ABC AUSTRALIA, 12/9/2002
INDONESIA: Balancing the secular state with Islam,
post-September 11
Indonesia, like other predominantly Islamic countries in the Asia Pacific region, has
felt the impact of the September 11 attacks on the US. The effects have at times
threatened to destabilise the balance between President Megawati Sukarnoputri's
secular rule and the demands of a devout Muslim population. She's refusing to round
up and arrest Islamic extremists accused of having links with the al-Qaeda network,
despite calls from the international community. But at the same time she's forging
closer co-operation with the US and neighbouring countries to prevent terrorists
making Indonesia a safe haven.
 Listen
Presenter/Interviewer: Tricia Fitzgerald
Speakers: Azyumardi Azra, State Islamic University in Jakarta; Jaffar Umar Thalib,
Laskar Jihad; Abu Bakar Bashir, Mujahadeen Council of Indonesia; A.M. Fatwa,
National Mandate Party; Fajar Yusef from KAAMI, Student Action Group for
Indonesian Muslims; Amien Rais, a former leader of Muhammadiyah
12/9/2002 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
