Kompas has described our role in visiting Washington to look for a formula for flexibility as showing the real meaning of being a friend and neighbour. Indeed Canberra has so far remained neutral and understands our social, political and economic sensitities. So you can certainly see that our actions in persuading international financial institutions of the complexities of the situation and of the need for urgent action in addressing the crisis's impact on the Indonesian people has been widely hailed in Indonesia. I think Australia stands taller in the region's eyes and, indeed, in international financial circles as a result of our bringing our in-depth knowledge and understanding to bear in relation to the discussions which have taken place in Washington and around the world. There is no more important way of helping people than to enable them to help themselves.
Education does just that.
Australia is seeking to help Indonesia in particular get through these difficult times through the range of measures I have outlined for you today. We have demonstrated that Australia's friendship with our nearest Asian neighbour is not simply for the good times. We've been there for Indonesia in hard times before and we will do so again if need be. We have been an advocate of finding a balance between necessary economic rigour and flexibity in dealing with one of the world's largest and most complex societies. If the right balance is found we believe that Indonesia will regain the market's confidence and so be able to trade its way out of difficulties.