RI ready to accept Dutch assistance

RI ready to accept Dutch assistance

JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Finance
and Industry Kwik Kian Gie said on Thursday that Indonesia was
ready to accept aid from the Netherlands through the Consultative
Group on Indonesia (CGI), the country's major donors grouping.

"Yes, it's true. It (the Netherlands) is now back as a member
of CGI," Kwik said when asked whether Indonesia agreed to accept
Dutch funds.

Kwik spoke following a meeting between Dutch Development
Cooperation Minister Eveline Herfkens and Vice President Megawati
Soekarnoputri.

Megawati (right) welcomed Herfkens to her residence in South
Jakarta.

Former president Soeharto ruled out the continuation of
financial assistance from the country's former colonial ruler in
1992 after accusing then Dutch development cooperation minister
Jan Pronk of meddling in Indonesia's domestic affairs.

Kwik said recently that Indonesia wished to receive a lower
amount of CGI aid next year in a bid to lessen the country's
dependence on foreign loans.

CGI pledged US$5.9 billion in aid during its annual meeting in
June this year.

Herfkens said The Hague was ready to resume aid to Indonesia
immediately.