| |
| |
To print this page, select "Print" from the File menu of your browser
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
LATELINE
Late night news & current affairs TV PROGRAM TRANSCRIPT
LOCATION: abc.net.au > Lateline > Archives URL: http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2001/s391769.htm Broadcast: 15/10/2001
Indonesia against US strikes
The leader of Indonesia, the world's biggest Muslim nation, has broken ranks with the United States over its attacks on Afghanistan. President Megawati Sukarnoputri has declared that "No government has the right to attack another country" to root out terrorists. Her comments come at a critical time, given the international climate and the fragile state of her own nation. But her new stance has put her in line with her Vice-President and the growing resentment about the bombing across the Indonesian archipelago. ---------
Compere: Tony Jones Reporter: Mark Bowling MARK BOWLING, JAKARTA CORRESPONDENT: President Megawati has not spoken out on the subject of US attacks until this gathering inside a mosque. She didn't mention the United States or Afghanistan by name, but the message was clear. MEGAWATI SUKARNOPUTRI, INDONESIAN PRESIDENT, TRANSLATION: It is unacceptable that someone, a group, or even a Government, using reason they are searching for perpetrators to attack people or another country for whatever reason. MARK BOWLING: President Megawati was one of the first world leaders to sign up for the US-led Coalition against terrorism. But US-led strikes have thrust US Megawati into an awkward position. Latest comments indicates she's bowing to domestic Muslim pressure. Indonesia's powerful Muslim parties which she relies on to stay President have strongly condemned the strikes. Her own Vice-President has called on America to stop the bombing. He also claims the US hasn't yet proven Osama bin Laden was involved in the September 11th terrorist attacks. Today another anti-US demonstration in Jakarta turned violent. Police used water cannon and tear gas to repel about 500 protesters from outside Parliament. It's these hardline Muslim groups which have been the fiercest critics of Megawati's support for the US up until now. Angry crowds like this were expected. Emotions have been running high since the US started its strikes on Afghanistan. The question now is whether protests like this will grow in size and number and whether threats against US assets and foreigners will be carried out. It may be that Megawati's apparent new position may quell some opposition at home. It could create new divisions on a global scale. Mark Bowling, Lateline. |