THE 500 MOST INFLUENTIAL MUSLIMS - CESD

9HIS EXCELLENCY PRESIDENTSUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONOPresident of IndonesiaPresident Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is the politicalleader of the most populous Muslim country inthe world. Commonly referred to as SBY, he has hadmarked influence over the country as the first directlyelected president of Indonesia and over the world asa champion of anti-terrorism efforts and a beacon ofdemocracy in the Muslim world.Beacon of DemocracyPresident Yudhoyono came to power after a successfulcareer with the Indonesian National Army as afour-star general—when he was dubbed “the thinkinggeneral” for his efforts toward military reform. Thisreputation, and a pristine political career with the administrations of former Presidents AbdurrahmanWahid and Megawati Sukarnoputri are the bases upon which the DemocraticParty was founded in 2001.This new political party was founded on the pancasila or five basic principles (belief in theOneness of God, just and civilized humanity, the unity of Indonesia, democracy, and socialjustice) with the goal of launching Yudhoyono’s candidacy for the 2004 elections. Since then,he has become increasingly influential as a beacon of democracy for a country historicallymarred by corruption and political instability. He was re-elected for a second and final fiveyearterm in October 2009.Popular ReformistBesides proposing military reform, President Yudhoyono has been recognized for his effortsto establish regional autonomy laws and resolve the separatist conflict in the Aceh and Papuaprovinces. He has also been credited for reviving the economy, and for his market-friendlyapproach to reform. He works closely with the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK)to clean up graft and corruption in Indonesia. The resulting economic and political stabilityhas been attributed to his unique influence and the power of his personal leadership.Force for Anti-Terrorism InitiativesCountry: IndonesiaDate of Birth: 9 September1949Source of Influence: Political,DevelopmentInfluence: Leader of 241 millioncitizens and residents ofIndonesiaSchool of Thought: TraditionalSunniRank: 2010:9Yudhoyono’s increasing popularity is also due in part to the sincerity with which he actualizeshis promises to the Indonesian people such as the promises for anti-terrorism enforcementmade during his 2004 election campaign. Indonesia has worked closely with Australian intelligenceand security forces to quell extremist threats. In response to the July 2009 hotel bombingsin Jakarta, President Yudhoyono has been vigilant about openly condemning the perpetratorsas agents of terrorism and simultaneously voices his dedication to establishing peaceand security in Indonesia through programs that target education and poverty-alleviation inkey areas where militants may prey on youth.44