Megawati promises to review stance

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Kornelius Purba, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri broke her silence on Friday over the U.S. attacks on military targets in Afghanistan and promised that the government would review its "soft" stance on the attacks.

Speaking in a joint press conference with House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung, Megawati promised to take into account the demands of House leaders that Indonesia should take a more resolute stance against the attacks.

"The government will take note of developments and at the appropriate time will issue a new statement," the President said after a two-and-a-half hour meeting with House leaders at the State Palace.

Megawati, nevertheless, claimed that the government had the backing of the House in its resolution to combat international terrorism.

"The DPR totally supports our stance that terrorism must be eradicated. The actions of the government have received the full support of the DPR. We must encourage international cooperation in facing this (terrorism),"

"On the problems that have emerged after the tragedy in the U.S. and the ongoing military campaign in Afghanistan, we have had good and intensive discussions. The House has urged that the government should actively monitor the rapid developments," said Megawati.

This was for the first statement from Megawati since the U.S. attacked military targets in Afghanistan on Sunday night. She has been criticized for remaining silent while daily protests have erupted in several Indonesian cities and radical groups have made threats against Americans, Britons and Japanese here.

When asked why she did not hold a dialog with Muslim leaders, Megawati replied: "We have done that. Before issuing the statement we also sought their views."

While Megawati was addressing the media, Akbar was busy reading his own notes.

"The government's position seems unclear," Akbar said in his statement.

"The government should ask the U.S. to stop its attacks. If the U.S. genuinely wants to eradicate terrorists it should find their hiding places. These attacks on cities and towns are causing many civilian casualties," said Akbar, who is also chairman of the Golkar Party.

Despite his strong remarks, the speaker also praised the President's explanation. "We are quite satisfied because the government comprehends the will of the House".

During the meeting, Akbar was accompanied by four deputies, representatives of all House factions and leaders of six House commissions.

The President, meanwhile, was accompanied by Vice President Hamzah Haz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda, Indonesian Military Chief Adm. Widodo A.S. and her three coordinating ministers -- including Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

Presidential secretary Kemal Munawar disclosed that besides Megawati, foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda also briefed legislators about the cautiously worded communique issued by the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) meeting in Doha earlier this week.

Hamzah Haz, nevertheless, did not give any comment during the meeting although Megawati requested him to express his views.

"The Vice President did not speak at all during the meeting," Cabinet deputy secretary Erman Rajagukguk said.

Meanwhile, House deputy speaker A.M. Fatwa quoted the President as saying that she strongly criticized the U.S. attacks in her meetings with American leaders.

"But we want the government to criticize the attacks openly not just behind closed doors," said the politician from the National Mandate Party (PAN).

Legislator Ishak Latuconsina, from the Indonesian Military/National Police faction, described the consultative meeting as very positive.

"We had very good discussions with the President and we fully understand the government's stance," Ishak noted.

The National Awakening Party (PKB), the staunch supporter of former president Abdurrahman Wahid, was quick to attack Megawati.

"The focus of the meeting was not clear," said its faction chairman Ali Masykur Moesa.

During the meeting, several palace security guards panicked when they saw smoke coming from Admiral Widodo's car. The car's carburetor malfunctioned shortly before the admiral was to get into his car.

"Terrorists?" a palace official joked to a shaken palace security officer.