posi-tion as member of Presidential Advisory Council (Watimpres), Kalla said "No".

"As chairman of a foundation or a businessman, I am not suitable for the post and I am not qualified for it," he told reporters.

Commenting on the rumors of the position for senior minister or coordinating minister in Yudho-yono's administration, Kalla dismissed them.

President Yudhoyono in his opening speech at the cabinet meeting on Thursday said that he extended an open invitation for everybody, including Kalla, to work together for the country in the next five years.

"It is from my heart, especially for Pak Jusuf Kalla who has been with me over the last five year in managing the government," Yudhoyono said.

"I have already talked with Kalla, A man like him, although he will not be in the cabinet, could still do lots for the country."

Yudhoyono also praised his partnership with Kalla, who is also chairman of the Golkar party, during their administration in the last five years.

Relations between Yudhoyono and Kalla were disturbed after the latter declared a bid to challenge Yudhoyono in July presidential election.

President Yudhoyono and Kalla were elected in the first direct election in 2004.

Kalla picked Wiranto as running mate, while Yudhoyono selected Bank Indonesia governor Boediono.

During the election campaign, Yudhoyono and Kalla clashed or several issues, including their claim on peace talks in Aceh province.

The two also are seen in "battle" to campaign the success of the government to public during the campaign, including through the TV ads.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) gave Yudhoyono second term with over 60 percent of the votes, while Kalla was ranked in the third after Megawati Soekarnoputri from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P).

President-elect Yudhoyono and Boediono would be sworn in Oct. 20.

Kalla said that he would go home to Makassar to manage the mosque and develop his business and help improve education in South Sulawesi.