Megawati asked to detail results of her U.S. trip

Megawati asked to detail results of her U.S. trip

Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Leaders of several Muslim political parties demanded on
Tuesday that President Megawati Soekarnoputri explain to the
House of Representatives (DPR) how Indonesia benefited from her
U.S. trip and what it has offered in return.

They insisted that this was important to avoid any
misperception that she had offered too much amid rising anti-U.S.
sentiment in the country.

"It needs explanation, because it seems that Megawati has not
protected the Muslims' interest," Nadir Muhammad of the United
Development Party (PPP) said on Tuesday after a hearing with
State Secretary Bambang Kesowo.

Nadir hailed Megawati's decision to extend sympathy to the
people and the government of the U.S., but he urged the President
to disclose to the public if there were talks about the U.S. plan
to attack Afghanistan. "If the talks were held, they have to be
explained to public," he told The Jakarta Post.

Samuel Koto of the Reform faction also said the President
should invite Muslim leaders to discuss her stance on and
relations with the U.S. government in the fields of politics,
economy and culture.

"That will have consequences for every (future) government in
its execution of foreign policy," Samuel told the Post.

He added Megawati should seriously consider the wishes of the
Islamic groups in order to avoid any crucial problems that may
occur should she ignore the Muslims, who account for more than 85
percent of the country's population.

Yasril Ananta Baharuddin of Golkar, who accompanied the
President on her visit to the U.S., said the government's stance
on this issue was clear. "We fully support the efforts to fight
terrorism. We need to cooperate with all countries because
terrorism can take place anywhere," he said.

The government, however, was not in a position to offer
support to the possible U.S. campaign against Afghanistan, which
is believed by Washington to be harboring alleged terrorist
attack mastermind Osama bin Laden. "Our stance is definitely
clear. We would strongly oppose any U.S. attack," he added.

He also made it clear that there was no pressure put on the
Indonesian government to support a U.S. military strike from the
U.S. government during the bilateral talks. (08)