Indonesian president releases new pop album

Jakarta - Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono launched another pop album containing of romantic songs, media reports said Monday. The album, entitled "Ku Yakin Sampai Disana" or "I'm Certain I'll Get There," was released Sunday at Jakarta's Taman Ismail Marzuki arts complex ceremony attended by popular singers and musicians.

Yudhoyono, who did not attend the launch, said in an introduction to the album that through the songs he hoped could communicate his state of mind to the public.

"In my spare time from running the people's mandate as president, I like to express my feelings into works of art," the state-run Antara quoted Yudhoyono as saying.

"Through the works of art, I hope to communicate my thoughts to the public, the children of Indonesia."

He said the album contains songs from various musical genres and that the common thread of the lyrics reflected his commitment and determination to lead the country to prosperity. Two of the nine songs are in English and all were written by the president.

Yudhoyono launched his first album, "Rinduku Padamu (I Miss You) in 2007, followed up by "Evolusi" (Evolution) in 2009.

The release came as Yudhoyono completed the first 100 days of his second term, as surveys showed his popularity declining over a controversial bail-out of a minor bank last year and the alleged framing of two senior anti-corruption officials.

A survey released by pollster Indobarometer showed public satisfaction with his performance declined to 75 per cent from a rating of 90 per cent in August.

Yudhoyono's new administration has been plagued by corruption scandals including a damaging investigation of the bank bail-out.

A coalition of non-governmental organizations planned to protest across the country on Thursday to mark Yudhoyono's first 100 days in office.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/305600,indonesian-president-releases-new-pop-album.html.