House calls for revenge against U.S. policy

House calls for revenge against U.S. policy

Nana Rukmana, The Jakarta Post, Cirebon, West Java

The House of Representatives urged the Indonesian government
on Sunday to retaliate against the United States' new immigration
policy which is perceived as discriminatory against Indonesian
nationals.

House deputy speaker Muhaimin Iskandar said the government's
response to the U.S. government controversial policy was too
soft.

"The Indonesian government should take firm action and revenge
against the U.S. government policy," Muhaimin said on the
sidelines of a ceremony to mark the third anniversary of his
National Awakening Party (PKB) in Weru subdistrict, Cirebon
regency, West Java.

He said the U.S. had blown things out of proportion and had
violated human rights, therefore it must be given a lesson.

As part of the protest, Muhaimin suggested that Jakarta could
restrict privileges enjoyed by the U.S. citizens staying in
Indonesia.

But Muhaimin did not give details of what restrictions he
would propose.

The U.S. government included Indonesia on Friday on the list
of countries whose male citizens over 16 years old living in the
U.S. would have to report to the Immigration and Naturalization
Service (INS) and notify the office of their presence
periodically. The policy was issued as part of the country's
fight against terrorism.

The regulation does not apply to Indonesian women, males under
16 years old, and green card holders or those with permanent
residence status or a diplomatic passport.

Besides Indonesia, the U.S. government also requires nationals
of over 20 countries, most of them are Muslim countries except
North Korea to register with the U.S. immigration office.