Indonesia Wants U.N. to Lead Fight Against Terrorism
JAKARTA, Oct 19 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda on Friday insisted that Indonesia had not swayed from its original position in the international fight against terrorism. Despite his comments, thousands demonstrated against the U.S. strikes on Afghanistan.
The Indonesian government's dilemma was made clear Friday with the biggest protest yet in Jakarta. Men and women from different classes demonstrated after Friday prayers, indicating there would be no end to anti-U.S. protests in the country.
The protests went ahead regardless of warnings given by Vice President Hamzah Haz, leader of a Muslim-based party in the country. Haz said Muslims should not engage themselves in anti-U.S. protests.
His critics say his recent comments made them fear that Haz is falling prey to possible "pro-U.S. sponsors" in the country.
From Shanghai, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, Wirajuda said Indonesia wanted to see the United Nations take the lead role and initiate a collective response to the international effort.
The Indonesian government has said it was following with deep concern the U.S.-led air strikes against Afghanistan.
President Megawati Sukarnoputri asserted Sunday that no country has the right to attack another under the guise of trying to capture terrorists. She decided to step-up criticism against the U.S., but cut short of accusing the U.S. of committing crimes in Afghanistan.
Haz commented that Megawati's Sunday speech was the best the Indonesian leadership could offer in criticism against the U.S.-led attacks on Afghanistan. "I urge Muslims to stop the demos and justice follow its course," Haz said.
Critics said what course should the people of Indonesia expect since the U.S. is acting as a "bully", with a "cowboy" style.
The demonstration in Jakarta Friday was impressive due to the amount of women that turned out to support religious groups in their anti-U.S. campaign.
They chanted "Allah O' Akhbar" and said the U.S. was a terrorist nation. The demonstration was organized by the Justice Party of Indonesia (Keadilan), headed by Didin Hafiduddin.
The demonstration was held near the U.S. embassy in Jakarta, the scene of the worst police violence against journalists and demonstrators last Monday. The police used tear gas and water canons in an attempt to break a demonstration held on a public holiday.
Journalists said tens of thousands of people attended the demonstration.
Demonstration leaders also asked the people to boycott U.S. products and other U.S.-based businesses in the country. They also called on the government to cut-off relationships with the U.S.
However, experts in diplomacy in Jakarta said any official boycott would be fatal for Indonesia. They were joined by Information and Communications minister Syamsul Muarif, who on Thursday said Indonesia would suffer the most if relations with the U.S. were severed and if the country was to boycott U.S. products.
He added that Indonesia must follow U.N. resolutions that force member countries to tighten the grip on terrorists activities in their respective countries, if any.
Indonesia is the largest Muslim country, with Muslims forming 90% of its population.
