DPD wants to consult with SBY on Obama's agenda

The House of Regional Representatives (DPD) says that the delay of the official visit of United States President Barack Obama could give the DPD more time to give important inputs to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono about the regional government's interest.
 
"The delay is a good thing, so that we can give strategic inputs to our President about the regional government's interests on the United States President's agenda," DPD Deputy Chairman Laode Ida told reporters in Jakarta on Friday.
 
Laode said that the DPD's main interest with Obama was to give inputs should the United States wished to discuss about the issues regarding regional natural resources.
 
"For example, there are some contractual issues, such as the one on Freeport, that need to be discussed," he said.
 
"The profit sharing for Indonesia and the regional government is small compared to the natural damage that we have to endure," he added.
 
Laode also urged Yudhoyono to quickly consult with the DPD amidst the delay.