The founder of the Mujahidin Council of Indonesia, Abubakar Ba'asyir has come under increasing scrutiny after suspected terrorists in Malaysia, Singapore and the Philippines alleged that he played a key role in the underground Asian network. Last week at the religious school he heads in central Java, he spoke to TIME reporter Jason Tedjasukmana about the allegations.

TIME: What was discussed during your police interrogation last week in Jakarta?
Abubakar: Let me first say that it was not an interrogation. As the police said, it was a "clarification" about the allegations being made by the Malaysian authorities.

TIME: Why has the Malaysian government singled you out as the head of a regional terrorist network?
Abubakar: This is a ploy by Mahathir, who is using the terrorist card to eliminate his opposition before election time.

TIME: But it is not just the government that is accusing you. Several of the Malaysians under arrest there have identified you as the leader of the Kumpulan Mujahideen Malaysia (KMM) and the leader of Jemaah Islamiah.
Abubakar: This is just a political game. I had never heard of the KMM or Jemaah Islamiah until I returned to Indonesia. I have not been back to Malaysia since 1999, so how could I be the KMM's leader? Jemaah Islamiah is an invention by Mahathir to instill fear in the Muslim community.

TIME: Why did you move to Malaysia in the mid 1980s?
Abubakar: I left Indonesia because I was being pressured by the military regime of [former President] Suharto. I didn't plan to stay in Malaysia long. While I was there I was a religious teacher and had a small business selling honey and oil. I was not involved in any political organizations or was active in any groups.

Why did you come back to Indonesia?
Abubakar: I came back because I am Indonesian and because I wanted to continue with my duty to establish [Islamic law] here. True Muslims must follow Islamic law.

TIME: Does that require a change in government?
Abubakar: No. I am not advocating the overthrow of any government. What I want to see is a government committed to Islam. My commitment to the teachings of Islam may be perceived as hard-line, but it is the only way. The government is too easily influenced by money.

TIME: Do you know Riduan Isamuddin [better known as Hambali and now at large and wanted by the Malaysian police]?
Abubakar: I knew him while I was in Malaysia. He taught religion like me. His only wrongdoing was teaching the concepts of a jihad and mati syahid [holy death]. I have not had contact with him since 1999 and do not know where he is.

TIME: Singaporean officials also point to your involvement in the planned bombing of American and Israeli targets there.
Abubakar: I don't believe that there was any plan. Muslims are a very poor minority in Singapore. How could they finance such a large operation?

TIME: Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi who is detained in the Philippines studied at your school.
Abubakar: I don't know him. Besides, I do not believe that he could have been in possession of so many explosives.

TIME: Is your school preparing young men for a jihad operation?
Abubakar: Jihad means "struggle" and it is the struggle of all Muslims to defend Islam when it is attacked.

TIME: Who do you hold responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks?
Abubakar: The United States. Americans are the real terrorists and enemy of Islam.

TIME: Then who do you think did them?
Abubakar: The attacks were the brainchild of the U.S. and the Jews. I even heard that [Henry] Kissinger was the mastermind.

TIME: What about the video footage of Osama bin Laden discussing the terrorist attacks?
Abubakar: He said he was delighted with the attacks. That doesn't mean he ordered them. It is not proof. Many Muslims around the world were happy when the WTC was attacked.

TIME: Do you agree with bin Laden?
Abubakar: I have read his books and believe that he is a true defender of Islam. This does not mean that he shouldn't be tried if he's guilty of a crime. But so far there is no proof.

TIME: So you don't believe bin Laden could've pulled off the attacks?
Abubakar: No. I don't believe he has the money or sophistication to mount such an attack.

TIME: Have you ever met or spoken to him?
Abubakar: No. I am only familiar with his teachings. We share the same faith. I agree with his fight. The only way I have helped him is through prayer.

TIME: Did you send any members to the war in Afghanistan?
Abubakar: We signed up volunteers but could not get the visas for them. We only sent money to help the Afghans.

TIME: Have you sent any volunteers to fight in the Maluku Islands or in Sulawesi against Christians?
Abubakar: To those conflicts, yes. We want to see a peaceful settlement but in the meantime have to defend the ummat [Muslim community] there.

TIME: Have you hosted or trained any foreign volunteers?
Abubakar: I am not aware of any, but if they want to get involved that is their business. If they feel the need to help defend Islam here, that is their right.

TIME: Have you had any offers of volunteers from al-Qaeda?
Abubakar: I have never heard of al-Qaeda being here. That rumor was invented because the United States feels threatened by the Muslim potential here. If the U.S. does not change its ways it could be very dangerous.

TIME: How so?
Abubakar: Muslims will resist until death. The U.S. attacked Afghanistan not just because they were after Osama bin Laden but because they wanted to weaken the Muslims there and to get oil from the Caspian Sea.

TIME: Are you afraid to leave the country now that you're wanted in Malaysia and Singapore?
Abubakar: No. I went on [a minor pilgrimage] in December and I plan to go on the hajj as soon as I have enough money.