Indonesian president welcomes Obama

ANTARA News,  Jakarta, Wed, 11/05/2008

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono welcomed Barack Obama's election to the US presidency Wednesday, saying he hoped the change in leadership would help solve the global economic crisis.

"I want to congratulate Senator Obama for his success in being elected as US president. I also want to congratulate US citizens," he was quoted by AFP as saying in a speech broadcast on national radio.

"Indonesia hopes that the US will continue to play a role in bringing peace and security in the world and a fair global economy.

"In particular, Indonesia hopes the US can take concrete measures to settle the global economic crisis and the financial crisis in the United States."

Indonesia's share market and rupiah currency have been hard hit by the US-led turmoil in the world economy, which has forced foreign institutions to
pull out of emerging markets.