PRESIDENT ASKS PRESS TO GUARD PROCESS OF DEMOCRACY

Jakarta, Jan 30 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono hoped that the national press needs to continue supporting the process of democracy in the country by making the general elections this year a success.

"President Yudhoyono has asked the press executives to guard the election process and make it even more successful," presidential spokesman Andi Malarangeng said after President Yudhoyono met with a number of national press executives at the presidential office here on Thursday.
Malarangeng said that according to the president, the press was one of national development pillars because it had a very strategic position to guard the process of democracy by making the quality of this year's general election better.
"The press can help political education by familiarizing the election process, rules of elections, and the process of voting, etc," Malarangeng quoted the president as saying.
He said the national press leaders who were present at the meeting with the president welcomed the president's request, and said would make every effort to make the elections a success in strengthening national democracy.
Malarangeng said President Yudhoyono would also attend the anniversary of National Press Day, themed "Free Press for the People", on February 9, 2009.
"President Yudhoyono has confirmed to attend the National Press Day anniversary," Malarangeng said.