Indonesia President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono emphasized the importance of US leadership on climate change during a meeting with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in Jakarta on Thursday. Clinton was visiting to strengthen US relations with Southeast Asia and the Muslim world before traveling to South Korea to address the North's military threat. The two leaders discussed economic cooperation, Palestine, and efforts to reach a new global agreement on climate change. Yudhoyono stressed that achieving a global consensus on climate change would require US leadership. During a TV interview on a local youth music show, Clinton confirmed her attendance at a conference in Cairo on March 2 to discuss rebuilding Gaza. She mentioned that President Obama and herself have been working to re-engage the United States in helping the Middle East. The damage in Gaza after Israel's offensive is estimated to be nearly $2 billion. Clinton's visit to Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, reflects President Obama's efforts to improve U.S. relations with the Muslim world, especially in light of the unpopularity of some of former President George W. Bush's policies in the region. While most Indonesians practice a moderate form of Islam, there are also radical elements who have protested against Clinton's visit. Indonesia is home to the headquarters of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and boasts the largest economy in Southeast Asia. Discussions during Clinton's visit have also touched upon the financial crisis, with Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda mentioning talks about potential U.S. assistance through a currency swap agreement and contingency funding to support the region's leading economy. Indonesia is already looking to expand existing currency swap arrangements with Japan, China, and South Korea. President Yudhoyono, who is running for reelection, is eager to highlight Indonesia's stability following its transition from autocracy under former President Suharto to a thriving democracy. Clinton, like previous officials from the Bush Administration, has pointed to Indonesia as an example of how modernity and Islam can coexist, especially since it is where Obama spent part of his childhood. Clinton received applause during her appearance on the "Dahsyat" music show when she mentioned her appreciation for classical music as well as her love for the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Prior to traveling to South Korea, she was scheduled to visit a USAID sanitation project in Jakarta. North Korea has been threatening to attack South Korea, with recent statements indicating their readiness for war. It is believed that Pyongyang is preparing to launch its longest-range missile in an attempt to gain the attention of the new US administration and pressure Seoul to be more lenient. Clinton has expressed that such a missile launch would not be beneficial for improving relations. Following her visit to South Korea, Clinton will travel to China, which will be the final destination on her Asian tour that also encompassed Japan. This trip marks her first international visit since assuming her position in office.