Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri in a televised address to the nation called for a halt in US bombing of Afghanistan during the holy month of Ramadan. As Megawati spoke, a thousand Muslim activists protested outside the assembly building demanding the imposition of Islamic law in Indonesia.
A number of Muslim nations allied with the U.S. - including Egypt and Pakistan - have already suggested limiting hostilities during the month during which Muslims fast in the daytime, feast at night and reflect on their relationships with God.

Indonesia initially came out strongly in support of the U.S. campaign to eradicate international terrorism. During a meeting with President George W. Bush in the White House in September, Megawati condemned the terrorist attacks in Washington and New York as "the worst atrocity ... in the history of civilization."
Since then, however, she has appeared to backtrack due to intense pressure from conservative Muslim parties which make up the largest part of her ruling coalition. A spate of anti-American demonstrations by Muslim groups, although small and mostly nonviolent, last month sparked an exodus of U.S. embassy personnel. On Wednesday, nonessential diplomatic staff were ordered to stay away from Indonesia for another month. Bureau Report