Terror Free Tomorrow Poll: Americans Want To Increase Tsunami Aid To Indonesia

Washington, DC -- By a substantial margin (57%-39%), Americans want to increase aid to Indonesia. This is just one of the dramatic findings in the first nationwide poll since the tsunami, conducted by Ipsos-Public Affairs for Terror Free Tomorrow on January 10-12, 2005. "The poll demonstrates the strong commitment Americans have to helping the world's largest Muslim nation in its time of need." said Kenneth Ballen, President of Terror Free Tomorrow. By comparison, only 13% of Americans want foreign aid increased more generally. By a nearly 10 to 1 margin (88%-9%), Americans also want to provide at least as much aid to Indonesia as Japan and Germany, two large donors and the second and third largest developed economies. "This is a unique opportunity to rebuild not only Indonesia, but also the reputation of the United States among Indonesians," Ballen added, noting that global terrorist groups have used record-high levels of anti-American sentiment to make significant inroads throughout Indonesia, the largest Muslim majority country in the world and the one hardest hit by the tsunami. "Many Americans are reacting to the plight of Indonesia and recognize its need for assistance. For instance, about four in ten of those who initially say the U.S. should reduce its overall foreign aid nevertheless support sending more economic aid to tsunami-struck Indonesia," said Dr. Janice Bell of Ipsos-Public Affairs. "Increased American assistance to Indonesia is long overdue," according to Ambassador Alphonse F. La Porta, President of the United States--Indonesia Society, "and well worth the investment for the United States' future relations with Indonesia." The Terror Free Tomorrow poll surveyed 1,000 American adults and has a margin of error of 1773.1 percentage points. Complete poll results and graphics are available at www.terrorfreetomorrow.org

For more information on this press release, please contact: Janice Bell Director, Ipsos Public Affairs Washington, D.C. 202.463.7300

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