ENGLISH DEYEA NEWS

By WAI MOE | Burmese Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein arrived in Jakarta on Monday on an official visit, heading a delegation of five key ministers and nine leading businessmen. Issues such as Rohingya boatpeople, bilateral ties, and the political and electoral processes in the respective countries are expected to be on the agenda during his two-day trip.

Burma's Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein, center, inspect honor guards prior to his meeting with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyonoat Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Monday. (Photo: AP)

According to the Jakarta Post, Thein Sein was taken to the Merdeka Palace to talk with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono at 3pm on Monday. Earlier, he had visited the Kalibata Heroes’ Cemetery in Jakarta.

Indonesian Presidential Spokesman Dino Pati Jalal said that Burma and Indonesia will discuss bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues.

Despite both being members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), bilateral trade between the two countries is not significant with Indonesia only supplying 2.4 percent of Burma’s imports in 2007, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit.

However, the Indonesian media reported on Monday that the two countries have decided not to announce details of their discussions to the public.

Also on Monday, President Yudhoyono called on Indonesian citizens to show their maturity to the international community by practicing democracy at the April 9 election.

Military-ruled Burma is also scheduled to hold elections in the near future. Indonesia will talk with Thein Sein about the process of democracy in Burma, including plans for the 2010 election, according to Indonesia’s foreign ministry.

Burma's Prime Minister Gen Thein Sein, left, walks with Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono prior to their meeting at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta. (Photo: AP)

The Burmese delegation’s visit follows just three days after an official visit by US President Barack Obama. A White House statement said the new US president and his Indonesian counterpart discussed human rights issues and the restoration of democracy in Burma.

During US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s trip to Indonesia on February 18-19, the two countries also discussed Burma issues.

After meeting with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda, Clinton said the US was going to work closely and consult with Indonesia on Burmese efforts.

In an interview with Australia’s ABC radio on February 20, Wirajuda bemoaned the lack of progress toward democracy in Burma, as well as the junta’s deplorable human rights record.

But he urged the international community to engage with Burma, arguing that pressure and sanctions have proved ineffective in achieving change.