12 Jan 2009

Indonesian president launches third album

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has launched his third music album featuring 10 original songs.

Evolusi (Evolution) is about his feelings toward being president of the world's most populous Muslim country and one of its largest democracies.

"I urge all the children of the nation to unite, love and dedicate themselves to the country to build a better future for Indonesia," Mr Bambang said in a statement.

The new album reprises some of the president's earlier songs, such as Untukmu Anak Manis (For You Sweet Child), Selamat Berjuang (Good Luck With Your Struggle) and Rinduku Padamu (I Miss You), in instrumental form arranged by musician Yockie Suryo Prayono.

The liberal ex-general became the country's first directly elected president in 2004 and is leading polls ahead of elections in July.

Australian Broadcasting Corporation