President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono was on course for decisive victory in Indonesia’s presidential election on Wednesday night after early returns and sample polls indicated he had won about 60 per cent of the vote.

Many analysts and business people welcomed indications of a strong mandate for the winner. They hoped it would lead to a more reform-minded government for south-east Asia’s largest economy which would tackle outstanding issues from Mr Yudhoyono’s first term, such as the uncertain legal system, crumbling infrastructure and endemic corruption.