Power and Freedom Likey Misused: President

Jakarta (Antara) - Power and freedom are likely to be misused, and if that occurs, the goals and ideals of democracy will be disturbed, according to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. "In an authoritarian government, the power holder is a ruler who is likely to exploit power and freedom," the president said while addressing a gathering of media editors to launch a book "SBY and the Press Freedom" here on Friday night. He stated that nowadays many power holders exist besides executives, parliament, press, and law enforcers, and therefore, a ruler should exercise power efficiently and preferably within his or her authority. "Freedom and independence without limits also tend to be abused, and thus, power and freedom in democracy should be balanced," the outgoing president, whose second term of office will end on October 20, 2014, noted. (*)