Indonesians expressed disappointment, after President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono distanced himself from a corruption case that had caught the attention of the nation.

The president has come under intense pressure to dismiss his attorney general and head of police, following a scandal in which police and state prosecutors are alleged to have framed two officials of the KPK, an anti-corruption agency.

In a televised broadcast, the reformist ex-general Yudhoyono said it was not appropriate for him to interfere in the case against the KPK officials.

[Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Indonesian President]:
"A solution and option which is better is that the police and the attorney general's office do not bring this case to court."

Citizens said they were confused and disappointed by the President's announcement.

"He has to be more explicit on this case: Is he dropping the case or not? I am confused. He should not use words with flexible interpretations."

"It was not clear to me. I think he should take firm action: Sack the police chief and the attorney general."

The KPK has proved very effective in investigating corruption - and while it is popular with the public, it has made many enemies among the nation's political and business elite.