U.S. reaffirms commitment to help RI

JAKARTA (JP): The U.S. government on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to support Indonesia's efforts to revive its crisis- torn economy and to continue with the political reform process.

Deputy U.S. Secretary of Commerce Robert Mallett said that Indonesia was a very important economy to the U.S.

"Indonesia has over 200 million people. It will be one of the largest democracies in the world. Indonesians are not being ignored by the U.S. and can't be ignored," he told reporters at a press conference following a luncheon gathering with the U.S. business community in Jakarta.

Mallett visited the capital for a couple of days before heading for the leaders meeting at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday.

He said that Indonesia's economic reform programs had been well received by the international investment community.

He explained that the U.S. would continue to support Indonesia's economic reform programs either through additional support provided through the International Monetary Fund or through various forms of technical assistance particularly in helping small and medium-sized businesses in dealing with the current crisis.

The Congress had just recently approved President Bill Clinton's proposal to replenish the IMF with new financing of around US$18 billion, Mallett pointed out.

Mallett also said that his country would continue to open its door wide for Indonesia's exports to help the latter revive its economy.

"The U.S. has been a very strong export market for Indonesia and we continue to have our doors open to Indonesian export products," he added.

He also said that the U.S. is preparing plans on how to help redesign repayment terms of Asian companies saddled with massive overseas loans.

"I know the President will talk about this latter in the week at the APEC summit," he said.

"I know this market will grow and return to its former prosperity. Our message is that we believe it will be there."

He explained that there wouldn't be an instant turnaround but what was important in boosting foreign investors confidence was that the country was moving in the right direction with its economic reforms in creating stronger economic fundamentals.

Asked when U.S. investors would start reinvesting in the country, he said: "I don't know that. I wish I had a crystal ball."

"But I think business people wanting to invest in this region of the world most like to see predictability, transparency, a strong court system, lack of corruption, and stability in government," he said.

Asked to comment on the current Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly, he said: "I'm not to comment on Indonesian domestic affairs." (rei)