Howard: Aid key to long-term plan
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SYDNEY, Australia (CNN) -- Australian relief efforts in tsunami-hit Indonesia could underpin improved relations between the two nations, regional analysts say.
The Australian government will give $1 billion ($764 million) over five years to help rebuilding in Indonesia in what Australian Prime Minister John Howard describes as "bilateral partnership".
Howard, told CNN on Monday Australia would help its "regional mate" as part of a plan to deal with the "longer term challenges" caused by the disaster.
Howard and Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will chair a group to co-ordinate aid efforts in the hardest-hit region of the republic.
"We are not playing down the efforts needed in Sri Lanka or Thailand... but we saw a particular need in Indonesia," Howard said.
The relief package is expected to improve relations between the two nations which have been volatile in the past, particularly following the 1999 Australian-led intervention in the then-Indonesian province of East Timor.
Malcolm Cook, Policy Director, Asia Pacific, for the Lowy Institute of International Policy, said Australia's relationship with Indonesia was the "most sensitive" of its bilateral relationships but also the most significant in the region.
Cook told CNN Monday that the aid deal had great potential to improve dealings between the two nations.
But he also said the partnership could cause strains as well if disputes arose over how the aid and development programs were implemented.
However, Howard stressed that the prime aim at present was to help.
"Our purpose is humanitarian. Our relationship has had its difficulties ... I believe this response to this tragedy as a genuine desire to help as we are in a position to help," he said.
Howard addressed Australians in a nationally broadcast telecast on Sunday night saying the Australian aid effort would be on going.
"The recovery challenge facing this developing country is immense... (the aid effort) requires a long-term commitment of resources."
Howard said Australian assistance would remain in Indonesia as long as needed.
Australians were the first foreigners to arrive in Indonesia after the disaster and are now playing a leading role in the aid operations.
Howard has rejected claims that Australia's aid efforts are being driven by as political motive.
"We are there as a friend and not to take sides in internal problems," Howard told CNN.
"We are not engaged in a military operation in Indonesia. Our military are there in a humanitarian role ... I am very proud (of the military's effectiveness)."
In his national address the Australian leader praised the public's generosity with private donations now exceeding $75 million.
"The spontaneous outpouring of generosity from individual Australians in the last two weeks should be a source of pride in all of us," he said.
