RI wants Howard to meet with Gus Dur in Kupang

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government is proposing that Australian Prime Minister John Howard meet President Abdurrahman Wahid in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, before traveling together for an historic visit to Australia.

Indonesian foreign minister Alwi Shihab said he would propose the idea to the Australian government, but expressed confidence that it would likely be acceptable to Canberra.

The original plan had been for Abdurrahman and Howard to meet in Melbourne before going on to Darwin and then Kupang for a tripartite meeting with East Timor independence leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao.

"Howard has agreed with the (original) plan to come to Indonesia together with Gus Dur and Xanana Gusmao. But we would prefer the new suggestion if Australia responds to the idea positively," he said referring to Abdurrahman by his popular name.

The new plan was suggested by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

"Ibu Mega suggested that the two leaders meet in Kupang and then, together with Howard, go to Australia. I think it is a better idea," Alwi told reporters on Friday.

Indonesia and Australia have been trying to mend their battered bilateral ties which soured due to the East Timor issue. However, previous efforts were foiled by other sensitive issues, such as the discovery of an Australian soldier employing a Timorese to engage in espionage activities.

Since his election as president, Abdurrahman has visited about 30 countries around the world but has purposely avoided neighboring Australia.

The House of Representatives (DPR) has demanded that Howard come to Indonesia before Abdurrahman goes to Canberra.

"We scheduled the visit for the end of July, but first we are going to consult this with the House of Representatives," Alwi said.

The fact that the new proposed route for the trip means it would be the Australian prime minister who visits Indonesia first is seen by many as an acceptable compromise to placate those still disturbed by Australia's over-zealous conduct during the East Timor affair. (dja)