(New York Times) - Jane Perlez From the financing of educational institutions to giving money for militant Islamic groups, the influence of Saudi Arabia, and Saudi charities, has been growing steadily in Indonesia, the world's most populous Muslim country. Until recently, Indonesia has been famously relaxed about its religion. But slowly, Indonesians are becoming more devout and in the battle for the soul of Islam the Saudis are playing an important though stealthy role, Indonesian scholars say. The Saudi money has come in two forms: above-board funds for religious and educational purposes, and quietly disbursed funds for militant Islamic groups.
2003-07-08 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive