Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono appreciates US President Barack Obama's reasons for canceling his visit to his country.

A spokesperson said the Indonesian president had realised that next week's visit might be postponed so that President Obama could personally see his health care reforms through the House of Representatives.

The trip has now been rescheduled for June, as President Obama will be traveling to Australia and Guam.

President Yudhoyono also announced a visit by the Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao in April, feeding speculation of rivalry between Washington and Beijing for Indonesia's favour.

The US House of Representatives will vote on the health reform programme on Sunday at the earliest. The programme will mean health insurance for 32 million up to now uninsured Americans. Some Democrats feel the plan goes too far. President Obama has decided to stay in the US to persuade them otherwise.