Bush calls protests in Indonesia 'healthy'

BOGOR, Indonesia -- Addressing a nation with more Muslims than any other country, and a young democracy where many are fiercely protesting US policies in Iraq and the Middle East, President Bush said yesterday that he welcomes criticism as the hallmark of freedom, "a sign of a healthy society."

President Susilo Yudhoyono reported that Bush heard "open, frank . . . sometimes critical" comments in a private meeting with civic leaders. While Bush said Yudhoyono had not asked him to start withdrawing American troops from Iraq, the Indonesian leader did publicly suggest that a comprehensive solution for Iraq should include "a proper timetable for disengagement of US military forces."

"Look," said Bush, hoarse and clearly tired near the conclusion of a seven-day world-encircling tour, "I applaud a society where people are free to come and express their opinion. . . . It's not the first time, by the way, where people have showed up and expressed their opinions about my policies."

Asked about perceptions in the region that US foreign policy is "anti-Islamic," Bush said: "I believe the vast majority of people want to live in moderation and not have extremists kill innocent people. . . . Our policies are to promote that kind of form of government. . . . To say spreading democracy is anti-religious, it's the opposite of that. Democracy means you can worship any way you choose, freely. And so, look, people protest, that's a good sign. It's a sign of a healthy society."

Bush, asked to discuss the upside and downside of any possible increase in the deployment of US troops in Iraq, said he hadn't made any decision about boosting forces.

"I haven't made any decisions about troop increases or troop decreases, and won't until I hear from a variety of sources," said Bush, citing reviews under way within his administration. "They will be bringing forth the suggestions and recommendations. . . . No need to comment on something that may not happen. But if it were to happen, I will tell you the upsides and downsides."

The meeting here capped an Asian journey in which Bush attempted to articulate a "cooperative" US policy in the economically fastest-growing region of the world, seeking a broad agreement among Pacific Rim nations for free trade -- and also a united front for a World Trade Organization pact for global trade.

The 21 nations of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation that met in Vietnam over the weekend reiterated their interest in breaking trade barriers among them selves , but it's clear that free trade throughout the region is years away.

Bush promised a policy of "partnership, not paternalism" with his opening address in Singapore, his first world-stage appearance since midterm elections handed congressional control to the Democrats.