"The US should make true its word to free the people from the pressure of the regime in power and defend the interests of the Iraqi people themselves," said Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda.

Reconstruction should reflect the interests of the people, he said.

Wirayuda also urged the US to give the United Nations a greater role in running the country following the fall of Saddam Hussein.

"The US should give the UN a bigger role, not only in handling humanitarian affairs but also in reconstructing Iraq," he told reporters.

He declined direct comment on whether Jakarta still recognises the current Iraqi ambassador. "We are still awaiting the establishment of a new government (in Iraq)."

US President George W. Bush pledged Tuesday the UN will play a "vital role" in post-war Iraq but suggested this should entail providing food and medical aid.

He has picked retired general Jay Garner to run Iraq's post-war interim administration.

SPACE.WIRE