The popular opposition leader Ms Megawati Sukarnoputri was sworn in as Indonesia's Vice-President in Jakarta yesterday after a dramatic election victory that eased political tensions across the country.
As supporters celebrated in the streets, the daughter of the country's late founding father, Gen Sukarno, took her oath in solemn ceremonies at the National Assembly, one day after her failed candidacy for the presidency set off riots in several cities.
President Abdurrahman Wahid, a Muslim scholar who beat Ms Megawati (53) for the top post on Wednesday, witnessed the swearing-in at his home, as did his predecessor Mr B. J. Habibie, foreign diplomats and the rest of the political elite in the world's fourth-largest nation.
Wearing a lilac traditional two-piece batik gown called a kebaya, with a matching shawl draped over her left shoulder and her hair tied back in a bun, she took her oath in 63 seconds. She signed her formal appointment papers along with National Assembly chairman, Mr Amien Rais, before delivering an acceptance speech.
"Our nation and people are now in a situation which they had longed for, where ethics and morals will prevail in the life of the nation and state," she said, delivering thanks to her former political rivals as the Assembly applauded.
She also paid homage to the armed forces and personally thanked its leader, Gen Wiranto, who she said "paved the way for me to become Vice-President" after stepping out of the race for the post.
Indonesia has just undergone the first democratic elections for its top state posts in its 54-year history, 17 months after bloody riots led to be the downfall of dictator Gen Suharto.
Ms Megawati's vice-presidential chances suddenly brightened after her toughest rivals - Gen Wiranto and the former ruling Golkar party chairman, Mr Akbar Tanjung - withdrew in quick succession. There were fears of more unrest if Ms Megawati, whose party won the most votes in the June polls for the lower house, was denied the vice-presidency by the bigger MPR, which includes government appointees.
Earlier, Indonesia's new President spent his first full day in office receiving a stream of wellwishers, Muslim elders and foreign diplomats.
Mr Wahid (59), stayed away from the National Assembly where former ministers speculated about his new cabinet lineup. He turned up early at the presidential guest house from his home on the outskirts of Jakarta.
The mood, despite a heavy military presidential guard, was relaxed, and his wife and three children were present as the guests streamed in.
The first diplomat to pay his respects was US ambassador-designate Mr Robert Gelbard.
Speaking after meeting Mr Wahid, Mr Gelbard said the US wanted to see a strong Indonesia and was willing to help the new government.
The ambassador said he discussed with Mr Wahid the "unqualified support of the US government to help Indonesia, the people and the government, in the coming days, weeks, months and years."
The next diplomatic meeting was with the Saudi ambassador.
The first programme of the day for Mr Wahid was to receive 21 elders of his 30-million-strong Muslim social organisation, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), at the guesthouse.
Local television showed the clerics shaking Mr Wahid's hand and kissing him on the cheeks. Suffering the debilitating after effects of a stroke, including partial blindness, Mr Wahid remained seated on a couch.
The Indonesian media yesterday welcomed the election of Mr Wahid but expressed concern about his capacity to take on the rigours of the job.