REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called on all parties to maintain political stability ahead of the inauguration of the new president and vice-president on October 20.
"I appeal to all community leaders and political elites to maintain political stability," he said on his twitter account, which was followed by Antara, on Friday.
President Yudhoyono, who is currently in Bali to attend the 7th Bali Democracy Forum, stated he had received some information from a noted reform figure about misleading rumors.
"I do not know where the instigating rumors come from. Perhaps they are spread to make the political situation more tense," he said, while referring to rumors that the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) might disrupt the inauguration of President-elect Joko Widodo by making the event fail to meet the quorum to make it illegitimate.
"By cancelling Joko Widodo's inauguration, SBY (the President) could then extend his term of office. This allegation is too much. I regret that our politics has come to this. It is really not smart and is irresponsible," he stated.
President Yudhoyono said, "the President has been elected by the people and not by the MPR, so the MPR has no right to make the inauguration of the President-elect illegitimate."
He stressed that the MPR leadership certainly knew about the constitutional law and political rules of the game, and that the MPR chairman had already assured that such a thing will not happen.
"Every state institution, including the MPR, must act sensibly and commit to principles, besides understanding the people's will," he said.
President Yudhoyono said ten years ago people had expressed anger when he was inaugurated as the president and was not allowed to give a speech at the ceremony.
"I then gave a speech at the State Palace. Some had then said that the MPR was pressurized by certain groups to prevent the President from giving a speech," he noted.
He pointed out that it was unfair to accuse him of trying to extend his term that will expire on October 20.
"The constitution states that a president may only serve two terms. I had fought for it during the early reform movement. I have no intention to extend my term of office even by a day. Ten years of service have been long enough for me to feel grateful," he said.
"Let us write a new history by supporting President-elect Joko Widodo for the sake of the nation," he added.
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