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Yudhoyono says he's a leader with integrity

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Mon, 03/14/2011 6:53 PM | National

In the wake of his unfavorable depiction in Australian news, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says he is a national leader with integrity and can take responsibility for his actions.

“Believe me, I take responsibility for what I do. I, God willing, will maintain integrity because that is my duty as the leader of this country” he said during a Cabinet meeting on inflation control, food subsistence and energy needs in Bogor on Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

The stories in the two dailies: The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald, suggested that Yudhoyono abused his presidential power. The publications based their stories on US diplomatic cables, claimed to be exclusive submissions from whistleblower website WikiLeaks.

Yudhoyono said that he would exercise his right to gain justice.

“Yes, of course we will find out who is the truly democratic one, and who is not – who is the one giving reports, making accusations and passing judgment in the mass media, in diplomacy, which is damaging greatly one's reputation,” he said. “This might be labeled as character assassination.”

Yudhoyono expressed his gratitude toward ministers and staff members who defended him.

“I think this is enough already. We don't have to remain a part of this uproar because there are more important things for us to do. I do not want to become too reactive and emotional,” he said.