Indonesia's stance on Iraq

Indonesia's stance on Iraq

From Koran Tempo

America and its allies have been invading Iraq for almost two weeks but there have been no signs that the war will soon end. It is undeniable that the Iraqi crisis will affect our domestic security and political atmosphere.

At home some have been thinking of boycotting American products, questioning the Indonesia-America relationship and sweeping foreigners, particularly American, British and Australian citizens.

Such social upheavals will, to a certain extent, have effects on our economic recovery: Investors will be reluctant to invest in Indonesia owing to security fears.

People consider sweeping foreigners unacceptable, but sentiment against Americans is running high across the country.

The government's statement conveyed by the Indonesian representative to the United Nations, Slamet Hidayat, is considered right. In the statement, Indonesia appealed to UN members to unite and send a global message to end the war and to call for the Security Council to remain committed to the UN mandate in maintaining international peace and security.

DONY CHANDRA, Bogor, West Java