Australian to help rebuild RI economy

Australian to help rebuild RI economy

SYDNEY (AFP): A plan to help rebuild the Indonesian economy is
being mounted by influential Australian business, defense and
government figures backed by some of the country's most
successful companies, a report said Wednesday.

The effort could involve assistance to rebuild and reform
Indonesia's economic, political and defense institutions, The
Melbourne Age said.

Among key supporters are Australian Defense Force chief
Admiral Chris Barrie, who was quoted as saying the plan could
prevent Indonesia "careering from one crisis to the next".

"This is the time to be quite conscious of the fact that we
should be seen as friends, not just sitting on the fence," he
said.

Canberra has been briefed on the moves, supported the notion
of a partnership between business and government and was prepared
to consider funding, the report said.

Among those leading the discussions are former chief executive
of Visy Industries, John White, who said the industry effort
could be worth A$50 million (US$31.5 million) a year for the next
three years.

The government would provide some funds and organizational
support, which could pave the way for the United States and the
European Union to resume investing in Indonesia, White said.

Several of those behind the push believed its prospects could
be improved if Canberra coordinated it as a kind of Marshall Plan
-- the U.S.-backed effort to cooperative economic recovery in
Europe after World War II, the paper said.