Hashimoto arrives here

JAKARTA (JP): Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto and his 30-strong entourage arrived here yesterday evening on a two- day working visit.

The prime minister and President Soeharto will hold bilateral talks this morning to discuss the economic crisis in Indonesia. The talks will be held at Soeharto's private residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta.

"I would like to have a frank discussion with Soeharto on what is the best way to restore the international community's faith in Indonesia," AFP quoted Hashimoto as saying before his departure from Tokyo.

Japan pledged US$8 billion to support the International Monetary Fund's $43 billion rescue package to Indonesia.

Before leaving for Tokyo later this evening, Hashimoto will meet with the Japanese community in Jakarta. (prb)