Democratization has resulted in political stability, mily reforms, Yudhoyono says

"Many people earlier predicted that democratization would not last long in Indonesia as its people were not ready for it and the country was too big and facing complex problems," the president said when opening the 40th congress of the International Association of Political Consultants here Monday.

On the occasion, the head of state on behalf of all the Indonesian people received a citation dubbed "Democracy Award" from the association.

In the past, the award was only bestowed on prominent political figures as individuals not on behalf of a state like former Philippine President Corazon Aquino and former South African President Nelson Mandela.