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.