"I know from my own experience that a lot can be achieved if there is support and solidarity (from other parties). Conversely, the job of running the government becomes harder if there is no support and solidarity," Yudhoyono said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said whoever won the presidential election in 2014 would still need the support of other parties.

Therefore, he called on all components of the nation, including the political parties, to always maintain or preserve their good mutual relations.

Speaking at a Democrat Party function to mark the party`s 10th anniversary here Thursday, Yudhoyono who is the party`s chief patron said "although political parties often compete with each other, whoever wins the general elections in 2014 will still need the support of the other parties."

He said he had learned from experience that the support of other parties was needed to ensure the smooth running of the state`s administration.

"I know from my own experience that a lot can be achieved if there is support and solidarity (from other parties). Conversely, the job of running the government becomes harder if there is no support and solidarity," he said.

With regard to political competition ahead of the general elections in 2014, Yudhoyono called for the exercise of high morality.

The Democrat Party has not yet determined its candidate for the presidential election in 2014.

He however said the party had over the past 10 years consistently contributed to the national struggle.

He said although his administration still needed to accomplish many things, it had in the past seven years been able to make achievements in various fields.

At the beginning of his administration Indonesia had just emerged from a big crisis so that the people placed high expectations on his government and this had been a challenge in itself.

He said his government had worked very hard to carry out several national agendas such as reducing poverty, promoting the rule of law and eradicating corruption and promoting Indonesia in international fora.

(And) "We did this all in a non-authoritarian political atmosphere," he said.

Several cabinet ministers affiliated to the Democrat Party were also seen attending the event.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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