Despite a planned cut in the overall amount of official development assistance dished out to Indonesia in fiscal 2002, Japan will attach "due consideration" to Indonesia's needs, Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa told visiting Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri on Thursday.
"Despite Japan's severe fiscal situation, we are aware of the need to ensure aid to ASEAN countries," Shiokawa was quoted as saying during his meeting with Megawati. Indonesia is a member of the Association of Southeast Asia Nations.
"As to Indonesia, which has just started with a new government, Japan wants to fully consult with the country over the matter."