Indonesia swears in sixth President

By DEAN YATES

Former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was sworn in as Indonesia's sixth President after sweeping to power by vowing faster job growth, a war on corruption and tough punishment for terrorists.

A solemn-looking Yudhoyono took the oath of office inside a cavernous hall at Parliament in front of the very legislators many expect will challenge the large popular mandate he won in Indonesia's first direct presidential election last month.

Outgoing leader Megawati Sukarnoputri, embittered over her crushing defeat at the hands of her former Chief Security Minister, did not attend the swearing-in ceremony.

Wearing a dark suit and a black Muslim cap, Yudhoyono promised in his brief oath to work hard and pledged just rule for the world's most populous Muslim nation. The leaders of Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and East Timor attended.

His inauguration marked a major step forward in Indonesia's democratic transition after a violent and turbulent six years since autocrat Suharto, who ruled for three decades, stepped down amid social chaos. Yudhoyono is the country's fourth President since then.

Popularly known by his initials, Yudhoyono takes office amid few doubts about his sincerity or intellectual ability.

But a question mark hangs over his reputation for being indecisive. He must also face a hostile Parliament where several parties have formed an opposition.

"Many close and long-term observers of SBY think that he is hesitant, changes easily, and has difficulty making decisions. A classic flip-flopper," said William Liddle, an expert on Indonesia from Ohio State University.

- REUTERS