Homeland Security

DATE=10/22/03

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH / BALI HOLDING - S-ONLY

NUMBER=2-308915

BYLINE=TIM JOHNSTON

DATELINE=BALI

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush has arrived on Bali amid unprecedented security to show support for Indonesia's anti-terrorism efforts. He will meet with Muslim and government leaders during his very brief time on the ground. Tim Johnston reports from Bali.

TEXT: President Bush is making a symbolic three-and-a-half hour visit to Bali - a year after it suffered Asia's worst terrorist attack.

Jemaah Islamiyah - the Southeast Asian arm of al-Qaida - has been blamed for the bombing which killed 202 people - mostly Western tourists.

Most of the Bali bombers have been convicted. But senior Indonesian officials have warned that J-I and other militants still pose a serious terrorist threat.

Strict security is in place around the airport and nearby hotel where Mr. Bush meets Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri. U-S officials say the president will likely offer nearly 50 million dollars in aid for enhancing security and for next year's elections to bolster Indonesia's young democracy.

Mr. Bush will also meet the leaders of the country's two most influential and moderate Islamic groups, which between them have more than 70 million members. (signed)

NEB/HK/TJ/JO