Two Muslim Groups Back Anti-terror Laws in Indonesia

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Tuesday, October 22, 2002

Two Muslim Groups Back Anti-terror Laws in Indonesia

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Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri's hand in fighting growing militancy in the country was strengthened yesterday after the two largest Muslim groups backed her government's tough new anti-terrorism regulations.

Mr Hasyim Muzadi, chairman of the 40-million-strong NU, said both organisations had called for tough measures after a series of church bombings in 2000.

'The government and the intelligence agencies need some sort of legal umbrella to fight terrorism,' he told The Straits Times.

'Bali speeded up the process. It is time we came up with something that will help this country deal with the problem before it gets worse.'

Mr Ahmad Syafii Maarif, head of the 30-million-strong Muhammadiyah, echoed his view, but was concerned Jakarta could 'misuse' the laws.

'The moderates are behind the new regulations but the President has to give us assurances that she will use these laws carefully,' he said.

Their comments followed the implementation of two anti-terrorist rulings last Friday giving the authorities sweeping powers to tackle terrorism.

The regulations allow the police to pick up anyone suspected of terrorist activities and to detain them for questioning without any official charge being brought.

Both groups said the government must act decisively against other militant groups.

Source: Agencies

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