Megawati told to be more assertive over Iraq issue

Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

President Megawati Soekarnoputri appears to be wavering on whether to condemn a possible attack by the United States on Iraq as calls mount for her to speak out publicly against an attack.

Analyst Ikrar Nusa Bhakti urged Megawati on Sunday to be more assertive in addressing the Iraqi issue in order to avoid the misperception that Indonesia supports the U.S. and its allies over Iraq.

"It is true that we are dependent on the U.S. for many things, but that should not keep the President from being more assertive in addressing the issue," Ikrar told The Jakarta Post.

"Voicing an anti-war opinion is a positive thing and in accordance with our Constitution, regardless of any possible ire from Washington," he said.

Ikrar's comments came after noted religious leaders told the government over the weekend to make clear its stance on the Iraqi issue.

During a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda last Friday, the religious leader said Megawati had to make known her position on a possible U.S. attack on Iraq.

"The minister admitted that the President had never officially addressed the issue, which could be misunderstood as being indecisive," Muslim leader Solahuddin Wahid told the Post on Sunday.

The United States and Britain are building up their military presence in the Middle East for a possible attack on Iraq, which they accuse of developing and storing weapons of mass destruction. Iraq has consistently denied the allegations.

U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell is scheduled to address the United Nations on Wednesday to present evidence that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction and must be disarmed.

Solahuddin said Megawati should clearly state that Indonesia opposes any unilateral action by any country.

"The President has to explain that an anti-war opinion does not mean we want to hurt our relations with Washington, but we have to state that we are against their policy of striking Iraq," Solahuddin said.

Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, saw waves of street rallies in 2001 after the U.S.-led attacks on Afghanistan, which was accused of harboring Osama bin Laden, the chief suspect in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on Washington and New York.

The rallies, which in several areas were accompanied by threats against American citizens, prompted several foreign missions to send home nonessential staff.

Some foreign companies also suspended operations in the country, creating the impression that Indonesia was no longer safe for investment.

That put off foreign investors, harming the country's efforts to overcome the multidimensional crisis that has plagued Indonesia since 1997.

It is feared that similar rallies should the U.S. attack Iraq would cause even more damage to the battered economy, harm bilateral relations between Indonesia and the U.S. and also encourage radical groups to rally against the U.S., which could destabilize Indonesia.

Indonesia also has never disclosed whether it would support any attacks if they were endorsed by a UN resolution.

Ikrar said Megawati should not wait for an attack before deciding her position on the issue.

"She has to take anticipatory measures before there is any political chaos, which would only hurt her already weakening administration," he said.

Hassan, after the meeting with the religious leaders last Friday, reiterated Indonesia's position that war, for any reason, could not be justified on the grounds of morality and humanity.

He also said Megawati might send an envoy to European and Asian countries to try and reach a consensus on how to avoid war.