US Minister of Foreign Affairs to Meet with Islamic Organization Leaders in Indonesia

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:US Minister of Foreign Affairs Colin Powell is to meet with leaders of Islamic organizations in Indonesia, including the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the Muhammadiyah and the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), in his visit to Jakarta on Friday (2/8). US Ambassador for Indonesia Ralph L. Boyce announced Powell’s scheduled visit of during a meeting with Indonesian journalists on Tuesday morning (30/7) at the US Embassy in Jakarta. Prior to his meeting with Indonesian Islamic leaders, Powell will meet with President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Boyce refused to detail the subjects that would be discussed by Powell with the leaders. “In this meeting, Powell would like to hear more information about Islam from the Indonesian leaders’ point of view,” he said. Powell is also scheduled to meet with Indonesian economic ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirajuda and Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs. These meetings include talks on handling terrorism matters, Indonesia’s economic recovery and improving the US-Indonesia’s relationship, particularly as regards military cooperation Powell is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Thursday (1/8). Following his meetings parties in Indonesian, he will leave for Manila on Friday night (2/8) to meet with Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. (Widjajanto - TEMPO)