Smoothing the Transition

PRESIDENT Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) immediately congratulated Joko Widodo when the General Elections Commission (KPU) named him as the country's president-elect. In a telephone conversation on Tuesday night two weeks ago, Yudhoyono also offered to help during the transition period. "We want the transition process to go smoothly," Jokowi told Tempo, two weeks ago.

Jokowi welcomed Yudhoyono's offer. They are set to meet at the Presidential Palace after the end of the Idul Fitri holidays. One pressing issue which needs to be discussed is the 2015 State Budget (APBN). Formulated by Yudhoyono's cabinet, the 2015 APBN will go into effect during the first year of Jokowi's presidential term. On August 15, Yudhoyono will read the 2015 State Budget Financial Note in the House of Representatives (DPR). In order to accommodate Jokowi's vision and mission, the incoming president needs to discuss the budget before then.