Devi Asmarani in Jakarta and Shefali Rekhi in Singapore – The former general is showing his colours.

Long used to a disciplined life, Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono seems to be taking this approach as he strives for order and prosperity in his country.

His insistence that ministers turn up on time for meetings is by now well known. Last month, when some sought to excuse themselves for being late for a Cabinet meeting by blaming a traffic jam, he snapped at them, saying that they should have taken that into account.

The President's professional approach is showing elsewhere too. Observers and aides say he delegates the task of managing to his ministers even as he spends his time setting the direction and building ties for Indonesia.

But the President, who has pledged to make a difference in the first 100 days of his administration, shows he is in control by regularly asking for progress reports at Cabinet meetings and directly from his ministers.

As his government reached the half-way mark yesterday, he asked his key ministers to file their 50-day reports of measures undertaken and their plans ahead.

Before a Cabinet meeting, Dr Yudhoyono often asks for input from his aides on the agenda to stay on top of issues.

There is clear focus on what needs to be done and better co-ordination between ministers – quite a change for some ministers who have served in the previous two governments.

Spokesman Andi Mallarangeng said: "The ministers know who is in charge. The President listens but gives directions." And that is because he does his homework, he added.

Sources said Cabinet meetings under former president Megawati Sukarnoputri was a one-way communication, with ministers reporting to her, but rarely getting directions. Former president Abdurrahman Wahid was known to fall asleep during meetings.

Analysts and those working with the current President say his approach to policies is more structured compared to those of his predecessors. On the economic front, for instance, Dr Yudhoyono's economic goals are set for the short and medium term. And unlike his media-shy predecessor Ms Megawati, he uses televised speeches to communicate his policies to the public.

He seems to have embarked on measures to boost confidence – by promising to undertake reforms, fight corruption, nab top terrorists and tackle unemployment.

But as expectations began to rise over his first 100-day pledges, Dr Yudhoyono has opted to turn the tide by making clear that he should not be expected to deliver within that short timeframe.

In the first three months, his government would focus on identifying problems and framing solutions and work on a five-year timeframe. But there are already some achievements to show.

Last month, the government held an unprecedented nationwide recruitment test for those who want to be civil servants. The move drew 4.5 million applicants who competed for 200,000 jobs with the government. Dr Yudhoyono has also announced a review of major corruption cases.

After five years of leadership changes, economic instability and erratic public policies, his disciplined and structured style of leadership may just be what Indonesia needs.

Trade Minister Marie Elka Pangestu said in a seminar in Singapore on Tuesday: "Indonesians are most tired about frequent changes, what we need now is stability. After the first few years of chaos, this is what the President is trying to achieve."

But there are challenges ahead – not least of them a tough legislature where he does not command absolute control. It could hinder, if not spike, some of the policies that could set the Indonesian economy rolling at a faster pace.

His ability to mastermind a strategy to see his policies through will likely face many a test. As The Jakarta Post's Chief Editor Endy Bayuni said in his talk in Singapore, Dr Yudhoyono is "the best captain of the ship" that Indonesia can ask for. But the "captain", he said, will not have an easy time. "On most issues, he will face a tough battle," he said.