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Indonesian Legislators Ask U.S. to Prove Allegations on Bin Laden
JAKARTA, Oct 11 (IslamOnline & News Agencies) - On Thursday, Indonesian legislators, tired of daily protests against the U.S. in the streets of several major cities, asked the U.S. to present concrete and undeniable proof on Osama bin Laden linking him to terrorist acts.
"Such allegations must be proven by the U.S. government. Otherwise, it will only create instability here," House of Representatives (DPR) speaker Akbar Tandjung said, as quoted by Antara.
Tandjung is one of the leading figures asking the Indonesian government to sever ties with the U.S. if the bombing of Kabul continues. Several other Islamic figures have joined him in this request.
Indonesians also urged the U.S. to present proof of its allegations that bin Laden's al-Qaeda network has members in Indonesia.
Akbar called on the Indonesian government, especially the security apparatus, to also prove the allegations and take anticipatory measures if they were true.
The legislators said the U.S. should give the evidence to Indonesian Police and let them handle the matter.
A frustrated U.S. ambassador to Indonesia, Robert Gelbard, paid his last call to Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri Wednesday.
Gelbard was at the center of a controversy last week when he said a terrorist had infiltrated Indonesia and the narcotics network here.
On Thursday, a U.S. official, who declined to be named, said bin Laden's al-Qaeda network had expanded its activities to the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia.
The terrorist networks in the three countries were among the likely targets of future covert and overt American actions,
The New York Times said.
The official further noted that in Indonesia, groups such as Laskar Jihad and the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) had received money, men and arms from the bin Laden group and its allies.
Muslims in Indonesia believe the allegations are inflammatory and degrade Indonesia, and believe the government has been influenced to quell public anti-U.S. protests. "This might bring more Indonesians to want to fight the U.S. for their right to chose what they want," a student said.
Both the Laskar Jihad and the FPI dismissed claims made by the U.S. they were terrorist groups, calling it a ploy by the CIA to force the Indonesian regime to get rid of critics.
"It is embarrassing how the U.S. is becoming nosey and acting like a fascist nation," a Laskar supporter said.
"Indonesians will not bow to that, even if the government acts like the slave to the U.S…" the student added.
Meanwhile, Tandjung asked the government Thursday to establish dialog with Indonesian Muslim organizations in an attempt to bridge the gap between the two in responding to the U.S.-led military offensive against Afghanistan.
"I think there should be dialog between the government and the Muslim organizations, without diminishing the aspirations of those who have condemned the attacks on Afghanistan," Akbar said.
The country, especially the capital, has experienced a series of anti-U.S. protests following the attacks on Afghanistan. Most of the protests have demanded that the government sever diplomatic ties with the U.S. and its allies.
The government issued a statement Monday expressing concern about the attacks and asking the U.S. to limit its operations so as to minimize civilian casualties.
More widespread protests are expected on Friday after prayers.
The FPI has given an ultimatum to the government to sever ties with the U.S. by Thursday, otherwise it will carry out it's sweeping of American officials and citizens out of the country.
Indonesia is home to over 200 million Muslims, making it the largest Muslim nation on earth.
With additional reporting by Kazi Mahmood
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