Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has told Kevin Rudd that Indonesia is unlikely to support his push for a new Asia-Pacific community as Jakarta sees the existing ASEAN bloc as its priority.
The Prime Minister discussed the community plan when he telephoned Dr Yudhoyono in Jakarta on Sunday night.
Dr Yudhoyono told Mr Rudd the community was an "intriguing idea to explore" but said Jakarta's foreign policy priority lay instead in strengthening the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Dr Yudhoyono arrived in Canberra yesterday at the start of a three-day official visit and will today become the first Indonesian leader to address a joint session of parliament.
Dr Yudhoyono's visit is expected to include official discussions on improved co-operation between Canberra and Jakarta in tackling people-smuggling. Dr Yudhoyono is expected to give an undertaking to criminalise the trade but he will also raise concerns about the fate of dozens of Indonesian crewmen arrested by Border Protection Command for their alleged involvement in the illicit trade.
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