President Yudhoyono Focuses on Running Administration Until October 2014

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has stated that he still focuses on running the administration until October 2014, when the president-elect will succeed him.

President Yudhoyono, here on Thursday, denied reports portraying him as being inactive in the administration as he was busy packing.

He told his staff to let the media cover limited cabinet meetings, which are often held behind closed door.

"I ask my staff to organize limited cabinet meetings openly, although it is not a must. Because the media reported that the government did not have any activity any more, the president was packing. I order that the meetings should be held openly. The people might also want to know what the president is doing," he said.

Limited cabinet meetings have so far been organized behind closed door, while plenary cabinet meetings are open to the media.

President Yudhoyono, on Thursday morning, chaired a limited cabinet meeting on the amendment of Presidential Regulation No. 71/2012 on Land Procurement for Public Interest.

The meeting also discussed the latest developments of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Among those attending the meeting were Finance Minister M Chatib Basri, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, Coordinating Minister for peoples Welfare Agung Laksono, Coordinating Minister for Political, and Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto.

Also Forestry Minister Zulkifli Hasan, Trade Minister M Lultfhi, Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, Development Planning Minister Armida S Alisjahbana, Industry Minister MS Hidayat, Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board Mahendra Siregar, and Chief of the National Agrarian Agency Hendarman Supandji.

Indonesia will hold the presidential elections on July 9. President Yudhoyono has held the presidential post for two terms and, therefore, is not allowed to join the next presidential race. (WDY)