Bush and Howard Praise Indonesia
Thursday, 18 May, 2006 | 15:29 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Two allies in the “the fight against terrorism”, United States President George W. Bush and Australian Prime Minister John Howard, have praises the important role of the Indonesian government in fighting acts of terrorism.

This success, according to Bush and Howard, has much to do with the leadership of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

“The moderate Islamic leadership in this country (Indonesia) is a significant factor in achieving long-term success in the fight against terrorism,” said Howard who was accompanied by Bush.

Howard made this statement after a closed door meeting with President Bush at the White House yesterday.

According to Howard, the fight against terrorism does not depend only on military strategies and physical counter-attacks, but also on intellectual methods.

The Australian Prime Minister said that during his meeting with Bush, matters in Indonesia were also globally discussed.

These discussions included the policies dealing with terrorism in Indonesia.

“There are consequences, either symbolically or tactically, due to Indonesia being the country with the most Moslem people in the world,” said Howard.

Indonesia has become a center for terrorism attacks in Asia with more than 250 people being killed in Bali and Jakarta over the last four years.

The police have successfully arrested the perpetrators of the first and second Bali bombings, during in a raid, killed terrorist mastermind Dr Azahari.

“We can be resolute and tough if we are successful in conquering terrorism,” said Bush.

He praised Australia as an ally that played many roles in promoting peace, fighting terrorism and stopping the development of weapons of mass destruction.

Foreign Affairs Department spokesperson, Yuri Thamrin, said it was proper for Bush and Howard to praise Indonesia's commitment and contribution in fighting terrorism.

AFP, AP, SS Kurniawan