Military

DATE=10/17/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BALI ATTACKS / SINGAPORE (L-O)

NUMBER=2-295346

BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB

DATELINE=SINGAPORE

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

///// EMERGENCY MEASURES EXPECTED FRIDAY. /////

INTRO: Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri is ready to invoke emergency measures to make it easier to arrest those suspected in terrorism attacks. Southeast Asia Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Singapore that authorities in neighboring countries approve of the measures.

TEXT: Senior government officials in Singapore are welcoming Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri's pledge to bring those responsible for the Bali attacks to justice. More than 180 people died in the bombings there Saturday.

Defense Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan told V-O-A that the bombing was a rude shock. But, he says it shows that vigorous, coordinated action is needed to fight terrorism.

/// TAN ACT ///

Now that this attack has happened in Indonesia, I am heartened that President Megawati has made a strong statement condemning terrorism and saying that her government is now determined to do whatever is necessary to eliminate terrorists.

/// END ACT ///

The deputy prime minister says the Indonesian government has no choice because the attacks will drive away tourists and foreign investors. He says that could devastate the Indonesian economy.

Officials and security experts in the region say there are indications Jemaah Islamiah staged the attacks. They describe the group as the Southeast Asian wing of the al-Qaida terrorist network.

Singapore and Malaysia this year have arrested scores of people linked to Jemaah Islamiah. Singapore's Interior Minister (for Home Affairs) Wong Kan Seng says the group's leader is a religious teacher living in central Indonesia named Abu Bakar Bashir.

/// WONG ACT ///

In the case of Abu Bakar Bashir, his name surfaced from the investigation of the group detained by Singapore. They have called him the emir, which is the chief of their group. From the information given it is clear that he is their leader and such information has been shared with the Indonesian authorities.

/// END ACT ///

Singapore and Malaysia want Mr. Bashir arrested, but the Indonesian authorities say they need evidence against him. Mr. Bashir denies the accusations.

/// REST OPT ///

The Interior minister says it was unfortunate that some politicians in Indonesia denied there were terrorist groups in the country, but he says that perception has changed.

/// 2nd WONG ACT ///

Unfortunately the Bali incident has served as a wake-up call and I am pleased to read in our papers that the president is considering taking tougher measures to deal with the problem.

/// END ACT ///

Indonesian officials say a large number of Jemaah Islamiah members are still at large and fear they may be plotting new attacks. They say they are ready to help bring them to justice. (SIGNED)

NEB/HK/SB/KPD/RAE