U.S. hopes Indonesia will impose IMF reforms

JAKARTA (JP): United States Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Stanley Roth expressed hope yesterday that Indonesia would consistently implement its pledge to see through the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reforms.

"I hope that this agreement will be implemented vigorously which is the commitment of the government of course, for a full economic recovery," Roth said after meeting Vice President B.J. Habibie at Merdeka Selatan Palace.

Roth arrived here yesterday, his fifth visit since September, to exchange views with Indonesian leaders, including the new cabinet.

In their one-hour meeting, Habibie briefed Roth on various developments, including those concerning regional and bilateral affairs.

"Basically this was a very broad-based meeting. I asked him his view on the current situation in Indonesia... He gave me a very long and detailed analysis of developments in Indonesia.

"He gave a very straightforward interpretation about the importance that we both share, the U.S. and Indonesia, of stability in this region, the importance of the Pacific Rim and the importance of a strong relationship between our two countries," Roth said.

Roth declined to reveal more, saying he would give a more detailed briefing after concluding his meetings with Indonesian officials. (prb)