White Noise Insanity

BOGOR, Indonesia (Reuters) - Around 100 demonstrators rallied on Wednesday in favor of United States President George W. Bush's trip to Indonesia next week, already the subject of scores of protests by those opposed.

The U.S. embassy in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country, has warned that protests over the brief November 20 visit could turn violent.

Bush will meet President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in Bogor, and groups ranging from radical Muslims to leftist students have staged rallies in cities across Indonesia criticizing Bush, Yudhoyono and U.S. policy, although most demonstrations have been small, seldom crossing the 100 mark.

Aside from citing such usual targets as U.S. actions in Iraq, critics have said massive security preparations ahead of the visit are over the top.

Preparations include construction of a helipad in the 87-hectare Bogor botanical gardens where the meeting's state palace venue is located, and plans for thousands of security forces to be on hand.

Wednesday's Bogor protesters -- carrying a large American flag and banners showing the Stars-and-Stripes and red-and-white flag of Indonesia -- had a different point of view.

"We are obligated to receive our guests properly. As a cultured nation, we have manners and any visitor should be treated like a guest," said rally leader Unitaryo, adding his group is unaffiliated to any political or religious institution. A top official from the umbrella body representing Islamic clerics in Indonesia said last week Bush was not welcome because his policies had hurt Muslims, while some senior politicians have joined the chorus criticizing the cost of security arrangements.