PM continues Asia tour in Indonesia

David Cameron has arrived in Indonesia for the latest leg of hisSouth East Asia trade mission.

After trying to drum up business in Japan on Tuesday, the Prime Minister is now targeting the rapidly growing economy of the world's most populous Muslim country.

In an interview with Kompas newspaper, Mr Cameron praised Indonesia as an "inspiring democracy" and said he wanted to double trade by 2015.

"There is no doubt that South East Asia is growing in importance to Britain," he said. "Of course, we already have strong ties, with Britain the second largest foreign investor in Indonesia and the home to the greater part of Asian investment in Europe.  And we want to develop that economic relationship further.

David Cameron lays a wreath at the Kalibata National Heroes Cemetery in Jakarta on his arrival in Indonesia

"But this region is growing in political importance too. Indonesia is the leading example, taking its place in the premier league of world powers ... And in its successful transition to democracy, Indonesia represents a powerful example for the world of how political progress can fuel economic success."

Mr Cameron stressed that the UK was expanding its presence on the ground, with new Embassy building due to open next year.

Indonesia was crucial in dealing with regional issues such as Iran's nuclear ambitions and the threat from North Korea. "But Indonesia's pivotal role goes well beyond just these hard security issues. Just as important is President (Susilo Bambang) Yudhoyono's consistent and strong voice on the need for trade liberalisation, to support reform in Burma, and to achieve credible action to tackle climate change and deforestation," he added.

Mr Cameron will be seen in some quarters as courting controversy by taking representatives from defence firms to the country, after the previous regime used British Hawk aircraft to crush rebels in Aceh a decade ago.

However, Mr Cameron said there was no problem with providing democratic states with the means to protect themselves. "We have to be honest and straightforward about the problems in the past," he said.

"But both Britain and Indonesia have made significant changes since then. Indonesia has transformed itself in the past decade into one of the world's most important democracies, with a free media and elections. The military no longer plays a role in politics, but fulfils its proper role defending the country from external attack."

©Press Association