Indonesia’s president is urging Australia’s entrepreneurs to invest in their Asian neighbour, saying there’s huge potential to boost business links.

The leader of the world’s third most populous democracy says there are opportunities for Australian business in Indonesian agriculture, energy and infrastructure.

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono leaves Australia on Thursday after a three-day visit, which included an historic address to the Australian parliament on Wednesday.

At his final official function, he addressed a hand-picked gathering of corporate heavyweights and dignitaries in Sydney, including Trade Minister Simon Crean, former prime minister Paul Keating and former NSW premier Bob Carr.

He reassured business leaders his country was in good economic health with a stable democracy.

“I urge you to engage us in this great venture of nation building,” Dr Yudhoyono said.

He said Indonesia was earning the trust of investors and it was making its business climate “irresistible”, with initiatives such as cutting red tape.

“Our economy is not only in good health, it is also in a good position to help restore the health of the global financial system.

“This shows that we have achieved fiscal and monetary stability.

“This stability is all the more reason that Australia and Indonesia can work very well together.

“I see no reason why in the years ahead that partnership will not grow even stronger as both countries reap their rewards.”

He also reinforced his hope both countries would negotiate a free trade agreement in the near future.

The president said Indonesia welcomed Australia’s experience and skills in the agricultural and food security sectors and invited Australia to be part of the development of the country’s energy sector (The Sydney Morning Herald)

“We are also developing surface industries as in health, education, banking and others,” Dr Yudhoyono said.

However, he expressed disappointment Canberra had maintained a strong security warning for Australian travellers to Indonesia.

“In regard to our tourism relations, we only know that Indonesia is now one of the top 10 tourist destinations for Australia in spite of your government’s advice against travelling to Indonesia,” he said.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd on Wednesday said the warning would remain, insisting it was not a decision for political leaders to make.

Source: Australian Associated Press- 11 March 2010