Bomb-scarred Bali island on alert ahead of Bush visit

Associated Press | October 21, 2003

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BALI, Indonesia (AP) -- Warships patrolled the seas and armored vehicles took up positions Tuesday close to the international airport as Indonesia's bomb-scarred Bali island beefed up security ahead of a flying visit by U.S. President George W. Bush.

Bush is expected to be on the island for just three hours for talks with his Indonesian counterpart Megawati Sukarnoputri that are expected to focus on terrorism.

A year ago, militants belonging to the al-Qaida-linked Jemaah Islamiyah group blew up two Bali nightclubs, killing 202 people, mostly foreign tourists. The Oct. 12 bombings - the largest terror attack since Sept. 11, 2001 - forced the world's most populous Muslim nation to the front lines of the war on terror.

Authorities here have warned that Jemaah Islamiyah is plotting more bombings in Indonesia. On Monday, the country's security minister said a fresh attack was "imminent."

At least 5,000 policemen and army troops have been deployed at the airport and the seaside hotel in the tourist strip of Kuta where the talks are due to take place. Armored vehicles were seen parked close to the airport, and dozens of plainclothes officers were also visible.

Up to seven patrol boats were steaming in front of the island, while jet fighters at air bases in neighboring Java island were on "high alert," an air force spokesman said.

"Pilots are at their bases and are near their aircraft. They can fly in minutes," said Lt. Col. Yoyok Setiono.

An advance team of U.S. security officials are also on the island. It is pressing for Bali's airport to be closed for the duration of Bush's trip, U.S. officials in Jakarta said on condition of anonymity.

It was unclear whether Jakarta would agree to the team's request.

Bush is expected to announce additional funding for public education in Indonesia to counter what some fear is the growing influence of hardline Islamic schools, the officials said.

Bush is also scheduled to meet with four Islamic leaders known for their liberal views. They said last week they would tell Bush that his "war on terror" was alienating the country's 190 million Muslims, most of which practice a moderate brand of Islam.

Militant groups in Indonesia are mostly small and poorly supported, but have used anger at the U.S.-led wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to raise their profiles.

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Pray hard for the President's safety in Indonesia. Lots of bad actors there.