Jakarta – Indonesia's police commander joined in the government's criticism of the International Crisis Group yesterday, threatening the think-tank with legal action if it issues 'statements that destabilise security' in the presidential election.

The threat comes a day after the Brussels-based group issued a statement saying it was being threatened with expulsion, and Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda complained that its reporting on the government's military offensive in the troubled province of Aceh was biased.

"We have given a warning to them," Police Chief General Da'i Bachtiar said. "Don't give statements that destabilise security in the country. If they continue to do so, we will act according to the law." Police on Wednesday said they are monitoring 20 local and foreign groups which they believe are planning to issue reports that could disrupt security ahead of the July 5 presidential election.

They did not name the groups, but the warning was the latest sign that the authorities are increasingly critical of human rights and other groups that have proliferated since the ouster of former dictator Suharto in 1998.

Since President Megawati Sukarnoputri was elected in July 2001, the government has jailed student activists and newspaper editors who criticised the President and other political leaders.

Ms Sidney Jones, who heads the ICG office in Jakarta, could not be reached for comment yesterday. On Wednesday, she said the authorities had refused to extend work permits for her and other staff members.

ICG has reported on the rising threat of Islamic militants in Indonesia, separatist wars in Aceh and Papua, sectarian violence in Central Sulawesi and the country's struggle to reform its police force and military.