Gus Dur hoped not to delay Aussie trip

SURABAYA, East Java: The Chairman of the Australia-Indonesia Institute (AII) John Reid on Friday expressed hope that President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's visit to Australia next month will go ahead as planned without there being any further delays.

"This visit has been planned and has been postponed three times. We understand the reasons why. But now we do hope that the President will come to our country," he said.

He declined to comment on criticism from Indonesian legislators who have demanded that the visit be postponed again, stressing that it was a domestic Indonesian issue.

"We welcome everyone who wants to visit our country," he said, adding that he supported the growing process of democracy in the country.

Reid was in the East Java provincial capital to attend a meeting a with several university representatives to follow up student exchange and educational development programs. He also met with East Java Deputy Governor M. Zuhdi to discuss possible investment opportunities. (01/nur)