However, his dependence on other parties to get his policies approved by the legislature compelled him to dilute his platform. His cabinet virtually became a coalition of several parties.
In September 2001 , with his aspiration to the presidency, Yudhoyono had formed his own political party, the Partai Demokrat.
In September 2004 , he was elected president in the country. 's first direct election. Yudhoyono 's first term as president was marked by several achievements. In the political sphere, he was able to replace the nation's long term tradition of dictatorship, civilian and military, with a vibrant democracy.
On the economic front, Yudhoyono had reduced debt and attracted foreign investment, recording an inflow of 21% in 2011 .
Yudhoyono 's second term was tarnished by corruption scandal involving a number of his party members. Yudhoyono's term ended in 2014 as he could not seek further mandate as the constitution limit to two terms.