INDONESIAN PRESIDENT OFF TO AUSTRALIA

Jakarta, March 8 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Mme Ani Yudhoyono Monday night at 10.05 pm left for Australia for a state visit until Thursday and for Papua New Guinea after that.

The President and party left Halim Perdanakusuma airport aboard a presidential plane. They are expected to arrive at Fairbaim airbase in Canberra at 9am on Tuesday.

Included in the presidential entourage were Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Chief Economic Minister Hatta Rajasa, Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Andi Mallarangeng, Cabinet Secretary Dipo Alam, Environment Minister Muhammad Gusti Hatta, Trade Minister Marie Elka Pangestu, Defense Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro and Investment Coordinating Board chief Gita Wirjawan.

A number of governors also accompanied the President, among others Papua Governor Barnabas Suebu, West Papua Governor Abraham Ataruri, Bali Governor Mangku Pastika and Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu.

Presidential special staff Dino Patti Djalal said the number of the president`s party members was large owing to the importance of the visit for both nations.

While in Australia the president will meet with Governor General Wuentin Bryce, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and a number of other officials.

He is also scheduled to receive an Honorary Companion of the Order of Australia award from the Australian governor general.

President Yudhoyono is also scheduled to give a speech before the Australian parliament and sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the consular field.

President Yudhoyono and entourage will leave for Papua New Guinea on Thursday for a visit until Friday.

While in that country he will meet with Governor General Paulias Matane and Prime Minister Michael Somare. He is also scheduled to sign a memorandum of understanding for cooperation between the two countries.

President Yudhoyono and entourage are scheduled to return to the country on Friday and arrive at 3.40pm.