Tensions have heated up here since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S. At a recent gathering, ten radical Muslim groups threatened to attack U.S. interests if any military strike is carried out against any Muslim country. The threat could extend beyond U.S. facilities and corporate interests to tourists and tour groups. One group threatened to expel all Americans in the event of an attack. Authorities have urged restraint, with Vice President Hamzah Haz trying to defuse the situation by stating that U.S. anger is directed at terrorists, not Islam. The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, which has suspended operations for security reasons in the past, announced that it will remain open via telephone to Americans needing emergency assistance in the event that the facility shuts down for any reason.
