Jakarta – Indonesian businessmen have expressed hope that a business figure will be elected as the next president, so that the prolonged economic crisis in the country would end.

Businessmen such as Aburizal Bakrie and Lalu Mara Satriawangsa made the statement during a national convention on Golkar Party's presidential candidates, held on Wednesday night.

Aburizal, who is general chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry [Kadin], confirmed his readiness to be elected as the country's leader.

He made the announcement following a meeting with eight organizations affiliated with Golkar, which was also held on Wednesday night.

Aburizal said his decision to run for president was made in response to the wishes expressed during the Kadin board of leaders' meeting in Bali from February 28 to March 1.

Meanwhile, Lalu Mara said the wish to elect an economy-oriented leader was made because Indonesia's economic growth is only 3.5 per cent and the unemployment rate is still high.

Lalu said Aburizal has already formulated his economic, political, security, socio-cultural and general platforms to facilitate his entry into next year's presidential race.

Aburizal himself said he is ready to take part in all processes leading to the party's convention on presidential aspirants, including national working meetings in Makassar (South Sulawesi), Bandung (West Java) and Medan (North Sumatra) next month.

Lalu said Aburizal is ready to convey his vision and platforms during the meetings in the three cities.