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JAKARTA - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced yesterday that he would run for a second term in next year's presidential election, so that he could press on with economic and political reforms.
Before yesterday, he had made no mention about whether he would seek re-election, although he was expected to try for a second term.
He also indicated he would probably run again with current vice-president Jusuf Kalla.
'It's too early to say who is vice-president but there is a possibility I will be with Mr Jusuf Kalla,' he told a gathering of reporters, who had been called unexpectedly to the presidential palace in Jakarta to break the fast with him yesterday evening.
Dr Yudhoyono was elected in 2004 in Indonesia's first direct elections for the presidency.
Next year's race for presidency is already crowded with old and new faces who think they can do a much better job than the retired four-star army general.
Recent polls showed that these contenders are not the only ones who think someone else can do better.
The president's popularity plunged dramatically after his decision to cut fuel subsidies and allow fuel prices to increase by almost 30 per cent in May.
His rivals have already started campaigning to replace him, with top contenders such as former president Megawati Sukarnoputri and former military commander Wiranto criss-crossing the country between June and last month.
Dr Yudhoyono had promised to fight corruption, boost economic growth and create jobs in South-east Asia's biggest economy when he was elected in 2004.
Yesterday, he said he wanted the opportunity to 'make clear improvements'.
Indonesia regularly ranks among the world's most corrupt nations, but over the past year, the authorities have stepped up the pace of investigation, arresting several corrupt officials.
REUTERS
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