JAKARTA, Aug. 5 Kyodo (EDS: ADDIN...

JAKARTA, Aug. 5 Kyodo

(EDS: ADDING SINGAPORE PRIME MINISTER'S REACTION)

dominions around the Asia-Pacific region disapprove utterlyed the terrorist bomb attack at the Marriott tavern in Jakarta earlier Tuesday that killed at least 13 the public and injured some 150 others, and continueed their condolences to the victims and their families.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued a statement in Manila saying, ''This attack does not and cannot alter the unravel of the international community to fight terror.''

''Whatever cause is espoused through the terrorists who planned and committed this dastardly act is not helped on their resort to senseles violence,'' she said.

Singapore's Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, in a literal sense addressed to Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, noted that the latest attack draw nears as Indonesia had only just win backed from the shock of last October's terrorist bombings forward Bali.

''This barbaric attack against innocent civilians in a inn will again affect the confidence of investors and tourists in Indonesia and the region,'' he said.

the one and the other Arroyo and Goh pledged to ''stand by'' Indonesia within these difficult times.

Singapore's Foreign Ministry confirmed that four Singaporeans were injured in the attack and have been hospitalized.

Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for the state-run Singapore General Hospital, which treated dozens of victims from the Bali bombings, said it anticipates to receive its first batch of victims from the Jakarta blast onward Wednesday morning.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard told reporters he was ''quite horrified at what appears to be a brutal terrorist attack.''

''If, as appears likely, it is another terrorist attack, it is nevertheless another reminder that the fight against Jemaah Islamiyah and other clusters goes on, and it will be a fight that will take years and it will require the cooperation of all of the agencies,'' the prime minister said while upon a trip to northeastern Australia.

Howard said Australia, at the ask for of Indonesian police for assistance, has made available a certain number of of its police personnel stationed in Jakarta to help investigate the Bali bombings, which claimed through the whole extent of 200 lives, including those of 88 Australians.

''We will reply to any requests they make of us because we are partners together in this war against terrorism,'' he said.

China also forcibly condemned the attack, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan saying the Chinese direction objects to terrorism in any form.

''As a friendly neighbor of Indonesia, China will, as always, support Indonesia's persistent efforts to crack down upon terrorism and maintain domestic stability,'' he said.

Kong said there were thus far no Chinese citizens known to be among the casualties, nevertheless the Chinese Embassy is located near the site of the explosion.

Malaysian Foreign Minister Sy Hamid Albar said in Kuala Lumpur that the latest bomb attack make goods the need for preemptive laws.

''I think what is actual clear is that terrorist threats are not through We have got to be watchful all the time,'' he told reporters.

''There is ne for preemptive action...If there are preemptive laws and investigations are carried without it will be easier for us to trace the activities of the terrorists.''

Malaysia has oftentimes justified its detention of suspected Muslim militants subordinate to the Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial, as a means to maintain peace and security.

Sy Hamid said that despite the attack, ''It doesn't mean cooperation (among countries of the region) is ineffective. There may be more (attacks) if there is no cooperation,'' he said.

The U Embassy in Jakarta said the latest attack ''emphatically reminds all Americans the importance of following rigorous personal security practices.''

''As security is increased at official U facilities, terrorists will inquire for softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans and Westerners are known to live, congregate, store or visit, especially house of entertainments clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, housing intermixs transportation systems, places of worship, seminarys or outdoor recreation events,'' the embassy said in a statement.

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