'U.S. ignoring democracy'

JAKARTA: The United States' determined campaign against terrorism has not only upset militant groups here but also some pro- democracy activists.

Smita Notosusanto of the Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro) expressed regret on Tuesday that the antiterrorism campaign had prompted the U.S. to cut its assistance for democratization in Indonesia.

"We are only getting one-fourth of the total amount we were supposed to receive. We need these funds to boost democratization here," Smita told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.

She did not say how much the U.S. had promised her organization.

According to Smita, the decision of the U.S. government to its assistance showed a poor commitment on the part of the U.S. to improving democracy in Indonesia.

She emphasized that terrorism and antidemocratic groups could thrive in the absence of democracy. --JP