Muslim student group reject Obama visit

Not everybody is impatiently awaiting the sentimental visit of US President Barack Obama to Indonesia later this month.

Dozens of activists grouped under the Campus Islamic Proselytization Institute Coordinating Board rallied outside the Serang regency legislative council building on Friday to oppose Obama’s visit on March 20-22.

“We reject Obama’s planned visit to Indonesia, which will have no advantages for the predominantly Muslim Indonesia,” group coordinator Ahmad Kardi said as quoted by Antara.

Ahmad warned the nation against offers of cooperation from Obama, which he said would eventually benefit the US at Indonesia’s expense.

The group said Obama was no different to his predecessor, George W. Bush, who resorted to war in disputes with other countries.

The protesters said they would organize another rally opposing the visit, to be held outside the Banten provincial legislative council next week.