Jakarta (AsiaNews) – According to Mgr Julius Sunarko, Bishop of Purwokerto (central Java), "the Chinese and Christian communities are satisfied with Susilo's election". After counting 105 of the 150 million ballots cast, Susilo (known also by his initials SBY) is leading outgoing President Megawati Sukarnoputri by a margin of 60.9 per cent to 39.1.

For the Bishop two factors explain Susilo's landslide victory: "SBY's intention to make Indonesia a richer and more peaceful country and his communication style that resonates with Indonesians' expectations and hopes". He added that "corruption, unemployment and internal security must be the new president's priorities".

Susilo is widely seen as a politician open to a pluralistic society, and considered "a guarantee for the welfare of the minorities, especially Christian and Chinese," the Bishop said. Indonesians of Chinese origin are 2 per cent of the population (5 million people) but are overrepresented among the country's economic elite. Christians are about 9.6 per cent (20 million people).

"Given his military past, Indonesians know that nationalism will inform his policies as president but without falling into sectarianism. This is why the Chinese and Christians are satisfied with his victory. He was able to beat Megawati at her own game," the Bishop stressed.

Although official results will not be known till October 5, Susilo has already invited all Indonesians to "work together to build a more just, peaceful and prosperous" country.

Business has already expressed its support for the new president's reform plans. Sofjan Wanandi, chairman of the National Economic recovery Committee, a Catholic of Chinese origin, said that SBY's first goals must be "to slash the high cost of doing business caused by corrupt officials and cut taxes, both legal and illegal, which burden every sector of the economy".

"In his first 100 day, Susilo must be bold and wipe the slate clean by getting rid of all the corrupt government officials who have been extorting money from the business community," Sofjan said. "If he manages to do it, the business community will have gained confidence in him and his administration. In turn, that will increase domestic and foreign investment," he added.

The new president is expected to be sworn in on October 20. (MH)