The first inauguration of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (better known by his initials as SBY) as the 6th president of Indonesia took place on Wednesday, 20 October 2004.

[3] Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was nominated for vice president after the MPR selected Megawati to succeed Abdurrahman Wahid by F-KKI,[5] but he lost the election to PPP Chairman Hamzah Haz and DPR Speaker Akbar Tanjung.

[6][7] He reprised his prior cabinet position in Megawati's administration but resigned on 1 March 2004 to join the race for the presidency.

[8] The Democratic Party, established as a vehicle for Yudhoyono's political career by secular nationalists who saw the potential of his leadership,[6] received 7.45% of votes and 10% of DPR seats in the April legislative election.

[9] Yudhoyono's running mate was Jusuf Kalla, a Buginese businessman and member of Golkar who served as coordinating minister for people's welfare under Megawati.