Abdurrahman Wahid plans new bid for Indonesian presidency

Updated July 17, 2008 10:23:16

Former president Abdurrahman Wahid (R) says current president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (L) has mishandled the Indonesian economy. [AFP]

The former Indonesian president, Abdurrahman Wahid, says he's confident he could defeat Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to win next year's presidential elections.

Mr Wahid was president from 1999 until July 2001 and says he will run for the position again next year.

Our reporter in Jakarta, Christine Webster, reports Mr Wahid's accused the current president of mishandling the economy.

"He takes care of only of the elite of rich men, but the poor people they were left behind, everything except for education and health."

Mr Wahid says if he won the election he would attempt to reduce the impact of globalisation on Indonesia's economy, and would ensure Indonesia works closely with other Asian countries and Africa to help them improve their economies.