October 22, 2002

Indonesia's Muslims back terror law

Indonesia's two largest Islamic organisations have backed a new anti-terrorism decree rushed through following the deadly Bali bombing, saying it gave security forces much needed power.

Tough laws came into effect on Saturday, allowing detention without trial and setting the death penalty for those convicted of terrorism.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation, and support from the main Muslim groups is crucial for the government's stability.
[...]
Solahuddin Wahid, deputy chairman of the 40-million member Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said the new decree was a "good thing", while the Muhammadiyah, with 30 million members, said the decree would deter groups from using terror tactics.

Now if only ALL of the world's moderate Muslims would feel this way about radical Jihadi terrorists...
well, getting the 70 million moderate Muslims in Indonesia on board in the War on radical Jihadi Islamism is a good start!