SBY Talks Up the Positives of Globalization

Jakarta Globe, Apr 25, 2015

Former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, right, defends the 'thought
revolution' campaign of President Joko Widodo, left.(Rumgapres Photo/Abror Rizki)

Jakarta. Former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized the beneficial affects of globalization on Indonesia on Saturday following a week in which President Joko Widodo called for a reorganization of international institutions to reflect the rise of emerging markets.

“Don’t always view globalization as a threat. See it as an opportunity,” Yudhoyono said on Saturday in Jakarta. “This country must advance in harmony and stability.”

The former president also lent his support to Joko Widodo’s “mental revolution,” a loosely defined idea calling for a change of national mindset.

“His idea aims to change how we form the national character. I agree with the president completely,” Yudhoyono said.

Speculation continues to surround whether Yudhoyono intends to remain in front-line politics. The former president has cut a more vocal public figure of late, telling journalists he was considering retaining the chairmanship of the Democratic Party.