SUSILO HAPPY WITH INDONESIA-MALAYSIA EPG

From MOHD NASIR YUSOFF
JAKARTA, Feb 3 (Bernama) -- Indonesian President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono
is happy with the progress done by the Indonesia-Malaysia Eminent Persons Group
(EPG) which met to find ways to resolve problems and strengthen bilateral ties.

Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said Indonesian EPG chief Jen (B)
Try Sutrisno who called on Susilo today reported on the intensive meetings with
the Malaysian EPG.

He said the outcome of the Indonesia-Malaysia EPG meetings would be
presented to the leaders of both countries.

"We are planning a bilateral meeting between Susilo and the Malaysian Prime
Minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) sometime in mid March," he was quoted as saying
on the president's website.

The Indonesian EPG also presented a preliminary report on several
recommendations discussed including culture, history, education and economic
cooperation.

Dino said one of the proposals made was for a discussion on
Indonesia-Malaysia history as young people were not aware of the long history of
both countries.

Problems deriving from the Indonesian workforce would also be discussed by
the two EPGs as Malaysia is the largest recipient of Indonesian labour.

"Both countries will have to implement a mechanism that will effectively
address the problems brought about by the Indonesian workforce," he added.

The Indonesian EPG comprised Jen (B) Try Sutrisno, Quraish Shihab, Musni
Umar and Des Alwi Abubakar.

Also present at the meeting with Susilo were Indonesian Foreign Minister
Hassan Wirajuda, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi and Minister cum State
Secretary Hatta Rajasa.
BERNAMA