"Development is a long process. It is not an event that lasts only for one or two years. In view of that, our energy, spirit, and life must be aimed at sustainable development efforts. It is not only the environment that must be preserved but also the development efforts in stages," he stated during a national meeting with the regional civilian and military officials here on Wednesday.
He admitted that although achievements had been made, some programs had yet to be completed, and so, sustainable policies would be required to continue them.
"To ensure development sustainability, we must objectively conduct evaluation. Every president and government has achievements to its credit and some unfinished programs. In line with the essence of sustainability, the achievements must be preserved, while improved efforts are required to achieve those programs that have not yet been accomplished," he emphasized.
"We must be grateful that our economy has been good during the last ten years. Despite several stagnations and setbacks, the economy has been maintained, while the political situation has been stable and democracy has grown," noted President Yudhoyono, who has held the post for two terms.
"Although conflicts did occur, but as compared to other countries our unity, solidarity, and tolerance have developed well. Our resilience and defense compared to the situation in the past and in the other countries has also been maintained. Indonesia has also played more international roles. A lot of achievements have indeed been made in the past 10 years, and some work is yet to be finished. The efforts to build a clean government and carry out bureaucratic reforms still have to be continued," he remarked.
President Yudhoyono expressed gratitude to all the parties for their cooperation in the past decade of his governance.
On the occasion, he received a token of appreciation from the Association of Provincial Governments from across Indonesia in the form of a pin and a certificate bearing the signatures of all provincial governors, which were handed over by the associations chairman, Syahrul Yasin Limpo.
On October 20, President Yudhoyono is scheduled to hand over his post to Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo, who paired with former vice president Jusuf Kalla and emerged victorious in the presidential election on July 9.
(Reporting by Panca Hari Prabowo/Uu.H-YH/INE/O001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
