Yudhoyono Ready To Help Next President If Needed

Jakarta, Aug 15 (Antara) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who will end his tenure on October 20, 2014, has expressed his readiness to assist the next president, if it is required. "This is my moral obligation as a former president later and as a good citizen who wishes to continue to serve his country with dedication," Yudhoyono announced in his last state-to-the-nation address delivered during the joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR), the Regional Representative Council (DPD), and the People`s Consultative Assembly (MPR) at the parliament building here on Friday. He congratulated the president elect who will be officially decided by the Constitutional Court (MK). "Next year, the new president will deliver his state address in this honorable session. I call on every Indonesian to listen and support him for the sake of this country," he stated. Yudhoyono, who in October will conclude his second presidential term, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all the members of the government and to Indonesian people for their support and participation in implementing the agenda of development in the last ten years. "Especially, everyone serving in remote areas, in the outermost islands, in the mountains, and in the national border areas, allow me to extend my gratitude for your dedication that has gone beyond the call of your duty," he stated. In his address, he also mentioned his personal reflections for the progress of the nation. The reflections included the importance of building a system, such as democratic, political, and economic. "Second, we have to maintain our identity as Indonesians. Our struggle in the 21st century is not to maintain our independence but to maintain our identity as Indonesians," he noted. He stressed that the nation has a responsibility to prevent its democracy from becoming elitist. "In the last ten years, I may have made mistakes and fallen into error in performing my duties. From the bottom of my heart, I apologize for every mistake and error. I have always wanted to do my best, but I am only human," he added.