Indonesia 'Can Handle Terrorism Alone'

Indonesia does not need US military assistance in its campaign against terrorism since the country's armed forces are powerful enough to carry out the task, Defence Minister Matori Abdul Jalil said today.

"America knows exactly how powerful our armed forces are," Jalil told a press briefing before this week's visit by US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

He was commenting on whether Powell's visit should be seen as additional pressure on Indonesia to increase its efforts to combat terrorism.

Jalil said Jakarta's war on terrorism was "not because of the result of demands by the US but it is because of the government's determination."

Cooperation in the battle against terrorism is a focus of Powell's six-nation visit to Southeast Asia, which began on Monday in Bangkok.

Powell is to arrive in Jakarta tomorrow. On Friday, he is expected to meet President Megawati Sukarnoputri, Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda and economic and security ministers.

In Singapore yesterday Powell said he would give Indonesia "some ideas and some initiatives" to help the anti-terror campaign.

"I think they recognise the danger that we all face. I think that they have been cooperating more fully with us as time goes by, and I'm quite sure that Mrs Megawati is committed to this cause," Powell added.

There are signs that Washington may be ready to resume some forms of suspended military assistance.

This month the Senate Appropriations Committee voted to allocate $US400,000 ($A739,000) to resume training with Indonesia under the International Military Education and Training program.

Its bill would maintain a ban on weapons sales and other military assistance.

Military cooperation was sharply reduced in 1999 when Congress passed the so-called Leahy Amendment following the Indonesian-backed violence in East Timor.

Powell did not confirm in Singapore that he would push for expanded military ties but said this would not be inconsistent with promoting human rights.

The Indonesian military has been accused of widespread rights abuses in East Timor, Aceh and Papua.

"You can enhance human rights, you can improve human rights, by exposing them (young Indonesian officers) to the best examples of military organisations that are under civilian political control and have a commitment to the people and a commitment to human rights, and also a commitment to defend their nation," Powell said.