Military

DATE=10/08/01

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=INDONESIA / REACT (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-281509

BYLINE=PATRICIA NUNAN

DATELINE=JAKARTA

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: The Indonesian government says it is concerned by the U-S-led air strikes in Afghanistan and has called on the United States to limit its operation. Meanwhile, as Patricia Nunan reports from Jakarta, a mainstream Islamic organization is calling on the government to suspend diplomatic ties with Washington.

TEXT: Indonesia's foreign minister says he understands that Washington is not targeting Muslim people through its military action in

Afghanistan. But Hasan Wirajuda is still calling on Washington to exercise restraint.

/// WIRAJUDA ACT ///

The government of Indonesia urges that the operations which have taken place shall be truly limited in terms of force deployment, its targets and duration and therefore, reducing or minimizing casualties of innocent people.

/// END ACT ///

The statement marks a shift in tone from remarks made by Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri. On a visit to Washington last month, Ms. Megawati "pledged solidarity" with President Bush's "war on terror."

Senior Security Minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono says Indonesia is not backsliding on its commitment to Washington and still intends to

cooperate. But he says the government does have other things to worry about.

/// YUDOYHONO ACT ///

Our spirit and our determination in being part of the international community and fighting terrorism must be well synchronized with the domestic realities, taking into account the feelings and aspirations of the Indonesian people.

/// END ACT ///

Sensitivities are high in Indonesia - the world's most populous Muslim nation. Analysts say President Megawati has to walk a fine line between maintaining both her commitment to Washington and support from local Islamic groups.

The influential Indonesian Council of Ulamas, which groups several mainstream Islamic organizations, has called on the government to suspend ties with Washington until all military action in Afghanistan stops.

Din Syamsuddin is with the Council of Ulamas.

/// ACT SYAMSUDDIN ///

We also insist to the government of the Republic of Indonesia to temporarily disband suspend the diplomatic relationship with the United

States and its allies until they stop war and tyranny toward the Afghan people.

/// END ACT ///

Security remains high in Jakarta with the U-S Embassy urging all Americans to stay home because of fears of violent protests. One small radical

group threatened to "lay siege" to the diplomatic mission.

A two-meter high wall of razor wire now runs along the front of the U-S embassy, and police and water cannon have also been deployed.

The Indonesian government says it will not tolerate attacks on U-S citizens or other foreign nationals. So far, no violent protests have taken place. (signed)

NEB/HK/PN/JO