The Indonesian government is planning to put $22bn (£11.8bn) of infrastructure projects out to tender. The government is interested in using a PPP approach, which would favour British firms familiar with it.

Most of the schemes were planned before last month’s tsunami and are long-term projects rather than reconstruction. The plans were outlined at an infrastructure summit hosted last week by the Indonesian president.

Graham Hand, chief executive of the British Consultants and Construction Bureau, who attended the meeting, said: “There is a strong British interest in the proposals, as we are recognised as world experts in making PPP work.

“We predict it will take a lot of time and effort to get the proposals off the ground, but the prospects are there. Companies such as Amec, which is well-established in the region, should be well-placed to take advantage.”