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.