President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono expressed disappointment on Tuesday with critics who questioned his leadership.
Speaking in a breaking of the fast gathering at his private residence in Cikeas, south of Jakarta, Yudhoyono called on the nation to take a deaf ear to the criticism and focus on their works.
“By giving a chance to and support someone who is entrusted and mandated to lead, the development in this country will run much better,” the president told about 100 members of Majelis Dzikir SBY Nurussalam Muslim group invited to the event.
The president’s statement came against the backdrop of criticism against his leadership style in dealing with a row with Malaysia over a maritime border incident in Riau Islands a few weeks ago. Most recently an Air Force officer openly criticized the president, who is ex-officio the Indonesian Military supreme commander, in an article published by a national media.
Yudhoyono fought back his critics, saying they had not yet proved they could perform.
He compared the critics with refugees in the North Sumatra regency of Karo, whom he said had encouraged him despite their ordeal.
“Perhaps our brothers there have watched television, read newspapers and witnessed their president come under persistent fire and attack,” Yudhoyono said as quoted by Antara news agency.
Earlier in the day the president visited thousands of people who fled their homes for safety following eruptions of Mt. Sinabung.
First lady Ani Yudhoyono, State Secretary Sudi Silalahi, Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Hatta Rajasa and Youth Affairs and Sports Minister Andi Malarangeng were present in the breaking of the fast gathering.
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