An ambitious plan to set up an Indian Ocean tsunami warning system is expected to dominate the tsunami meet.
The upcoming gathering will see leaders from stricken nations and world donors seeking to prevent a repeat of last week's carnage.
Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizum, US Secretary of State Colin Powell, UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and top European Union officials will attend the summit on Thursday. Japan's $500 million pledge makes it the biggest contributor so far.
Florida Gov Jeb Bush, the US president's brother, and World Bank President James Wolfensohn will be there as well. The summit in Jakarta is being organised by the 10-country Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
Rebuilding communities
Governments and global organisations have already pledged $2 billion in tsunami disaster relief, according to the United Nations.
With aid and relief workers already pouring into devastated nations, Thursday's focus will be on rebuilding communities.
Thailand is pushing hard for the system, which it believes will offer peace of mind to the millions of foreign tourists its economy depends on. It will also and guarantee thousands of tourism jobs in the region, much of which was left in ruins by the Dec 26 disaster.
Thai Foreign Minister Surakiart Sathirathai suggested yesterday that a part of the money pledged to the relief effort from around the world should go to setting up a warning system. (AP)
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