Balikpapan?s expatriates advised not to worry about rising anti-war rallies

Balikpapan authorities in East Kalimantan have called on expatriates not to worry too much about rising demonstrations against U.S.-led military attack on Iraq in the area.

They said Tuesday that they were ?anti-war? demonstrations, and were not actions against certain countries.

?Expatriates in Balikpapan deserve protection like Indonesian citizens,? the mayor of Balikpapan said in his meeting with officials of a number of foreign companies operating in East Kalimantan.

The foreign firms participating in the meeting included TotalFinaElf, Unocal, Schlumberger, Thiess, Leighton Constructions, Halliburton, PT Liebherr, PT H&H Utama Internasional, PT Baker Huges, and PT Intraco Penta. Also attending the meeting were local security leaders, and representatives of youths and student organizations, mass organizations and Justice Party.

Anti-Iraqi war demonstrations were recently held at the compounds of oil producers Unocal Indonesia Company and PT Vico Indonesia in Balikpapan and Muara Badak, respectively.

A local youths organization leader said Tuesday that another anti-war protest rally was planned for Wednesday (today) in Balikpapan.

There are worries that terrorists may be targeting Americans and other expatriates in Indonesia as the result of the war in Iraq. (*)