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.