Indonesian election officials have declared Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono winner of the country's first-ever direct presidential election.
The final tally from the September 20th vote shows Mr. Yudhoyono had 61 percent of the ballots and incumbent President Megawati Sukarnoputri had 39 percent.
The U.S.-educated former four star general will be sworn in October 20. In brief remarks today (Monday) before the official vote announcement, he thanked voters for electing him and promised to work hard to resolve the country's problems.
Mr. Yudhoyono has promised to have his government ready to start work the day he is inaugurated.
Indonesia's new president faces many challenges, including Islamic militancy, entrenched government corruption and weak economic growth.
Information for this report is provided by AFP and Reuters.