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I thank Jusuf Kalla who has been at my side for the past five years. Your service is now noted in perpetuity in the annals of the nation’s history and will always be remembered.

We have just passed the 2004-2009 historical period which was full of challenges. Today, the Indonesian nation is thankful and satisfied that in the midst of the political unrest and crisis in various parts of the world, we are still standing upright as a democratic state that is relatively strong and stable.

In the midst of the global financial storm, Indonesia continues to grow positively and experience the third highest growth rate in the world. In the midst of conflicts and disintegration in other parts of the world Indonesia has become more harmonious and united.

But all of this should not make us drop our guard, or become negligent, or even more so — too proud. Remember, our work is far from over. Like the journey of a ship, we still have to face an ocean that is full of waves and storms.

Beyond Indonesia, the economic recession is not yet fully over. Trade and investment flows have yet to fully recover. Meanwhile, the prices of oil and various other commodities continue to fluctuate and could threaten the stability and the certainty of our economy. Therefore, even though the signs of a recovering world economy are beginning to be visible, we should not dream; we should continue to strengthen our economy while at the same time continuing our national efforts to minimized the impact of the current world crisis.

Internally, we have to be thankful that reforms have proceeded further and will surely be completed. Efforts to build good governance, eradicate corruption, have started to yield results but still need to be stepped up. Poverty has begun to wane, although efforts to enhance the prosperity of the people still need to be continued.

Experience has shown that each achievement we have reached is usually followed by new challenges. But I believe that all those challenges, both those we know about and those we cannot yet imagine, we will be able to face and overcome together.

This year, we have seen the people of Indonesia make their choice in elections that have taken place in a peaceful and democratic way. This is the third time we have been able to hold direct, general, free and confidential as well as honest and fair elections.

In elections, winning or losing is normal. In a democracy, we all are winners, if democracy wins, the people win, and Indonesia wins.

On that note I wish to take this good opportunity to express my respect for Megawati Sukarnoputri, Prabowo Subianto, Muhammad Jusuf Kalla, and Wiranto for their active participation and their good example as presidential and vice presidential candidates in the elections.

They are the sons and daughters of the nation who have been of service in nurturing democratic life in our homeland.

Today, I call on all components of the nation to unite again and together build this nation, build a future for us all. With a new spirit and togetherness, let us face the developments of the next five years with full optimism and confidence.

To carry out the people's mandate for the next five years, the Vice President and I have prepared programs for the first 100 days, one year, and five years.

The essence of the five year program is the enhancement of people’s prosperity, the strengthening of democracy and of justice.

Raising people’s prosperity is the main priority. We want to increase the welfare of the people through economic development based on competitive advantages, management of natural resources and the enhancement of human resources.

Our economy needs to grow higher, but this economic growth should be one that is inclusive, that is just and accompanied by an equitable distribution.

We also want to build a civilized democratic system, a democracy that provides room for freedom and political rights for the people but without dismissing stability and political order.

We also want to create justice which is marked by a respect for non-discrimination and equal opportunities while continuing to maintain social solidarity and protection for the weak.

There are certain keys to success. First of all, we should never give up and lose our sprit. Remember that all our nation’s monumental achievements, from the revolution, the development of the national reform, the settlement of various conflicts, including the handling of the tsunami, have all been possible by perseverance and the spirit of not giving up. We have to inflame ourselves with the spirit of 'we must be able to do it.'

With this spirit that Indonesia can do it, we will be able to safeguard our economic growth in the midst of a world crisis. With this spirit, we will be able to uphold good governance and eradicate corruption. With this spirit too, we will be able to reduce poverty and enhance the prosperity of the people.

The second key to success is unity and cohesion. In democracy, we can have different opinions but this does not mean that we should be split. In a healthy democracy, there are times when we engage in debate, there are times when we close our ranks.

In facing various and increasingly heavy world challenges, the leaders of the nation, whatever their political colors, should continue to maintain their cohesiveness in looking for solutions together; be prepared for self-sacrifice for the larger interest of the nation. In continuing the journey of the nation, never free of challenges, and in conducting the second wave of reforms in the next 10 years, let us all nurture and strengthen our unity and cohesiveness.

Thirdly: maintain our identity, our Indonesianness. What differentiates Indonesia from other nations is culture; our ways of life and our Indonesianness. There is an identity and personality that makes this Indonesian nation superior and not easy to rock. Our Indonesianness is reflected in pluralism, or our unity in diversity, our politeness, tolerance and moderateness, openness and humantarian sense.

These are what we should countinue to nurture and grow in our conscience. These are the most valuable social capital and potential. Pancasila, NKRI, UUD 1945 and Bhineka Tunggal Ika.

To our guests from friendly countries, please receive a warm greeting from the nation of Indonesia. I will also take a moment to express my thanks and respect.

The presence of dignitaries at the inauguration is a source of goodwill and respect. Indonesia will continue to practice a free and active politics, fighting for justice and world peace. Indonesia will maintain a friendly and moderate spirit of nationalism. Indonesia is facing a strategic environment where no country perceives Indonesia as an enemy and there is no country which Indonesia considers an enemy. Thus Indonesia can exercise its foreign policy freely in all directions, having a million friends and zero enemies.

Lastly, Indonesia will cooperate with anyone with the same intentions and goals to build a peaceful, just, democratic and prosperous world. Indonesia will stay at the front line in the efforts to save the earth from climate change. And in reforming the world's economy, mainly through the G-20 in the fight for the Millennium Development Goals, advancing multilateralism through the United Nations and creating harmony among countries. Regionally, Indonesia is working with other ASEAN countries to make Southeast Asia a peaceful, prosperous and dynamic region.

JG