Jakarta – Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri is scheduled today to re-launch a number of development projects, worth billions of US dollars, which were shelved in the wake of the 1997 economic crisis.

The various projects include a power generation venture in Central Java, the construction of a number of toll roads in East Java and a flood control project in Jakarta.

The re-launching ceremony will be held at the site of the Tanjung Jati B power plant project in Jepara, Central Java, one of the projects to be revived by the President.

The 1,329 Megawatt power plant, which was half-finished prior to the crisis, changed hands several times until Japanese construction firm Sumitomo agreed to continue the project in a joint venture, PT Central Java Power, with Indonesian state electricity company PT PLN.

Japan Bank for International Cooperation has agreed to provide US$1.65 billion in loans for the development of the project.

During the ceremony, Megawati will also relaunch the development of three toll roads in East Java worth 4.92 trillion rupiah. The development of toll roads will improve traffic flow in Surabaya and its surrounding areas.

Another giant project to be re-launched by the President is the East Canal flood-control project in Jakarta.

The three projects are expected to be completed in 2005, 2006 and 2007 respectively.

Meanwhile, a senior government official said the Indonesian government will intensify bilateral talks with Japan, the United States, China, India and Australia this year to seek the possibility of entering into free trade agreements (FTAs) with these countries.

Mr Tri Marjoko, director for bilateral cooperation at the Ministry of Industry and Trade said that such a move was also aimed at preventing buyers from these five countries from shifting their orders from Indonesia.