With his talk of genocide and destroying Israel, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has captivated the hearts of students in the “moderate” Islamic state of Indonesia, at two of the country’s most prestigious universities: Iran’s leader a new hero among Indonesians. (Hat tip: Allahpundit.)

HE’S tiny, wears a perfectly groomed beard and waves to his supporters with both hands clasped high in the air, prize-fighter-style - and now Jakarta’s university students have declared Mahmoud Ahmadinejad “the world’s most charismatic leader”.

While much of the world struggles to come to terms with Iran’s plans for developing nuclear technology, its enigmatic President spent yesterday playing to his new fans at two of Indonesia’s most prestigious academic institutions.

The leader of one of the world’s least-understood regimes was enthusiastically welcomed yesterday by throngs of students and academics at the two universities in Jakarta most likely to influence the thinking of Indonesia’s ruling class. ...

The excitement was clear at the University of Indonesia and the nearby State Islamic University, with students on both campuses voicing their admiration for a leader facing off against the “oppression” and “colonialism” of the US.

Banners and T-shirts in support of Iraq and nuclear power research, and denouncing Israel, were strategically placed.

“He’s incredibly charismatic - if you had to compare him to someone, it would be (Indonesia’s founding president) Sukarno,” said one student. “His speeches are very nationalistic.”

“There’s not a leader in the world like him,” declared another. “I am so proud.”

Ahmadinejad’s addresses to the two audiences - which included a repeat of recent rants against Israel - were full of the nationalist rhetoric that has characterised his appearances since winning office almost a year ago. Nuclear technology is the most sophisticated field of research known to science and every nation has a right to pursue its own place in the field, independent of domination by countries such as the US, goes the line.

And if Indonesia wants to turn to Iran for help in the field, Ahmadinejad is willing to help.

At least one student at the University of Indonesia found out just how willing: her questions in fluent Farsi impressed Ahmadinejad so much that he awarded her an on-the-spot scholarship, in front of the crowd, to study nuclear technology in Iran.

An Indonesian student at the Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic University holds an anti-U.S. President George W. Bush sign during a small demonstration in support of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad who visited the University Thursday, May 11, 2006 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Ahmadinejad intensified his attacks against Israel on Thursday, calling it ‘a tyrannical regime that one day will be destroyed,’ but also said he was ready to negotiate with the United States and its allies over his country’s nuclear program. (AP Photo/Ed Wray)

Please note: the poster in the photograph above also appears regularly at “anti-war” demonstrations in the United States and Europe. The powers of darkness have been globalized.

UPDATE at 5/11/06 5:50:41 pm:

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, lower left, surrounded by bodyguards, shakes hands with students and faculty at the Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic University Thursday May 11, 2006 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Ahmadinejad intensified his attacks against Israel on Thursday, calling it ‘a tyrannical regime that one day will be destroyed,’ but also said he was ready to negotiate with the United States and its allies over his country’s nuclear program. (AP Photo/Ed Wray)

UPDATE at 5/11/06 5:55:20 pm:

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad shows peace signs as he addresses Indonesian students in Jakarta, Indonesia, Thursday, May 11, 2006. Ahmadinejad on Thursday called Israel a tyrannical regime that will one day will be destroyed, and vowed to continue defending his country’s right to develop nuclear technology. (AP Photo/Achmad Ibrahim)

Peace signs?