PRESIDENT ASKS PUBLIC TO DO THEIR THINGS AS USUAL

Cikeas, July 27 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has asked all parties in the country to help restore conditions of normalcy following the recent terrorist bombings by carrying out all public activities as planned, a spokesman said.

Presidential spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said here on Monday.

the president's request also applied to sports and cultural activities. The president himself had given an example by attending the closing ceremony of an Indonesia Presidential Invitation Golf Tournament on Sunday although he was not well at the time.

"The head of state made a brief visit to the event yesterday as a show of clear and real support and message that we must not give in to terrorism," he told newsmen.

Andi said the head of state had asked the people to continue carrying out their activities as usual including those that had been scheduled before.

"The various activities that they do will help speed up economic recovery and lessen the impact (of the bombing incidents). Although they should remain vigilant, people should carry out their daily activities as usual ," he said.

Andi said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono continued carrying out his duties as head of state on Monday although doctors had advised him to take a rest.

On Monday, the president summoned the national police chief to his private residence to brief him on developments in the investigation into the bombings.

"Under any condition the Head of State will carry out his state duties as long as can , including summoning cabinet ministers or staff to ask for updates or calling them by phone or holding a conference with them which in essence is intended to obtain updates," he said.

He said the President's condition was now improving although his voice was still hoarse.