Indonesian President Next Pop Idol?

Written by Krystal

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono released a romantic pop album Sunday, October 28 at a Jakarta gala in Indonesia titled Rinduku Padamu (My Longing for You). The album includes 10 tracks including ballads and songs about religion, friendship, and even patriotism. The album also features some of the most popular singers in the country.

According to an article on CBC News, the President composed one of his songs while flying back from Sydney following the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Forum in September. He “took time in [his] busy schedule to express [his] feelings as an ordinary human being.” Yudhoyono performed his music during his presidential campaign in 2004, crooning for his audience. It is believed that his musical talent aided him in winning the hearts of the Indonesians, and thereby the presidential election.

Yudhoyono is still a serious politician. A retired military general and statesman, he is best known for his work to bring reform to an area of the world where unrest and deep poverty have become familiar.

I was surprised to learn that the Indonesian President is not the only world leader to release an album. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi have also expressed themselves through the universal language of music.

Would a singing President get your vote? Does it dilute his message as a leader to also been seen as a pop star?

One Response to “Indonesian President Next Pop Idol?”

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Darren says:

November 8, 2007 at 3:09 pm

Kelly Clarkson for president? :)

I guess if the USA had a former actor as president, and a guy who was fond of playing the saxophone there’s no reason not to have a singing president. I’m not sure singing ability in particular would help a person’s chances … but you never know … American Idol is pretty dang popular …