Indonesian Muslims protest Obama's planned visit
November 7, 2010 -- Updated 0801 GMT (1601 HKT)
Obama is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday as part of a 10-day visit to Asia. These protesters yelled, "No Obama."
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Protesters include women and children
- "Obama and Bush, they both oppress Muslims," says spokesman of a Muslim group
- The president will travel to Indonesia on Tuesday
The protests -- organized by Muslim group Hizbut Tahrir -- included women and children.
"We don't see the differences between Obama and Bush, they both oppress Muslims, they both have blood on their hands," said Ismail Yusanto, a spokesman for the Muslim group in Indonesia.
"That's why we reject Obama and we don't believe that he's reaching out to Muslims."
The spokesman said about 20,000 people attended the rallies.
Obama is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Tuesday as part of a 10-day visit to India, Indonesia, South Korea and Japan.
He is expected to finalize a comprehensive partnership with Indonesia.
On Wednesday, the president will visit Istiqlal mosque. He will also address the biggest Muslim nation from an undetermined location.
However, Muslims in Indonesia remain pessimistic.
"Obama can talk all he wants in Cairo and in Jakarta, the fact is that he still has his troops in war with Muslims," Yusanto said. "It's all lip service."
Protesters chanted "No Obama" and held up posters that said "Stop oppressor."
Obama's visit to Asia started Saturday with a three-day visit to India.
His visit to India -- the third largest economy and one of the world's few growth markets -- also includes meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and addressing the nation's parliament.
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