Corruption hottest topic in Susilo, Clinton, Bush talks

Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has held brief talks with visiting former U.S. presidents Bill Clinton and George Bush Sr. on Sunday, discussing topics related to the rebuilding and reconstruction of Aceh in the wake of Dec. 26 tsunami disaster.

The 20-minute closed-door meeting was held in VIP room of Polonia Airport in Medan, before the casually dressed former U.S. presidents headed out to the stricken province.

Several high ranking officials from both countries were also present at the meeting, including Indonesia's Foreign Minister Hasan Wirayuda, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi and the U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia, B. Lynn Pascoe.

At a press conference following the meeting, President Susilo said that both former U.S. presidents were visiting Aceh in their capacity as representatives of the United States of America.

As for Bill Clinton, he was not only representing the American people, but was also representing United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan in order to help promote and organize relief aid for tsunami victims in various Asian countries.

At the brief meeting, Susilo explained that reconstruction and rebuilding efforts were now underway in Aceh. He outlined the kind of assistance that the Americans and international organizations could provide for tsunami victims there.

Susilo said that he also discussed issues of accountability for the development assistance, significant amounts of which have comes from foreign donors, including the U.S.

Susilo assured Clinton and Bush Sr. that aid money would not be embezzled by corrupt officials.

The Indonesian government is responsible for the management of aid and will implement proper surveillance and controls so that all the assistance reaches the proper targets, Susilo said.

"I have conveyed this to all heads of state who have visited Aceh with whom I have met, and not only to these former U.S. presidents," said Susilo.