Gov't to send ministers to U.S. for trade talks

Government said on Wednesday it would send a team of senior ministers to the United States next month for trade and energy talks in a bid to drum up investment for the nation's struggling economy, Reuters reported.

Cash-strapped Indonesia is desperate to attract funds after four years of crisis, but has had troubled relations with many companies because of concerns over regional autonomy, legal uncertainty and sporadic violence.

"We appreciate the U.S. as the number one investor in our energy sector and is an important trade partner," Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda told reporters.

He was speaking after a meeting between U.S. ambassador Ralph Boyce, President Megawati Sukarnoputri and several cabinet ministers.

Wirajuda said the delegation would include Chief Economics Minister Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Trade and Industry Minister Rini Suwandi and Mines and Energy Minister Purnomo Yusgiantoro.

Many U.S. companies are operating in Indonesia's energy sector including Conoco Phillips, Unocal Corp and Exxon Mobil.(*)