Critics say foreign policy overlooks Muslim interests

JAKARTA (JP): Objections heightened on Friday against the foreign policy of President Abdurrahman Wahid's government, with critics accusing it of ignoring Muslim interests by making overtures toward Israel.

The Indonesian Committee for World Muslim Solidarity (KISDI) said in a statement it was obligated by devotional duty to warn Abdurrahman and foreign minister Alwi Shihab to execute decisions based on conscience instead of basing them on arbitrary and arrogant thinking.

In the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar, formerly Ujungpandang, international economic observer Taslim Arifin derided Abdurrahman's foreign policy as a carbon copy of that of founding president Sukarno. The scholar from Hasannudin University said the government was focused on boosting its international image instead of deciding on immediate action to cope with internal conflicts.

In its statement signed by chairman Ahmad Sumargono, KISDI accused Abdurrahman and Alwi of insulting Indonesians by attempting to ease the country's steadfast political stance barring ties with Israel.

"Once again we appeal to the two state officials to cancel their plan and avoid making further steps (in dealing with Israel). Their attempt will plunge this nation into the Zionist embrace and disintegration," he said in a statement released to The Jakarta Post.

KISDI held a rally on Friday at Al Azhar Grand Mosque in South Jakarta to protest the government's proposal to open trade ties with Israel. Indonesia has never recognized the existence of the Jewish state.

Sumargono warned that ties in any form with Israel would result in disintegration and internal conflicts of Muslims in the country.

In Yogyakarta, about 300 students grouped in the Indonesian Muslim Student Action Front (KAMMI) also staged a peaceful protest on the campus of Gadjah Mada University.

They unfurled posters which read: "Don't make friends with Israel", "Don't compromise with cheaters", "Don't betray Palestinians" and "Gus Dur & Alwi, respect your brothers".

Minister of Religious Affairs Tolchah Hasan, who was in Yogyakarta for an official visit, backed President Abdurrahman's decision to establish trade ties with Israel.

"Even Arab countries have opened ties with Israel. Why should we reject it?"

Taslim criticized Abdurrahman's decision to visit the United States instead of Aceh despite the appeals of many worried by the clamor for independence in the province.

"The President did not need to make a trip abroad so soon because there are many problems at home which need solving. He has chosen the mercu suar (lighthouse) policy," Taslim said, referring to Sukarno's image-building policy.

Abdurrahman was scheduled to meet with U.S. President Bill Clinton in Washington, D.C. on Friday before undergoing medical treatment in Utah for his impaired vision.

"The Acehnese are waiting for Abdurrahman's decision and political stance toward their demands, but sadly he insists on meeting with Bill Clinton instead," Taslim said.

He said the policy could endanger national unity because some would accuse the government of paying more attention to building its image in the international community while overlooking internal matters.

"Frankly, I disagree with the government's policy. It seems that Abdurrahman has left his people's concerns behind."

Taslim predicted that Abdurrahman would face questions of his legitimacy as a leader because he was not elected directly from results of the June general election. (emf/27/23/44/edt)