The Indonesian president, B.J. Habibie, has defended his government's record since taking over from former president Suharto last May.

In a speech to parliament presenting the state budget, Mr Habibie said his government's reforms should prevent what he called a return to an authoritarian power system.

He said he was determined to make sure that elections -- due to be held in June -- would be implemented as honestly and fairly as possible.

Some Indonesian politicians have repeatedly cast doubt on the government's committment to holding a fair ballot.