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resident re-elect Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono conveyed gratitude to his rivals in his acceptance speech Thursday, marking the start of his second five-year term in office.

The gesture was seen as deliberately reaching out to the millions of disappointed supporters who voted for former president Megawati Soekarnoputri, the only rival who has not congratulated Yudhoyono on his victory.

"To Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri and to *running mate* Pak Prabowo Subianto, to Pak Jusuf Kalla and Pak Wiranto, I thank you ... for your active participation *in July's presidential election*".

Prabowo, as chief patron of Gerindra, and Kalla, as incumbent vice president, have publicly congratulated Yudhoyono on winning more than 60 percent of the vote, or nearly 74 million votes, to take victory.

Megawati, chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), also failed to congratulate Yudhoyono, her former cabinet minister, when she lost the presidency to him in 2004.

Unexpectedly, the President also inserted an address in English to the international community.

Among other things, he said by the end of his second term, Indonesia would "not just survive, but excel" on the world stage.

He said Indonesia would play a more active role in the global challenges of climate change and the economic crisis, and importantly in the fight against terrorism. Speaking at the Kemayoran Fairgrounds in Central Jakarta, Yudhoyono said he would prepare a program for his first 100 days in office and formulate a new Cabinet in the next two months before his inauguration on Oct. 20.

"We will strengthen the people's economy, especially micro, small and medium-scale businesses, and we will push for agricultural and industrial revitalization."

Yudhoyono said the new government would further boost infrastructure development and continue with its "pro-people" programs, while providing an investment- and business-friendly climate.

Amid speculation about who will be selected for the new Cabinet, Yudhoyono said he would choose the "best, professional" figures for his ministers, including a mix of both those from his coalition and the non-political arena.

Apart from his rivals, Yudhoyono thanked his supporters, the people of Indonesia and his running mate, former central bank governor Boediono.

He also extended his thanks to world leaders for their for their offers of congratulations on his re-election.

The General Elections Commission (KPU) declared Yudhoyono and Boediono the winners of the 2009 presidential elections late last month.