Derwin Pereira, Jakarta – Terrorism will top the agenda during US President George W. Bush's visit to Indonesia.
As the most populous Muslim country in the world, observers said that his visit next week is also aimed at cultivating Indonesia's moderate Islamic ground at a time when US standing here and the Arab world is at an all-time low.
Mr Bush is expected to meet several key Muslim leaders for an "open and frank discussion" when he arrives in Bali on October 22.
They include Mr Hasyim Muzadi from the Nadhlatul Ulama (NU) and Mr Syafii Ma'arif from the Muhammadiyah, the two largest Muslim organisations in the country with an estimated 60 million members.
Washington is keen to do more to win over the moderate Muslim ground in Indonesia. The NU and Muhammadiyah are seen as a bulwark against religious extremism.
Before the October 12 Bali bombings, radicals were a small but potent and noisy force. They were strong enough for major political players to take notice. Religious zealots dominated discourse in Indonesian politics and grabbed the media spotlight. But after Bali and the Jakarta JW Marriott attack, the tide began to shift.
Diplomatic sources said that Mr Bush is likely to offer a "package of goodies" to groups like NU and Muhammadiyah in the form of education funds for religious boarding schools. This is in line with a panel report that recently called on the Bush administration to do more to improve its image in the Arab and Muslim world through greater funds for education and public diplomacy. Clearly the intention is to use the moderates as a counterweight to fringe radical groups.
President Megawati Sukarnoputri will welcome Mr Bush in Bali. Indonesian officials said a major focus of discussions would be efforts to combat Islamic militancy.
They refused to disclose any concrete plans that have been drawn up by both sides. But observers speculate that Jakarta might make a pitch for more funds to help security and intelligence agencies here.
One issue that will be raised by Ms Megawati is access for Indonesian police to interrogate terrorist Riduan Isamuddin alias Hambali. Hambali was captured in Thailand in August and is being held by the Americans in an undisclosed location.
While some are critical that Mr Bush is only spending a few hours in Bali – his trip is of great significance to the Megawati administration. A diplomat explained: "It shows his support for the Indonesian government and how America wants to help Jakarta in the war against terrorism."