Win Hearts or Gain Enemies? It's Clear

Indonesia "Understands" Citizens Who Want To Fight Israel
Friday August 4th, 2006 / 11h08

JAKARTA (AP)--Indonesia said Friday it "understands" local Muslims who are reportedly planning to travel to the Middle East to fight against Israel, but advised them to stay at home.

"We have heard scores of Indonesians want to go to the Middle East as volunteers to defend the people in Palestine and Lebanon," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Desra Percaya. "The government understands what they are feeling ... anger, disappointment and frustration with Israeli troops acting inhumanly and brutally."

At least one hard-line group, the Islamic Defenders Front, has said it is planning to send volunteers to join the conflict in Lebanon. The group and others made similar announcements during the Iraq war that came to nothing.

Percaya said he no information on people leaving to fight, but noted the government could not stop them leaving Indonesia. But he said the fact that they had announced their plans before leaving suggested they were not serious.

"If you want to do something, you want to travel, you do not need to declare it publicly, just say 'In the name of God' and then go," he said. "But the government does not suggest people go to the war because logically can they beat Israel?" he asked.

Indonesia is the world's most populous Muslim nation and has condemned Israel's attacks on Lebanon. It said it wants to contribute troops to any U.N.-led peacekeeping force that may be deployed to the region.

Original article posted here.