OBAMA, FAMILY TO VISIT RI IN MARCH

Jakarta, Feb 2 (ANTARA) - President Obama and his family will make a state visit to Indonesia in the second half of March 2010, according to a White House statement.

The trip would be an important part of Obama's continued effort to broaden and strengthen the partnerships necessary to advance the two countries' security and prosperity, the statement said.
Indonesia is the world's fourth most populous country, the third largest democracy; is home to the largest Muslim population in the world; and an important partner to the US in the G20.

During his visit Obama would formally launch the US-Indonesia Comprehensive Partnership, an initiative through which the United States will broaden and strengthen relations with Indonesia to tackle important regional and global issues.

US Ambassador to Indonesia Cameron R. Hume welcomed the news and said the trip would symbolize the growing importance that ties to Indonesia hold for the US.
"President Obama's visit will help our two countries build a 21st
Century Partnership for a 21st Century World," the ambassador said.

"The visit will give the President a good opportunity to see firsthand all the progress Indonesia has made, and to advance the growing US-Indonesia comprehensive partnership based on common interests," the Hume said. "We look forward to working closely with President Yudhoyono and the government and people of Indonesia to welcome President Obama and his family."
The US President and First Lady would continue on to Australia following the visit to Indonesia.