Boediono Hands Over Vice Presidential Post to Jusuf Kalla

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Boediono handed over the vice presidential post to Jusuf Kalla on Monday, following the inauguration of the latter.

"This event reminded me of one five years ago when Pak JK (Jusuf Kalla) had handed over his post to me as the new vice president. Now it is my turn to give back the post to Pak JK. It seems like I had just borrowed it," he said in his address while handing over the position.

Kalla, who was inaugurated as the vice president of Indonesia for the next five years, was a former vice president of the country.

Furthermore, Boediono revealed that five years ago when he was being sworn in as the vice president, Pak JK had advised him that a vice president should only act as a "spare tire," an advice he had adhered to till the end of his term.

"I have Pak JK's advice recorded," he remarked, inviting laughter from the attendees.

Boediono admitted that as the vice president, he had, indeed, often acted merely as a spare tire because a vice president's primary task was to replace the president in his absence.

The former vice president further noted that the last five years had flown by and how he always felt like there was never enough time to complete everything they wanted to do for the nation.

"I had been assisted by former staff members of Pak JK. It is now time for my staff to assist him. They have worked very well," he stated.

At the inauguration ceremony, Vice President Jusuf Kalla admitted that he also remembered the moment when he had handed over his vice presidential post to Boediono in 2009.

"I have checked all equipment at the office. As nothing has been damaged or lost, there is no need for Pak Boediono to pay a fine to the state," he said jokingly.

He added that all the furniture he had used during his term as vice president from 2004 to 2009 was still intact and in good condition.

"The chairs from five years ago are still in good condition and don't need to be replaced. We can still use them," he said.

In his closing statement, Boediono wished Kalla success during his term. (WDY)