Jumping the Gun

The Justice Party made a show of strength last week in a giant protest against the American air strikes on Afghanistan. But was this an early start to its 2004 election campaign?

October 23, 2001

Take a look at Jalan Raya Menteng 58 in Central Jakarta. The office of the Islamic Youth Front is swamped daily by youths. Only a building and a plot of land away is the Muhammadiyah building, which is by contrast very quiet. It is as if the contrast between the noise and the silence reflects the contrasting stances of the two Muslim organizations in the light of the US attack on Afghanistan. Muhammadiyah has tended to be careful and moderate,

...

More Articles