Critics say foreign policy overlooks Muslim interests

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)