Australian Ambassador Bill Farmer promised in a speech on Wednesday that within the next four years Australia would build 1,500 junior high schools, rebuild 2,000 kilometers of road and 4 kilometers of bridges, and assist the Indonesian economics and other ministries in ensuring effective implementation of their policies.

He said that all of these efforts would form part of the program of the Australia-Indonesia Partnership for Reconstruction and Development (AIPRD), which was established by the Australian and Indonesian governments last year.

The objective of the AIPRD is to support Indonesia's reconstruction and development efforts, both in and beyond areas affected by the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami of Dec. 26, 2004.

Farmer delivered his speech during a luncheon meeting at the Intercontinental MidPlaza Hotel organized by the Indonesian Australian Business Council (IABC), which serves to bring Australian and Indonesian business executives together.

"We have agreed with Indonesia to place Australian experts inside key economics ministries to assist in developing capacities and systems so as to improve processes and efficiency", Farmer said.

The new ambassador noted that Australia would add $1 billion to its assistance to Indonesia over the next five years for reconstruction and development, bringing its total financial support to almost A$2 billion.

"These all fit in with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's emphasis on education, economic development, infrastructure and more effective tax and management systems," Farmer stressed.

He said that neighboring countries, such as Indonesia and Australia, should maintain good relations in order to promote development and handle disputes effectively.

Farmer noted that goodwill, which was important in both political and business relationships, would allow Australia and Indonesia deal with occasional differences in a constructive way.

Those attending the meeting included Mexican Ambassador to Indonesia Pedro Gonzalez-Rubio S. and business executives from Australia and Indonesia.

The picture shows the Australian ambassador (left) talking to the IABC's vice chairman.