"Sometimes criticisms had become excessive, but viewing in a positive frame, I am grateful to the press because the press has saved me from abusing power and freedom," Yudhoyono said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Power and freedom are likely to be misused, and if that occurs, the goals and ideals of democracy will be disturbed, according to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
"In an authoritarian government, the power holder is a ruler who is likely to exploit power and freedom," the president said while addressing a gathering of media editors to launch a book "SBY and the Press Freedom" here on Friday night.
He stated that nowadays many power holders exist besides executives, parliament, press, and law enforcers, and therefore, a ruler should exercise power efficiently and preferably within his or her authority.
"Freedom and independence without limits also tend to be abused, and thus, power and freedom in democracy should be balanced," the outgoing president, whose second term of office will end on October 20, 2014, noted.
Yudhoyono, however, believes that although the maturation of democracy is still underway, Indonesia will eventually find the point of balance between power and freedom, and political stability.
The president stated that press criticism against him during the last 10 years was part of a constructive effort to prevent him and his government from committing mistakes.
"Sometimes criticisms had become excessive, but viewing in a positive frame, I am grateful to the press because the press has saved me from abusing power and freedom," Yudhoyono affirmed.
Therefore, the outgoing head of state appealed to the press to remain critical of the government but within the spirit of the nations development and advancement.
He added that criticism against the government was something positive as long as the two sides mutually understand their respective position and adopt constructive attitude.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
