Bush arrives to angry sentiment in Indonesia

BOGOR – US President George W Bush’s unpopularity here in the world’s most populous Muslim nation made intense security jitters and angry protests the hallmarks of a six-hour trip to court Indonesian favour.

Bush arrived yesterday for the second Indonesian stop of his presidency. Neither time has he spent the night, or even more than a few hours, the result of safety concerns in a place where emotions about his policies in the Middle East and the Iraq war run hot.From a meeting and joint appearance before reporters with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono through a discussion with moderate civic leaders and a state dinner, Bush was not expected to interact with the general populace or do anything outside the confines of Bogor Palace, a graceful presidential retreat in this mountain town on the outskirts of the capital of Jakarta.Before Bush’s arrival, thousands of police and rifle-toting soldiers patrolled Bogor’s streets.Demonstrations by Islamic hard-liners, students, housewives and taxi drivers alike have been staged every day this month, including a march by nearly 13 000 through Jakarta on Sunday where Bush was denounced as a “war criminal” and “terrorist.”Thousands more marched yesterday, carrying posters showing victims of violence in Iraq.Nampa-APNeither time has he spent the night, or even more than a few hours, the result of safety concerns in a place where emotions about his policies in the Middle East and the Iraq war run hot.From a meeting and joint appearance before reporters with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono through a discussion with moderate civic leaders and a state dinner, Bush was not expected to interact with the general populace or do anything outside the confines of Bogor Palace, a graceful presidential retreat in this mountain town on the outskirts of the capital of Jakarta.Before Bush’s arrival, thousands of police and rifle-toting soldiers patrolled Bogor’s streets.Demonstrations by Islamic hard-liners, students, housewives and taxi drivers alike have been staged every day this month, including a march by nearly 13 000 through Jakarta on Sunday where Bush was denounced as a “war criminal” and “terrorist.”Thousands more marched yesterday, carrying posters showing victims of violence in Iraq.Nampa-AP