Yuliasri Perdani, Jakarta – A recent public opinion poll inferred that President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's second term was a complete failure.
The poll, conducted by the National Survey Institute (LSN) revealed that 49 percent of 1,230 respondents thought that Yudhoyono, since winning his second five-year term in 2010, produced no significant improvements for the country. Thirty percent of respondents perceived the country to be worse off under Yudhoyono's second term.
The survey was conducted between May 1 and May 10, respondents were from across all 33 provinces. LSN executive director Umar S. Bakry said that only 18 percent of respondents thought Yudhoyono had improved the country's condition.
"Respondents think SBY's cabinet has done a terrible job everywhere apart from health and education. The cabinet performs the poorest in legal, economic, political and sports sectors," Umar said in a press release made available to The Jakarta Post on Sunday.
The majority of respondents said they wanted Yudhoyono and his ministers to focus on their responsibilities, rather than their own political maneuvers ahead of the 2014 general elections.
The survey also found that the public thought badly of Yudhoyono decision to take over the leadership of the Democratic Party. "Seventy-seven percent lamented Yudhoyono's decision to serve as Democratic Party chairman," Umar said.
Yudhoyono took over the party in March, replacing former chairman Anas Urbaningrum who resigned on February after the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) named him a graft suspect.
Other than being the party's chairman, Yudhoyono also serves as chairman of the party's honor council, supreme assembly and board of patrons.
"In order to prevent a conflict of interest, 71 percent of respondents said ministers who wish to contest the 2014 election should resign from cabinet," he adds.
Some ministers in Yudhoyono's second United Indonesia Cabinet are leaders and prominent figures of political parties. Among them is Coordinating Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa, who is chairman of the National Mandate Party (PAN).
Manpower and Transmigration Minister Muhaimin Iskandar and Religious Affairs Minister Suryadharma Ali chair the National Awakening Party (PKB) and the United Development Party (PPP) respectively.
Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan and State-Owned Enterprise Minister Dahlan Iskan have openly declared their intention to run for president in the upcoming election.
Gita is considering joining the Democratic Party for its presidential primary race. Dahlan has not yet made any decision regarding his possible candidacy.