World leaders condemn Jakarta hotel bombing

World leaders condemn Jakarta hotel bombing

Agencies Sydney, Australia/Manila/Singapore

World leaders expressed horror and outrage on Tuesday at a car bomb blast that ripped through a hotel in downtown Jakarta, killing at least 13 people.

The United States on Tuesday condemned the "deplorable terrorist" attack in Indonesia and offered President Megawati Soekarnoputri help in bringing those responsible to justice.

"We strongly condemn this terrorist attack in Jakarta," White House spokesman Scott McClellan told reporters in Crawford, Texas, where President George W. Bush is spending a month-long working vacation at his ranch.

"This is a deplorable attack on innocent civilians," McClellan said. "We fully support President Megawati and her administration in their efforts to fight terror and rout out terrorism and we stand ready to help in any way to help bring those responsible to justice."

Australian Prime Minister John Howard condemned the Jakarta hotel bombing on Tuesday as countries said the attack reinforced the need for international cooperation to tackle terrorism.

"I am quite horrified at what appears to be a brutal terrorist attack," said Howard.

"If, as it appears likely, it is a terrorist attack, it is yet another reminder that the fight against Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) and other groups goes on," he said.

"It will be a fight that will take years and require the cooperation of all of the agencies in the region," said Howard, whose government has been one of the United States' staunchest allies in its war on terror.

Howard said Australia had been approached by Indonesian police to send police assistance and he had authorized Australian Federal Police already in Jakarta to help the Indonesian police in their response.

"We will respond to any requests they make of us because we are partners together in this war against terrorism," he said.

Australia warned its citizens to steer clear of central Jakarta after a huge explosion outside the JW Marriott Hotel.

Leaders of the Philippines, Singapore and Malaysia also condemned the attack.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo condemned the bombing in the "strongest possible terms."

"The Philippines deplores this attack against innocent civilians. Whatever cause is espoused by the terrorists who planned and committed this dastardly act is not helped by their resort to senseless violence.

"This attack does not and cannot alter the resolve of the international community to fight terror," she said.

Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said the "barbaric attack" on Tuesday against innocent civilians at the JW Marriott Hotel in Jakarta "will again affect the confidence of investors and tourists in Indonesia and the region."

In a letter to Megawati, Goh noted Indonesia has just recovered the bomb blasts on the island of Bali Oct. 12, 2002.

"We strongly condemn these dastardly acts of terror, and stand by Indonesia as you take the necessary measures to bring the perpetrators to justice," Goh said.

"I have full confidence that your government and the people of Indonesia will prevail through these difficult times," Goh added.

Four Singaporeans were among those injured in the explosion at the hotel, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

Malaysian Foreign Minister Syed Hamid Albar said: "What is very clear is that terrorist threats are not over. We have all the time got to be watchful.

"There is a need for preemptive action. If there are preventive laws and investigations are carried out, it may be easier for us to trace the activities of the terrorists. But terrorism is a difficult problem. It needs the cooperation of all countries."

France also condemned the blast, with foreign ministry spokesman Herve Ladsous saying: "This attack highlights more than ever the need for the entire international community to engage in the fight against terrorism, in all its forms."

China condemned the bombing and would support Indonesia's persistent efforts to crack down on terrorism and maintain domestic stability, Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan was quoted as saying by the official Xinhua news agency in Beijing.