Robert Go, Jakarta – The chief of Indonesia's largest Muslim organisation has warned that an attack on Iraq would spark street riots and the resurgence of radicalism in the world's most populous nation.

Cleric Hasyim Muzadi, head of the moderate and 60-million-strong Muslim organisation Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said during a visit to Canberra earlier this week: "The war is very dangerous for all of us. An attack against Iraq will give momentum to and help fundamentalists enlarge their movement in Indonesia. There will be riots."

His views came as Indonesia signalled its strongest opposition yet to a US-led war against Iraq, saying it fully supported the proposal to allow United Nations inspectors to complete their work.

The Foreign Ministry said yesterday: "The strengthening of the inspection team would send a powerful signal of the international community's common sense of purpose in urgently addressing the question of Iraq in an effective, yet peaceful way.

"Indonesia remains steadfast in its principled view that the question of Iraq must be dealt with through the United Nations." Other Muslim groups have aired views similar to NU's, causing concern.

Observers fear the demonstrations would not only be targeted at the interests and citizens of the US and its allies but could also pose serious political problems for Ms Megawati Sukarnoputri's government, coming at a time when its relationship with Washington is looking up.

A New York Times report said US envoy to Jakarta Ralph Boyce had lavished praise on Indonesia's anti-terrorism efforts.

A Western diplomat told The Straits Times: "The general feeling is Indonesia has done much better when it comes to fighting terror.

"We feel the security situation is much improved after Bali, and the government deserves credit for that." But on getting Indonesia to join the campaign against Iraq, Washington did not seem to be making headway.

Indonesia's position on Iraq is dominated by warnings of possible street riots following an attack against Iraq.

As Mr Hasyim said, an attack would be a golden opportunity for radical fundamentalists to gain more support.

Riots would weaken Indonesia's economic prospects and challenge Ms Megawati's government. Some already feel she is too easily pushed around by the US and not pro-Islam enough.