Obama arrives in Indonesia

U.S. President Barack Obama, left, is welcomed by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, right, upon arrival at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia on Tuesday November 9, 2010. (AP Photo/Adi Weda, Pool)

U.S. President Barack Obama arrived in Jakarta on Tuesday afternoon for a 24-hour visit to a country where he spent part of his childhood.

Amid extra-tight security, Mr Obama's plane touched down at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force base in eastern Jakarta, and the U.S. President was welcomed by Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa. Accompanied by first lady Michelle Obama, the entourage immediately drove in a motorcade to the Presidential Palace in the centre of the Indonesian capital.

Mr Obama is scheduled to hold talks with his Indonesian counterpart, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Mr Obama has twice cancelled trips to Indonesia this year because of domestic preoccupations, and many Indonesians were wondering whether he would make it this time.

Natalegawa said Obama's visit would mark the launch of a comprehensive partnership between Indonesia and the U.S.

"As you know, the United States has a desire to deepen and expand cooperation with Indonesia as an equal partner, cooperation which is forward-looking in nature," Natalegawa said.