He said regional leaders as well as the President and Vice President are elected by the people directly so that they have a moral obligation to advance the state and the people`s welfare.
Jambi (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia`s political atmosphere ahead of the 2014 general elections may possibly heat up but he hoped it would not disrupt the government`s program to meet its targets.

"At the end of 2011 and in 2012 or ahead of the general elections, political atmosphere usually heats up and could be relatively tense," he said in his speech when officiating at the inauguration of an integrated tourism compound at Muarojambi Temple here on Thursday.

President Yudhoyono said the conditions are normal in a process of democracy but he hoped they would not disrupt government`s programs in the regions as well as central levels.

"That is common in a democratic life but what is important is central and regional governments remain working seriously and would not be carried away. If they have political missions do them without leaving their main tasks," he said.

He said regional leaders as well as the President and Vice President are elected by the people directly so that they have a moral obligation to advance the state and the people`s welfare.

"The people elect (them) with hope they would focus their minds, energy and time to improve the people`s welfare. Although the political atmosphere is heating up government officials must remain focussed on their tasks," he said.

President Yudhoyono has been in Jambi since Wednesday to open a meeting of traditional institutions across Sumatra island and visit the Muarojambi Temple.

He is scheduled to open a national meeting of the Tarbiyah Islamiyah organization on Thursday evening and return to Jakarta on Friday.

President Yudhoyono is accompanied by several ministers including home affairs minister Gamawan Fauzi, coordinating minister for people`s welfare Agung Laksono, agriculture minister Suswono, minister/state secretary Sudi Silalahi, cabinet secretary Dipo Alam, tourism minister Jero Wacik, sports minister Andi Mallarangeng and others.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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