Curtail of power a blessing for President Yudhoyono

Monday, August 31, 2009 00:51 WIB

Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that the power of the president nowadays was smaller than that of the previous presidents but this was a blessing for him.

"In the past, a president was very powerful. Through the amendment of the Constitution for four times, the president`s power has significantly been curtailed. But for me, the significantly reduced power is a blessing because I cannot be seduced to abuse power," President Yudhoyono said here on Sunday.

The president made the statement at a fast-breaking function with members of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) at the residence of DPD Chairman Ginandjar Kartasasmita.

On the occasion, the president asked the DPD members to increase their roles in carrying out supervision as well as the check and balances in the nation`s life.

"There should be no absolute power in this country. If the power is absolute it would disturb the check and balances process and could lead to making mistakes," the president said.

He said that the power of the president at present was not unlimited so that it could be used well.

On the occasion, the president said that efforts to seek a better form of democracy must continue to be made.

"If in this country there are many forms of Constitutions it is in line with efforts to seek the most appropriate form of democratic life," he added.

He said that efforts to seek a form of democracy in Indonesia would continue in accordance with the challenges of time.