British envoy visits Indonesia

INDONESIA: Michael Williams, the special adviser to British Foreign Minister Jack Straw, is in Indonesia until Friday to meet a number of ministers and religious leaders, according to the British Embassy in Jakarta on Monday.

Williams' visit as a ministerial envoy from the British government is part of the ongoing dialog between the United Kingdom and Indonesia which is aimed at strengthening relations and cooperation.

Williams, who holds a doctorate in political science, has a keen interest in Asia, but particularly with Indonesia. He has written books on Asian politics, international security and peacekeeping.

In 1975-1976, Williams conducted research on the history of resistance to the Dutch in West Java from 1920-1950 with the assistance of the Indonesian Institute of Science (LIPI). The research has been published in both English and Indonesian.

"I am delighted to be back in Indonesia. The country has undergone an impressive transformation -- both political and economic -- since my first visit in the 1970s. I am looking forward to discussing developments in Indonesia and the UK with a number of ministers, academics, religious leaders and old friends." -- JP