National

Disappointment with Ba’asyir’s Verdict to do with Funding
Monday, 07 March, 2005 | 17:27 WIB

Fauzan quoted from a statement made by John Greshman, Director of Global Relations at the Interhemis Theric Resources Center, USA.

According to Fauzan, Gershman said that to support the eradication of terrorism in Indonesia, the US has contributed funds amounting to US$657 million since 2002.

According to a paper entitled “Combating Terrorism, Crushing Democracy in Indonesia,” fund usage included curriculum reform in Pesantrens or Islamic boarding schools (US$157 million), law reform and the issuing of the State Decree regarding Terrorism (US$130 million) and Asia Pacific anti-terrorism training (US$60 million).

The remainder was used to set up an intelligence school in Banten and the Asia Pacific Anti-Terrorism Center in Semarang, as well as funding of transportation for the police and refugees in Aceh.

In addition, the Detachment 88 Anti-Terrorism building received funds totaling Rp800 billion from Australia.

“The number 88 relates to the amount of Australian victims in the Bali bombing,” said Fauzan.

If Ba’asyir were to be set free, it is anctipated that development of the building would fall behind schedule because the USA and Australia would stop their funding, said Fauzan.

Badriah