RI expresses concern, urges U.S. to limit strikes

RI expresses concern, urges U.S. to limit strikes

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Expressing deep concern at the United States' decision to
launch a military strike against Afghanistan, Indonesia urged
Washington on Monday to keep its operation limited to minimize
civilian casualties.

And in anticipation of an anti-American backlash from some
groups in Indonesia, the government has appealed to the people to
show restraint in expressing sympathy or outrage.

"The government of Indonesia has urged that the (military)
operation, which is already underway, remains very limited, in
terms of force, target and time, to reduce or minimize casualties
among innocent people," said an official statement.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda read out the six-
point statement issued after a limited Cabinet meeting to discuss
Indonesia's response to Sunday's U.S. attacks in Afghanistan.

The response was formulated following a series of meetings
starting from Sunday night. President Megawati Soekarnoputri
summoned her top ministers on Monday morning to give guidelines.

The meeting to draw up the official response was led by
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono.

With the number of civilian casualties from Sunday's attacks
still unknown, the government's response was circumspect.

The government "is deeply concerned that the military action
had to take place in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 terrorist
attacks in New York and Washington," it said.

The government took note of Washington's announcement that the
operation was aimed at terrorist training camps and military
installations in Afghanistan.

Indonesia also took note of the U.S. statement that the
military operation was not a hostile action against the Afghan
people or the Muslim world, and of its promise to send
humanitarian aid to people in Afghanistan.

The government said it had decided to send food and medicine
to Afghanistan and encouraged Indonesians to do the same as an
expression of sympathy and to help ease the suffering of the
people in Afghanistan.

On the domestic front, the government cautioned the public
against breaking the law or disturbing peace and order when
reacting to the attacks or expressing sympathy for Afghanistan.

Several Muslim groups have said any attack on Afghanistan by
the United States would be construed as an attack on Islam. They
have threatened to retaliate against U.S. interests in Indonesia.

The government urged the United Nations Security Council, in
line with its authority and responsibility in maintaining
international peace and security, to take collective action in
restoring the situation and handling humanitarian problems.

Vice President Hamzah Haz refrained from publicly commenting
on the attacks, saying that he toed the official government line.

Hamzah, the chairman of the Islamic United Development Party
(PPP), nevertheless came under strong pressure from several
Muslim groups to take a harder line, including from the chairman
of the Indonesian Muslim Brotherhood Movement, Ahmad Soemargono,
who met him in his office.

House Speaker Akbar Tandjung took a harder line, condemning
the U.S. attacks and prodding the Megawati administration to go
stronger in criticizing Washington.

"I hope the Indonesian government will show its stance and
warn the U.S. that there could be more innocent casualties if the
attacks continue," Akbar told journalists.

Akbar appealed to the public to react in a proportional way
and not to scare foreigners away.

The National Awakening Party (PKB), a moderate Muslim
political party, regretted the attacks and urged Washington to
stop the action in the name of justice.

Deputy secretary-general Yahya C. Staquf said PKB called on
the public to exercise restraint at least for one week, pending a
satisfactory explanation from Washington for its decision to
attack Afghanistan.