Q&A: 'We Want to Harness the Forces of Moderation.'

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The dress code was local batik when Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono talked with TIME's Hannah Beech and Jason Tedjasukmana. Excerpts from their Nov. 2 conversation:

Nine days after you were re-elected, fatal bomb attacks struck two Jakarta hotels. How concerned are you about a resurgence of terror?
Since 9/11, there have been connections established between radical Islamic cells in the Middle East, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines. We want to cut the links, harness the forces of moderation in Indonesia and intensify international cooperation to combat extremism. The world has won many battles in combating terrorism. But we have not yet won the larger struggle ... We must address the roots and causes of terrorism like lack of education, poverty, marginalization and pockets of radicalism within Indonesia. That way we fight terrorism by using hard and soft power. (Read "The 2009 TIME 100: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.")

Late last month, two members of KPK, the well-regarded anticorruption commission, were arrested by the police. Audio tapes have emerged implying they were framed for having targeted police corruption. What can you do to prevent the perception that it's graft as usual in Indonesia?
I have established an independent commission to verify the facts surrounding the case. Whoever is found guilty, they must face the law. But if they are innocent, they must be absolved of any wrongdoing. (Read "As Indonesia's Election Day Nears, Complaints of Fraud Grow Louder.")

What role can Indonesia, as a Muslim-majority democracy, play on the global stage?
Islam, modernity and democracy can coexist peacefully. We can be a model for others. There is no conflict between Islamic values and democratic values.

On the local level, Shari'a-based laws have proliferated in Indonesia over the past few years, including the passage in Aceh province in September of a bill approving stoning as a punishment for adultery. How concerned are you about this?
I have asked that the stoning punishment be reviewed because it conflicts with humanity, the constitution and the founding principles of Indonesia. Even though it's part of Shari'a law in Aceh, we will not just allow it to happen.

Read "Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono: The Man Behind Indonesia's Rise."

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