President Susilo Bambang Yu-dhoyono has shown his commitment to his artistic side with Sunday’s release of his third album containing nine songs, all of which he composed.

Titled Kuyakin Sampai di Sana (I’m Sure I Will Arrive There), the release of the album follows two albums the President had previously released titled Rinduku Padamu (My Longing for You), released in late 2007, and Evolusi (Evolution), released in early 2009.

Like his previous two albums, Yudhoyono also collaborates with renowned local musicians who sing the songs in the latest album.

Musicians collaborating with the President include the winner of favorite male artist at MTV Indonesia Music Awards 2009, Vidi Aldiano, and the winner of season 1 of Indonesian Idol, Joy Tobing.

Also involved were senior musicians Fariz RM, Irwan Simanjuntak, Yan Rusli, Alvin Lubis, Elfa Singers and Elfa Seciora, as well as country singer Tantowi Yahya and actress-singer Dewi Yull.

Noted directors Rizal Mantovani, Ivan Banditto, Anggi Umbara and Anggie RB have produced video clips for some of the singles.

“In my struggle to serve the country, sometimes during my leisure time, I express my feelings in the form of arts,” the President said in the preface to the album.

“It is through these works of arts I hope to convey my inner feelings to the wider communities, to the children of Indonesia,” he added.

The President explained that the album contained songs from various genres, and that the lyrics represented his beliefs and commitment to reaching the ideals.

“These songs were inspired by a belief that no one can change the destiny of a nation but the children of the nation itself,” he said.

Among the songs are the title track “Kuyakin Sampai di Sana”, “Jiwaku Terang di Malam Itu” (My Soul was Enlightened that Night), “Adakah” (Is There?), “Budi Temanku” (Budi My Friend) and “Untukmu Anak Manis” (For You Sweet Child).

Others are Liburan Sekolah (School Holidays), Longing My Love, Save Our Planet, and “Majulah Negeriku” (Go Forth My Country).

The track sung by Vidi, “My Soul was Enlightened That Night”, was penned by the President while on a visit to Lima, Peru, in late 2008.

Fariz, who was also involved in the creating Evolution, said he used traditional musical instruments such as saluang from West Sumatra, a Kalimantan guitar, kolintang from Minahasa, and tifa from Papua, to infuse “My Heart was Enlightened That Night” with Indonesian themes.

Other singers said they were invited by the President to his private residence in Cikeas, West Java, or to the State Palace in Cipanas, West Java, before being asked to sing in the album.

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