Indonesia asks for patience in dealing with terrorism

Indonesia asks for patience in dealing with terrorism

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda, admitting that
Indonesia has several flaws when it comes to dealing with
terrorism issues, called on the international community not to
doubt the political will of the Jakarta government to fight
against terrorism.

He told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that terrorism is a real
threat to Indonesia and had become a major problem in the last
couple of years, especially with the presence of separatist
groups and radical movements in the sprawling archipelago.

"However, we have limitations in legal infrastructure as we do
not have an internal security act or laws on subversion. We also
have problems in upholding human rights," Hassan said in a
telephone interview.

"So it is very important for the international community to
view the issue from the context that Indonesia is currently in a
transitional period," he said.

He made his remarks when asked about his impression of U.S
President George W. Bush's State of the Union Address. In the
speech before Congress, Bush said there were some governments
that seemed timid in supporting the war against terrorism.

Although Bush did not name particular governments, Indonesia
has been considered by Washington as a country that could be a
potential safe haven for terrorists.

"But, we have to see that he (Bush) did not specify a certain
country, so it does not have to be interpreted as Indonesia. I
just wanted to underline that Indonesia has every reason to fight
terrorism," Hassan emphasized.

"We are aware of the many negative reports on Indonesia,
especially after the arrests of some terrorists in Singapore and
Malaysia, but I do believe that the U.S. government always gives
a positive reaction to Indonesia on this issue," he said.