The risk of an Islamic war spreading far beyond Central Asia is real. While most of Indonesia’s 190 million Muslims are considered moderate, there has been a rapidly rising tide of Islamic fundamentalism since the downfall of President Suharto, three years ago. Last year, members were filmed attacking some of Jakarta’s Western style bars and restaurants during a campaign to curb 'un–Islamic practices'. In the latest wave of harassment, radicals have promised to destroy the American Embassy and kill the US ambassador. Anti–American shouts are growing louder and the demonstrations are getting bigger. “We demand that the US stop their plan to attack Afghanistan. If not, it means you are starting a second holy crusade and we are ready to fight for our holy war,” states Habib Rizieq, leader of the Islamic Defenders Front. Indonesia’s new president, Megawati Sukarnoputri, however faces a difficult situation – she needs America’s support and promises of aid to implement her policies and an economic revival but faces strong opposition from radical Muslims.

Produced by ABC Australia