U.S. President George W. Bush today congratulated the winner of Indonesia's first direct presidential election, the White House said in a statement. "On behalf of the American people, President Bush congratulates Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono on his victory in the Republic of Indonesia's presidential election," the White House said. "We commend the people of Indonesia on this latest achievement in their country's impressive transition to democracy," the White House wrote, noting that almost 77 percent of eligible voters participated in the election. Yudhoyono was named the winner of the September 20 vote by election officials earlier today after final ballot counting was finished, although it has been widely acknowledged that the former general defeated incumbent Megawati Sukarnoputri in the election. "The United States and Indonesia have long-standing bonds of friendship," the White House stated. "We look forward to working with president-elect Yudhoyono in further strengthening our ties and enhancing the welfare of our peoples."
