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Tsunami Aid Changes Views In Indonesia
(Angus Reid Consultants - CPOD Global Scan) - Many Indonesians have a different perception of the United States following relief efforts in Aceh and North Sumatra, according to a poll by the Indonesian Survey Institute for Terror Free Tomorrow. 65 per cent of respondents say their opinion of the U.S. is now more favourable.
On Dec. 26, large areas of Asia and parts of Africa were ravaged by the worst earthquake and tsunamis to hit the regions in four decades. More than 170,000 people have died, and many more have been displaced. On Mar. 4, Indonesian officials reduced their country's death toll to 125,596 people.
Nearly 16,000 American troops participated in relief efforts, along with 26 ships, 58 helicopters and 43 fixed-wing aircraft. Around 4.5 million kilograms of food were delivered to the disaster areas.
On Jan. 4, state secretary Colin Powell visited Indonesia and said American aid "dries up those pools of dissatisfaction that might give rise to terrorist activity." 40.1 per cent of respondents say they favour the U.S-led efforts to fight terrorism.
Polling Data
The United States is providing aid to help Aceh and North Sumatra tsunami victims. Please tell me if this makes your opinion of the United States much more favourable, somewhat more favourable, somewhat less favourable, or much less favourable?
Much more favourable | 17.4% |
Somewhat more favourable | 47.6% |
Somewhat less favourable | 12.7% |
Much less favourable | 5.0% |
Don't know / No answer | 17.3% |
Which of the following phrases come closer to your view? I favour the U.S-led efforts to fight terrorism, or I oppose the U.S.-led efforts to fight terrorism?
Favour | 40.1% |
Oppose | 35.8% |
Don't know / No answer | 24.1% |
Source: Indonesian Survey Institute (LSI) / Terror Free Tomorrow
Methodology: Interviews to 1,200 Indonesian adults, conducted from Feb. 1 to Feb. 8, 2005. Margin of error is 2.9 per cent.