Forbes report on Bakrie`s affluence should be respected, VP says

Speaking to the press after performing Friday prayers here on Friday, Kalla said, "I don`t want to promote a dichotomy between native and non-native Indonesians, but it is for the first time in history that an indigenous Indonesian, Aburizal Bakrie, has been assessed as being the richest person in the country."

Forbes magazine said on Thursday that Aburizal Bakrie and his family saw their net worth increase to US$5.4 billion this year, up from US$1.2 billion in 2006 when they were sixth on the list.

The magazine reported that Indonesia is now home to 11 billionaires, up from seven last year.

Overall, Forbes reported that the 40 wealthiest Indonesians added US$18 billion to their combined wealth this year, bringing it up to US$40 billion.

The vice president said the fact that the magazine had reported the existence of many rich people in Indonesia was an indication that the country`s economy was growing at a faster rate.