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Anti-US protests expected in Indonesia

The U.S. and other western embassies in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim nation have told their citizens to stay at home after Islamic activists planned protests against air attacks on Afghanistan.

Aboutm 50 armored vehicles along with dozens of troops and police were stationed in the main square that separates the U.S. Embassy and the presidential palace.

Police rolled out coils of razor wire outside the embassy. Water cannon trucks were parked in front of it and the British Embassy, as well as other strategic spots.

At least two Muslim groups plan protests, but stress they will be peaceful.

Mark Bowling reports.

An embassy statement says: "It is likely there will be demonstrations and other forms of protest against Western citizens and interests in Indonesia." Hardline muslim groups have promised that if US strikes on Afghanistan went ahead they would retaliate, by rounding up and expelling Americans in Indonesia, and by targeting American interests. Extra police and water cannon have been posted outside the U.S. ambassador's home in Jakarta. President Megawati Sukarnoputri has already expressed Jakartas support for Washington actions against terrorism, but she's faces a political backlash from hardline Muslim groups for taking such a stance. Mark Bowling Jakarta.

8/10/01 16:51:14 | ABC Radio Australia News

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