By Richard Galpin BBC Jakarta correspondent

Television and radio stations in Indonesia have begun broadcasting a series of special programmes financed by the United States Government highlighting the experiences of Muslims living in the US.

The documentary series called "Common Ground" is being launched in Indonesia, the world's largest Muslim nation.

It will later be aired in other Muslim countries in Asia and the Middle East.

This is a major diplomatic initiative aimed at changing how Muslims worldwide view the US.

It comes at a critical time as the US-led war on terrorism seems set to move into a new phase with the growing possibility of an attack on Iraq.

Image campaign

Already there is much hostility in Indonesia to US foreign policy. It is viewed by many as being aggressive, arrogant and hypocritical. The war on terrorism is increasingly being seen as a war against Muslims.

The US is appealing to ordinary Muslims

Many in Indonesia opposed the bombing of Afghanistan last year and if there is an assault on Iraq, it is likely to lead to yet more anti-Western demonstrations, especially amongst the more radical Islamic groups.

It is therefore critical that the US Government wins over the hearts and minds of moderate Muslims, who form the majority in countries like Indonesia.

This special series of programmes highlights the positive experience of the millions of Muslims currently living in the US and the fact that Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the country.

A Muslim university student who features in one of the programmes describes how his faith is respected by the other students. The message is simple and clear - but already commentators who attended a special preview in Jakarta are describing the programmes as propaganda.