Documents on East Timor from PeaceNet and Connected Computer Networks Volume 43: February 1, 1996 - April 30, 1996

Published by: East Timor Action Network / U.S. P.O. Box 1182, White Plains, NY 10602 USA Tel: 914-428-7299 Fax: 914-428-7383 E-mail [email protected] These documents are produced approximately every two months and mailed to subscribers. For additional or back copies, send US$30 per volume; add $5 for international air mail. Discount rates: $15 for educational and non-profit institutions; $8 for U.S. activists; $11 international. Subscription rates: $180 ($90 educational, $48 activist) for the next six issues. Add $30 ($18 activist) for international air mail. Further subsidies are available for groups in Third World countries working on East Timor. Checks should be made out to “ETAN.” The material is grouped by subject, with articles under each category in approximately chronological order. It is also available on IBM-compatible diskette, in either Word for Windows or ASCII format. Reprinting and distribution without permission is welcomed. Much of this information is translated and supplied by TAPOL (London), CDPM (Lisbon), CNRM, Free East Timor Japan Coalition, Mate-Bian News (Sydney), East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign, ETIC (Aotearoa), Australians for a Free East Timor (Darwin) and other activists and solidarity groups, but they are not responsible for edi torial comment or selection.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

BACKGROUND ARTICLES ...... 9 EAST TIMOR’S HISTORY FROM SPICES TO CONFLICT...... 9 XANANA A THORN IN INDONESIA’S SIDE ...... 9

EVENTS IN EAST TIMOR...... 10 AI ON DETENTION & TORTURE AFTER SEPT. 95 RIOTS ...... 10 REPORT FROM OCTOBER VISIT TO EAST TIMOR...... 12 FOUR INDONESIAN TROOPS KILLED, NINE INJURED IN VIQUEQUE ...... 14 TROOPS CAPTURE EAST TIMOR REBEL ...... 14 INDONESIAN TROOPS KILL SIX TIMORESE REBELS...... 14 TIMORESE REBELS KILL TWO - ANTARA ...... 15 INDONESIA ARRESTS 27 REBELS IN 10 MONTHS ...... 15 TIMORESE REBEL GIVES UP TO INDONESIAN AUTHORITIES...... 15 400 YEARS UNDER PORTUGUESE COLONIZATION, NO ELECTRICITY AT FATUBOSA ...... 15 GOVT. TO ORGANIZE DOMESTIC TOUR FOR EAST TIMOR TEACHERS...... 16 SEVEN INJURED AS INDONESIA QUELLS TIMOR JAIL RIOT...... 16 GUERRILLAS FACE NEW ARMY ONSLAUGHT...... 17 INCREASED MILITARISATION AND WORSENING HUMAN RIGHTS IN EAST TIMOR CONFIRMED ...... 18 FIGHTING AND KILLING CONTINUES IN EAST TIMOR...... 19 AI UPDATE ON JOSÉ ANTONIO BELO...... 19 PORTUGAL, COME QUICKLY... AND LIBERATE US!...... 21 ANTONIO, FALLEN STAR ...... 22 Page 2 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

KONIS SANTANA: U.S. HOLDS THE KEY...... 23 GIANT STATUE PROJECT HALTED ...... 23 JAKARTA TIGHTENS SECURITY IN DILI ...... 23 TIMORESE ARRESTED IN FATUBERLIU...... 23 MA’HUNO’S SON BEATEN TO A COMA...... 24 SUMAMPOUW’S BIGGEST BET (COFFEE)...... 24 MARINE SOLDIERS FROM EAST TIMOR ARE VERY NEEDED ...... 26 EAST TIMORESE YOUNG PEOPLE IN STRUGGLE...... 26 ABRI FACTION OF HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES VISITS EAST TIMOR ...... 28 RP 4.8 BILLION FOR COOPERATIVES AND SMALL INDUSTRIES IN EAST TIMOR ...... 28 INDONESIA TO OPEN HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE IN TIMOR ...... 28 TIMORESE REPORTEDLY KILLED FOR RAISING FLAG...... 29 TIMOR TENSION HIGH AFTER PROTEST DEATHS ...... 29 OMCT ALERT ON AFONSO GONÇALVES AND ANTONIO LUIS SOARES ...... 29

ASYLUM-SEEKING CONTINUES ...... 30 CHRONOLOGY OF EMBASSY ASYLUM BIDS FOR EAST TIMORESE ...... 30 POLAND SETS UP COMMITTEE ON TIMORESE REFUGEES ...... 30 YET ANOTHER EMBASSY OCCUPATION (FRENCH) ...... 31 29 EAST TIMORESE APPLY TO LEAVE FOR PORTUGAL...... 31 AI ALERT ON BOAT PEOPLE ARRESTS ...... 32 AI UPDATE ON NOVEMBER 1995 BOAT PEOPLE...... 32 TIMORESE GATECRASH AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY...... 33 EAST TIMORESE DENIED ACCESS TO AUSTRALIAN JOURNALISTS ...... 33 TIMORESE IN OZ AND FRENCH EMBASSIES ...... 34 TIMORESE LEAVE FRENCH JAKARTA MISSION FOR PORTUGAL...... 34 MORE TIMORESE SAID READY TO LEAVE THEIR HOMELAND...... 35 TALKS BETWEEN AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY, ASYLUM-SEEKERS CONTINUE...... 35 NINE EAST TIMORESE REJECT OFFER TO GO TO PORTUGAL...... 36 ASYLUM SEEKERS ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL ...... 36 SUICIDE ATTEMPT: ET ASYLUM SEEKERS ...... 37 INDONESIAN MILITARY ABDUCTS HOSPITALISED ASYLUM SEEKERS ...... 37 TIMORESE IN AUSTRALIAN MISSION STILL IN STALEMATE ...... 37 ASIET: 5 EAST TIMORESE OUT OF EMBASSY ...... 38 CNRM STATEMENT ON ASYLUM SEEKERS ...... 38 MILITARY GRILLS ASYLUM-SEEKERS, SAYS ASSOCIATE ...... 40 FOUR TIMORESE LEAVE DUTCH EMBASSY IN RECORD TIME...... 40 FOUR EAST TIMORESE SITTING TIGHT AT AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY...... 41 ENTRY ATTEMPT AT PALESTINIAN EMBASSY...... 41 INTERNATIONAL STATEMENT ON JAKARTA EMBASSY ASYLUM-SEEKERS ...... 41 TIMORESE IN AUSTRALIA MISSION LIKELY FOR PORTUGAL...... 42 FOUR EAST TIMORESE LEAVE AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY, TO STAY...... 43 TIMORESE ENTER FRENCH AND POLISH JAKARTA MISSIONS AHEAD OF TALKS ...... 43 TIMORESE BOAT PEOPLE JAILED...... 44 TIMORESE FORCED TO LEAVE GERMAN EMBASSY ...... 44 EAST TIMOR LEADER TO LODGE COMPLAINT AGAINST GERMANY...... 46 BONN SUMMONS INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR IN TIMOR CASE...... 46 TIMORESE HELD IN JAKARTA RELEASED ...... 47 PCP DEMANDS EXPLANATION ...... 47 THREE TIMORESE IN HOSPITAL ...... 47 GERMANY REGRETS INCIDENTS ...... 47 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 3

LETTER TO GERMANS...... 48 THREE TIMORESE ENTER DUTCH EMBASSY ...... 49

EVENTS IN INDONESIA...... 49 GOVERNMENT NETWORK HACKED BY FREE TIMOR SUPPORTERS...... 49 WHAT CORRUPTION DOES ...... 49 INDONESIA SAYS STILL NEEDS SUBVERSION LAW ...... 50 BISHOP BELO’S NIECE ARRESTED IN PRIOK...... 50 MUI AID TO TIMOR MUSLIMS ...... 50 ‘TIMOR’ CAR TO BE PRODUCED BY TOMMY SUHARTO ...... 51 HUMAN RIGHTS GUIDE BOOK...... 51 DOMESTIC SITUATION CALLS FOR MORE SERIOUS ATTENTION...... 52 ARMED FORCES CHIEF: HUMAN RIGHTS ALONE CANNOT SOLVE NATIONAL PROBLEMS...... 52 ARMED FORCES SHOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT THE GROUPINGS IN SOCIETY ...... 52 PAKPAHAN CALLS FOR REFERENDUM IN EAST TIMOR ...... 52 TIMOR - INDONESIA’S MAIN PROBLEM ...... 54 SUHARTO WARNS AGAINST INDONESIAN DISINTEGRATION ...... 54 INDON PARTY BOSS SAYS TIMOR A NON-ISSUE ...... 54 NIP THIS REBELLION (IRIAN JAYA)...... 54 DPR MEMBER REGRETS DYSFUNCTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION OFFICE...... 55 INDONESIANS JEALOUS OF EAST TIMOR HANDOUTS ...... 55 INDONESIA AIR SHOW (IAS) IN JUNE ‘96 ...... 56

DISINFORMATION FROM THE INDONESIAN SIDE ...... 57 MULADI IN MATRA: EAST TIMORESE TERRORISM? ...... 57 EAST TIMORESE CLAIM OVER PORTUGAL IS REALISTIC...... 57 WOMEN’S ROLE HAS IMPROVED RAPIDLY ...... 58 RAFTY: THE EAST TIMOR QUESTION: AS I SEE IT...... 58

EUROPE-ASIA SUMMIT IN BANGKOK...... 61 THAILAND TO BAR TIMOR LEADER ...... 61 GAC TO PREPARE FOR BANGKOK SUMMIT...... 61 EAST ASIANS SEEK TO AVOID CONTROVERSY AT EU SUMMIT...... 62 EAST TIMOR AND THE ASIA-EUROPE SUMMIT...... 62 JAKARTA WORRIED BY TIMOR...... 62 PARIS-JAKARTA – WITHOUT PASSING THROUGH TIMOR...... 63 PARIS DOES NOT WANT ANY CLASHES ...... 64 PRESSURE GROUPS PLAN ALTERNATIVE ASIA-EUROPE TALKS...... 64 HOST THAIS SAY NO SENSITIVE TOPICS ...... 64 EU WANTS SENSITIVE ISSUES BROACHED ...... 65 EU WON’T PUSH HUMAN RIGHTS ...... 65 EU MINISTERS AGREE ON BANGKOK PREPARATIONS...... 66 ASIANS STEER SUMMIT WITH EU AWAY FROM CONTROVERSY ...... 66 EU-ASIA MEETING TO TARGET BIASES...... 67 HUMAN RIGHTS LOOMS OVER ASIA SUMMIT ...... 68 PORTUGAL DETERMINED TO KEEP ASIAN EYES ON TIMOR...... 69 AMNESTY: SUMMIT MUST INCLUDE STRONG COMMITMENT TO HUMAN RIGHTS...... 70 HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: DON’T IGNORE HUMAN RIGHTS ...... 70 HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ARE GLOOMY ON SUMMIT ...... 71 SPEECH BY CARMEL BUDIARDJO AT BANGKOK NGO CONFERENCE...... 71 BANGKOK NGO CONFEREN CE RECOMMENDATIONS...... 74 TRILLION DOLLAR TRADE DULLS RIGHTS PRINCIPLES ...... 77 Page 4 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

EUROPEAN, ASIAN NATIONS PLEDGE FRESH COMMITMENT TO FREE TRADE...... 78 AGIR POUR TIMOR LETTER TO FRENCH EMBASSY...... 78 CHIRAC IN BANGKOK, DEMOCRACY IN THE LOO ...... 79 EAST TIMOR IN THAI PRESS ...... 79 ASEM COVERAGE IN JAPAN...... 79 TIMORESE LEADER THREATENED...... 80

GUTERRES OFFERS OUT TO SUHARTO ...... 80 GUTERRES MEETS WITH SUHARTO...... 80 PORTUGAL SAYS INDONESIA MOVING ON TIMOR PLAN ...... 81 PORTUGAL’S TIMOR OFFER CARRIES RISKS...... 81 TEN MINUTE HISTORIC DIALOGUE...... 82 EAST TIMORESE CAUTIOUS ON PORTUGUESE INITIATIVE...... 83 PORTUGUESE PROPOSALS SEEN BREAKING EAST TIMOR IMPASSE...... 83 LISBON SEEKS JAKARTA TRUCE...... 84 ALATAS ON PORTUGUESE PROPOSAL...... 84 PRESIDENT: NOT ONLY XANANA GUSMÃO ...... 84

INTRA-TIMORESE DIALOGUE IN AUSTRIA ...... 85 HORTA’S PLACE MIGHT BE TAKEN BY PRIEST FROM TIMOR...... 85 BISHOP BELO, VATICAN, AND AUSTRIA...... 86 ALL INCLUSIVE EAST TIMORESE DIALOGUE II TO BE HELD IN AUSTRIA ...... 86 SOEHARTO ASKS EAST TIMORESE ABROAD TO THINK REALISTICALLY ...... 86 ALL-INCLUSIVE DIALOGUE ON EAST TIMOR TO CONTINUE IN AUSTRIA, 19-22 MARCH ...... 87 SECOND ALL INCLUSIVE EAST TIMORESE DIALOGUE WITHOUT BISHOP BELO ...... 87 INTRA-TIMORESE MEETING STARTS TODAY IN AUSTRIA...... 87 A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE PEOPLE OF EAST TIMOR MOST WANTED...... 88 TWO HOT ISSUES COMMENCE INTRA-TIMORESE MEETING...... 88 STALEMATE AT INTRA-TIMORESE MEETING...... 89 INTRA-EAST TIMORESE DIALOGUE ADOPTS DECLARATION; CALLS FOR CONTINUING TALKS ...... 89 BURG SCHLAINING DECLARATION, 1996...... 89 AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMEN T COMMITS $20,000 TO TIMOR...... 90 JAPANESE FUNDS FOR INTRA-TIMORESE DIALOGUE...... 90 XIMENES BELO KEPT FROM MEETING FOLLOWING PRESSURE ON VATICAN ...... 90 THE PEOPLE OF TIMOR CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE...... 91 CNRM ON SECOND EAST TIMORESE TALKS ...... 92 HORTA: “THE FUTURE OF EAST TIMOR IS VERY CLOSE” ...... 92 A GOOD STEP TO HAVE INDONESIAN REPORTERS IN PORTUGAL...... 93

CATHOLIC CHURCH ACTIVITIES ...... 93 THE DAILY MARTYRDOM OF THE CHURCH IN TIMOR...... 93 INVITATION DIDN’T COME ...... 94 BISHOPS’ TRIP TO TIMOR DELAYED ...... 94 NEW SEMINARY INAUGURATED ON SATURDAY...... 94 EAST TIMORESE PROTEST AGAINST INDONESIA AT MASS ...... 95 THREE ARRESTED IN DILI ...... 96 POLICE SMASH EAST TIMOR PROTEST ...... 96 YOU ARE LIVING IN HELL...... 97 DARWIN PROTEST AT SUNDAY INCIDENT...... 97 INDONESIA POLICE RELEASE TIMORESE AFTER PROTEST...... 97 APPEAL FROM EAST TIMOR - “DON’T FORGET US!”...... 97 TWO INDONESIAN AMBASSADORS MEET WITH BI SHOP BELO ...... 98 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 5

LETTERS ARRIVE FROM TIMOR...... 98 POPE URGES DIALOGUE BETWEEN INDONESIA, EAST TIMOR...... 98 POPE SENDS ENVOY TO EAST TIMOR...... 98 CONFRONTATIONS & ARRESTS DURING ETCHEGARAY’S VISIT...... 99 ETCHEGARAY STATEMENT ON LEAVING DILI ...... 99 CARDINAL ETCHEGARAY MEETS WITH PRESIDENT SOEHARTO ...... 100 EAST TIMOR GOVERNOR AND BISHOP BELO FULFILL INVITATION OF MUI ACEH ...... 100 TIMOR ON THE VATICAN AGENDA...... 101 VATICAN URGING XANANA’S RELEASE...... 101 BISHOP BELO VISITS PURA GIRINATA ...... 101 BELO MAKING WAVES AGAIN ...... 102 GIVE EAST TIMOR MORE AUTONOMY: BISHOP...... 103 FATHER MARSHALL: HARMONY AMONG RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES IN EAST TIMOR HAS NO PROBLEM 103

READERS DIGEST ARTICLE AND CONTROVERSY...... 103 READER’S DIGEST: HERO FOR A FORGOTTEN PEOPLE...... 103 JAKARTA BARS READER’S DIGEST NEWSSTAND SALES ...... 106 INDONESIA DENIES BANNING READER’S DIGEST EDITION ...... 106 INDONESIAN GENERALS BAN READERS DIGEST MARCH EDITION ...... 106 2XX RADIO NEWS ON READER’S DIGEST BAN IN INDONESIA...... 107

NEGOTIATIONS AND COUNTER-OFFERS ...... 107 HORTA: A ROAD TO PEACE IN EAST TIMOR ...... 107 SEARCHING FOR A SOLUTION TO EAST TIMOR ...... 107 EAST TIMORESE LEADER APPEALS FOR RELEASE OF WEST PAPUA HOSTAGES ...... 108 JOSÉ RAMOS-HORTA CHATHAM HOUSE ADDRESS...... 108

UN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION IN GENEVA ...... 112 U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSIONER VISITS INDONESIA [AND E. TIMOR]...... 112 SELF-DETERMINATION CONFERENCE IN GENEVA ...... 113 UN HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM IN FINANCIAL CRISIS...... 113 BOUTROS GHALI CONFIDENT OF SETTLEMENT FOR EAST TIMOR ...... 114 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REMARKS TO UNHRC ...... 114 U.N. CHIEF SAYS ETHNIC WARS THREATEN HUMAN RIGHTS ...... 115 NGOS RAISE EAST TIMOR AT UNHRC ...... 115 UN RIGHTS BOSS CITES GRAVE VIOLATIONS IN EAST TIMOR...... 115 UN RIGHTS CHAIRMAN SLAMS WESTERN HYPOCRISY...... 118 UN HUMAN RIGHTS MONITORING OFFICE IN JAKARTA...... 118 UN TO DISCUSS SITUATION IN TIMOR ...... 119 AMNESTY REFUSES TO SPEAK AT UNHRC MEETING...... 119 NEGOTIATIONS AT HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION...... 119 EAST TIMOR CAUSES IMPASSE IN GENEVA ...... 120 UNHRC EXCERPTS...... 120 UNHRC CHAIRMAN’S CONSENSUS STATEMENT...... 121 COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS CONCLUDES ANNUAL GENERAL DEBATE...... 122 JAKARTA’S INTERPRETATION OF UNHRC STATEMENT...... 122

OTHER UN ACTIVITIES ...... 123 DECOLONIZATION SUCCESSES HAVE CHANGED INTERNATIONAL LANDSCAPE...... 123 U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT IN MACAU ...... 125 GUINEA-BISSAU PRESIDES UNSC NON-ALIGNED GROUP ...... 125 UN DECOLONIZATION MEETING ATTACKED...... 125 Page 6 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA...... 126 LETTERS IN THE BULLETIN ...... 126 DARWIN: OZ MILITARY VISIT CONSULATE...... 126 AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL DAY OF SOLIDARITY WITH EAST TIMOR ...... 126 ACADEMICS TARGET EAST TIMOR AS POLL ISSUE...... 127 COALITION WOULD BE CONSISTENT ON EAST TIMOR: DOWNER...... 127 ET’ESE KIM JONG DEN IED ASYLUM IN OZ ...... 127 LAWYERS CALL FOR AUSTRALIA RE-THINK EAST TIMOR ...... 129 INQUIRY INTO DEATHS OF JOURNALISTS ...... 129 GARETH EVANS UPSTAGED IN BRISBANE...... 129 NORTHERN TERRITORIANS WANT EAST TIMOR TALKS...... 129 PROTEST PLANNED IN DARWIN ...... 129 INDONESIA & AUSTRALIA TO CO-DEVELOP MILITARY HARDWARE - ACADEMIC...... 130 NEW INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR DUE MARCH 10 ...... 130 SPY IN DARWIN?...... 130 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN SYDNEY, JUNE 1996...... 130 KEATING CAMPAIGN HQ OCCUPIED ...... 131 EVANS HECKLED AGAIN...... 131 DARWIN MAN FINED FOR FLAG BURNING ...... 132 DARWIN COUNCIL ATTEMPTS INTIMIDATION ...... 132 LABOUR DEFEATED IN AUSTRALIA...... 132 EAST TIMOR, THE AUSTRALIAN MEDIA (IN SYDNEY) AND THE MARCH 1996 FEDERAL ELECTION ...... 132 HOWARD WIN SEEN AFFECTING INDONESIAN PERSONAL TIES ...... 134 DON’T LET E TIMOR ISSUE MAR RELATIONSHIP - INDONESIA...... 135 TIMORESE URGE HOWARD TO BE FIRM WITH INDONESIA ...... 135 SUHARTO SAYS COMMITTED TO INDONESIA- AUSTRALIA TIES ...... 135 INDONESIA’S NEW AMBASSADOR HOPES SUHARTO TO VISIT ...... 136 A TRIBUTE TO JASON PORTER OF CRYSTAL BROOK ...... 136 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY FOCUSSED ON TIMOR WOMAN ...... 136 INDONESIAN ACADEMIC TO SPEAK ON DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS...... 137 AUSTRALIA ENDORSES U.S. REPORT ON INDONESIAN HUMAN RIGHTS...... 138 SUHARTO’S VISIT TO EAST TIMOR IN JULY...... 138 NATIONAL WITHDRAW RECOGNITION DAY...... 138 NEW AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT AND REFUGEES ...... 139 STONE TO HELP NEW GOVT. IMPROVE INDONESIA TIES ...... 140 APPEAL TO COALITION - AMNESTY FOR EAST TIMOR ASYLUM SEEKERS...... 141 AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MEETS WITH FRETILIN GROUP IN DARWIN ...... 141 AUST AMBASSADOR TO VISIT EAST TIMOR ...... 144 ASIET ACTION REPORT - FEBRUARY-MARCH ...... 144 TIMOR PROTESTER JAILED...... 145 AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL POLICE OVERACTING?...... 145 DARWIN: CONSUL CHALLENGED ...... 146 AMNESTY (AUSTRALIA) TIMOR LETTER...... 146 WIRYONO: WHAT AUSTRALIANS NEED TO KNOW ...... 147 DOWNER VISIT TO INDONESIA...... 148 ALATAS INTERVIEW WITH DATELINE...... 149 AUSTRALIA TO FUND RED CROSS WORK IN E. TIMOR ...... 150 POSITIVE, AUSTRALIA’S INTENTION TO HELP FIGHT POVERTY IN EAST TIMOR ...... 150 RESISTANCE CAMPAIGNS FOR EAST TIMOR...... 151 AUST-INDON TREATY REFLECTS REGIONAL CONCERNS - INSTITUTE ...... 151 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 7

AUST AMBASSADOR TO VISIT EAST TIMOR ...... 152

EVENTS IN NEW ZEALAND ...... 152 CULTUS GROUP TO SEARCH IN TIMOR SEA OIL FIELD ...... 152 EMBASSY OCCUPIERS ‘NOT AUTOMATICALLY BANNED’...... 153 NZ EMBASSY WARNED GUARDS...... 153 JAKARTA STAFF CRITICISED ...... 154 TRIAL OF MANU CADDIE...... 154 NZ REFUGEE MEETING REPORT...... 154

EVENTS IN ASIA...... 155 “HYPOCRISY BETTER”...... 155 DAILY YOMIURI DISTORTIONS...... 155 PIYF TAKES ALATAS TO TASK ...... 156 RECALL INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR TO INDIA...... 156 CHINESE ATLAS “SEPARATES” TIMOR...... 157 JAPAN AND EAST TIMOR ...... 158

EVENTS IN EUROPE...... 159 CONFUSION OVER E.U. TIMOR STATEMENT...... 159 FRENCH MINISTER TO CHINA, HONG KONG, INDONESIA...... 160 RECENT COVERAGE IN IRELAND...... 160 PROTEST LETTERS TO THE FINNISH GOVERNMEN T ON ARMS TRADE...... 161 IRISH CALL FOR ARMS EMBARGO ...... 161 INDONESIA: THE VISIT OF THE POLISH PM...... 161 ARMS TRADE OF ITALY TO INDONESIA...... 162 BELGIUM ARMS FOR AID...... 162

EVENTS IN GERMANY...... 163 TANJUNG INTERVIEW: INDONESIA DEPLOYS EX-NVA-SHIPS AGAINST “INTERNAL DISTURBANCES” ...... 163 GERMAN ARMOURED VEHICLES TO INDONESIA...... 164

EVENTS IN SWEDEN...... 165 SWEDEN TO SELL NAVY ARTILLERY TO INDONESIA...... 165 STOP THE CANNON DEAL WITH INDONESIA...... 165 1994 SOCIAL DEMOCRAT PARLIAMENTARY MOTION ...... 166 SWEDISH GOVERNMENT ARE “BEHAVING LIKE TURNIPS” ...... 168 CANNONS TO INDONESIA...... 168 CARMEL BUDIARDJO VISIT TO SWEDEN ...... 168 URGENT APPEAL TO ALL EAST TIMOR SOLIDARITY GROUPS AND EAST TIMORESE ORGANISATIONS...... 169 NEW STRATEGY SHALL BRING COVETED POST ...... 170

EVENTS IN PORTUGAL...... 170 PORTUGUESE STATE TELEVISION BEAMED INTO EAST TIMOR ...... 170 ALATAS CALLS FOR RI-PORTUGAL INTELLECTUALS’ EXCHANGES...... 171 EAST TIMOR-INDONESIA SOLIDARITY CONFEREN CE OPENS IN LISBON ...... 171 RAMOS HORTA HOPEFUL...... 172 EAST TIMOR ON A NEW INTERNATIONAL CATALOGUE OF PHONE CARDS ...... 172 INDONESIAN FOREIGN MINISTER DISPUTES LISBON...... 172 PIFA CHIEF: “IT WON’T BE LONG BEFORE RAMOS-HORTA RECOGNIZES INTEGRATION”...... 173 BISHOPS FOR TIMOR - PORTUGUESE EPISCOPAL CONFERENCE...... 173 PRES. SAMPAIO MEETS EAST TIMORESE YOUTH ...... 174 GOVERNMENT WANTS TO IMPROVE ASSISTANCE TO TIMORESE IN PORTUGAL...... 174 FOREIGN MINISTRY OFFICIALS PASS ON CONFI DENTIAL DOCUMENTS TO INDONESIA...... 174 Page 8 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

THE INTERNATIONAL PORTUGUESE-SPEAKING COMMUNITY...... 175 INDONESIA WANTS TO INVEST IN GUINEA-BISSAU ...... 175 EAST TIMOR DISCUSSED IN CAPE VERDE...... 175 EAST TIMOR WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE PORTUGUESE SPEAKING COMMUNITY ...... 175 105 MPS FOR TIMOR IN BRAZIL...... 175 PORTUGUESE “COMMONWEALTH” MOVES CLOSER...... 176

EVENTS IN BRITAIN...... 176 PROTESTERS TO HAMMER ON DOORS OF ARMS DEALERS & COURTS ...... 176 HOUSE OF COMMONS MOTION ...... 178 INDONESIAN SEEDS OF HOPE INTERVIEW ...... 178 HAWK IS HAMMERED IN PLOUGHSHARE ACTION ...... 179 HAWKS OFF EAST TIMOR WEEK OF ACTION ...... 179 UK HAWK PROTEST TRIAL UPDATE...... 180 INDONESIA AMBASSADOR ATTACK’S HORTA’S CREDENTIALS...... 180 WARWICK UNIVERSITY CHANGES BAR NAME TO XANANA’S ...... 181

EVENTS IN THE UNITED STATES...... 181 F-16 FIGHTERS TO INDONESIA: ACTION NEEDED ...... 181 INDONESIA BACKING AWAY FROM EARLIER PLAN TO PURCHASE PAKISTANI F-16S...... 181 NO ARMS TO DICTATORS! ...... 182 INDONESIA PLANS TO BUY 28 F-16 FIGHTER JETS FROM U.S...... 184 INDONESIA WANTS F-16S, LOAN ...... 185 EAST TIMOR ABUSES CANNOT BE IGNORED ...... 185 WORKERS, ACTIVISTS PICKET TRAILMOBILE...... 185 MOYNIHAN AND THE COLUMBIA SPECTATOR ...... 186 US STATE DEPARTMENT 1995 REPORT ON INDONESIA ...... 189 JOHN SHATTUCK ON HUMAN RIGHTS...... 201 U.S. REVIVES INDONESIAN MILITARY TRAINING SCHEME...... 202 CONGRESSIONAL LETTER ON EAST TIMOR BILL ...... 202 BACKGROUND ON EAST TIMOR AND US POLICY...... 203 HOUSE AUTHORIZES PARTIAL IMET TRAINING FOR INDONESIA ...... 204 FROM YOUR OWN HOME: LOBBY FOR EAST TIMOR...... 208 U.S., PORTUGAL TALK HUMAN RIGHTS...... 209 US D.O.D. ON IMET FOR INDONESIA ...... 209

EVENTS IN CANADA...... 210 CANADIANS BOOED FOR BURYING HEADS IN SAND ...... 210 ENVOY’S VISIT FRIGHTENED HER, TIMOR REFUGEE’S MOTHER INSISTS...... 211 UNIVERSITY OF BC STUDENTS BACK TIMOR ...... 213 FIG LEAVES FOR FASCISTS TANGO...... 213 CANADIAN MP ASKS SUHARTO ABOUT EAST TIMOR...... 213 TIMOR ACTIVIST SAYS OTTAWA TRYING TO GAG HER ...... 214

RESOURCES...... 214 ET BOOK REVIEWED IN JAPAN TIMES ...... 214 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S SKEWED MAP OF EAST TIMOR ...... 214 PHOTO OF RIOT POLICE IN DILI ...... 217 EAST TIMOR PHOTO SITE ...... 218 REG.EASTTIMOR WEEKLY SUMMARIES CHANGE OF ADDRESS ...... 218 NEW XANANA T-SHIRTS! ...... 218 PHOTO EVIDENCE OF TORTURE IN TIMOR...... 218 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 9

after the invasion, having pushed Fretilin reopening of diplomatic ties in exchange for BACKGROUND ARTICLES insurgents into the hills. his release. The United Nations has never recognised In statements, recordings, occasional in- the takeover and still regards Portugal as the terviews and speeches, he has displayed a EAST TIMOR’S HISTORY administering power. moderation out of step with his detractors’ FROM SPICES TO CONFLICT Fretilin guerrillas mounted regular attacks efforts to paint him as a dangerous radical. on Indonesian troops for years after the He won East Timor’s poetry prize in JAKARTA, March 1 (Reuter) - Indone- invasion from hideouts in the rugged, moun- 1974 with a poem called Mauberedias, in- sia invaded mainly Roman Catholic East tainous interior. spired by Portuguese poet Luis De Camöes’ Timor on December 7, 1975, after civil war Up to 80 percent of Timorese aban- epic, Lusadias. erupted on the spice island following the doned, or were forced to leave, their homes Xanana did three years’ compulsory ser- withdrawal of Portuguese colonial authori- during the fighting. vice in the colonial Portuguese forces and ties several months earlier. Now, the government and foreign mili- later worked in the local government de- Indonesian airborne and ground troops tary sources put the number of Fretilin guer- partment of the colonial administration. toppled the leftist Fretilin party, which had rillas at around 200. He married Emilia Gusmão in October established a de facto government and issued On November 12, 1991, witnesses said 1969 and has two children, Nito and an independence proclamation in the terri- Indonesian troops in Dili, East Timor’s Zenilda, whom he has not seen since 1975. tory. capital, killed up to 200 protesters marching His wife and children live in Melbourne. Human rights groups said up to one-third to the grave of a Timorese activist killed by He tried to emigrate to Australia in 1974 of the population, or about 200,000 people, troops. and visited Darwin to work as a labourer. died during the invasion and subsequent An Indonesian commission of inquiry on By then Portugal had begun to decolonise its fighting and famine in East Timor. December 26, 1991, revised the official toll tiny Asian possession and Xanana became The invasion took place after a visit by from 19 to “about 50” and said the protest- caught up in the heady politics of the age, U.S. President Gerald Ford to Jakarta, capi- ers acted belligerently and showed liberation joining the largest party, Fretilin. tal of mainly Moslem Indonesia and some banners. Then armed forces commander Try Xanana last saw his family when he left 2,000 km (1,250 miles) west of East Timor. Sutrisno, now Indonesia’s vice-president, for the border with West Timor to take Indonesia’s President Suharto said later said in Jakarta a day after the killings: photographs in November 1975, a week he could not tolerate “a Cuba in our back- “These ill-bred people have to be before the invasion by Indonesian forces. yard.” shot...and we will shoot them.” Jakarta still controls the territory, al- Early in the 16th century, the Portuguese In November, 1992, Indonesia captured though its rule is not recognised by the set up a trading outpost on the eastern half Fretilin leader Xanana Gusmão. He was United Nations. Indonesia says the territory of Timor island, straddling a shipping route sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of was integrated into its archipelago 20 years between Australia and New Guinea. rebellion and possession of firearms in May, ago. They found the island a plentiful source 1993. The sentence was later commuted to On the death of guerrilla leader Nicolau of sandalwood, prized for its aroma and 20 years. Lobato on 31 December, 1978, Xanana, by medicinal oil. In November, 1994, on the third anniver- now calling himself Kay Rala Xanana Gus- A division of the island in the 19th cen- sary of the Dili massacre, 29 Timorese stu- mão, took over the military wing of Fretilin, tury gave Portugal the east, while the Neth- dents climbed the railings of the U.S. em- leading armed resistance to Indonesian rule. erlands, the colonial power in the rest of the bassy in Jakarta for a sit-in to demand In the period to his capture in November old East Indies islands, was given the re- Gusmão’s release. 1992, Xanana led a dwindling band of guer- mainder. The break-in was only days before Indo- rillas harrying vastly superior Indonesian Japanese and Australian troops fought on nesia hosted a summit of Asia-Pacific eco- forces. During this time, some Timorese the Portuguese half of Timor during World nomic leaders at Bogor, near Jakarta. have accused him of taking part in execu- War Two, in which up to 60,000 East The Timorese students later won asylum tions and massacres, while others say he Timorese were killed. in Portugal, as did more than 70 other intentionally damaged Fretilin’s network in The Allies feared Japan would use the is- Timorese who broke into foreign embassies the interior. land as a base to launch an invasion of Aus- in late 1995 and early 1996. But it was his moderate line that re- tralia. mained uppermost when he negotiated a Following the war, Portugal rehabilitated XANANA A THORN IN ceasefire with Indonesian commander Colo- the coffee and sandalwood plantations but INDONESIA’S SIDE nel Purwanto in March, 1983, triggering a left the island largely undeveloped. break with the movement’s radical guerrilla After a military coup toppled the dicta- Hong Kong Standard, March 2, 1996 command. The ceasefire lasted three torship of Antonio Salazar in Portugal in months. April, 1974, the new leftist government JAKARTA: José “Xanana” Gusmão, He had acquired mythical qualities among sought to discard remnants of the country’s who has waged a 20-year battle for East local East Timorese by the time he was empire. Timorese independence from the hills and captured when Indonesian troops uncovered It hastily withdrew from East Timor, from prison, is a potent thorn in Indonesia’s his hiding place in the floor of a friend’s roughly the size of Northern Ireland, spark- side. house on the outskirts of Dili. ing civil war. Three years after being jailed following a In the following months Indonesia pa- Indonesia declared Indonesia its 27th controversial trial, he is in the news again raded its catch in the public eye, apparently province on July 17, 1976, seven months with Portugal offering Indonesia a partial believing it had broken both the man and the movement he had come to symbolise. Page 10 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Jakarta was wrong on both counts. At his yers of their own choice, and that their onstrators in several areas around Dili. Po- trial, Xanana was barred from reading his chances of a fair trial are remote. lice were reportedly injured during the dis- defence statement and a witness called to Despite the authorities’ denial that any turbances. By 10 September, the demonstra- speak against him shouted slogans of sup- of those arrested were tortured or ill-treated, tors appeared to have dispersed, however port before being dragged from the court. Amnesty International received reports and tension remained as the security forces con- One diplomat showed prescience when testimony indicating that members of the tinued with their arrests. Along with riots in he said after Xanana’s capture: “He was a security forces did torture and beat those Dili, Maliana and Viqueque, disturbances phantom who will now come to haunt the detained in September and October. At the were also reported in Liquiça, Maubisse and government by becoming a more tangible time that the authorities were denying re- Suai. symbol of East Timorese resistance. They ports of torture, one detainee was beaten Unrest flared again in Dili on 10 October, may have been better off with him free in and tortured by members of the army and with clashes between those opposing and the jungles than under the glare of public- the police and then released with a doctor’s those supporting East Timor’s integration ity.” report saying that his health was good. Am- with Indonesia. Groups of youths block- After a three-month trial Xanana was nesty International has also obtained testi- aded off sections of Dili. There were reports jailed for life in May 1993. In August of monies of East Timorese who sought asy- of sporadic shooting and the use of tear gas that year his sentence was reduced to 20 lum after entering foreign embassies in Ja- by the authorities. The disturbances lasted years and, within months, he was moved to karta, Indonesia from September to Novem- for four days and the clashes resulted in a prison in Jakarta. ber 1995. Their testimonies reveal details of dozens of injuries. After the security forces In March, 1994, Timorese inside and grave human rights violations, including had quelled the riots, the level of military outside the country, arguing that through arbitrary detention and torture during Sep- surveillance of Dili was reportedly high with writings and recordings smuggled from jail tember and October 1995. members of the security forces patrolling he had regained an active role, renewed his This document provides background to the streets and conducting house searches of leadership of the movement that had been the riots, details about the practice of arbi- those allegedly connected with the riots. frozen upon his capture. trary detention and torture and concludes The disturbances were immediately fol- At the same time he rejected calls for his with recommendations to the Indonesian lowed by comment from the authorities that exile until all political prisoners were freed. Government. the riots were caused by religious conflict Background between the majority East Timorese Catho- lics and Indonesian migrants, most of whom In December 1995, East Timor marked are Muslims. Pro-government commentators EVENTS IN EAST TIMOR 20 years of Indonesian rule. November 1995 supported this and highlighted the plight of was also the fourth anniversary of the 1991 Indonesian Muslim migrants to East Timor Santa Cruz massacre in Dili, when soldiers AI ON DETENTION & who fled after the riots. Many observers fired on peaceful demonstrators. Indonesian argued however that the authorities ignored TORTURE AFTER authorities attempted to ensure that East the political motive behind the riots and SEPT. 95 RIOTS Timorese were restricted in their ability to disturbances, in order to generate sympathy commemorate these anniversaries by in- for East Timor’s integration into Indonesia, creasing military surveillance, carrying out THE SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER and to marginalise pro-independence senti- arrests prior to such events, and frequently 1995 RIOTS: ARBITRARY ments. Independent sources also alleged that interrogating well-known or alleged pro- the military provoked the unrest in Septem- DETENTION AND TORTURE independence activists. Independent observ- ber and the subsequent rioting in Dili in 15 January 1996 AI INDEX: ASA 21/03/96 ers stated that the authorities also attempted October through the use of agents provo- to prevent or disrupt any planned demon- SUMMARY cateurs, setting different East Timorese strations by disseminating information groups against each other and by attempting In September and October 1995, East about religious conflict and provoking dis- to exacerbate religious conflicts. Timor experienced the worst disturbances putes between pro-independence and pro- since riots during the Asia Pacific Economic integrationist East Timorese. Arrests Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Indonesia Five days of intense rioting began on 6 At least 300 people are believed to have in November 1994. The latest disturbances September in Maliana, some 120km west of been arrested for their alleged involvement in resulted in damage to property and injuries Dili, following local anger about government the riots. Up to 43 are now thought to be sustained by rioters and police. The re- inaction over an insulting statement about currently facing trial. In September, at sponse by the authorities included arbitrary the Catholic religion made by a prison offi- least60 were reportedly detained by both detention, beatings and torture. At least 300 cial in Maliana. The prison warder, Sanusi police and military officers during one week people were arbitrarily detained in the wave Abubakar, has now been sentenced to at alone. Arrests took place in Maliana, of arrests which followed the riots. Most of least four years in prison for insulting a Viqueque, Dili and Manatuto. Up to 262 these people were released shortly after religion. Independent sources allege that the people were detained in October. On 20 their arrests, but at least 43 are now believed military provoked the unrest by disseminat- October, the East Timorese Police Chief to be facing trial for their alleged involve- ing information about the statement. By 7 announced that 162 were being held by po- ment in the riots. Amnesty International September news about the statement had lice for questioning while 100 had been re- does not condone the acts of violence which spread to the town of Viqueque, where trad- leased. The authorities have not provided an occurred during the riots, but the organisa- ing stores belonging to Indonesian migrants official list of those still detained and await- tion is concerned that the Indonesian secu- were burnt down. On 8 September, demon- ing trial. Indonesian police authorities have rity forces used the riots as a pretext to strations broke out in six different locations stated that the group will be brought to trial arrest individuals involved in peaceful pro- in Dili. On 9 September, the Comoro Mar- under charges of destruction to property, independence activities and that those now ket was burnt down, while police and mili- assault and arson, probably under Article facing trial do not have full access to law- tary continued to attempt to disperse dem- 170 of the Indonesian Criminal Code. Am- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 11 nesty International is concerned that all 43 edly tortured with electric shocks by both bruises and dried blood on his face. Other do not have full access to their families and police and military officers. The two were witnesses reported seeing detainees with lawyers of their choice. reportedly held for one week and do not laceration wounds. East Timorese legislator Amnesty International is concerned that appear to have been given the opportunity Manuel Carrascalão reported that detainees the arrests which took place were arbitrary to ask for independent legal counsel. he met with complained of having been in that security forces arrested individuals After one week, the third brother surren- beaten. Other reports included that of a who were known to be political activists not dered himself to the same local police sta- female student injured by members of the necessarily connected with the riots, and tion and his two brothers were released. He security forces which resulted in a severe that those detained were often held beyond was questioned for a day in the presence of wound to her arm. Like other cases reported the legal limit without being charged. Some a priest who had accompanied him to the to Amnesty International, the woman was of those detained appear to have either had police station, and then released. One week too frightened to seek medical treatment in no involvement in the riots, to have been later, members of the security forces came hospital unless accompanied by witnesses. engaging only in peaceful activities or to to his house in search of him. He was not at There were also unconfirmed reports that 11 have been arrested on previous occasions. home, but later again surrendered himself to female school students were arrested on 9 Indonesian authorities have attempted to police custody. This time, however, ar- September and that two were raped by sol- deny the political nature of any of the ar- rangements were made to take him to the diers. rests. East Timor’s police chief, Colonel military intelligence unit (Satuan Tugas In- Another individual detained in early Sep- Andreas Sugianto stated on 25 September telijen - SGI) of the Sub-Regional Military tember by SGI was immediately hit after that those arrested “have all done purely Command for East Timor (KOREM being placed in an interrogation room at SGI. criminal actions, they are not subversives.” 164/Wira Dharma). Fearing possible torture He was told not to provide information to The organisation is further concerned that at the hands of the military at SGI, he es- anyone, including human rights monitors, those who were detained were arrested in a caped while being taken to the SGI head- about the way he was treated or he would manner which is in contravention of Indone- quarters. He fled East Timor shortly after. be killed. After being detained and interro- sian law and international standards, were In September, another man was arrested gated for around four hours, he was released. denied access to lawyers and that those still after he was suspected of involvement in a Two days later, about 20 uniformed military in detention are now facing the prospect of demonstration. He was allegedly arrested officers came to his house searching for him. unfair trials. The arrests followed a similar from outside the Dili Cathedral by officers He was not there, and managed to flee East pattern, with some or all of the following from SGI and taken to a military detention Timor shortly after. characteristics: centre in Los Palos, outside of Dili. He was Another detainee who was tortured was · detainees were arrested without warrants; detained for three days during which time he Tito who was arrested by military officers · detainees appear to have been frequently was beaten and questioned about other East on 9 September in Bidau, Dili, despite the moved from one detention centre to an- Timorese involved in pro-independence fact that he claimed to have had no involve- other, including being moved from police activities. Another young East Timorese, ment in the riots. Upon arrest, he was to military detention; was arrested around 8 October in Bidau by beaten with iron bars and fists. Then, as he police and first detained at a local police was being taken to a military hospital, he · records of those detained were not kept by the authorities; station. He was then transferred to SGI was beaten again and soldiers stood on his where he was allegedly beaten and tortured, throat and kicked him in the chest. The next · detainees were not given, or provided which resulted in two teeth being knocked day, he was beaten again and as a result his with the opportunity to request, access out. nose bled and he vomited blood. He was to legal counsel of their choice; Torture then taken to the Dili Police Headquarters, · detainees were held beyond the legal 24 where, despite his condition, he was again Torture and ill-treatment of political de- hour limit without being formally beaten. The following day, 12 September, he tainees in East Timor is routine and the charged; was beaten again. He was then released that detainees from the riots in September and night. · many of those detained were subjected to October have not been exempted from this On his release, Tito was given a certifi- intimidation, threats, ill-treatment, beat- treatment. Amnesty International is con- cate signed by a doctor at the Police Head- ings and torture. cerned that attempts by the Indonesian quarters which stated that he was in good All of these practices are consistent with authorities to restrict access for independent health. Witnesses who met with him after previous reports provided to Amnesty In- human rights monitors and journalists to his release reported that Tito appeared to ternational concerning arrest and detention East Timor exacerbates the risks for those have been severely ill-treated in detention. in East Timor, practices which are clearly still in detention. East Timorese who have His face was bruised, swollen and lacerated intended to restrict pro-independence activi- experienced arrests and detention in recent and both eyes were bruised. One hand was ties. years state that the authorities will fre- swollen and there was bruising on his body Two of those detained were brothers, quently transfer individuals from police to and he could not walk properly. both of whom were arrested in lieu of a third military detention if the police are having As in most cases of arbitrary detention in brother, who is known to the authorities to difficulties extracting information or intelli- East Timor, Tito was arrested without a be involved in pro-independence activities. gence from detainees. While torture and ill- warrant. His family do not appear to have They were arrested on about 12 October in treatment is reportedly conducted by police, been provided with information about his Dili. One brother was reportedly arrested the methods employed by military officers, whereabouts, nor did he appear to have been from his home by both military and police which routinely involve beatings and tor- given access to a lawyer during his time in officers and taken into police custody. The ture, are considered to be more effective in detention. He was not provided with a re- second was arrested from a street and alleg- obtaining information. lease form. Records of detainees are rarely edly beaten as he was being placed in a vehi- One witness to the September arrests re- kept in East Timor, so it is unlikely that cle and taken to a local police station in Dili. ported meeting an individual just released Tito’s detention will have been recorded. On arrival at the police station, he was alleg- after three days in detention who had Page 12 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

KOMNAS HAM inquiry - a disappoint- trusted by the population of East All these people are believed to charged ment Timor. In any event, it has not dealt under article 170 - violence against persons Indonesia’s National Commission on with questions relating to East Timor. or property and, as far as is known, they are Human Rights (Komisi Nasional Hak Asasi Consequently, the Special Rapporteur believed to be detained at Polwil, Dili. Manusia - Komnas HAM) travelled to East recommends that a commission for Fernando Soares, 19, Becusi, Dili Timor to investigate reports of violations human rights in East Timor be created Tomas Ribeiro, 20, Motacelun Concelho, during the September riots. The Commis- to monitor the situation of human Viqueque Filipe da Cruz, 18, Aiasa Bobonaro sion’s findings disappointed many observ- rights, receive and independently in- Agusto Soares, 19, Becora ers. Rather than focusing on the human vestigate complaints, make recom- mendations to the competent authori- Fransisco Soares, 19, Becusi rights violations committed by the security Pedro da Costa, 20, Lahane ties, and disseminate information forces in East Timor, the Commission con- Abel Antonio Fernandes, 22, Matadouro cluded that there were violations committed about human rights.” Jimi Rui Soares, 23, Matadouro by one group in East Timor against another, [Commission on Human Rights, Marcelino de Olivera, 19, Matadouro believed to be a reference to attacks by the 51st session, Extrajudicial, summary José Manuel, 17, Matadouro Catholic majority in East Timor against the or arbitrary executions, Addendum re- Tomas Ricardo, 17, Matadouro Muslim Indonesian migrants. port by the Special Rapporteur, Mr. Antoninho dos Santos, 15, Matadouro The Commission’s report stated that vio- Bacre Waly Ndiaye, on his mission to Julio Carvalho de Olivera, 19 lations were committed by “one group in Indonesia and East Timor from 3 to 13 José Ximenes, Bairopite the community against another,” including July 1994, E/CN.4/1995/61/Add.1, Bobby Xavier, 23, Matadouro violations of the right to freedom of religion, page 27] José Carlos, Matadouro José Manuel, 22, Lahane personal safety, right to hold property, right Conclusions and recommendations Aleixo Cobra, 24, Dili to a decent living and freedom from fear. The human rights violations which oc- Donancio de Jesus Amaral, 20, Matadouro The findings made no comment on the large curred during and after the riots are consis- Joaquim Manuel, 23, Matadouro number of arbitrary arrests or on torture and tent with an existing pattern in East Timor. Antonio dos Santos, 20, Maubara ill-treatment by the security forces. The They demonstrate a lack of willingness on Francisco Xavier, 20, Matadouro recommendations made by Komnas HAM the part of the government to allow peaceful Adelino Cabral in the Commission’s findings did not relate pro-independence activities in East Timor, Reinaldo, 17, Matadouro to steps which could protect individuals and to ensure that members of the security Onorio M, 15, Matadouro from human rights violations committed by forces act in accordance with international Dominggos G Cesario Cabral, Toko Baru the security forces, including arbitrary arrest standards relating to the protection of hu- and torture, but rather focused on issues of Estavilau, Bairopite man rights. Eugino Pinto, Becora inter-ethnic conflict within East Timor. In order to prevent the practices of arbi- Amnesty International does not condone José Galucho, Vilaverde trary detention of political activists and Elisario, Toko Baru any acts of violence which took place during torture and ill-treatment, Amnesty Interna- Mudico, Toko Baru the riots however the organisation is con- tional urges the Indonesian Government to: José da Cunha cerned that the Commission, a body for · ensure that there is independent and Pedro Gomez which the Indonesian Government receives thorough monitoring of human rights in Dominggos Pereira increasing praise internationally, has in this East Timor, by allowing independent Adrianus Periera case failed to seriously consider violations domestic and international human rights Manuel da Silva committed by the security forces. monitors and international journalists ac- Marcal da Silva The Commission’s disappointing find- cess to East Timor; Manuel Sumbang ings come at a time when Komnas HAM Augusto Corera · stop the practice of arbitrary detention of has announced that it will open an office in Jimmy Carlos Tilman alleged political activists; East Timor. Amnesty International consid- Adolfo de Araujo ers that the Commission’s current legal ba- · ensure that those detained are released Manuel Amaral sis, the lack of clarity concerning its focus unless charged with a recognisably crimi- and its structure and working methods do nal offence; REPORT FROM OCTOBER not equip it to be an effective monitoring · allow those in detention immediate access VISIT TO EAST TIMOR body for human rights violations in East to lawyers of their own choice; Timor. This view is echoed by the United · maintain an open prison register; The following report was written by an ETAN/US activist who visited East Timor in Nations Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, · ensure that the recent reports of torture October 1995. He wants to keep his identity summary or arbitrary executions. In his in detention are immediately and impar- private in order to be able to return. Al- December 1994 report on the Indonesian tially investigated and that those mem- though he is not on email, I would be glad to Government’s efforts to investigate the fate bers of the security forces found respon- relay any messages. of those killed and missing during the 1991 sible are held to account; Santa Cruz massacre in Dili, the Special · ensure that those charged for their alleged – Charlie Scheiner, ETAN/US Rapporteur stated: [email protected] “...the National Human Rights role in the riots are tried in accordance with international standards on fair trials. Commission is not the most appropri- MAKING INJUSTICE VIS IBLE ate mechanism to deal with human Appendix December 1, 1995 rights violations in East Timor. Its List of those believed to be awaiting trial mandate, the means of action at its When will the United States take a prin- for their alleged role in the September and cipled stand against the genocide of the East disposal and its methods of work are October 1995 disturbances, Dili, East Timor insufficient. Furthermore, it is not Timorese people? How long do United States citizens have to wait for our elected East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 13 leaders to speak with conviction and princi- youths was only the most flagrant abuse of sian authorities. Finally, the development of ple on the continuing disappearances, deaths power by the Indonesian military. During a network of mauhu(s) throughout the na- and oppression of the East Timorese? How the trammeling of Becora, while I was shel- tion, to further instill fear and terror into long shall we wait whilst East Timorese do tered within a losmen(homestay), two Indo- virtually every province of East Timor. not have a say on their future, economy or nesian soldiers viciously beat the West All taxi drivers whom included two self-determination? I am not satisfied with Timorese manager whom was attempting to transmigrants from Java, and market women President Clinton’s weak statement “the warn or advise the Indonesian troops of my uniformly stated their dislike to hate of the people of East Timor should have more say presence. Regardless, they severely lacer- oppressive military troops. The transmi- over their own local affairs.” What of the ated the man’s face above his eye, so that grant workers even expressed respect for public silence of most of our elected officials his eye was nearly enucleated. The owner of East Timorese resistance to a very hostile in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the losmen with myself and others adminis- occupying force, and dismay over the in- the ongoing nightmare in East Timor, this tered emergency medical care. The manager creased tension and the development of year? said the next day “You see the Javanese(an agent provocateurs and other military in- In October of this year I visited East insightful comment by the wounded man- duced actions. The sole East Timorese busi- Timor for a short five day stay. Sadly I was ager) do not care whom they beat up, and I nessman, I interviewed, expressed poign- rudely confronted within hours of my arri- partly agree with the integration of East ancy and reservation on his solitary posi- val to the daily brutality which the East Timor. The troops can be very bad; beating tion. I was later informed by the Interna- Timorese have lived under twenty years. I and raping people – they have a bad reputa- tional Red Cross of his veracity and the spoke with local people: cab drivers, stu- tion and deserve it!” Later I learned that the unique position within the local community dents, workers, marketing women, a busi- manager was a ‘mauhu’ or a military intelli- i.e. being one of the only, if not only, East nessman and an educator. Also, I inter- gence informant, part of the Indonesian Timorese businessman allowed in greater viewed and spoke with international relief military’s communities disruption cam- Dili. workers, religious people and Indonesians. paign. Two young men from Flores stated their Near universally, everyone stated that “East Several days later, I saw the Indonesian general solidarity with the East Timorese, Timor is a sad and very troubled place,” and troops on an early morning jog through the for they had personally witnessed numerous this includes the candid responses of several community of Becora singing culturally incidents of brutal hostility through violence Indonesians. offensive and ethnically patronizing ditties directed at the East Timorese. One individ- Between 3:45PM through 5:00PM on towards the East Timorese. I was later ap- ual was sixteen years of age and in secon- October 12, I witnessed in Becora three prised that this psychologically harassing dary school(Roman Catholic) with East Indonesian military patrols of ABRI (Indo- behavior has occurred for years. Addition- Timorese youths. One evening he risked nesian Army) terrorize, trammel and tromp ally, the military maintains large numbers of retaliation from some family members for upon local people of East Timor and one uniformed troops throughout Dili and its speaking candidly with me on the ongoing West Timorese native. These military pa- environs along with smaller numbers of non- tensions, and the youth related insights into trols, more appropriately ‘terror goon uniformed personnel and its growing coterie the actions of the East Timorese boys for squads,’ broke into peoples homes, arbitrar- of mauhu(s). The troops oftentimes engage demonstrating against Indonesian oppres- ily beat people, and shockingly shot at un- in maneuvers of large equipment, trucks, and sion and economic injustice. He introduced armed and non-provoking East Timorese armed carriers to intimidate the local popu- me to several youths, whom had chosen to youths. Reports soon following this day of lace. On several occurrences after Oct. 12, I stop and leave secondary education tempo- terror, stated that between two and eight saw fair numbers of ABRI trucks and sound rarily, and which some brave Roman Catho- people were shot and killed. Numerous vehicles haranguing the East Timorese on lic priests and brothers were assisting on people spoke to me of family and loved how wondrous Pancasila and Indonesia is on temporary sanctuary, food, and basic neces- ones, whom had disappeared or were its 50th anniversary of merdeka (Libera- sities. These young men were passionately wounded. Hundreds of youths hid out in the tion). Shamefully, much of this military opposed to further: torture, injustice, bru- surrounding hills of Dili immediately follow- largesse is supplied, aided, or sold by the talities (including rapes of girls and youths), ing these days of terror in October. US government. killings, and the Indonesian brutal black It has recently been reported that numer- An educator informed me at length on the boot. ous young people, mainly boys aged 15 - Indonesian military intelligence’s actions of In my four trips to Indonesia since 1991, 22, are still hiding because of threats of purposeful de-stabilization of East I have yet to witness the level of poverty interrogations, which oftentimes includes Timorese communities. Discreet organizing which I saw in the environs of Dili, East physical assault and/or torture. Unfortu- of ‘ninja gangs’ and other agent provo- Timor. Some people were hungry and nearly nately, the never ending ‘disappearances’ cateurs to disrupt and further inflame com- everyone was significantly economically continues to this day of young people and munity dissent towards the Javanese and distressed in comparison to four provinces community activists. Just recently, families other economic oligarchies. The occasionally of Indonesia I have visited extensively over of the boys have been arbitrarily inter- subtle organizing and allowances of youth the past years. The economic apartheid in viewed and threatened on the community groups to combat one another over per- Dili was particularly obvious, and at times and dissenting activities of September and ceived and real economic injustices, then the the city looked near dead in comparison to October, this includes grandmothers to heavy-handed removal of protesters while the ten population centers of the Indonesian young girls. This possibility was relayed to calling aligned local journalists and sympa- archipelago that I have traveled through me on my final interviews on October 17 by thetic international press to write on the during the past four years. Indonesia is a the father of a local youth leader, and by an barbarities and incivility of the East much reported thriving economy, however Indonesian military officer at the airport as I Timorese. The undisguised and clumsy reli- one would never sense it walking the streets was leaving Dili. gious insensitivity of the Indonesian troops of Becora, Comoro or Dili. The most ob- It must be appreciated that my eye wit- and personnel towards Roman Catholic scene reality of this tragedy is the near total ness viewing of capricious shootings with rituals and symbols - thus provoking pro- apartheid of the East Timorese, for they are American supplied M-16 weapons at tests and hostile reactions towards Indone- not allowed in to the Indonesian economic Page 14 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. miracle. Why? If one ever needed a proposi- received by CNRM, indicates that the Indo- On 26 December 1995, Kopassus (Sp e- tion on the necessity of self-determination, nesian occupation forces (ABRI) have in- cial Forces) members stationed in the village this awful reality speaks for the obvious. creased their military operations aiming to of Loi-Lubo, Vemasse, organised a Christ- For a dismayed West Timorese businessman eliminate the East Timorese Falintil armed mas party in order to attract participation stated, “these people are probably right - resistance forces in the operating mountains. by local youths. By late night some Kopas- they would be better off tending to their This is leading to an increase in casualties. sus members created disorder and arrested own destiny!” Four ABRI troops have been killed and nine Alfredo Sebastião da Costa, 25, from the Several Roman Catholic educators, mis- injured recently. village of Uai-Dare and Bento Pereira, 21, sionaries, and priests stated their immense At the same time in the villages, Indone- from Kaideno-Ossoala, after accusing them dismay at the world’s ignorance or lack of sian military intelligence personnel (INTEL) of disturbing the party. The Kopassus support to the East Timor nightmare and have tightened security in all strategic points members responsible are 2nd lieutenant genocide. The Roman Catholic church re- including the suburbs of Dili. Since last Sep- Muhamad Hassan,, and private Lorenzo. mains one of the only outposts of safety tember under the supervision of the brutal On 2 January 96, the Indonesian military and refuge, though limited, to the Timorese Brigadier General Prabowo Sugianto, Presi- started annihilation operations in the areas during these years of hate, killings, and dent Suharto’s son in law, these forces have of Baguia, Laga, Quelikai and Vemasse, con- darkness. A few brothers and priests had been receiving special training in the locality stantly intimidating civilian population of extended assistance and spiritual solace to of Aileu. these areas. An unofficial curfew from the protesting youths during the recent up- In the current offensive campaign, ABRI 5:00 pm to 5:00 am has been imposed by heavals. A Roman Catholic sister remarked, troops are divided into groups of ten men the local military officials. “I have lived in Northern Ireland, South who launch night time attacks. At the same At Baucau airport there are 4 helicopters Africa, and Timor Leste, but this small area time, INTEL members arrest, at their and a jet fighter ready to provide assistance remains the saddest place on earth I have homes, anyone they suspect of supporting to the operational troops. Their registration ever encountered!” the Resistance. During day time ABRI are: Bell Helicopter HS 5070, Bell Helicop- Finally, I sense a devolution on the lim- troops hide in bushes near villages, in par- ter HS 5075, Bell Helicopter HS 5078, Bell ited stability of Dili and its surrounding ticular near the water sources, while INTEL Falcon HA 5702, Sky Hawk A4. communities. The ICRC(Red Cross) execu- personnel monitor villager movements, aim- Viqueque tive director, was shot at on October 12, and ing to detect any incursion of the East In January, Falintil members in the he was verbally berated and insulted for Timorese Resistance fighters. While inten- Viqueque region shot dead four Indonesian simply escorting Red Cross workers to their sive military operations are conducted in the troops and injured nine. The latter are now homes during the disruptions of that day. mountains, strict security controls are kept being treated at the Wira Husada Military He and his assistant were inundated with in strategic access roads in and out of vil- Hospital in Dili. requests from mostly women and some men lages and bigger cities. Movements of young to assist in locating loved ones and family. people are intensively monitored, especially For further information: José Gusmão, They spoke of the limited ability to locate at night time. When the military find young Darwin +6189 275478 (089 275478) people given the very tense situation in Dili, people strolling at night, these are immedi- and the deteriorating attitudes of Indonesian ately arrested and beaten for no obvious TROOPS CAPTURE authorities in being cooperative. They cor- reasons, and then sent home. EAST TIMOR REBEL roborated the information on the deaths, Report on some recent occurrences. injuries, and assaults on the non-provoking JAKARTA, Jan 23 (Reuter) - Indonesian people of East Timor, however they re- Lospalos troops on Tuesday captured a member of quested understanding on their limited abil- On 22 November at 5:00 am, the villag- the Fretilin guerrilla movement fighting Ja- ity to gather information on the many dis- ers of Rasa and Naulo were woken up by karta’s rule in troubled East Timor, the offi- appearances over these months. gun shot noises of an armed confrontation cial Antara news agency said. When will the United States Congress lis- between Indonesian troops and East It quoted East Timor’s military spokes- ten to the voices of injustice crying out from Timorese fighters. Neither side reported man Captain Djoko Purwadi as saying East Timor, especially in view of our his- losses or injured. That evening, the Indone- Gusmão Olivio was arrested on Tuesday torical role in filling the Indonesian military sian troops conducted house searches in morning in a house in Bobonaro regency, larder! When will President Clinton show those villages, fearing infiltration by Falintil 140 km (87 miles) southwest of the capital courage or character and speak to these hor- members. The searches were carried out in a Dili. rors on his watch, especially in light of his most intimidating manner. He said a squad of 15 soldiers were in- pre-election statement of Indonesia’s record On November 27, ABRI members am- volved in the arrest, seizing a gun and am- on East Timor being “unconscionable!” bushed a Falintil fighter, Luis dos Santos, munition. When will we as stewards, sisters, and between the two villages of Rasa and Naulo, The agency said at least four members of brothers of this great blue planet - say also capturing a FKC rifle and bullets. Luis the movement had surrendered to Indone- ENOUGH! This madness must END. dos Santos is detained at military intelli- sian authorities so far this year. gence SGI headquarters in Dili. FOUR INDONESIAN TROOPS Baucau INDONESIAN TROOPS KILL KILLED, NINE INJURED On 21 December 1995, a youth by the SIX TIMORESE REBELS IN VIQUEQUE name of Duarte Belo was beaten mercilessly by an member of the battalion 745 until JAKARTA, Jan. 29 (UPI) – Indonesian CNRM East Timor, National Council of mouth he bled profusely from the mouth. troops in the troubled East Timor province Maubere Resistance, 31 January 1996 No reasons were given for the brutal treat- have killed six Fretilin guerrillas and cap- ment. tured two others, the official Antara news A report from the East Timorese Clan- agency reported Monday. destine Resistance, dated 15 January, just East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 15

Captain Djoko Purwanto, spokesman of another 30 since April 1995. It estimates the East Timor military spokesman Captain East Timor’s military district, said the six size of the guerrilla force at below 200. Djoko Purwadi was quoted as saying on Fretilin guerrillas were shot dead after resist- Diplomats said Indonesia had intensified Friday. ing arrest. its efforts to dislodge the guerrilla force, Purwadi, speaking in East Timor capital On Thursday, military forces shot dead known as either Fretilin or Falantil, which Dili, said the 24-year-old Diaz decided to one alleged guerrilla and captured two others has fought a dogged but largely symbolic give himself up to the Indonesian authorities in the Ermera district. war since the Indonesian invasion of East after he accidentally met his elder brother On Friday, another team shot dead five Timor in 1975. Tito da Costa who went hunting on January other rebels in the Viqueque district. Indonesia, which annexed the former Por- 28. Purwanto said there were no victims tuguese colony a year later, has sunk mil- “In that meeting Gilberto expressed his among the government troops during the lions of dollars into winning over Timorese, desire to Tito da Costa that he wanted to clashes. but has faced smouldering resentment or surrender. Da Costa told him he could ac- It was not immediately known how outright civil unrest. company his brother to the military com- many Fretilin remained in East Timor, but mander on duty in the region (Ililapa) if he military authorities recently claimed there INDONESIA ARRESTS 27 wanted to give up,” Purwadi said. are fewer than 200. REBELS IN 10 MONTHS Indonesian troops shot dead six Fretilin Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975, a rebels in the former Portuguese colony on few months after the departure of Portu- JAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuter) - Indone- January 25 and January 26. guese colonists, and annexed the territory sia’s military said Friday that 27 rebels Purwadi was quoted by Antara as saying one year later, sparking widespread interna- fighting its rule in East Timor had been cap- on Friday that Diaz was still in Ililapa for tional criticism and local dissent. tured or surrendered in the last 10 months, questioning. The United Nations does not recognize the official Antara news agency reported. Purwadi was earlier quoted by the agency Indonesia’s move and regards Portugal as “A total of 27 Fretilin members have as saying that 27 rebels fighting Jakarta’s East Timor’s administrative power. been captured alive or given themselves up rule in East Timor had been captured or had Indonesia currently maintains six military to the authorities from April to January this surrendered in the past 10 months. battalions in East Timor. year,” Capt. Djoko Purwadi, East Timor Antara reported on Thursday the rebels military spokesman, was quoted as saying killed two local people and burned five TIMORESE REBELS Friday. houses in the Ermera regency, 65 km (40.6 KILL TWO - ANTARA Speaking in the Timor capital Dili, Pur- miles) south of Dili on January 30. wadi said the military had also killed 20 General Abdul Rivai, commander of the JAKARTA, Feb 1 (Reuter) - Separatist members of the movement and confiscated Bali-based Udayana military command rebels opposed to Indonesia’s rule in East 28 guns and ammunition from the rebels whose jurisdiction includes East Timor, said Timor have killed two local people and during the same period. on Wednesday that guerrillas resisting his burned five houses in the western part of “This means 193 rebels with 89 guns are forces should give up or “be finished off.” the troubled territory, the official Antara still operating in forests and mountains,” he Antara quoted him as telling the guerrillas news agency reported on Thursday. was quoted as saying. that they would still be eligible for a long- “At least 10 members of the Fretilin Troops captured seven Fretilin members standing presidential amnesty if they gave guerrilla movement operating in the western Tuesday and Wednesday in Bobonaro re- up voluntarily. part of East Timor burned five houses and gency, 87 miles southwest of Dili, and con- killed two people in Ermera regency, 65 km fiscated a gun, bullets, medicine and a cam- 400 YEARS UNDER (40 miles) south of Dili on January 30,” it era. PORTUGUESE said. East Timor’s military commander Col. It reported from Dili, the East Timor Mahidin Simbolon was quoted by Antara as COLONIZATION, NO capital, that the rebels killed a man named saying Friday the military had told the re- ELECTRICITY AT FATUBOSA Domingos Martin with a dagger at his home bels to give themselves up. in Asalau village and also another man, “If they do not want to peacefully sur- From Antara (Indonesian Government Jacob dos Santos, who had taken the 10 render, the security forces will exterminate press service), via Indonesia Media Net- attackers to Martin’s. those who are operating in the forests and work, their translation. Antara gave no explanation for the attack. mountains,” he said. Antara, Fatubosa, Aileu, 31/1 - For al- Police and military officers in Dili were most 400 years of being colonized by Por- not available for confirmation. TIMORESE REBEL GIVES tuguese, no electrical circuitry built by the Antara earlier quoted Major-General Ab- UP TO INDONESIAN colonialist country for the people in the dul Rivai, commander of the Bali-based Fatubosa Village, Aileu, East Timor. Udayana military command whose jurisdic- AUTHORITIES “Today is marked in the history of the tion includes East Timor, as saying on Fatubosa people that for almost 400 years JAKARTA, Feb 3 (Reuter) - A member Wednesday that guerrillas resisting his of being colonized, there was no electrical of the Fretilin separatist movement oppos- forces should give up or “be finished off.” circuitry built by Portuguese in Fatubosa. ing Indonesia’s rule in East Timor has sur- Antara quoted him as telling the guerrillas But after 19 years of integration to the Re- rendered almost a week after troops shot that they would still be eligible for a long- public of Indonesian, electricity has been dead six rebels, the official Antara news standing presidential amnesty if they gave enjoyed by the Fatubosa people,” said the agency reported on Saturday. up voluntarily. Aileu’s Regent, Suprapto Tarman in “Gilberto Diaz, a member of the East Indonesia says it has killed 26 guerrillas Fatubosa. Timor rebel movement, surrendered on Feb- and captured or accepted the surrender of It was said by Suprapto Tarman at the ruary 1 in Ililapa village in Lautem regency opening of The Process and Development of around 200 km (125 miles) east of Dili,” Micro Hydro Electronic (MHE) or the elec- Page 16 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. trical generator water power at the two re- GOVT. TO ORGANIZE “I am still waiting for a full report from gions: Aileu and Ainaro, located at Dare, my officials in the field (but) from what I’ve Mulo Village, Hatabuilico. The opening was DOMESTIC TOUR FOR been told on the telephone there was a re- held at Fatubosa Village, 60 km south of EAST TIMOR TEACHERS volt by prisoners,” the official, who declined Dili. to be named, said. The ceremony were attended by the Jakarta, ANTARA, 31 Jan – The gov- An official at the Becora prison in Dili’s Head of East Timor Regional Office of ernment will organize a domestic tour for eastern suburbs declined to comment. Resi- Manpower, Anton Setiyono, who gave teachers in East Timor in an effort to im- dents said there were about 200 inmates in MHE technological aid and the Ainaro’s prove their national outlook, a high-ranking the prison. regent, Norberto Araujo. official said here on Tuesday. One resident said that the area around According to Suprapto, by having the Secretary to the Coordinating Minister Becora market had been sealed soon after MHE, the Fatubosa people will mark in for People’s Welfare, Suyono Yahya, said the riot. history that through integration the facilities the tour was intended to increase the teach- The incident is the latest centred on pris- supporting people’s welfare is vastly no- ers’ knowledge about other parts of Indone- ons in the volatile territory where armed and ticed by the government. sia so that their students would not feel political resistance to Jakarta’s rule lingers. Meanwhile, the Ainaro’s regent, Nor- alienated or estranged from the rest of the In November 1994 a stabbing incident in berto Araujo said, in the future the MHE country. the Becora jail involving two prisoners, a technology should be transferred to other “At first, the activity will be inviting jun- native of mostly Catholic East Timor and a villages which have potentials in Natural ior and senior secondary school teachers to migrant from mainly Moslem Indonesia, Resources that could generate electrical Jakarta for a study tour of development sparked days of rioting in Dili. power. projects,” he said after a coordination meet- On January 16 a Moslem prison official For villages beyond the capability of ing of the office. was sentenced four years jail for insulting state-owned electricity power (PLN), the Suyono said the government would also another religion while he worked at the Ma- MHE technological aid certainly will help implement a program to develop the Uni- liana prison west of Dili. The incident, last the villagers, he said. versity of East Timor. September, sparked sporadic rioting in a “Having electricity power from MHE, number of towns. students could study at night and it is a very SEVEN INJURED AS valuable progress,” he added. INDONESIA QUELLS PRISON RIOT IN DILI Diario de Noticias, 31 January 1996. Trans- New Job Field TIMOR JAIL RIOT lated from Portuguese, Abridged. Anton Setiyono, at the same opportunity said, that the existence of MHE is expected By Jim Della-Giacoma Lisbon – The head of East Timor’s Jus- to bring a positive effect for the people of JAKARTA, Jan 30 (Reuter) - At least tice Services (Servicos de Justiça de Timor- Fatubosa, Aileu, Dare, and Mulo Village. It seven people were injured when inmates of Leste), Benny Mataos, confirmed to LUSA is also expected to develop their potentials. East Timor’s Becora prison in capital Dili that the riot which took place yesterday in The development of the natural source rioted on Tuesday, police and hospital offi- the Becora prison, Dili, resulted in one would be valuable to solve life problems, cials said. death, several wounded and eight escaped especially manpower one. Colonel Andreas Sugianto, East Timor’s prisoners. The existence of electrical power at the chief of police, said the prisoners rioted for According to Mataos, “one (prisoner) village is expected to assist business devel- about one hour from 8.00 a.m. local time was shot and killed by prison security offi- opment, such as home industry, handicraft, (0000 GMT) after what he called a misun- cers when he refused to obey orders not to agricultural product process and many other derstanding between the inmates and prison set fire” to prison installations. A source services which finally will create a new job officials. contacted by LUSA in Dili identified the field, he said. “There was a misunderstanding between dead man as 25-year-old Herminio Soares. ... The MHE’s Development Project Man- the prisoners and officials about prisoners The same source reported that “6 or 9” ager, Yosef Susanto SH reported that the from one block not being allowed to go to prisoners had been seriously injured, and MHE technology in Dili was tested for another block,” Sugianto told Reuters by were now in hospital, accompanied by a three months and at the same time it was telephone from Dili. member of the ICRC in Dili. repaired and completely running well. Sugianto said the prisoners had thrown ICRC chief in Jakarta, Henri Fournier, For the Fatubosa Village it was a tapped stones through prison windows, damaged confirmed to AFP that members of organisa- construction and water canal of 1 km, an 18 buildings and set fire to property. tion are monitoring the situation. m x 1 m basin, pipe construction of 16 He said at least one prisoner had been About 100 prisoners took part in the inches diameter and 14 m long. shot in the incident in which a platoon of 30 riot, which started in the morning after cells Turbine construction and alternator of armed riot police was called to help quell the were opened... Mataos said that prisoners 8000 watt and also electrical circuitry and disturbance using tear gas. “attacked the prison guards,” and that about it’s equipment of 1 km long. He did not say who shot the inmate. half the rioters returned to their cells after While in Dare, Mulo Village, Ainaro, the An official at Dili’s main hospital told warning shots were fired. However, 54 oth- tapped construction and the 240 m water Reuters seven people were being treated in ers disobeyed the orders and tried to get canal, the 10 m basin of 10 m long, 3,5 wide the emergency section after the incident. hold of the guards’ weapons and escape. and 80m deep. A senior justice department official over- Ten prisoners are reported to have es- The pipe construction (3 pcs parallels) seeing the prison system was unable to caped, but two were recaptured almost im- with the diameter 8 inches and 10,5 m long, immediately confirm reports by residents mediately by security forces. equipped turbine construction and alternator that guards had opened fire on the rioting of 5000 watt. ant/trans:tan prisoners. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 17

TIMORESE KILLED IN DILI PRISON He did not give any details about the The jail has 257 inmates, some of whom are RIOT dead man. political prisoners. Publico, 31 January 1996 Abridged Trans- Mathaus said 10 prisoners escaped but In November 1994 a stabbing incident in lated from Portuguese two were quickly recaptured. The remaining the jail involving two inmates, a native of eight, whom he said were mostly Timorese mostly Catholic Timor and a migrant from Lisbon – 25-year-old Herminio Soares men, were still on the run nine hours after mainly Moslem Indonesia, sparked days of was killed yesterday during a riot at Becora the breakout. He said 40 prisoners and six rioting in Dili. prison in Dili. ... A Timorese source con- guards were slightly injured in the incident, tacted by the LUSA agency said there were and six people were admitted to hospital. AMNESTY CALLS FOR ENQUIRY two possible reasons for the riot: “Some say The jail has 257 inmates, some of whom are INTO EAST TIMOR PRISON RIOT that there was a general uprising and the political prisoners. Diario de Noticias, 1 February 1996. Trans- prisoners set fire to the prison, but there is lated from Portuguese, Abridged. also another version, according to which it FOUR TIMORESE PRISONERS was the soldiers themselves who sparked CAPTURED AFTER JAIL RIOT Lisbon – Amnesty International (AI) off the riot to ‘get rid of’ a few more JAKARTA, Jan 31 (Reuter) - Indonesian yesterday called for an “independent and Timorese” authorities have captured four of the eight thorough” enquiry into the events surround- There are about 250 prisoners, mostly prisoners who escaped after a riot in East ing a riot in Becora prison, Dili, in which, Timorese, being held in Becora prison. They Timor’s main jail in which one inmate was according to AI, about “200 political and include about one hundred young Timorese killed, the official Antara news agency re- common prisoners” are held. accused of taking part in demonstrations ported on Wednesday. TEAM SET UP TO INVESTIGATE against Indonesian occupation of East “Of the eight prisoners who escaped, one DILI PRISON RIOT Timor. was captured and three gave themselves The official version ... states that there up,” Benny Mathaus, chief of East Timor’s Antara, 1 February was a riot involving about one hundred pris- justice ministry’s office, was quoted as Dili, E Timor - East Timor authorities oners, which ended with one being shot dead saying. have set up a team to investigate the cause and another six being admitted to hospital. He said in Dili, East Timor’s capital, that of Tuesday’s riot in Becora prison here. Ten prisoners are said to have escaped, two the number of prisoners who escaped after Benny J Matthaus, head of the local jus- of whom were quickly recaptured. At the Tuesday’s riot was eight and not 10 as re- tice department, said Wednesday the team time of going to print, there was still no ported previously. was made up of officers from the local jus- further news of the escapees, in spite of the Mathaus told Reuters on Tuesday that tice service and police. hunt underway and the searches being car- one prisoner was killed and 10 escaped after He said the team would collect field evi- ried out by the police in houses in Dili. the riot which led to a mass breakout at- dence to ascertain the cause of the riot, in ONE KILLED, TEN ESCAPE IN EAST tempt in the Becora jail in Dili’s eastern which an inmate was reportedly killed and suburbs. seven others injured. TIMOR PRISON RIOT Antara quoted East Timor’s police chief Col. Andreas Sugianto, East Timor’s JAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuter) - One Colonel Andreas Sugianto as saying on chief of police, meanwhile, said the team prisoner was killed and 10 escaped Tuesday Wednesday that the four prisoners were would not only investigate the cause of the after a riot in East Timor’s main jail led to a seized on Tuesday night, just a few hours riot but also the way how prison officials mass breakout attempt, a justice ministry after the incident. handled the riot. official said. “A special team assigned to pursue the A total of 100 inmates were reportedly “It was a revolt with the purpose of es- prisoners have captured four people,” he involved in the riot. caping from the prison. About 100 prison- was quoted as saying. He said police were ers were involved,” said Benny Mathaus, still searching for the other prisoners. GUERRILLAS FACE head of the justice ministry’s office in the It was not clear whether the riot was capital Dili. linked to broader unrest in the former Portu- NEW ARMY ONSLAUGHT It was not clear whether the riot was guese colony, ruled since 1975 by Indonesia by Jeremy Wagstaff linked to broader unrest in the former Portu- against a backdrop of civilian and armed guese colony, ruled since 1975 by Indonesia resistance. JAKARTA, Feb 1 (Reuter) - East Timor against a backdrop of lingering civilian and Sugianto said the police were investigat- guerrillas, waging a 20-year-old resistance armed resistance. ing the cause of the riot and added they had against Indonesia, are facing growing pres- Mathaus, whose department oversees the also questioned the prison guards to find out sure following fresh army determination to prison system, told Reuters the prisoners of if the measures taken by them to quell the rout them by persuasion or force, Timorese Becora jail in Dili’s eastern suburbs were riot was in accordance with procedures. He sources said on Thursday. The official being released for daily work activities when gave no other details. Antara news agency on Thursday quoted they rioted. Antara quoted Mathaus as saying the the commander responsible for East Timor, “They attacked the guards with stones so body of Armindo da Silva Martins, 27, who Major-General Abdul Rivai, as warning the the buildings in the prison were severely was killed in the riot, was taken by the mili- guerrillas to accept a government amnesty or damaged. The guards, of which there were tary helicopter to his hometown for burial “be finished off.” only nine, were forced to shoot from above on Wednesday. About 200 guerrillas are resisting his them,” Mathaus said by telephone. Sugianto said Martins was shot because forces. “One man tried to take a gun from a he tried to take a gun from a guard during the “They are still our own brothers and guard. He was given two warning shots and riot. they are therefore constantly called on to he did not want to retreat. He was shot to Mathaus earlier said 40 prisoners and six leave their forest hideouts. But if they keep overpower him, not kill him, but the bullets guards were slightly injured in the incident, ignoring the calls they will be finished off by severely wounded him and he died,” he said. and six people were admitted to hospital. Page 18 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. the security forces on any encounter in the movement and the pinprick disruptions of It quoted a report allegedly written in forest,” he said. the guerrillas, and are newly determined to January by a guerrilla, Ayak Leman, as say- Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975, do away with both. ing that Indonesian forces had launched a sparking a war in which up to 200,000 peo- Intimidation of youths has cleared the major assault on rebels in East Timor fo- ple were killed or died, mostly of famine, towns of many clandestine activists, they cused on capturing the movement’s leader historians said. The United Nations still said, either outside the territory – where Konis Santana. recognises former colonial ruler Portugal as many seek refuge in embassies – or to the It quoted Leman as saying his guerrilla Timor’s administering power. hills. unit had lost contact since September with Military activity has remained small- “This doesn’t seem to be much of a Santana, who has headed the 200-strong scale in recent years as resistance switched choice: either you go to Jakarta and jump guerrilla armed wing since the capture of his to civil unrest, loosely coordinated between over some embassy fence or you escape to predecessor Xanana Gusmão in late 1992. the ragtag guerrilla movement, exile leaders the mountains,” said one resident. The Bali-based Rivai said the rebellion and a clandestine network stretching through About 100 East Timorese youths have could be ended by building roads and bridges the territory. fled the country in the past 14 months by for the East Timorese, Antara said. Jakarta has sunk millions of dollars into jumping into foreign embassies in Jakarta Indonesia’s 1976 annexation of East winning Timorese hearts and minds but has and gaining eventual refuge in Portugal. Timor has yet to be recognised by the failed to dispel wide resentment. United Nations. Residents have long reported harassment INDONESIA SAYS SEEKS of civilians suspected to oppose Indonesian HUMANE END TO TIMOR REBEL INCREASED MILITARISATION rule but said that since late last year the WAR AND WORSENING HUMAN military seemed also to be targeting the guer- Jakarta Feb 5 (Reuter) – Indonesia’s mili- RIGHTS IN EAST TIMOR rillas, known either as Falantil or Fretilin. tary said they were seeking to end East “They are moving around in small units Timor’s lingering guerrilla movement CONFIRMED almost everywhere. They are going into the through peaceful means rather than force, East Timor Update from CNRM, Feb. 10. bush and spreading into the villages. Every the official Antara news agency reported on village now has one or two military,” one Monday. The Indonesian news agency Antara re- East Timorese, contacted by phone in the It quoted General Abdul Rivai, whose ju- ported on February 1 that the Indonesia’s capital, Dili, said. risdiction includes East Timor, as saying on military commander in East Timor, Colonel According to official figures, since last Monday that development programmes Simbolon, had warned the East Timorese April nearly 30 guerrillas and their support- were enough to encourage the rebels – fighters ( FALINTIL ) to surrender or “be ers have been captured or have surrendered, known to Indonesians as Fretilin – to give finished off.” He also stated that the fighters while another 26 have been killed in clashes. up their 20-year-old war. will be qualified for amnesty if they surren- Timorese sources say several Indonesian “Territorial operations done with a hu- der “because they are part of the Indonesian troops have also been killed in firefights. mane approach which is linked to develop- nation.” It is well recorded that during the The latest incidents occurred last week ment programmes will wipe out the pres- 20 years of Indonesian illegal occupation of when troops shot dead six alleged guerrillas ence of Fretilin in East Timor,” he said in East Timor, the Indonesian military has and captured one, along with a suspected the Timorese capital Dili. never honoured any of their previous prom- clandestine activist, Antara news agency Antara gave no other details, but quoted ises of amnesty. Colonel Simbolon’s public said. Rivai as saying that by witnessing develop- statement coincides with increasing military Residents of East Timor confirm a sig- ment taking place in the former Portuguese operations in East Timor since October nificant increase in military activity in recent colony, the rebels would give themselves 1995. months, with some saying Indonesia has up. A respected observer who visited the ter- boosted the number of troops, including Since its 1975 invasion Indonesia has ritory recently recounts the “obviously special forces. tried to win over East Timorese but resent- crazy levels of military presence in East The government says it has six battal- ment remains widespread, helping to fuel a Timor.” Between Fuiloro and Lospalos, in ions, or 5,000 men, in the territory but dip- small but symbolic guerrilla opposition to the eastern end of the territory, he saw three lomats say there may be double that. its rule. camps of Indonesian army, each camp con- A spokesman for the Council for Na- The report contrasts with earlier state- taining 1 battalion. From Baucau to Lautem tional Maubere Resistance, or CNRM, ments by Rivai and other military leaders, (still in the East) he witnessed 14 army Timor’s umbrella independence grouping who have in recent months vowed to hunt trucks fully loaded with heavily armed sol- which includes the guerrillas, acknowledged down and wipe out the movement if it does diers. On his way from Dili to Aileu in the the guerrillas may be under pressure, but not give up. central region, in only 45km, he counted 5 said they did not face defeat. At least 28 rebels have been captured or military observation posts! In spite of this “Even if they do sustain some losses we surrendered in the past 10 months. Another heavy military presence he said locals report are quite sure it will never be sufficient for 26 guerrillas and their supporters have been that the Indonesians fear to go into resis- their elimination. Maybe we might see a killed in the same period, according to offi- tance controlled areas which are quite sig- period of difficulty ahead but it’s simplistic cial reports. nificantly large in the eastern part. to assume the Falantil will be exterminated,” A report from Macau by the Portuguese In the eastern region he was told about the spokesman said. news agency LUSA on Saturday appeared five guerrillas being shot about ten days ago. Diplomats said it was too early to see a to confirm residents’ reports of intensified He noted that this type of announcement by clear pattern in the heightened military ac- military action against the movement. the Indonesian military usually signifies a tivity. A copy of the report was obtained by major military engagement but that the In- Others quoted military officials as mak- Reuters on Monday. donesian army will not report their own ing it clear that they had lost patience with losses and may exaggerate losses on the both the publicity stunts of the clandestine Timorese side. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 19

On February 5 he observed two large East Timor. We urge the Australian govern- tenced to prison terms ranging from 18 boatloads of soldiers on the Dili dock, fully ment and the alternate government to use months to two years and two months. They armed. “They looked disgustingly impres- their good offices to help the initiatives of are all prisoners of conscience and Amnesty sive” he commented. His Timorese driver the UN Secretary General to put an end to International is calling for their immediate warned him, “these are the ones who con- the continuing saga of the East Timorese and unconditional release. duct Ninja attacks. During the night, the people. In response to appeals on behalf of José suburb that has a blackout after 10:00pm is Antonio Belo and the others detained with certainly under ninja cleanout operation.” FIGHTING AND KILLING him, the Indonesian Government denied When they passed the suburb of Fatu-Hada CONTINUES IN EAST TIMOR reports that José Antonio Belo was tortured at exactly 22:15pm, the lights went off indi- and that he was not given a fair trial. Am- cating that an attack there could occur that CNRM Media Release, Darwin, February nesty International considers that this in- night. At Kupang airport, he saw 80 soldiers 12, 1996 formation provided by the Indonesian Gov- in the adjoining military air base (with or- ernment is not accurate. ange/rusty coloured berets) arriving from News to hand from East Timor confirms This update provides background to the Dili and being transferred immediately into that regular fighting and killing continues. arrests, details of the Indonesian Govern- an Hercules. On February 5, at Hato-Lia (western re- ment’s claims and Amnesty International’s He commented on his return about the gion), Timorese resistance fighters - response to those claims. FALINTIL- attacked members of the Indo- growing Indonesianisation of East Timor, Background with more mosques and signs of Islamic nesian battalion 711 and captured 3 green José Antonio Belo, a 24 year old student, activity. He also noted an increased Indone- berets soldiers. One was released after being and 23 other youths were arrested on 9 sian presence within the Catholic Church of disarmed. The other two remain as prison- January at a peaceful demonstration at the East Timor and commented on Indonesian ers. University of East Timor in Dili. Belo and priests and nuns “flooding into the coun- That same evening in Laleia and Cairui another detainee, José Pinto, were taken to try.” (Manatuto Regency), there was an armed the military intelligence unit (Satuan Tugas This man who previously been to East confrontation between Indonesian soldiers Intelijen - SGI) where they were beaten, Timor and is a competent observer of the and Timorese fighters resulting in 2 Indone- reportedly to the point of losing conscious- local situation (but must remain anony- sian fatalities and 5 injured. One Timorese ness. mous) commented that, in his view, human was killed. They were then transferred to the Dis- rights were the worst they had been since Latest information is that the total num- trict Police office in Comoro but Belo was February 1992 (immediately after the Dili ber of casualties in the Becora prison riot, taken back to SGI and held there until 13 Massacre). He said “It’s ongoing - harass- 15 days ago, has risen to 86, (more than January. Belo was denied food for two days ment, killings, and pressure in the cities and previous thought). It is confirmed that one and his arms and legs were tied up. He was the mountains.” Timorese died in Hospital. One prisoner, then hung upside down overnight. When he Whilst he was there a riot occurred at Be- José Joaquim, had an ear cut off. It is also was taken down he was beaten with sticks, cora prison (recently mentioned in the Aus- confirmed that 10 prisoners escaped. Two wires and was reportedly subjected to elec- tralian press). He said that his information have been recaptured, 8 remain at large tric shocks. While this was happening Ma- was that 47 Timorese were injured and hos- (names are known). jor Laedon Simbolon, East Timor military pitalised. One Armindo da Silva, 29, was This shows that, contrary to statements spokesperson, denied that there was any killed. Information is that 8 prisoners es- by the Indonesian army, and in spite of their reason to be concerned for the group’s well- caped. Whilst Indonesia claims that they increased military presence and activity, the being: were recaptured, there are persistent ru- East Timorese armed resistance remains an “We take good care of them and mours that some have escaped to the bush. effective force. feed them, just to let them tell us the He received reliable information about the CNRM calls on the International Com- truth about why they did the demon- mistreatment of the youngest prisoner in munity to increase pressure on Indonesia to stration and who stood behind them.” Becora: this youth (who recently turned 15 withdraw its forces from East Timor in [Reuters, 12 January 1995] in prison) is in very bad condition as a result order to stop this unnecessary waste of José Antonio Belo was apparently sub- of repeated bashing and torture. human life. We also call on the UN to ensure jected to torture because he was suspected There was a crowd of about two thou- its own resolutions relating to East Timor of being the “mastermind” behind the peace- sand at the inauguration of the new semi- are actioned, including its right to Self- ful demonstration. According to information nary in Balide-Dili, and a pro-independence determination. received by Amnesty International, Belo demonstration took place there. A number was pressured to tell human rights monitor- of banners mentioned Xanana and there AI UPDATE ON JOSÉ ing organizations that he had not been sub- were “lots of raised fists.” Indonesian bish- ANTONIO BELO jected to ill-treatment or torture. He was ops present called the demonstrators “hoo- also pressured to say that he did not want ligans, rascals and outlaws.” The Indonesian José Antonio Belo: An Update (AI index: any further visits from monitoring organiza- military arrested three of the demonstrators ASA 21/01/96, February 1996) tions. two of whom were beaten badly before Introduction On 1 April, José Antonio Belo was re- being dragged away. ported to have been tortured again by jail When asked about the continuing resis- On 9 January 1995, 24 youths and stu- officials at Becora prison until he vomited tance in spite of this onslaught he com- dents, including José Antonio Belo, were blood and received a wound on his neck. mented that it is “an extraordinary act of arrested after a peaceful demonstration at This treatment was apparently because Belo heroism” and that many people continue to the University of East Timor in Dili, the had “behaved badly” in the jail. There are be willing to risk their lives for their cause. capital of East Timor. While in detention, at unconfirmed reports that Belo was beaten CNRM appeals to the international least two of the group, and possibly others, again in September. community and UN to stop the genocide in were tortured and beaten. Sixteen were sen- Page 20 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

In March 1995 the trials of 16 of the Torture and ill-treatment meeting with them. The group were also demonstrators began at the Dili District The letters from the Indonesian Govern- believed to have been denied access to their Court. All 16 were charged under Article ment also denied the reports of torture and families for ten days after they were ar- 154 of the Indonesian Criminal Code which ill-treatment of José Antonio Belo: rested. Information concerning the schedul- states that “...the public expression of feel- “While he was being detained for ing of the trials was withheld from the de- ings of hostility, hatred or contempt toward interrogation he was treated humanely fendants and their families until immediately the government” is punishable by up to and he was given his full rights as de- prior to the trials’ beginning, making prepa- seven years’ imprisonment. Belo, who was clared in the Criminal Code. Apart ration for the trial difficult. accused of being the leader of the demon- from that, he was also visited by rep- Despite claims by the Indonesian Gov- stration, was sentenced on 8 May to 18 resentatives of the International ernment to the contrary, eyewitnesses re- months’ imprisonment. Despite this accusa- Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) ported that José Antonio Belo was not rep- tion Belo unexpectedly received a lighter and the Indonesian Human Rights resented by lawyers but defended himself. sentence than the other demonstrators (see Commission... There was no proof At the time of the trials, the Catholic Appendix I). that Belo has experienced any torture Bishop of Dili, Msgr. Carlos Filipe Ximenes The Government’s response: or mistreatment.” [Letter from Em- Belo stated that the group were on trial bassy of Republic of Indonesia, New without lawyers: “People do not have the Arrest and Trial Zealand, 14 September 1995] right to have a defence lawyer, they are in The Indonesian Government responded Amnesty International received credible God’s hands and have to defend them- to appeals concerning José Antonio Belo reports, including eyewitness testimony, of selves.” [Radio Renascenca, Portugal, 14 and the other 15 tried and sentenced, with the treatment José Antonio Belo was sub- April 1995] letters which denied the claims of torture jected to in detention. The organization While the Indonesian Government con- and unfairness during the trials. The letters considers that torture of political detainees tinues to deny the claims of Amnesty Inter- also justified the arrest and imprisonment of in East Timor is routine, a finding which national and others concerning José Antonio peaceful critics of Indonesia’s rule in East was also reflected in the 1992 report of the Belo and his co-defendants, the 16 remain Timor. In a letter from the Indonesian Em- United Nations Special Rapporteur on tor- imprisoned for their peaceful opposition to bassy in New Zealand, the government ture. Amnesty International continues to the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. stated: receive testimonies of detainees who have The organization calls again for their imme- “The demonstration of 9 January been beaten and tortured, including with the diate and unconditional release as prisoners 1995 was engineered by an anti- use of electric shocks and cigarette burns. of conscience. Indonesian group, working with some Detainees also continue to describe being Appendix 1: foreign persons, with the intention of pressured into not informing human rights List of 16 East Timorese youths and stu- displaying an anti-integration attitude. monitoring organizations of ill-treatment and dents arrested and sentenced for Such a demonstration always develops torture. demonstrating at the University of East into a riot that disturb[s] the peace, Access to lawyers Timor in January 1995 [,&] and so was the case with this one. The name age sentence person concerned [José Antonio Belo] The Indonesian Government denied the Alexandrino da Costa 18 or 20 26 months was detained not because he merely claims that José Antonio Belo was denied Alfredo Lopes 20-22 2 years expressed his thoughts and opinions access to independent lawyers: Bendito Salon 17 or 19 2 years peacefully in public, but merely be- “I can assure you that whilst in de- Carlos Bernes Barreto 20 or 24 26 months cause such an activity has been pur- tention, Mr. Belo was not harmed in Filomeno dos Santos 20 20-21 months posely geared to becoming a riot any way whatsoever, and any report Ignacio de Jesus San- 24 20 or 21 which would attract foreign atten- otherwise is simply baseless propa- tos months tion...” ganda. Throughout his trial, Mr. Belo was accompanied by his lawyer, and Ipolito da Silva (Hipolito 17 26 months Another government response alleged da Silva) that José Antonio Belo “was the leader of was treated in accordance with Indo- nesian law and regulations. Mr. Belo João Manuel 19 20 or 21 the violence demonstration [sic] by showing months banners....” [Letter from Embassy of Re- was given a fair trial by an independ- ent court, and had the benefit of coun- José Hendriques 24 25 months public of Indonesia, Brussels 29 August José Pinto 23 26 months 1995] sel and all due process of law.” [Letter from Embassy of Republic of Indone- José Antonio Belo 24 18 months Amnesty International is not aware of Luis Tavares 17 or 18 26 months any evidence being presented by the courts sia, London, UK, 29 September 1995] Political trials in East Timor are routinely Paulo José Amaral 21 or 23 26 months that the defendants were involved in violent (Paulo Jorge Amaral) unfair. Detainees are frequently denied ac- activities or that the demonstration itself - Pedro da Costa (Pedro 19 26 months cess to independent lawyers of their own which lasted less than five minutes - was da Costa Apin) choice, are threatened into withdrawing violent. The organization considers that the Zito Lemos Barreto 21 or 23 21 months power of attorney from independent law- imprisonment of José Antonio Belo and the Mario Pinto Ximenes 20 or 23 26 months other 15 demonstrators is yet another illus- yers, are forced under duress to sign state- (Mario Pinto da Costa tration of the Indonesian Government’s ments and are frequently hindered in bring- Ximenes) unwillingness to tolerate peaceful dissent. ing defence witnesses to the court. The Those who attract international attention to courts frequently accept testimony ex- human rights violations in East Timor or tracted under torture or pressure. demonstrate for East Timorese independ- In the case of José Antonio Belo and his ence are at greater risk of lengthy terms of 15 co-defendants, Amnesty International is imprisonment. concerned that lawyers seeking to meet with the detainees were initially prevented from East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 21

PORTUGAL, COME sing operations.’ Each Indonesian battalion at the extravagant hour of 10 or 11 p.m. A consists of 800 fully equipped men, and the little later comes the magic Cinderella hour - QUICKLY... number of Jakarta’s troops currently in their favourite time for raids on homes and AND LIBERATE US! Timor must be around 20,000 men. Much to arrests. the disappointment of the Timorese, part of Tear gas is the calling card used by the Diario de Noticias, 17 February 1996. By the Indonesian armed forces is made up of Intel agents when they intend to barge in on José Luis Ramos Pinheiro, Translated from the territory’s natives - 1,000 men. This the homes to which they were never invited. Portuguese. Abridged. component of Timorese serves two useful The customary scenes of violence follow, Lisbon – Timor is an island surrounded purposes from Indonesia’s point of view: coupled with the dragging away of young- by a lot of sea, and a lot of - too many - they are familiar with the terrain, and they sters they accuse of acts of conspiracy. Indonesians. On landing in Dili, one’s first represent a demoralising factor for the Re- Once they are behind bars in secret police and most enduring impression is one of sistance. custody, the youngsters are subjected to all being surrounded (...) by military, police, Abundance of Police kinds of torture: burns with lighted ciga- barracks, patrol cars, not forgetting the om- rettes and beatings with iron bars are the The police force is a decisive control nipresent red and white flag and the impos- usual treatment. In Timor, I spoke to several mechanism in Indonesia’s control apparatus. ing eagle - symbol of the Indonesian State young people bearing visible signs of such Those without uniforms are to be found (...) ill-treatment. It’s only fair repayment, say mainly in Dili, and they are responsible for In the midst of the Indonesian apparatus, the Indonesians, for their protests, demon- patrolling the streets of the capital. They the Timorese appear along the streets of strations and the bad company they keep. can be seen on many of the city’s street Dili. Their doleful gait contrasts with the corners. The agents of Intel, Jakarta’s secret Undermining the Catholic Church wary look they give to foreigners and to police, leave their uniforms back at the bar- Demonstrations by Timorese youth, like everything around them. The Timorese soul racks and mingle with the crowds, inform- the one on 3 February during the inaugura- reveals itself, gradually, when the “for- ing, surveying, controlling the movements of tion of the new Dili Seminary, are now eigner” turns out to be Portuguese. The soul perceived suspects and, at when the time is fairly commonplace in Timor but, in the - something that Indonesia can never im- right, making arrests. view of Monsignor Ximenes Belo, the Indo- prison - is the best response to the fury of At the door of my hotel there was al- nesians try to reap benefits out of the un- the force which, since 1975, has subdued the ways an available car and driver waiting to rest. territory that is still, officially, under Portu- attend my transport needs. I would accept Some of the protests are actually orches- guese administration. this ‘taxi service’ when I really needed to, trated by the Indonesians themselves. On Indonesia has set up a tight and elaborate but I usually refused the generous offer. religious feast days, for example, rumours security system throughout the island. The They told me that the driver worked for the fly that a demonstration or violent protest is military component is clear to see to who- political police. I never managed to get con- being organised. The Indonesian secret po- ever walks around Dili or travels to the terri- firmation of this, but once day there was a lice, Intel, are said to start off these ru- tory’s interior. suspicious incident. I was invited by a mours, in order to split up the Catholic While I was in Timor, the port of Dili Timorese woman to have lunch in her res- faithful, reduce the numbers taking part in was visited by an Indonesian naval warship taurant - one of the few, or perhaps the only religious celebrations, thereby undermining which anchored alongside the other four, ‘Portuguese restaurant’ there. I accepted the the authority and strength of the Catholic already there when I arrived. The men from invitation. Just after entering the restaurant, Church of East Timor. the Resistance told me that it would be de- ... the telephone rang. Intel wanted to know The young Timorese with whom I spoke livering yet another battalion of troops and what the ‘foreigner’ was doing in the restau- during my stay understand and respect the many kilos of weapons. rant, who had invited him, and how long I Bishop’s reasoning, but find themselves in a In green camouflage outfits, with red was going to be there. When I had left the dead-end situation. headbands, the ‘ninjas’ commandos that are hotel to go for the Portuguese meal, I had Frustration among Timorese youth is one most feared by the Timorese. They are of- turned down the offer of transport from my of the crucial problems today in the terri- ten the perpetrators of nocturnal manoeu- driver friend. tory: time is passing, the occupation is in- vres in both cities and villages. They are also tensifying, the lack of freedom is becoming the best trained military corps to hamper In the dead of night unbearable. To escape, whether it is into the the guerrilla’s tactics. While Intel often goes unnoticed during bush or via one of the foreign Embassies, During my travel outside Dili, I saw sev- the day, at night it’s completely different. seems a viable option. One long-time eral vehicles transporting these ‘commandos Night starts to fall on Dili at about 6 in the Timorese guerrilla fighter did not hide his of death.’ Their military trucks are to be evening. In spite of the cool breeze inviting disappointment with the students’ exodus seen along almost all the roads (which in them to stroll by the sea, the Timorese stay abroad: “In my opinion, the youngsters recent years have been built by the Indone- in their homes. A long time ago, fear of the ought to grow up, become men, and go into sians), forcing those travelling in the oppo- night was introduced to East Timor by the the mountains to fight alongside the guerril- site direction to pull over to the side and Indonesians, and now a Timorese will only las. Running away won’t solve anything.” stop. leave the safety of his home after dark in Mnsgr. Ximenes Belo does no go that far, Baucau airport, 150 kms. from Dili, was case of dire emergency. It is after nightfall but explains that, by leaving Timor, “the also engulfed by the military machine. that those whom the Timorese describe as youngsters are leaving more room behind Originally a civil airport, designed and built agents provocateurs roam the streets, un- them for the Indonesians.” by Portugal, it has been transformed into a leashing acts of gratuitous violence. In the One of the survivors of the Santa Cruz real air base for Indonesian military aircraft. city’s strategic areas, at the main cross- massacre confessed that without any help They are used to bomb the mountainous roads, and particularly at the points of entry and with no future, the young Timorese areas which give cover to the guerrilla to certain neighbourhoods, the Intel men are could not bear to stay. This 22-year-old movement, and to set fire to the forests, a to be found. They huddle in groups, eyeing boy-man who, although outspoken, wished tactic employed during the so-called ‘clean- suspiciously anyone who dares venture out Page 22 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. to remain anonymous, asked for help, signs backgrounds. Apart from whatever happens was surrounded by hundreds of Timorese of encouragement and any kind of assistance in the future, the Timorese want to see more who wanted to say hello. A handshake was from abroad (i.e. Portugal). In view of this Portuguese, more often, in the territory. not enough. Men, women carrying babies young man, profoundly identified with the They say they miss seeing them, hearing the and many children all wanted to kiss my Resistance, all hope (possibly the last re- language, and that many Portuguese customs right hand. They knew I was not a priest. It maining hope) focuses on the Portuguese to are disappearing. They tell stories, and re- was enough for them to know that I was turn the problem around: “Portugal has to member the names of many Portuguese who Portuguese, that I had come from the me- return to Timor to finish the decolonisation once passed through Timor. They are curi- tropolis. process.” Otherwise, he said, the Timorese ous to know what life is like in Portugal, and José Luis Ramos Pinheiro is Information will end up dying, a people vanquished by what the chances would be of working Director of Portugal’s Radio Renascenca war, exhaustion and isolation. “there, in the metropolis.” ... “If we are free Asserting his readiness to die fighting, there, nothing else matters much.” ANTONIO, FALLEN STAR this member of the Resistance remembered In the midst of the Indonesian storm, the with sadness those who had fallen by his Catholic Church is a flame which continues VICE-CHAIR OF THE EAST TIMOR side at Santa Cruz. He too had been shot by to burn. At the masses I went to the PDI HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF the Indonesians, and showed multiple scars Timorese attendance exceeded all my expec- (in his arm, chest and legs) left by the bul- tations. INVOLVEMENT IN THE lets and the torture to which he had been The concentration, the silence, respect, MANUFACTURE OF HAND subjected in detention. But the wounds in the fervour of the hymn singing, the long GRENADES his soul would not heal, and they were caus- queues for Communion, all reflect an inten- Tiras No.4. 22 February 1996, abridged ing more pain than any on his body. sity of faith which the military regime has Amidst the celebrations to see in the Another young man, who had been in- not been able to obliterate. 1996 new year, Dili police force received volved in an aborted attempt to escape by The Church in Timor also protects, de- information that Dili port and the gover- boat last year and who now lives in semi- fends, works, gives refuge, teaches, prepares nor’s offices would be blown up. The intel- clandestinity, agreed to send a tape recorded and helps. Its presence there on the ground ligence unit (intel) was immediately ordered message to Lisbon. In a steady, confident makes the Church one of the few bodies able to give chase to a suspicious red hardtop tone his message was as follows: “We want to mitigate the abuses of the local authori- jeep. Three people were in the jeep, all with to appeal to Portugal to come quickly to our ties, by moderating, here and there, the des- long hair. Now it is known - based on in- aid, and liberate us from Indonesia’s op- perate and almost suicidal behaviour of the formation given by a religious official - that pression.” younger Timorese. the driver was Antonio Louis Soares, 25, This young man sitting in front of me The imposition of Indonesia’s family vice-chair of the local PDI and a member of with a friend had experienced the treatment planning programme in Timor, which in- the local legislative assembly of Manatuto inflicted by the Indonesians on their prison- cludes resorting to forcible sterilisation of subdistrict. Meanwhile, it is strongly sus- ers. He showed me the marks of cigarette many Timorese women, is yet another chal- pected that the two passengers were Konis burns just next to his eyes, and the black lenge for the local priests. (...) The vision of Santana (who is said to be a replacement of scars on his arms and legs. Indonesia does Monsignor Ximenes Belo and the enormous guerilla leader Xanana Gusmão) and Mata- not forgive the young people who try to respect which the Timorese feel towards ruak, his assistant. “Unfortunately we were escape. him, make the Catholic Bishop one of Indo- not able to arrest those two, and who knows The illusion of the metropolis nesia’s favourite targets for criticism. ... where they ran away to,” said an intel I accompanied Dom Ximenes and the If Indonesian occupation has achieved source. Assistant Bishop of Lisbon, Mnsgr. Janu- anything, it has been to make the Timorese At midnight the security forces raided ario Torgal Ferreira, on some of their visits. forget that Portugal abandoned the Timorese Antonio’s home in Lecidere Bidau, East The enthusiasm generated by the presence to fate in 1975, with Indonesia so menac- Dili. There they found eight home-made of the representative of the Church of Por- ingly close by. In fact, it was Portugal’s bombs made from bottles filled with explo- tugal mobilised crowds wherever they went. departure and the in-fighting among the sives, as is sometimes used by fishermen. It From young to old, they all wanted to see, Timorese that served Jakarta as excellent is said that they were of reasonable quality, hear and touch the Portuguese Bishop - the pretexts with which to justify the invasion. no different from hand grenades used by first to tread on Timorese soil in over 20 However, 20 years on, the Timorese are still ABRI. Later that day Antonio and ten years. dreaming of the Portuguese illusion: “With members of his group were arrested. In his homilies, or in the brief words he the Portuguese we were free and it was with The new year’s eve incident didn’t fully addressed to the people, translated into you that we learned the meaning of liberty - surface. Up to the beginning of this month, Tetum, Lisbon’s Bishop and Secretary of Portugal has to come back!” These were the when Menpora Hayono Isman, who was on the Episcopal Conference did not spare words heard in the midst of a group of a trip to Dili, was upset to discover that the Indonesia. At every opportunity, he re- Timorese students. The older generation public was disinclined to believe the details peated the demand for respect for the rights says the same thing. 79-year-old Alvaro of the incident. Then last week Regional of the Timorese to justice, peace and democ- Belo ... does not mind speaking his mind and Military Commander IX/Udayana Major racy, and the appeal for their human rights being identified. In 1975 he was in favour of General HA Rivai gave confirmation. “In to be respected. He even compared the case integration with Indonesia. Now, he says, it East Timor, there are government employ- of Timor to that of Bosnia. ... In the parish will not work, unless “the Indonesian mili- ees and members of local regional assembly of Sao João de Brito, 40 kms. from Dili, tary bring the 300,000 Timorese they mur- who are involved with clandestine groups,” over 7,000 Timorese took part in the mass dered back to life.” He too believes that he said, citing Antonio Soares as an example. celebrated by the Bishop on 4 February, and Portugal is the last hope for the Timorese. Head of Dili regional police, Colonel An- his words to the congregation were met with The appeal, the insistent appeal to Por- dreas Sugianto, added that information re- much enthusiasm. (...) When the 2-hour long tugal, was made by people of all ages and garding the case will be handed over immedi- mass was over, I left the Church. Outside, I East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 23 ately to the local legal authorities for com- International reaching the Middle East and July 7. President Soeharto is scheduled to mitment to trial. “In the interrogation he Africa. inaugurate the giant statue then. confessed to everything he’s done,” said Konis Santana criticized the United Na- The news agency reported that the pro- Andreas to Tiras. tions for not being able to impose that Indo- vincial administration, through decree no After Antonio was arrested, the leader- nesia implement its resolutions, for making 977/303/IV.Keu/II/96, has decided to raise ship of the East Timor PDI sent a report to too many compromises, and thus benefiting the necessary funds by deducting a portion headquarters in Jakarta. On January 8, JB Indonesia. “It is necessary that the negotia- of Christian civil servants’ salaries for a Wiyandjono, a member of the East Timor tion framework be changed, for the round of year. The decree is effective as of this legislative assembly, flew to Dili and gath- conversations between Portugal and Indone- month. ered together the PDI leadership in the Re- sia have become simple routine,” said Civil servants of the lowest level cate- sende Inn hotel. “In truth we wish to re- Santana. “No relevant resolution has been gory of I, whose average monthly wage is solve this matter internally, bearing in mind made so far, and the Indonesians have used Rp 60,000 (US$26) will have their salaries how talented he is. However, the feeling is the negotiations to better their image in the cut by Rp 1,000 (43 US cents), while those that that would not be ethical,” said Gabriel international arena.” of the highest category of IV with salaries da Costa. Wiyandjono warned that the pre- To Santana, “the great economic power around Rp 400,000 will have their wages cut sumption of innocence should be held of Indonesia has served to blackmail and by Rp 5,000. firmly. “We hope that this incident will be press other countries, and to press even the Governor Abilio José Osorio Soares has thoroughly investigated, whether it is true or UN to soften in its condemnation.” On the recently stated that in order to complete the false,” he said to Tiras. other hand, Santana considers that the inter- project, which is “the source of pride for However, it is obvious that this incident national community, and in particular west- local people, especially for Christians,” will remain in the background of his political ern countries and the US, “have not pres- every regent has to donate Rp 100 million. career. Although only a lower secondary sured Indonesia as they should. Various The project has absorbed Rp 1 billion school graduate (SMP), Antonio is well- countries of Europe, natural allies of Portu- while the total cost is expected to reach Rp known for his intelligence and breadth of gal, such as England, Germany, The Nether- 2 billion. knowledge, and labelled a rising star among lands and France, maintain politics of com- the ranks of the PDI. His popular appeal plicity with the Indonesian regime, because JAKARTA TIGHTENS has led to people calling him the “Soekarno of economic interests and Jakarta’s geo- SECURITY IN DILI of the East.” strategic importance.” These countries, ac- cording to Santana, either directly or indi- Diario de Noticias, 20 March 1996. Trans- KONIS SANTANA: rectly continue to feed the ambition and the lated from Portuguese U.S. HOLDS THE KEY arrogance of the Indonesian generals, who won’t respect the UN resolutions, do not The Indonesian authorities have intensi- fied security measures in the streets of Dili, translated accept compromises, and will make no con- cessions. capital of East Timor, so as to prevent any Lisbon, Feb 27 (LUSA) - East Timorese “The solution for the East Timorese kind of protest action being taken while the resistance leader Konis Santana said in an problem has yet a long way to go and we (Intra-Timorese) meeting in Austria is un- interview to Portuguese radio station “An- must accept the fact that there will be much derway. tena Um” today that the United States are blood shed and many killings,” said Santana. “The situation is calm in Dili, but it could the only world power holding the “key” to Santana says one must question the im- not be otherwise as there is a security agent the solution to the East Timor problem. portance of the dialogue between the For- shadowing every single Timorese,” com- In a tape recorded in the East Timorese eign Ministers of Portugal and Indonesia, mented one Dili resident. The same source mountains, Konis Santana answered ques- and their capacity to impact human rights in said that a ship transporting Indonesian tions by a journalist of Portuguese radio the territory, “when horrible scenes con- troops docked last week in the Port of Dili. station RDP. Santana said that Americans tinue to occur, when the crimes of terror and Their mission was apparently “to reinforce are in a position to exert the pressure needed injustice, and the brutality, know no limits.” security during the Austria meeting.” to resolve the Timorese problem. Santana For Konis Santana, it is necessary that remarked that the Palestinian question also the NGOs and the international press, and TIMORESE ARRESTED had seemed impossible to resolve, however the UN Human Rights Commission, gain IN FATUBERLIU was indeed so. free access to East Timor; and that the US Konis Santana defended the presence of pressure Jakarta to become more flexible in TAPOL report, 27 March 1996 representatives of the Timorese resistance in its position. the negotiations in course between Portugal Vireato da Costa Fernandes Pereira, a and Indonesia. government employee in the administration “The free choice for the future of the ter- GIANT STATUE department, in the sub-district of Fatuberliu, ritory of East Timor can only be made by PROJECT HALTED was arrested on 9 March 1996. He was the Timorese,” said Konis Santana. taken from his home by Kopassus troops. Jakarta Post, Saturday 2 March 1996 His present place of detention is not known. KONIS SANTANA INTERVIEW DILI, East Timor: The construction of a Vireato da Costa Fernandes Pereira is 37 Translated, edited 25-ton statue called Kristus Raja (Christ the years old. Vireato’s wife is Teresa Fernan- des Pereira; they have two children. Lisbon, March 5 (LUSA) - From the King) in Fatukama Bay has been halted due to a shortage of funds, Antara reported. Vireato was previously arrested in 1986 mountains of East Timor, guerrilla com- for alleged involvement in the clandestine mander Konis Santana answered questions The project, which began in 1994, was expected to be completed in time for the movement. by a journalist, in a recorded interview aired Information of Vireato’s arrest was re- in part by Portuguese radio station “Antena commemoration of the 20th anniversary of East Timor’s integration into Indonesia on ceived by his younger brother who is now Um,” and soon to be aired in full by RDP- living in Macao. Page 24 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

MA’HUNO’S SON have paid off handsomely. Robby Sumam- of interest’ process was flawed and put the pouw (Sung Fung Liang), the son of an In- development out to tender - minus the key BEATEN TO A COMA donesian Chinese trader, who arrived almost Phosphate Hill site that he had favoured. translated, edited penniless from Fujian province to the pre- ‘I have done business in Indonesia, in war Dutch East Indies, is one of Indonesia’s Singapore, in Malaysia, in Thailand, in Viet- Sydney, Australia, March 30 (LUSA) - leading tycoons. He presides over a com- nam,’ Sumampouw said in an exclusive in- East Timorese leader Ma’Huno’s 17 year- pany with interests in textiles, paging sys- terview. ‘This is the first time I have had old son, named João Antonio Gomes da tems, hotels, hospitals, casinos and canned any problems like this.’ Costa, is in a coma at the Dili hospital, after food. He buys and sells, especially aromatic What has gone wrong? The problem may being brutally attacked at his home by products: coffee, cloves, sandalwood. He is simply be the decision-making process. members of an Indonesian battalion. reported to have assets of more than $210 Christmas Island is administered by the According to the source, who asked to million. Commonwealth Government using West remain anonymous, the soldiers forcefully The Christmas Island Casino, in which he Australian law. Developers have to run the entered the youths home in Los Palos two has a 90% stake, made a gross gaming profit gauntlet of the shire council, the local admin- days ago, during a military operation at the of $140 million in its first 15 months. Out istrator and a raft of Federal Government Eastern point of the territory. João Antonio of that it paid $25 million in Australian Department, including the Dept. of Envi- was attacked when he came out of his home. gaming tax and $1.5 million to the local ronment, Sport and Territories (DEST). “He tried to defend himself with a knife community. The secret of this success is There had been delays caused by red tape, and when he left the house he was brutally excellent connections. Robby Sumampouw by survey work and by the renegotiation of attacked by some 10 or 15 Indonesian sol- is close to General Benny Moerdani, former mining leases. According to DEST, the diers who were there with the sole purpose Defence Minister, In 1990 he helped Phosphate Hill site is subject to a mining of killing him,” said a source close to the Tommy Suharto, businessman son of Presi- lease that runs for another six years. family. “He has numerous fractures and a dent Suharto, to establish a lucrative clove- But it may also be political. Robby head injury and he is in the hospital in a marketing monopoly. He is close to Gerry Sumampouw suspects that the Keating coma,” added the same source. Hand, who lobbied successfully for Indone- Government got cold feet after reports in This attack reflects the increase in mili- sian high-rollers to have visa-free access to the Australian media after reports in the tary operations at the Eastern end of East Christmas Island. He is close to Air Vice- Australian media that he made his fortune Timor during the last few years. Marshall Teddy Rusdy, who is associated ‘on the back of Indonesia’s invasion of East José Antonio Gomes da Costa, better with Moerdani’s unrealized dream of setting Timor in 1975.’ He is concerned that the known as Ma’Huno, was arrested in 1992 up a pilot-training school north of Perth. Howard Government may not be any more by Indonesian soldiers, and was later sen- Kerry Packer, who missed out on his bid sympathetic. There is speculation in Can- tenced to house arrest. Ma’Huno was in Dili for the Sydney casino, has expressed inter- berra that Gerry Hand may no longer be when the attack occurred, and was informed est in operating the Christmas Island casino much use as a lobbyist. by the Dili Hospital nurse that his son was should Sumampouw succeed in his efforts ‘Let’s say that the money is from Tim- in the hospital. to oust the current operator, Casino Austria. Tim,’ said Sumampouw. ‘Before we are in A Dili Hospital source told LUSA that Robby, Benny, Tommy, Teddy, Gerry, charge of the casino, the Australian Gov- the youth’s condition is considered “very Kerry. A world where business aptitude ernment checked my background. They serious” and he is not expected to recover. meets political clout. A world where a checked not only my financial position but portly, publicity-shy Chinese trader is re- my character. They sent the police to check. SUMAMPOUW’S ferred to in respectful, quasi-royal terms: Why change now? That’s not fair. I put in BIGGEST BET (COFFEE) The King of East Timor, The King of my money, not a small amount. To my Cloves, The King of Christmas Island. mind, it’s not fair.’ Sydney Morning Herald, March 30 1995; But wait. Something is amiss. The king Hand, who signed on as a consultant to David Jenkins. very slightly abridged. has been having a rotten run of luck. His Sumampouw 18 months ago and who is It was the aroma of coffee that drew Australian operation, the jewel in the now his partner in a number of business Robby Sumampouw to East Timor and set Sumampouw crown, has lost some of its ventures, echoes that view. “If you are going him up for life. It was the prospect of an lustre. In February 1994, Sumampouw to own a casino, you come under intense even greater jackpot that persuaded him to submitted proposals for a string of addi- scrutiny,” he said, “He has cleared all that. I invest $90 million in a casino on Christmas tional developments on Christmas Island. can understand his frustration. He’s put Island, a tiny speck of Australia only 350 He wanted to build 400 luxury houses and forward a range of ideas but it’s two years kms south of Jakarta. Now as he seeks to an 18 hole international; standard golf course now and he hasn’t been able to lay a single pump another $50 million into Christmas on a site known as Phosphate Hill. He brick.” Island, the Indonesian entrepreneur known wanted to build a specialist private hospital Nor is that all. In his 19 year association as “Mr. Robby” is forging even closer ties to service South-East Asia, staffed with with Christmas Island, Sumampouw has with Australia. He has managed to get Gerry gynaecologists, eye specialists, tumour spe- been caught up in a series of wrangles with a Hand, one of the Labor Party’s leading crit- cialists and heart specialists. He wanted to series of contractors, architects and lawyers. ics of Indonesia’s East Timor occupation, build a school alongside the golf course His dispute with Casinos Austria, which on his payroll. He has been approached by where wealthy Asians could study English. centres not on the operation of the casino Kerry Packer [a leading Australian busi- He envisaged a duty-free boutique and a tote but on casino marketing and the management nessman], who would like to take over the agency where gamblers could bet on Austra- of the adjacent 5 star hotel, is now before management of his casino. lian races. He was willing to write a number the West Australian Supreme Court. Robby Sumampouw is a gambler. He of large cheques to make it come true. In Indonesian parlance, Robby Sumam- likes a challenge. He likes to back long shots. Two years have passed and Sumampouw pouw is a cukong, an ethnic Chinese busi- He likes to place big bets. So far, his bets is no nearer to realizing his dream. Canberra nessman who receives protection and busi- decided belatedly that its own ‘expression ness favours from a powerful East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 25 pribumi(indigenous) patron in exchange for a was coffee in East Timor and that a lot of it “This was a bloody expensive opera- share of the profits. Born in Solo in 1944 he was stored and couldn’t be sent out because tion,” Moerdani said, “The whole Timor joined his father’s trading business at 18. of the war,” said Moerdani. operation was prepared in less than a year. The family bought textiles in Jakarta and “I said, ‘I won’t have one million dollars And you know our budgetting system. You trucked them to Soolo. The year was 1962. to pay you.’ No, they don’t mind. ‘We have to plan five years in advance. So if you Indonesia’s economy was on the ropes. know there is a lot of coffee in East Timor, start something in the middle of Repelita, Margins were slim. After 2 years, Robby maybe 5,000 to 6,000 tonnes.... Well, we you don’t have money for it. ABRI was went into business for himself. At first, he send one ship with all these goodies before squeezing everything. It’s unthinkable that a kept afloat by buying and selling textiles. Christmas. And then after it is off-loaded Westerner would understand. If you tell this But the economy picked up under the New we load coffee, as much as the ship can take. to the US Staff College they won’t under- Order government and it was no long before And we sail to Singapore to sell it ... If the stand; the Australian Staff College, they Robby Sumampouw backed his judgment proceeds come to more than 1 million dol- won’t understand. How can you mount an and placed his bets on new technology. In lars, we’ll take only one million to pay for operation without money? But we did it. 1972, he established Indonesia’s first tele- the goods. If it comes to less than one mil- Because we had to.” phone paging system, gaining Indonesia- lion, you don’t pay us anything.’ I said, There was one catch. Under the Portu- wide rights from Motorola. The company ‘Very generous! What do I owe you for guese, 30% of East Timor’ coffee was prospered. Robby Sumampouw diversified. this?’ “No, we just want to do something grown by SAPT (Sociedade Agricola Patria He established a textile factory in Solo. He for the government.’ I said OK. So, it e Trabilito) a government-sponsored coop- built a private hospital. It began with 40 started.” erative. Another 60% was grown by beds. It now has 180. When Moerdani asked how long it would Timorese small-holders. The coffee was In December 1975, ‘Mr. Robby’ got his take for the ship to arrive, he was told 7 exported by SAPT and 2 or 3 family-owned big break. Lt. Colonel Agus Hernoto, a for- days. As it was happened, there was a slight Chinese trading companies, including Sang mer red beret communications officer who delay. The ship arrived in Dili on December Thai Ho and Lay Kiang Fu. The coffee in had lost a leg in the 1962 West New Guinea 23, 1975. In addition to civilian merchan- the Dili godowns did not belong to ABRI or campaign, asked him if he would be inter- dise, it unloaded non-lethal military material: Robby Sumampouw. Nor did the 11,000 ested in doing business in East Timor. food, bicycles, tyres and jeeps. Moerdani hectare SAPT coffee plantation at Fatubesse Indonesia had just invaded the Portu- was impressed. He introduced Sumampouw which, after more than four years of neglect, guese colony. The war was going badly. to Colonel Dading Kalbuadi, a red beret was transferred to Sumampouw under a 20- ABRI forces were badly led and equipped. colleague who was about to assume com- year management contract. No compensa- Kostrad battalion 502 behaved with such mand of all Indonesian operations in East tion has been paid. No estates have been brutality that it had to be pulled out in dis- Timor and Arnaldo dos Reis Araujo, whom returned, except for those belonging to the grace after only 10 days. Nor had Jakarta the Indonesians installed as the first East family of Mario Carrascalão, the 3rd Ja- budgeted for a major military operation. The Timorese governor of the territory. karta-appointed governors. army was short of rice, flour, sugar and “The governor was happy with what he Are the Portuguese entitled to complain tinned food. The shops in Dili were empty. was doing,” Moerdani said, “and a few that the Indonesians simply carried off their When Sumampouw expressed interest he months later he issued a letter authorizing coffee? ‘That could be right,’ Moerdani was taken to see Major Gen. Benny Mur- Robby to sell coffee from Timor and pro- acknowledged, ‘As far as I know, Dading dani, 43, a highly decorated parachute offi- vide general supplies for the armed forces. It and the governor didn’t have time to think cer, whom he already knew socially. They became routine. This was a decision made about that.’ Should compensation be paid? met in a Jakarta nightclub. by the governor and the military com- ‘They want us to make a payment to them? Like Sumampouw, Moerdani came from mander.” Sumampouw was awarded a 20 Let them negotiate with the Government.” Solo. Sumampouw was barely 31. But he year contract. When asked about the forced acquisition was moving in important circles. Moerdani On the face of it, Sumampouw was on to of smallholder plots, Moerdani said at the was head of army intelligence and de facto a good thing. East Timor produced 5600 time of the takeover the Portuguese had not commander of the Indonesian invasion of tonnes of coffee a year, 75% of it produced completed a survey of land ownership. Le- East Timor. from the much sought-after caffea arabica, gally speaking, no individual Timorese had a At the meeting, on December 11 1975, an the rest a good quality caffea robusta. In a plot of land at that time. While it is true that extraordinary deal was sealed. Sumampouw good year, the coffee crop grossed about the Portuguese had not issued proper land said that he had been told that the Indone- $US 8 million to $US 9 million in 1975 registration documents outside of Dili, it sian army needed supplies. Moerdani said prices. hardly seemed an ideal way for the Indone- that was correct and asked what Sumam- Moerdani was also onto a good thing. In- sians to win the hearts and minds of their pouw could do. According to Moerdani, donesia had not planned to invade East ‘brothers’ in East Timor. who also spoke exclusively to the Herald, Timor when Repelita II, the 1974-79 Five Robby Sumampouw, who says that he Sumampouw said that he and four or five Year Plan, was drawn up and there was no has never once set foot in East Timor, leav- other Indonesian Chinese businessmen were money to spare in the military budget. Nor ing business there to his younger brother prepared to send a ship with $US 1 million could any be expected. Unlike the former Hendro, did not fare as well as he had worth of merchandise to East Timor. The civilian government of President Sukarno, hoped. ship would carry flour, rice, sugar, Christ- which lavished money on the military, the East Timor was poor and underdevel- mas trees, bunting, motor cycles and Land military-backed Soeharto government had oped. Security could not be guaranteed. Rovers. cut military spending to the bone. Moerdani Two of the companies trucks were am- Moerdani recalled: “I said, “What, one had to fund his own invasion. He did it bushed and robbed, the drivers killed. As the million dollars! You know how much that partly with the proceeds from the coffee. In war dragged on, coffee production fell to is? He said, ‘Yes, I do.’ I didn’t believe it.” effect, the people of East Timor were asked quarter of the pre-1975 level. ‘After a year,’ As it happened, the businessmen had to underwrite their own subjugation. Sumampouw said, ‘we wanted to pull out of done their homework. “They knew there East Timor.’ Page 26 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

In the event, he was persuaded to stay Rotti mentioned it to ANTARA on the the East Timor youth can be interested,” he on. As well as coffee, he now has interests “Cartenz” motor boat when sailing from Dili said. there in sandalwood, marble production, real to Atauro Island which is around 27 miles Several marine soldiers in the Dili Marine estate, civil engineering, retailing and ware- away when asked for his response on how Base who were asked for their comment houses. It is unfair, Sumampouw says, for far the interest of the East Timor youth in said, in taking the test for entering the ma- critics to claim he was handed East Timor’s entering the Indonesian marine corps. rine corps, they have to compete objectively major export industries on a platter. Unlike The “Cartenz” motor boat sailed from with their colleagues from other provinces. some Indonesian entrepreneurs, who simply Dili to Atauro in its transit to East Timor as rake off commissions, he worked long and the series of the Jakarta-Sorong(Irian Jaya) EAST TIMORESE YOUNG hard in East Timor, rehabilitating neglected expedition, bringing a mission to introduce PEOPLE IN STRUGGLE plantations, opening shops, establishing the spirit of “Cinta Bahari” (Love for Sea) in shipping links with the outside world. Indonesia. By Bill Mason, Greenleft, April 14 Two years after the invasion, the Indone- According to him, ideally in the 13 regen- sian army again called on Robby Sumam- cies in the youngest province in Indonesia, it KIM COMERFORD and NICK pouw. Tens of thousands of Vietnamese requires 13 marine posts in order to secure EVERETT, from Brisbane ASIET (Action boat people were washing up on Indonesian the waters in the area from all sorts of dis- in Solidarity with Indonesia and East shores. Jakarta was not pleased but it turbances. Timor), recently travelled to East Timor. treated them humanely, unlike some of its “But at the moment there is only one ma- Over 10 days they were able to observe the ASEAN neighbours. Moerdani was put in rine post in the Covalima Regency, while impact of the 20-year occupation of this charge of building a huge camp on Galang the Dili Marine Base with the lackness of nation by the Indonesian regime and the island, 80 km south-east of Singapore. By means obviously cannot reach all the marine continuing resistance by the East Timorese 1980, more than 50,000 Vietnamese had disturbance which can just appear anytime,” people. Following is their account for Green passed through the camp on their way to he said. Left Weekly. resettlement in third countries. In several regencies in East Timor, he “Luta means struggle,” exclaimed an East In Jakarta, officials of the UN High said, there are several areas which are the Timorese youth, pointing to the Fretilin Commissioner for Refugees complained that most seriously affected by marine distur- emblem on his hat. This youth, and his they were obliged to deal exclusively with bances so that it need more intensive sur- friends, had taken enormous risks to provide Sumampouw “for security reasons.” Ac- veillance. evidence of the overwhelming rejection of cording to the officials, the UN could have The Covalima Regency (Suai) and Lau- Indonesia’s annexation and continued re- saved $US 1 million in the first year alone tem (Lospalos) are said by Rotti to be the pression of their country. “Any support for had they been allowed to put construction most seriously affected areas. integration is a lie,” he exclaimed. “We de- and food supply contracts out to tender. Be Specifically in the Lautem Regency mand a referendum.” that as it may, Sumampouw completed the (Lospalos), the marine disturbance is very This meeting captured the sentiment of a camp in the required three months, flying in serious because territorially borders on the whole new generation emerging in the strug- carpenters from Java. He won a UN com- Australian waters. gle for the liberation of their country. From mendation for his efforts. “In such condition, I think marine sol- the capital of Dili, to the towns of Baucau Like a number of other cukongs, Sumam- diers from East Timor are still very much and Los Palos and in the many coastal and pouw has achieved much in New Order needed for the defense and security duties in mountain villages we visited, the determina- Indonesia. Australia, he implies, is another the waters,” he said. tion to achieve independence was clearly evident. matter altogether. “I’m not interested to Unknown continue with my Christmas Island propos- A massive military presence was visible About how much the interest of the East als,” he said, “My spirit is gone. I’ve been from the moment we crossed the border into Timor youth in entering the marine corps is, waiting too long. Maybe the Australian East Timor. The occupying forces are esti- according to Rotti, it is not known for sure system and I do not cocok [are not com- mated by East Timorese sources as 35 bat- because all this time they have only done patible].’ talions, or 35,000 regular Kostrad and elite recruitments twice. The gloomy talk notwithstanding, it command Kopassus troops. This equates to He added, even though how much the in- seems too early to deal Robby Sumampouw more than one Indonesian soldier for 20 East terest of the East Timor youth is not known out of the action. Timorese. yet for sure, but until now there are already The build-up of military forces contin- around 66 East Timor youth joined in the ues. On March 25, we witnessed the arrival MARINE SOLDIERS marine corps. by sea of two more battalions of troops on FROM EAST TIMOR “They are recruited by the Marine Force their way to a temporary military camp at ARE VERY NEEDED in 1977 and 1978,” he said. In fact, he said, Heran, 10 kilometres east of Dili. Their at the moment two East Timor women have arrival coincided with the conclusion of Dili, 4/9 (ANTARA) - The Marine Base entered the Air Force Women Corps. “With intra-Timorese talks in Austria. While these Commander in Dili, East Timor, Lieut. Col. two women soldiers who are natives from talks discussed the excessive levels of the George Harry Rotti said, the marine soldiers East Timor, it shows that there is interest in Indonesian military presence, the regime from this area is still very much needed. entering the marine corps,” he added. was preparing for the possibility of more “In the duty of securing the territorial Taken into Considerations demonstrations. waters in 13 regencies in East Timor from According to Rotti, with the condition, The Indonesian government has two disturbance and violations of the Sea Secu- his department expects the leader of the mechanisms for disguising the size of its rity, I think marine soldiers from East Timor Marine Headquarters can take into consid- military presence. Many military personnel is still very much needed,” he said in Dili, eration in recruiting the East Timor youth. perform their role in civilian clothes, provid- Monday. “At least if there is a recruitment in the ing a facade of integration into civilian life. marine corps, they can give priority so that East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 27

In addition, large numbers of military migrants, were surrounded by huge fences shops, and other targets had been burnt to personnel are assigned to internal security and barbed wire. Clearly two societies exist the ground by East Timorese youths in tasks within the police force. These tasks in East Timor, with East Timorese being retaliation. involve demonstration control, usually in largely excluded from the formal economy On March 16, the day before we arrived civilian clothes. In January 1995, the Dili and living a subsistence existence. in Los Palos, a demonstration was held at special force police were given responsibil- Indonesia often boasts of the develop- the market to protest against military in- ity for internal security along with increases mental assistance it has provided East timidation of the church parish. The parish to staff levels in the form of transfers from Timor. Our visit to Ermera gave us a first- priest led discussions in the confrontation, the military, a policy that is now in place hand impression of Indonesian “develop- taking a stand against the military. throughout the territory. We were fre- ment.” This mountain village is vital to the While this action in Los Palos ended quently followed, visited and questioned by Indonesian-controlled coffee plantation peacefully, troops in Ermera took harsh police responsible for internal security. industry. The PT Batara Indra Group and action against two boys who had made con- The military appeared more concentrated its subsidiaries, with close connections to tact with Falintil. Both were shot dead on on the eastern side of the territory, with the Indonesian army, control the coffee March 18 without legal proceedings. large numbers of troop carriers on the roads industry, including a 9000-hectare planta- The key role of youth in the resistance in and out of Los Palos and helicopters fly- tion at Ermera, the main department store in was highlighted by meetings with high ing overhead. Indonesian troops are engaged Dili and sandalwood oil production. school and university students who pro- in combat operations here against an esti- East Timorese work long hours in planta- vided a picture of the clandestine network mated 500 East Timorese in the guerilla tions to provide coffee for Indonesia’s do- amongst youth. These organisations obtain force called Falintil. These operations, mestic market. While Indonesian plantation funds, medicines and supplies for other which have continued since 1975, have made owners profit from this labour and prime sections of the resistance and are often re- roads between Viqueque and Los Palos off agricultural land, East Timorese receive little sponsible for getting information into and limits to visitors. “There are no questions reward and face long periods of unemploy- out of East Timor. asked in this area; they just shoot,” ex- ment between harvests. Dili University, in particular, has been a plained an activist in Los Palos. Resistance focus for continued harassment by security A strong military presence was also ap- forces and some students have been killed in In Dili there is a climate of defiance. parent at Baucau, the headquarters of the military raids. Walls of desolate and burnt-out buildings troops garrisoned in East Timor and the site carried the words “Xanana my Hero,” sym- Indonesian allies of the main Indonesian military air base. bols of resistance such as clenched fists, and A meeting in Dili with a youth activist This site was formerly East Timor’s inter- the names of clandestine organisations such who had recently returned from Jakarta national airport and was taken over for mili- as “Gamis” (poor boy), “RENETIL” and provided evidence of growing links between tary purposes during the invasion in 1975. “Nhakreteckt.” Jakarta’s East Timorese community and Also visible was the legacy of 20 years of The young people are prepared to risk Indonesian activists in SPRIM (Indonesian military operations. The scars of napalm, their lives in the struggle for independence. People’s Solidarity with the Maubere) and burning and bombing attacks could be seen The youth are a major target for the military SMID (Student Solidarity for Democracy in in the injuries and trauma sustained by peo- and security forces, and many youth face Indonesia). ple in villages across the territory and moun- daily harassment, beatings, torture and inter- Since the Santa Cruz massacre in No- tain ranges, and farming land devoid of vege- rogation. vember 1991, a large number of East tation. On March 15, an activist informed us Timorese youths have become exiles in Ja- Marginalisation that a Dili youth had been arrested for sus- karta, while others have moved there to In recent years the regime has sought to pected involvement in clandestine activities. study. In collaboration with SPRIM and overwhelm the East Timorese people with There are many prisons in Dili. The Red SMID, they organised the recent occupa- waves of transmigrants. Indonesian transmi- Cross was able to help confirm where this tions in foreign embassies in Jakarta, assist- grants, 500 of whom arrived in East Timor youth was detained, but information on his ing 170 East Timorese to flee to Portugal by boat last month, now number well over condition was not released. and Australia. 100,000. These transmigrants, often eco- Throughout the country, East Timorese These actions were timed to coincide nomic refugees from Java and Sulawesi, are youth showed their rejection of Indonesia’s with the APEC summit and the anniversa- given special treatment. They receive jobs annexation. One young man in a busy Dili ries of the Santa Cruz massacre and the denied to East Timorese school leavers and street shouted to us, “Viva Timor Leste” Indonesian invasion of East Timor, causing run most of the businesses in the towns and and then disappeared on his push bike. In maximum embarrassment to the regime. villages. Baucau, high schools students cried out to While in Jakarta, this activist had in- Many East Timorese, both school leavers us, “Twenty years too long,” and all over tended to flee through the Australian em- and graduates, described the difficulty they East Timor children and youth greeted us bassy, but was asked by Xanana Gusmão to found gaining employment. Banks and gov- with symbols of struggle and resistance. return to East Timor. He regularly travels ernment departments were almost exclu- The walls of the Baucau church still carry between Dili and the Falintil guerrillas, as- sively staffed by Indonesians, while East bullet holes from the January 2, 1995, mas- sisting the work of the clandestine move- Timorese were given only the most menial sacre by Indonesian troops. In response to ment. tasks. Businesses, cafes, restaurants, buses, the killing of an East Timorese named Ar- The embassy protests are having a pro- taxis and shops all employed predominantly manda Ximenes by an Indonesian migrant, found impact on the morale of the clandes- Indonesians. 1000 unarmed protesters demonstrated at tine movement. “In these actions, our peo- Transmigrants’ homes, property and this church. Troops opened fire on the ple showed an enormous will to fight Su- businesses have often been the focus of crowd, killing 25 people according to an harto,” exclaimed one activist. attack by frustrated East Timorese. Settle- East Timorese activist we met in this city. “The East Timor community in Jakarta is ments we observed, constructed for trans- A nearby market, predominantly Indonesian emerging as a catalyst in the Indonesians’ Page 28 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. struggle for dignity and human rights,” he to the government in the assembly period,” The determination of fund allocation for explained. “More and more, Indonesian said ABRI faction member Big. Gen. R. 1996 is based on the letter of the Director workers are beginning to organise, and to see Mudjadi in Dili, on Tuesday. General for small industries and director the links with our struggle.” Mudjadi mentioned it in the meeting with general of State Owned Industries and the We met numerous people claiming links the information line and board of the Jour- Finance Department is more compared to to the East Timorese who had participated nalists’ Association of Indonesia (PWI) East the allocation of 1995 which only allocated in the embassy protests: brothers, sisters, Timor preparation branch in Dili. Rp 3.2 billion which helped activities of 55 parents and uncles. Many more had received In the event besides Mudjadi received in- cooperatives, 29 village cooperatives, and news of these protests and support actions puts on the implementation of development 526 small industries. in other countries via short wave radio or at the local Department of Information Re- The capital aid for 1996/97 is enough, Portuguese television broadcasts, demon- gional Office line, he also received the report however, for the meantime, the Regional strating the strength of international solidar- on the activities and obstructions faced by Cooperatives and Small Industries offices, ity. the PWI East Timor preparation branch. have not determined the amount of coopera- A meeting with a number of youths in Meanwhile, the East Timor Head of PWI tives, village cooperatives, and small indus- Dili, however, was the clearest demonstra- preparation branch TH.E.S.P. Heri Yanto tries who deserve aid, he said. tion of the vibrancy, strength and determina- reported on the obstructions faced by the He said, the aid from the State Owned tion of the youth movement. Many had lost local PWI especially the permanent building Companies, are with an interest of four to family in the invasion, in the massacre at for the local PWI secretariat which until six percent per year, in a period of three Santa Cruz and in the continued armed resis- now has not been realized. years. tance. Besides that, it was also reported about Presently, the East Timor Regional Co- They described electric shock torture, the preparations of the local PWI in its ef- operatives Offices, are making an effort to beatings and long periods of detention with- fort in sending local reporters contingent to guide 18 cooperatives who are still inactive out trial for their persistent demonstrations participate in the National Reporters Sports and have not started activities as other co- in the presence of foreign journalists in Dili. Event (Porwanas) in Bandung-West Java on operatives. One youth had recently been released after next May. six months in Becora prison, where he had “If the local PWI can send a contingent to INDONESIA TO OPEN HUMAN sustained severe head injuries for his par- participate in the Porwanas, then the par- RIGHTS OFFICE IN TIMOR ticipation in a demonstration outside the ticipation of the East Timor reporters con- Makota Hotel last April. tingent is the first time ever in the sports JAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuter) - Indone- The most recent demonstration had been event for reporters in Indonesia,” he said. sia’s National Commission on Human outside the Balide Seminary on February 3. However, the effort to realize the dreams Rights will open a branch in the former Por- SGI (special force police) captured and tor- of the East Timor reporters to be able to tuguese colony of East Timor next month, tured 25 of the 300 East Timorese present participate in the Porwanas is obstructed by the official Antara news agency said Satur- at the demonstration. One of these, with a classic problem; the absence of supporting day. whom we spoke, was still sick from electric fund to send the existing contingent. Clementino Amaral, an East Timorese shock torture he had received. Besides that, Yanto also explained about member of the commission, was quoted as Discussions with these activists also fo- the working program of the local PWI, espe- saying a lawyer, Alex Refialy, would head cused on Australia’s foreign policy. “We cially the effort to improve the human re- the new office. know of the Timor Gap Treaty and the sources of journalists in the region. He said Refialy, a junior associate pro- security pact. We know the new prime min- About the inputs, Mudjadi besides fessor in the law faculty at Empu Tantular ister, John Howard, will probably be the promising to put forward the problem faced university, was a former head of the prose- same kind of friend to Suharto as Mr. Paul by the East Timor PWI preparation branch, cutor’s office in Singaraja, Bali. Keating. But East Timorese know Austra- in a hearing between the House of Represen- The report gave no other details about lian people support our struggle,” said one tatives and the executives, also expects the Refialy’s background. of these youth activists. board of the East Timor PWI preparation Indonesia’s human rights record in East “When we hear of Australian demonstra- branch to always try to improve the devel- Timor has been under close international tions and protests, it gives us strength, and opment activities in the region. scrutiny and criticism ever since it invaded news of this kind of solidarity always in- the enclave in December 1975. creases our determination.” RP 4.8 BILLION FOR Jakarta annexed East Timor in July the COOPERATIVES AND SMALL following year in an act not recognized the ABRI FACTION OF HOUSE United Nations. INDUSTRIES IN EAST TIMOR OF REPRESENTATIVES The U.N. Human Rights Commission VISITS EAST TIMOR Dili, 4/23 (ANTARA) A many as six Tuesday expressed its “deep concern” over State owned Companies in the year 1996/97 reports of human rights violations in East Dili, 4/17 (ANTARA) - Several Indone- will allocate funds of Rp 4.8 Billion for the Timor. sian Armed Forces (ABRI) faction members cooperatives, non-village cooperatives, and A statement from the chairman of the 53- of the House of Representatives in filling its small industries in East Timor. member body, adopted by consensus, also recess period made a visit for four days, The chief of Small Industry Development called on Indonesia to investigate fully the April 14 to 17, 1996 to the East Timor sector of the regional cooperatives and small November 1991 massacre of civilians by province. industries offices of East Timor Muchtar Indonesian troops in which up to 200 East “The visit to East Timor is intended to Ali in Dili, on Monday said, the funds that Timorese were killed. seek for inputs on the implementation of the are being provided come from six State Jakarta has acknowledged only about 50 development in the region including the Owned Companies in Indonesia, including people were killed. obstructions faced, in order to be forwarded PT Pertamina, BRI, and Telkom. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 29

TIMORESE REPORTEDLY Sunday in protest against the killing of a Church officials advised Mr. Taylor that youth by Indonesian soldiers, a resident it would be prudent for him not to attend, KILLED FOR RAISING FLAG said. fearing that the presence of the Australian From BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, “They marched from the new town to delegation, could spark further problems. April 30, Full text the old part of the town. There could have On Sunday about 300 young East been about a thousand,” one resident told Timorese marched defiantly through the Source RDP Antena-1 radio, Lisbon, 1400 Reuters by telephone from Baucau, about streets of Baucau shouting slogans in sup- GMT 29 April, in Portuguese 80 km (50 miles) east of the East Timor ported of jailed East Timorese rebel leader, Two Timorese have died in the last few capital of Dili. Xanana Gusmão, and calling for independ- days as a result of Indonesian violence. One The resident said they were protesting ence for East Timor. East Timorese sources of the victims is a relative of the jailed resis- against soldiers who shot and killed a youth said later that the military used tear gas to tance leaders, Xanana Gusmão. Our corre- three days ago. He did not know any other disperse the group. spondent in Australia, Antonio Sampaio details about the shooting incident. The latest flare-up came 3 days after the reports: He said the crowd gathered for about military shot dead a high school student, Andre Sousa was a middle-aged Timorese three hours before dispersing without inci- Paulo dos Reis, in a village not far from and a former officials of the Portuguese dent. Baucau. Sources said that the student had education services in Dili, capital of East Colonel Andreas Sugianto, East Timor’s been interrogated by the military, under Timor. He was killed after raising a flag police chief, told Reuters by telephone from suspicion of having links to Fretilin guerril- which was at half mast following the death Dili that a small demonstration had taken las. of President Suharto’s wife. He was beaten place after hundreds of people had gathered In Dili on Sunday a mentally handi- up and shot. His body was wrapped in a in Baucau for a church service. capped man was shot dead after allegedly plastic bag and taken to the military hospital He said between 30 and 60 youths wav- burning an Indonesian flag. in Dili. ing banners were involved in the protest, East Timorese protesting against the His family was only able to recover the adding he did not know what their banners shooting of Dos Reis also demonstrated at a body after the Red Cross intervened. A said. church festival held near Wailili, near Baucau source said that the police wanted to make “We just dispersed them; they didn’t on Sunday. Around 4000 people attended a the body disappear and had it not been for break anything. There were no criminal ac- colourful ceremony, celebrating the visit the Red Cross they would have succeeded. tions. We just let them go home,” he said. from Rome of the Superior General of the There were no arrests, he added. Salesian Sisters. Sources attending the event BAUCAU RIOTS Australian Ambassador to Jakarta Allan said that Bishop Belo managed to calm the LUSA, April 29. By Antonia Sampaio, Taylor is travelling in East Timor with a protestors. Translated and summarized group of embassy staffers and journalists Andre Sousa was beaten and then shot but Sugianto said he was not in Baucau at OMCT ALERT ON twice and killed by two security agents in the time. AFONSO GONÇALVES AND Comoro, Dili, after removing the Indonesian ANTONIO LUIS SOARES flag from its half-mast position that showed TIMOR TENSION HIGH mourning for Madame Suharto, and at- AFTER PROTEST DEATHS OMCT: ARBITRARY tempting to run with it – according to a ARREST/TORTURE source in Dili. Sousa’s body was then The Australian, April 30 1996. by Patrick wrapped in plastic and taken to the military Walters in Dili Case IDN/TMP 030596 hospital in Dili. Sousa’s family recovered ABC radio reports (30/4) from Michael The International Secretariat of the body after the Red Cross intervened. Maher quote prominent East Timorese, OMCT/SOS Torture requests your urgent Andre Sousa’s brother is married to Florentino Sarmento as saying that viola- intervention in the following situation in Xanana Gusmão’s sister, Manuela Gusmão. tions by the armed forces are increasing, EAST TIMOR. Andre Sousa worked for the Dili Education particularly in areas remote from Dili. Also Brief description of the situation: services during the Portuguese administra- reported that the Indonesian armed forces tion. The International Secretariat has received have said that they will soon try a soldier information from different reliable sources in Another, unidentified Timorese man from for the killing of Paulo dos Reis. ABC TV Laleia and residing in Dili was killed in Bau- East Timor on the following events. report (May 1) from Michael Maher shows On 30 December 1995, Afonso Gon- cau, leading to violent confrontations be- demonstration by young people in Baucau, tween youth and the military. The man was çalves was arrested at Barrio Pite, Dili, ac- including some holding a large banner with cused of involvement in the manufacture of suspected of being involved with the resis- Paulo dos Reis’s name on it. Paulo was a tance. His funeral will take place tomorrow. “Molotov Cocktails.” In the police head- student in Baucau. Also footage of young quarters at Comoro, Dili, it is alleged that he Telephone communications with Baucau men on motor cycles riding into church fes- have been cut. was tortured during an interrogation to re- tival reportedly to join protest. veal the names of others involved. The in- These killings coincided with the visit of Tensions remained high in East Timor Australian ambassador to Indonesia. formation suggests, because of the torture, yesterday following the killing of two East he implicated, falsely, the involvement of a Timorese by the Indonesian military in the YOUTHS STAGE PROTEST friend, Antonio Luis Soares. last week. The Australian Ambassador, Mr. MARCH IN EAST TIMOR At 2.00 am the next morning, Mr. Soares Alan Taylor, making a farewell visit to the was arrested by Security Police in Manatuto Abridged. province had to drop plans to attend a together with five boys (ages and identity Jakarta, April 28, Reuter – Hundreds of church festival at Wailili near Baucau on unknown) living at his home. No arrest war- youths marched through the town of Baucau Sunday because of the tense situation in rant was issued. in the troubled territory of East Timor on Baucau which is 120km east of Dili. Page 30 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

On 31 December during the day, 1995 an Case Postale 119, Rue de Vermont 37-39, embassy shortly before the start of the an- official warrant was issued for Mr. Soares, Geneva CH-1211 nual Asia-Pacific economic summit in who refused to give any information with- Tel:4122 733 3140 Fax:4122 733 1051 Osaka, Japan. The next day they leave for out legal representation. His uncle, a Mr. asylum in Portugal after Lisbon accepts Bosco, was brought to Police-headquarters them. in order to force him to convince the pris- ASYLUM-SEEKING November 16 - Five East Timorese break oner to answer questions. Mr. Soares, fear- CONTINUES into the French embassy and seek refuge in ing for his uncles safety, agreed in writing to Portugal “or another country which could interrogation without legal representation. Editor’s note: Many of the asylum re- give them political asylum.” One of the five boys was released, the quests have given rise to controversies in November 17 - The five in the French same day the others, three weeks later. the countries whose embassies were embassy leave for Portugal. Foreign diplo- They are still required to report to Police entered. Some of this is found in the mats fear speed with which recent asylum Headquarters on a daily basis. sections of East Timor Documents relat- bids have been resolved will encourage fur- Afonso Gonçalves and Antonio Luis ing to those particular countries: Ger- ther attempts. Soares are still in detention awaiting trial. It many, New Zealand, Australia, etc. November 20 - Four East Timorese enter is not known whether they have access to French embassy. Portugal accuses Indonesia independent lawyers and there is grave con- of encouraging asylum bids to remove op- cern for their physical and psychological CHRONOLOGY OF EMBASSY ponents and ease internal pressure in East integrity. ASYLUM BIDS FOR EAST Timor. Actions requested: Please write to the TIMORESE November 21 - The French embassy four Indonesian Authorities urging them to: head for Lisbon on a now set route, with i. Guarantee the physical and the psycho- JAKARTA, Jan 29 (Reuter) - The fol- ICRC help. Alatas says the asylum bids are logical integrity of the prisoners and give lowing is a chronology of recent break-ins at instigated from abroad. Lisbon calls such them immediate, unrestricted access to foreign embassies in Jakarta by East claims “absurd.” lawyers of their own choice; Timorese, mainly students, seeking asylum. December 7 - On the 20th anniversary of ii. open an exhaustive enquiry into the pre- 1993 Indonesian invasion of East Timor, 112 East Timorese and their Indonesian supporters ceding allegations in order to annul all June 23 - Seven East Timorese students declarations made under torture and es- enter the Russian and Dutch embassies as a enter the Finnish and Swedish embassies. protest against Jakarta’s rule in East Timor. tablish those responsible, bring them be- Those in the Finnish mission leave the next fore a civil court and apply the appropri- All leave under police escort within days. A day, while those in the Swedish embassy last minute request by more than 20 ate sanctions provided by law; leave the building on July 2 after govern- iii. In the absence of valid legal charges, order Timorese for asylum is refused by the ment assurances for their safety. Dutch. the immediate and unconditional release December 29 - The seven who broke into of Antonio Luis Soares and Afonso Gon- the Finnish and Swedish embassies in June 1996 çalves, if such charges exist, bring them fly to Portugal. Foreign Minister Ali Alatas January 10 - Two East Timorese women before a civilian court and guarantee their said they were allowed to go on humanitar- enter Australian embassy asking for asylum full procedural rights; ian grounds. in Australia. They go to Portugal two days iv. guarantee at all times the full respect for 1994 later. human rights and fundamental freedoms January 12 - Five East Timorese men November 12 - As Indonesia prepares to according to national laws and interna- jump the fence of the New Zealand embassy host an Asia-Pacific economic summit, 29 tional norms; leaving on January 15. East Timorese jump a fence into the U.S. January 25 - Twelve East Timorese enter Addresses: embassy compound. November 12 was the the Polish embassy asking for asylum in Chief of Police East Timor, Lt. Col. An- third anniversary of the massacre by sol- Poland. dreas Sugianto, Kapolda Timor Timur, Dili, diers of up to 200 East Timorese in Dili. January 29 - Four East Timorese youths East Timor (Indonesia); November 24 - After 12-day sit-in in enter the French embassy in the third such The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali front of world’s media, the 29 protestors incident in three months, hours before the Alatas S.H., Menteri Luar Negeri, Jl. Medan leave for asylum in Portugal. 12 in the Polish embassy are due to leave for Taman Pejambon N 6, Jakarta, Indonesia 1995 Portugal. Fax 62 21 345 0517/360517; September 24 - Five East Timorese The Secretary General of the National youths enter the British embassy and ask POLAND SETS UP Commission on Human Rights, Prof. Dr. for political asylum. They go to asylum in COMMITTEE ON Baharuddin Lopa, Sekretaris Jenderal, Ko- Portugal on September 29. misi Nasional Hak Azasi Manusia November 7 - Eight East Timorese run TIMORESE REFUGEES (KOMNAS HAM), JL Pemuda N 104, through the gate of the Dutch embassy and [This article has been excerpted.] Arawamangun, Jakarta Timur, Indonesia seek political asylum, only days before the Diplomatic Representatives in your fourth anniversary of the Dili massacre. WARSAW, Jan 25 (Reuter) - Poland has country November 8 - Helped by the Interna- set up a special committee to deal with the Geneva 3 May 1996 tional Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), 12 East Timorese youths who scaled a fence Kindly inform us of any action under- the eight leave for asylum in Portugal after and sought asylum at the Polish embassy in taken quoting the code of the present appeal little more than 30 hours in the Dutch em- Jakarta, the Polish Foreign Ministry in your reply. bassy. spokesman said...Thursday. Ben Schonveld, Projects Manager November 14 - Twenty-one East Pawel Dobrowolski told Reuters the OMCT/SOS-Torture Timorese climb a fence into the Japanese committee, including representatives of East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 31 various ministries, was aware of the poten- Monday under the auspices of the Swiss- Government would seek to find “a humani- tial dangers facing the youths if they left the based International Committee of the Red tarian solution” for the Timorese who had embassy. Cross (ICRC). sought asylum. Witnesses reported seeing plain-clothes This is the third time since November military officials outside the embassy EN ROUTE TO LISBON 1995 that groups of Timorese seek refuge in shortly after the youths entered. Diario de Noticias, 30 January 1996, the French Embassy in Jakarta. On both Dobrowolski said the committee would abridged previous occasions, the Timorese (a total of strive to ensure the safety of all involved, The 12 Timorese who took refuge in the 9 people) ended up by being flown to Por- adding...it was too early to talk of granting Polish Embassy in Jakarta arrive today, tugal. asylum. Tuesday, in Lisbon, said a Portuguese Red ... Between September and November “Considering the stormy history of East Cross spokesperson to the LUSA news last year, over 50 Timorese sought asylum Timor we will strive to guarantee...no per- agency. in different foreign embassies in Jakarta, and son involved in the incident is in danger or As in previous cases, their journey was were later taken in by Portugal. discomfort,” Dobrowolski said. organised by the ICRC... FOUR EAST TIMORESE LEAVE He said Polish diplomats in Jakarta had The ICRC delegate in Jakarta ...also said some problems with communicating with that, in addition to the refugees, 30 former FOR PORTUGUESE EXILE the asylum-seekers because none of the 12 civil servants of the Portuguese administra- JAKARTA, Jan 30 (Reuter) - Four East young men spoke English. He said they tion in Dili, who had requested repatriation Timorese youths who entered into the were behaving peacefully. some years ago, should also be arriving in French embassy in Jakarta on Monday left “...the initial problems have been over- Lisbon next Thursday. Their case had been Indonesia on Tuesday for exile in Portugal, come and the committee, which is in contact delayed several times “due to bureaucratic airport officials said. with authorities in Jakarta, will try to find a formalities, but it will all be finally over this One official told Reuters the Timorese solution as quickly as possible,” he said. week,” said the ICRC delegate. were on board a Dutch KLM plane bound East Timor has faced continued unrest as for Amsterdam. An official at the Interna- Indonesian forces seek to subdue a restless 12 MORE TIMORESE REFUGEES tional Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) civilian population and lingering guerrilla ARRIVE TO LISBON said earlier the youths would continue their resistance in the mountains. Publico, 31 January 1996 Abridged. Trans- journey to Lisbon via Amsterdam. Residents of East Timor and diplomats lated from Portuguese Since September last year, 62 East say young people there have come under Lisbon – Yesterday, the twelve Timorese Timorese have received asylum in Portugal renewed intimidation in recent months as who had sought refuge in the Polish em- after entering the British, Dutch, Japanese, unidentified gangs believed to be linked to bassy in Jakarta arrived to Lisbon. A further French, Australian, New Zealand and Polish the military launch random attacks on indi- four, who had entered the French Embassy, embassies. They all left for Portugal under viduals and groups in several towns. arrived this afternoon. The recent wave of the auspices of the ICRC. The military...denied any involvement in asylum seekers in foreign embassies in the Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 such incidents. Indonesian capital has led to a statement and proclaimed it the country’s 27th prov- Timorese sources said most of those from the Indonesian Foreign Ministry, ince in a move not recognised by the United seeking asylum were recent arrivals from whose spokesman Ghaffar Fadyl appealed Nations. East Timor, rather than long-term residents to Timorese “not to force their way into Foreign ministry spokesman Ghaffar of Jakarta. The 12 men are the latest group embassies as a way of leaving the country.” Fadyil told Reuters on Monday the four from the troubled territory to seek refuge Giving assurances that young Timorese “are youths were aged between 17 and 18. outside Indonesia after a wave of attempts not persecuted” in Indonesia, Fadyl said “They are boys, not men, who are since last September. they were free to leave Indonesia if they probably misinformed and under some illu- sions about better living conditions in Por- 12 TIMORESE LEAVE POLISH wished to do so. tugal,” he said. EMBASSY FOR EXILE This assurance was refuted by the Timorese who arrived in Portugal yesterday: JAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuter) - Twelve “The Indonesian Government is lying. They 29 EAST TIMORESE APPLY East Timor youths, who jumped into Ja- have said that before on other occasions, but TO LEAVE FOR PORTUGAL karta’s Polish embassy last week left for when one wants to leave, they refuse to give asylum Monday in Portugal, hours after authorisation.,” said Antonio Soares, Kyodo, January 31, 1996 four more sought refuge in the French em- spokesman for the group. bassy, witnesses said. Some 29 East Timorese will soon leave for Portugal after sending an application to The four youths – aged between 17 and YET ANOTHER EMBASSY 18 – entered the French embassy to seek the International Committee of the Red asylum in Portugal in the third such incident OCCUPATION (FRENCH) Cross (ICRC) here to receive political asy- at the mission in as many months, foreign lum in Portugal, a committee source said Diario de Noticias, 30 January 96. Trans- ministry spokesman Ghaffar Fadyl told Wednesday. lated from Portuguese Abridged “I just met them at the Jakarta Theologi- Reuters. “They are boys, not men, who are Lisbon – Four Timorese entered the cal Seminary and they said they had been probably misinformed and have some illu- French Embassy in Jakarta yesterday, and staying in the seminary since a few days sion about the better living conditions in requested immediate political asylum. The ago,” the source said, adding a bus from the Portugal,” Fadyl said, adding only one car- four Timorese, all quite young, entered the Indonesian Red Cross will bring them to ried an identity card. diplomatic premises peacefully at about 10 Jakarta’s Sukarno-Hatta International Air- The 12 who entered the Polish embassy in the morning local time. ... port. last Thursday by jumping the fence were A French Foreign Ministry official told The source quoted the young East due to leave for Portugal via Amsterdam the LUSA agency some hours later that his Timorese men as saying they came directly Page 32 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. from East Timor to Jakarta with the pur- BACKGROUND INFORMATION Further information on UA 263/95 (ASA pose of seeking political asylum. Since 1995, an increasing number of East 21/58/95, 23 November 1995) - Arbitrary ICRC officials, however, have not been Timorese youths have attempted to leave detention / Fear of torture available to comment. Indonesia and East Timor by boat or by EAST TIMOR At least 20 unnamed Sixty-six East Timorese have received entering foreign embassies in Jakarta, claim- East Timorese political asylum in Portugal since last Sep- ing that they are fleeing a continuing serious Of the group of East Timorese, detained tember after entering the Australian, British, human rights situation. Those seeking asy- as they were attempting to leave East Timor Dutch, French, Japanese, New Zealand or lum in the foreign embassies in Jakarta are by boat on the night of 20 November 1995, Polish Embassies. accepted by Portugal, which still recognises reportedly to seek asylum in Australia, all East Timorese as Portuguese citizens. On 20 but two have been released. AI ALERT ON November 1995, up to 27 East Timorese Replies to members of the UA Network, who were attempting to travel by boat to BOAT PEOPLE ARRESTS sent from the Ambassador’s office at the Australia were arrested by military authori- Indonesian Embassy in New Zealand in late EXTERNAL AI Index: ASA 21/09/96 ties. In December, the authorities stated that 1995 and early 1996, stated: all but five of the group had been released, UA 25/96 Arbitrary detention / Fear of tor- “I can confirm that 20 East but Amnesty International has not been able ture 1 February 1996 Timorese were detained by the secu- to confirm how many remain in detention rity forces on 20 November 1995 at EAST TIMOR 23 East Timorese (see UA 263/95, ASA 21/58/95, 23 Novem- Viqueque, East Timor. However, I ber 1995). Amnesty International fears that at least have to correct your statement that 23 East Timorese youths, arrested on 20 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please these people were detained because January after apparently attempting to leave send telegrams/telexes/faxes/ express they were attempting to seek asylum East Timor by boat, may be at risk of tor- /airmail letters in Bahasa Indonesia or in Australia. The facts are that they ture or ill-treatment in incommunicado de- English or your own language: were detained because they hijacked a tention. · urging the authorities to allow the 23 East boat and threatened the lives of other On 24 January, Indonesia’s official news Timorese detained on 20 January 1996 people, which is a purely criminal agency, Antara, reported that 26 East immediate access to lawyers of their own act... Timorese were being investigated over their choice; The suspects who are still being attempt to leave East Timor after they alleg- · seeking assurances that they are being detained by the security forces, are be- edly hijacked a fishing boat. The agency treated humanely in accordance with in- ing treated well and their rights at- reported that the group had rented the boat, ternational standards; tended to according to the criminal but then demanded that they be taken to procedural law that is in effect in In- Australia. Despite having hijacked the boat, · calling for their immediate and uncondi- tional release unless they are to be donesia. If strong proof is found that however, the group then reportedly fell they have been involved in crime, they asleep, allowing the captain to change course charged with a recognisably criminal of- fence. will be brought to justice according to and return to East Timor. The official ver- the Indonesian criminal law. sion of how the group were then appre- APPEALS TO: This is my explanation. I hope it hended is not clear. Other sources allege that MILITARY COMMANDER REGION will give you a clearer picture of the the boat was intercepted by the Indonesian IX/UDAYANA: (covers Bali, Lombok, case, and will straighten out the disin- Armed Forces at Tutuala on the east coast Nusa Tenggara and East Timor) formation which is intentionally dis- of East Timor. Maj. Gen. H A Rivai [Salutation: Dear seminated by certain parties.” Although Antara originally reported that Major-General] In view of the pattern of arbitrary arrests there were 26 East Timorese, including five Pangdam IX/Udayana of East Timorese suspected of opposing women, being investigated over the incident, Markas Besar KODAM IX/Udayana Indonesian rule, Amnesty International it appears now that there are only 23 in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia remains concerned that the group may have detention. The names of 25 are known, but Telephone: +62 361 228 095 been arrested solely for attempting to leave it is not clear which of those named remains Telegrams: Pangdam IX/Udayana, Den- East Timor in order to seek asylum. The in detention. Although it is not known ex- pasar, Bali, Indonesia organization is seeking clarification of the actly where the group are being held, it is charges against the two who remain in de- believed that some are in Baucau and others AND, IF POSSIBLE, TO THE FOLLOWING: tention. While it does not yet know the have been taken to Dili. It is also not clear identities of these two, it has been informed whether they are in military or police deten- MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS: that they are awaiting trial. Amnesty Inter- tion. Indonesia’s Code of Criminal Proce- Ali Alatas S.H. national is concerned that they may not dure (KUHAP) states that only the police Menteri Luar Negeri have access to independent lawyers, and are authorised to carry out arrests and inves- Jl. Medan Taman Pejambon No.6 may still be at risk of ill-treatment. tigations, but this is routinely ignored in Jakarta, Indonesia Indonesia and East Timor. Faxes: +62 21 345 0517/360 517 RECOMMENDED ACTION: Please Amnesty International is concerned that telephone or send telegrams/express/ the group appear to have been arbitrarily airmail letters in Bahasa Indonesia or AI UPDATE ON NOVEMBER English or your own language: detained, for while the group have been 1995 BOAT PEOPLE accused by the authorities of hijacking a · seeking clarification of the charges against boat, it does not appear that they have been two East Timorese who remain in deten- charged. AI FI263/95 EAST TIMOR RELEASES tion, having been arrested with a group EXTERNAL AI Index: ASA 21/14/96 on 20 November 1995 in Viqueque; 16 February 1996 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 33

· seeking assurances that they will not face therefore reject the presence of Indonesia cal groups in Australia which may con- any torture or ill-treatment in detention and ABRI in East Timor. tribute to the freedom struggle of the East and that they have full and continuing ac- c. On the basis of the above, we strongly Timor people. cess to lawyers of their own choice. issue the following demands: We make this statement in full respect of 1. We ask the Australian Federal Govern- international norms and principles as con- TIMORESE GATECRASH ment to pressure the Indonesian govern- tained in the UN Charter and Universal ment at the United Nations to remove all AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY Human Rights Declaration, as well as the ABRI members from East Timor in ac- CNRM Peace Plan, for the future of the The New Zealand Herald, 8 February 1996 cordance with standing UN resolutions East Timorese people. on Indonesia [and East Timor]. We thank you for your attention. JAKARTA, AAP - The Australian Em- 2. We ask the Australian Federal Govern- Sincerely bassy in Jakarta was placed on full security ment to pressure the Indonesian govern- Hermengildo Lopes, Spokesperson alert yesterday as officials interviewed nine ment at the UN to release Xanana Gus- Members: Aires Aparicio Guterres, Delta East Timorese who invaded the grounds mão and all other East Timorese political Alves, Ana Paula FM de Jesus, Fausttino overnight. prisoners, since these prisoners have not Ximenes Martins, Fidel Alves, Amorin An embassy spokeswoman, Joanne Eyre, been treated in accordance with valid in- Vieira, Florencio Amaral, said the seven men and two women scaled ternational legal norms. Sejar das Quintas. the two-metre-high perimeter fence about 11 pm. It was not yet clear whether they 3. We ask the Australian Federal Govern- sought political asylum in Australia. ment to pressure the Indonesian govern- EAST TIMORESE DENIED ment at the UN to cease all forms of in- ACCESS TO AUSTRALIAN NINE TIMORESE ENTER timidation and discrimination towards the JOURNALISTS AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY people of East Timor, both in East Timor Jakarta, AFP, 8 February 1996 as well as in Indonesia. ASIET (Action in Solidarity with Indonesia Nine East Timorese, seven men and two 4. We ask the Australian Federal Govern- and East Timor) media release, February 9 women, scaled the fence of the Australian ment to pressure the Indonesian govern- At 10am this morning the Public Affairs embassy in Jakarta late Wednesday night. ment at the UN to stop divisive tactics in Officer of the Australian Embassy in Ja- ‘They are in our embassy now and we are East Timor, which have fragmented East karta, Indonesia refused to allow Mr. Max currently engaged in preliminary discussions Timorese society since the 7 December Lane, Green Left Weekly journalist and col- with them,’ first secretary Alistar Cox said. 1975 invasion. umnist for the Sydney Morning Herald, to He added that the embassy was ‘still trying 5. We ask the Australian Federal Govern- speak to any East Timorese currently in the to ascertain what they wanted.’ ment to pressure the Indonesian govern- embassy, seeking political asylum. An East Timorese source in Jakarta said ment at the UN to immediately hold a At 10.40am Mr. Lindsay Murdoch, Thursday that the nine were part of his pro- self-determination referendum, in accor- Asian correspondent for the Sydney Morn- independence group and added that they dance with international practice and un- ing Herald was also denied access to the were specifically asking for political asylum der UN supervision, in East Timor for East Timorese. He was told by an Embassy in Australia. The source said the nine were the people to express their true wishes. official that it was not possible to speak to students at universities in Java, without 6. We ask the Australian Federal Govern- them. The Embassy is taking the law and giving further details ment to pressure the Indonesian govern- the lives of the East Timorese into its own ment at the UN to observe, implement hands. The Australian government is treat- STATEMENT BY ASYLUM and respect the full contents of the All ing the East Timorese the same way as the SEEKERS IN AUSTRALIAN Inclusive Intra-East Timorese Dialogue Suharto dictatorship. EMBASSY declaration issued by all participants in The nine East Timorese are in the Aus- Translated and abridged in CNRM Media Austria in May 1995. tralian Embassy protesting the Indonesian Release 7. We ask the Australian Federal Govern- occupation of East Timor and the Australian support for the occupation. They are de- Indonesia, 6 February 1996 ment to pressure the Indonesian govern- ment at the UN to lobby all Asia Pacific manding asylum in Australia. East Timorese To the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, states so that they also get involved in activists who are in contact with the nine, Jakarta the withdrawal of ABRI members from state those inside the Embassy are prepared We the undersigned East Timorese East Timor and the decolonisation and to douse themselves in petrol and set them- youths, who are members of the movement self determination process of the terri- selves alight if they are not granted asylum. fighting for the freedom of the East tory in accordance with UN resolutions. We have also been informed by East Timorese state and nation of East Timor, 8. We ask the Australian Federal Govern- Timorese representatives of the activists in truly state that: ment to pressure the Portuguese and In- Jakarta, that the ET who entered the Em- a. We, who issue this statement are in- donesian governments at the UN to in- bassy have done so prepared to set fire to deed citizens of the non-self governing na- volve East Timorese CNRM Leader themselves if asylum in Australia is not tion of East Timor. Xanana Gusmão and/or his diplomatic granted. The Embassy is denying this, how- b. Our right to freedom, as enjoyed by representatives in the tri-partite meetings ever nobody is able to confirm directly with other nations (such as the Indonesian, Por- on East Timor, since the basic problem of the East Timorese inside. tuguese, Australian, and others), has been East Timor regards the people of East By denying the East Timorese the right taken away from us and violated by the Timor. to tell their story, the Australian govern- government of Indonesia since the invasion ment is rejecting all notions of freedom and 9. We ask the Australian Federal Govern- of East Timor by the Indonesian Armed fairness. This attack on freedom of speech is ment to fully support the struggle of the Forces (ABRI) on 7 December 1975. We clearly politically motivated. As shown by Maubere people and all actions of politi- the recently signed Defence Security Treaty, Page 34 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. the Australian and Indonesian governments French foreign minister was due to visit Two East Timorese women who entered are continuing to improve their economic, Indonesia. the Australian embassy in Jakarta on Janu- military and political ties. With a federal The quick resolution of the fourth such ary 10 asking for asylum in Australia left for election approaching, the ALP government break-in since mid-November contrasted Portugal two days later. is obviously keen that no threat to this rela- with the still uncertain fate of the nine East Australia is one of the few Western coun- tionship emerges. Timorese in the nearby Australian embassy tries that recognises Indonesian sovereignty who on Saturday were preparing to spend a over East Timor. TIMORESE IN OZ AND fourth night in the compound. Indonesian forces invaded East Timor in FRENCH EMBASSIES Witnesses said the two men left the 1975 after the Portuguese had left. The fol- French embassy in central Jakarta without lowing year it proclaimed the territory its Translated, excerpts incident soon after 5.05 p.m. local time 27th province. (1005 GMT) in two vehicles belonging to Jakarta, Feb 9 (LUSA) - Two East the local office of the International Commit- PORTUGAL OFFERS ASYLUM TO Timorese sought refuge today in the French tee of the Red Cross (ICRC). TWO MORE TIMORESE embassy in Jakarta, and expressed the wish “They left the compound in two vehicles Diario de Noticias, 10 February 1996. to go to Portugal, according to the French of the ICRC followed by an embassy car,” a Translated from Portuguese embassy adviser Martine Dorance. “They witness said, adding: “There were some expressed their wish to go to Portugal, but Two more Timorese, who sought refuge plain clothes police but there were no prob- yesterday in the French Embassy in Jakarta, we don’t know when [this will happen (?)]. lems.” An ICRC official said on Friday the Our staff is dealing with the issue,” Wahyu will be arriving today in Portugal. two men had requested political asylum in Since last September, 66 Timorese have Endah of the International Commission of Portugal as soon as possible. the Red Cross (ICRC) in Jakarta told France arrived in Lisbon, after seeking political Diplomatic sources said the French asylum in foreign embassies in the Indone- Presse. wanted the two men out of the compound in A group of nine East Timorese youths is sian capital. The method used is always the less than 24 hours, record time for such same. As a way of protesting against Indo- in the Australian embassy since Wednesday. asylum bids, to avoid complications ahead According to an unidentified source cited by nesia’s occupation of East Timor, young of the minister’s visit. Timorese, mainly students, jump over the France Presse, the youths wish to remain But a mechanical problem with the air- inside the embassy until the Australian elec- embassy walls and it is then that the proc- craft operating a regular KLM Royal Dutch ess of requesting asylum commences, with tions take place, on March 2. The same Airlines service from Jakarta to Amsterdam, source said the group’s objective is to gener- the International Red Cross acting as media- used by the ICRC to send all Timorese to tor. In this last case, the process took only ate conflicts between the Indonesian and Portugal, was cancelled on Friday, the Australian governments. Embassy personnel two days. source said. Another group of 9 Timorese has been in refused to comment on these allegations, and The departure of the two came two days embassy spokesperson Joanne Eyre said the the Australian Embassy since last Wednes- before French Foreign Minister Herve De day. However, this group’s aim is different. youths remain in the embassy and that ne- Charette was due to arrive in Jakarta. gotiations continue. The nine were part of According to an unidentified source, quoted Plain clothes police outside the French by AFP, the young Timorese in question the larger group that entered the Russian embassy identified the men as L.M. Alves, embassy in December. intend to remain in the Australian diplo- 20 and Alberto N. Soares, 21. matic representation until 2 March - when The Australian Minister of Immigration Four East Timorese left for political asy- and Ethnic Affairs, Nick Bolkus, confirmed elections will be held in Australia. It is a lum in Portugal on January 30 after entering way, said the source, of trying to create a that the 7 young men and 2 young women the French embassy the day before. requested political asylum, and stated that rift in the relations between the Indonesian Nine others entered the compound in two and Australian governments. the case will be subjected to the normal separate incidents in November and left for bureaucratic processes in such cases. [com- The 9 Timorese are part of a larger group Portugal within 48 hours. that scaled the walls of the Russian Em- ment: from previous situations, it seems Since late September, 66 East Timorese that the “normal bureaucratic processes” bassy last December. who have entered foreign embassies in Ja- Embassy officials refused to comment on consists in sending them to Portugal...] karta have travelled to Portugal, East Bolkus guaranteed they will be treated well the reports, and would only say that the Timor’s former colonial ruler, under ICRC young Timorese were still inside and that while in the embassy. “With these people it supervision. is too early to make an evaluation on what negotiations continued. Joanne Eyre, Australian embassy Meanwhile, the Australian Minister for they intend. They will be treated well and spokeswoman, said the nine Timorese in the the government will decide what actions to Immigration and Ethnic Affairs, Nick mission were set to spend another night in Bolkus, promised that the seven boys and take after talking to them,” the minister told the compound as diplomats were still talk- journalist. two girls would be well treated as long as ing with them. they remained in the Embassy compound. Embassy sources say the seven and two TIMORESE LEAVE FRENCH He also confirmed that they had all asked women entered the compound by climbing a for political asylum and that their cases JAKARTA MISSION FOR side fence late on Wednesday night. “Seeing were being processed through the usual PORTUGAL as I have no news of any further develop- bureaucratic channels. (...) ments at this stage I must say it is very Resistance Suspicious by Jim Della-Giacoma likely (they will spend another night in the embassy),” Eyre said. The representative of the Timorese Re- JAKARTA, Feb 10 (Reuter) - Two East sistance for Asia, Francisco Nicolau, yester- Timorese men left the French embassy She said the group had requested political protection from Australia and set forth a day issued a statement in which he accused compound in Jakarta for political asylum in the Macao Group of the Timorese Resis- Portugal on Saturday, two days before the number of political demands in relation to East Timor. tance (GMRT) of having people who were East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 35

“regularly, publicly and notoriously in con- recent months and many said they wanted On January 10, two East Timorese nivance with the blood-thirsty Indonesian to leave for foreign countries. women entered the Australian embassy, and regime.” “I have received many calls from the were later granted refuge in Portugal. How- Francisco Nicolau, who is also Vice- Timorese youths and met with two youths ever East Timor activists in Australia Chairman of UDT, accused members of the who failed to enter the Japanese embassy in claimed they had been coerced into going to GMRT of having financial interests in Jakarta this month,” Carrascalão said from Portugal. Timor, where they go on excursions es- the East Timor capital Dili, adding: “They Ms Eyre has declined to comment on corted and protected by Indonesian secret have become worried about their safety.” statements by East Timor activists in Mel- service agents... Carrascalão said the youths complained bourne yesterday that the nine East The statement went on to say that the of being continuously spied on by military Timorese in the Australian embassy had same members take part in “international officials which made them feel their move- declined offers of asylum by Portugal, East events orchestrated and backed” by Indone- ments were restricted. Timor’s former colonial ruler. sia, and, when they are visiting Timor, “Last week the military beat a number of The Australian government was yester- “denigrate and tarnish the good name of the youths returning from a party for unclear day non-committal about the asylum- Portuguese State.” reasons. The youths complain that they live seekers in its embassy. in terror and fear.” In Darwin, Immigration and Ethnic Af- MORE ASYLUM SEEKERS ARRIVE Police and military were not immediately fairs Minister Nick Bolkus said normal pro- IN LISBON available for comment on Friday. cedures would be followed in assessing the Diario de Noticias, 13 February 1996. While some of the asylum-seekers want claims, free of any political interference. Abridged. Translated from Portuguese to draw attention to the problems in East “They will be treated comfortably on the Yesterday saw the start of Portuguese Timor, diplomats believe others simply way through and the government will make language courses for the young Timorese want to escape from the harsh life in their an assessment after the course of interview- who have arrived to Lisbon over the past homeland. ing them,” Senator Bolkus told reporters. few months. For this reason, when two of The Indonesian government said the asy- their compatriots arrived there was not the TALKS BETWEEN lum-seekers in the Australian embassy in usual pro-independence demonstration AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY, Jakarta had no valid claims of persecution, and were involved in a publicity stunt. awaiting them at Lisbon airport. For the ASYLUM-SEEKERS first time, there were no shouts of “Viva “Since they’re not under persecution, it’s East Timor!” or “Viva Independence!” in CONTINUE all being done to attract the attention of our the ‘arrivals’ area... opponents - just for publicity,” foreign by Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia The two Timorese who arrived yesterday ministry spokesman Ghaffar Fadyl said. Correspondent were Alberto Soares Noronha and Helder “They have the freedom to go where Liborio Luis Alves, both 19 years old. They Jakarta, Feb 10 AAP - A group of nine they wish. There is no need to jump over said they had sought refuge in the French East Timorese asylum-seekers has spent a the embassy fence and claim that they are Embassy in Jakarta because Indonesian third night holed up in the Australian em- being persecuted because they are not being security forces were searching for them in bassy in Jakarta with embassy officials persecuted.” Timor. pessimistic about an early resolution of their Indonesia invaded the former Portuguese fate. colony of East Timor in 1975, and annexed MORE TIMORESE SAID Embassy spokeswoman Joanne Eyre said the territory early the following year, in a discussions between embassy officials and move recognised by Australia but not the READY TO LEAVE THEIR the seven men and two women were con- United Nations. HOMELAND tinuing, but that it seemed “unlikely” their TIMORESE EMBASSY GROUP fate would be known today. JAKARTA, Feb 16 (Reuter) - More East The group, who scaled the embassy’s FAIL TO JUSTIFY POLITICAL Timorese youths want to leave their trou- two-metre perimeter fence on Wednesday ASYLUM bled homeland to escape alleged harassment night, has asked Australia for political pro- Reuter, Sunday 11 February 1996. Abridged from the Indonesian armed forces, a parlia- tection, and has made a number of political The nine East Timorese seeking refuge in mentarian said on Friday. demands over East Timor. the Australian embassy in Jakarta since they Sixty-eight East Timorese have since The nine are among the latest in a wave jumped over the perimeter fence last September found refuge in embassies in of East Timorese alleging persecution by Wednesday had failed to provide enough Jakarta before leaving for asylum in Portu- Indonesian security forces and wanting to evidence to justify political asylum, accord- gal, the territory’s former colonial ruler and flee Indonesia by invading foreign embassies ing to embassy spokesperson Joanne Eyer. still recognised by the United Nations as the in Jakarta. “They have been told they can apply to sovereign power. Yesterday morning two more East visas to travel to Australia or to travel to A further nine youths from the de facto Timorese entered the French embassy. The Portugal,” she said. Indonesian province are hanging on in the Reuters newsagency quoted an official of There has been a wave of East Timorese Australian Embassy even though Canberra, the International Committee of the Red seeking refuge in foreign embassies in Ja- one of the few government’s to recognise Cross as saying they would travel to Portu- karta last September, during which time 68 Jakarta’s control over East Timor, is unwill- gal at an unspecified time. East Timorese have left for Portugal. Two ing to grant their request for asylum. Since last September, 66 other East Timorese men left for Portugal on Saturday Manuel Carrascalão, an MP with the rul- Timorese have travelled to Portugal after night after entering the French mission on ing Golkar party, told Reuters by telephone forcing their way into a number of foreign Friday - the fourth break-in there since mid- that a number of East Timorese youths had embassies in Jakarta and seeking political November. Diplomatic sources say that complained of widespread harassment in asylum. although some of the cases in this new wave Page 36 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. of embassy break-ins can be seen bids to spokesperson, Hermenegildo Lopes. Lopes Because the English skills and the low draw attention to the plight of East Timor, is threatening to set himself on fire. education of the nine East Timorese, their others are purely a means of escape. The nine youths refuse to go to Portugal, cases are very weak, and so there is not and if Australia denies them political asylum much chance of them obtaining permission NINE IN OZ EMBASSY REFUSE they defy the Australian government to to have temporary residence or full resi- GOING TO PORTUGAL hand them over to the Indonesian authori- dence in Australia. translated, abridged, edited ties, taking responsibility for what might Endah added that the ICRC have already Jakarta, Feb 13 (LUSA) - The 9 East then happen to them. informed the youths of this situation, as Timorese who requested asylum at the Aus- The RENETIL letter also asks that Por- well as passing on messages from the tralian embassy a week ago, have refused the tugal and all member countries of the Euro- youths to their families in East Timor. possibility of going to Portugal instead, a pean Union put pressure on the Indonesian “However, we don’t consider it a waste of spokesperson for the International Red government to “stabilize the situation in time enable the dialogue between the East Cross revealed today. East Timor to avoid the exodus of the youth Timorese youths and the Australian em- “We have been in permanent contact from their birthland.” bassy,” he said. with them, but as they refuse to go to Por- The RENETIL letter identifies the nine Because their request has been denied tugal, the Red Cross can do nothing in this refugees at the Australian embassy as Her- over these last three days, the nine youths case,” he said, adding that “we are not inter- menegildo Lopes, Aires Aparicio Guterres, went on hunger strike. They stopped their fering in the negotiations between the nine Dela Alves, Ana Paula de Jesus, Faustino action on Monday afternoon. Timorese and the Australian government.” Ximenes Martins, Fidel Alves, Amorin According to Foreign Minister told Me- Australian diplomats in Jakarta told the Vieira, Florencio Amaral and Cesar Dias dia that the Indonesian government remains nine that none of them had presented proof Quintas. firm in its approach not to give any atten- to substantiate their request for political Note that Dela Alves is pregnant. tion to such requests. asylum. They are given two alternatives: either they request an entry visa for Austra- NINE EAST TIMORESE ASYLUM SEEKERS lian under the Australian immigration law, or REJECT OFFER TO ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL they may invoke the Family Reunion plan GO TO PORTUGAL in case they have immediate family members New Zealand Teletext, 19 February 1996 living in Australia. Media Indonesia,14 Feb. 1996. Abridged Three East Timorese asylum seekers in The nine youths, having seen their re- Jakarta (Media): Nine East Timorese the Australian embassy have been admitted quest for asylum in Australia refused from to hospital, while four others remain on a the onset, went on hunger strike for three youths who have been in the Australian embassy for the last seven days have said hunger strike. days, but on Sunday they finally accepted The youths entered the embassy two food. they do not wish to be flown to Portugal. They are asking to be given a visa to Austra- weeks ago seeking political asylum in Aus- RENETIL ASKS CANBERRA TO lia, said ICRC representative Sri Wahyu tralia. Canberra rejected their request, and gave them the option of travelling to Portu- ACCEPT NINE Endah. “It was routine for the ICRC to meet gal or applying for a visa in Australia. translated, abridged with the nine youths, but since they have Since last September, 68 East Timorese Lisbon, Feb 13 (LUSA) - The National shown that they are not inclined to go to have left for Portugal after seeking political Resistance of East Timorese Students Portugal, there has been no further devel- asylum at eight embassies. (RENETIL) sent a letter to the Portuguese opment,” said Endah. THREE IN HOSPITAL WITHOUT government just a few hours after the Aus- On Monday the Australian embassy said PROTECTION tralian authorities announced that they will that they were refusing the nine youths’ not grant political asylum to the group of request for asylum because they have no translated, edited, abridged nine who sought refuge at the Australian solid basis for asking for asylum. “It’s very Jakarta, Feb 19 (LUSA) - According to embassy in Jakarta. clear that there is no basic reason from the the spokesperson for the Australian em- The RENETIL letter is addressed to the nine of them to fulfill their request,” said bassy in Jakarta, Joanne Eyre, in statements foreign minister, Jaime Gama, who is cur- Joanne Eyer of the embassy. to France Presse, the three East Timorese rently visiting China. The letter appeals to The nine youths who entered to Austra- [from the group of nine in the embassy] the Portuguese government to put pressure lian embassy to seek asylum are as follows: who were hospitalized Sunday, are not un- on the Australian authorities to grant politi- Ermenegildo Lopes, Cejar Diaz Quintas, der protection from the Australian embassy, cal asylum to the nine. Florencião Amaral, Paula Fonseka, Delta but the Indonesian government has verbally In the letter, RENETIL considers that Guterres, Aires Aparicio Guterres, guaranteed that it does not intend to take East Timor “is an international question,” Faustino, Amorin Dieria dan Fidel. legal or other measures against the three. which means that “any country has the “Visa requests are granted for two rea- However, she added, the Indonesian gov- responsibility to receive the Timorese if sons, one for family reunions and two, ernment explicitly admitted the group could they request political asylum.” based on a points system,” said Paul Win- be interrogated by the authorities. According to the RENETIL, the nine dsor from the Australian embassy immigra- The four East Timorese from the same youths have been in hunger strike for five tion department. group who were on hunger strike in the days, although this was interrupted after the The request for a visa for a family reun- embassy stopped their strike today. third day. The youths have reportedly ion is dependent on having family resident sealed their lips (“colado os labios” means in Australia, and the points system is based literally to “glued their lips shut” but hope- on various criteria such as age, education, fully what is meant is that they are refusing English language ability and skills. to eat or talk], except for the group’s East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 37

SUICIDE ATTEMPT: The Presidium of the Central Council, were suffering stomach aches as a result of L. Rama M. their previous hunger strike, is false. ET ASYLUM SEEKERS After questioning by the military, the CORRECTION FROM CNRM, CNRM Media Release, 19 February 96 five East Timorese are being kept in deten- LISBON, 21 FEB. tion at military supervised East Timor cen- East Timorese Jakarta Australian Em- Based on information supplied by the tre in Jakarta (Perwakilan Timor Timur, bassy asylum seekers attempt suicide. East Timor Student Resistance RENETIL, Jalan Urip Sumohardjo kav 17, Jakarta Student Resistance protest text we informed about the abduction by the Timur tel 819 1960) under the control of a Indonesian military from a Jakarta hospital Colonel Petrus. This move, in total violation Three of the nine East Timorese youths of the protection agreement with the Aus- at Australian Embassy in Jakarta have at- on 19 February of five East Timorese stu- dents who had sought asylum in the Austra- tralian embassy, is aimed at keeping the tempted suicide after the refusal of their detained away from international media asylum request by the Australian Govern- lian embassy. The full details of the abduction, obtained attention, in total disregard to the medical ment. One woman and two men are in a needs of the wounded. Jakarta hospital in a serious condition after soon after direct contact with those involved became possible once they were freed, has CNRM deplores the irresponsible treat- the failed attempt inside the embassy. ment yet once again given to East Timorese The following is a translation from the been released by CNRM from Darwin on 21 February. attempting to flee from Indonesian persecu- Portuguese of a Protest Note addressed to tion by the Australian government, holding the Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating However, our previous releases on this matter contain an erroneous reference to an it responsible for the fate of the three issued by the East Timorese National Stu- wounded and their two companions. dent Resistance RENETIL in Jakarta on 19 alleged suicide attempt by some of the asy- January. lum seekers. National Council of Maubere Resistance We regret that this information, conveyed TIMORESE IN CNRM through student sources in Jakarta, proved AUSTRALIAN MISSION inaccurate. It arose from a misunderstanding National East Timor Student Resistance STILL IN STALEMATE RENETIL as a result of the difficult communications situation at the time. JAKARTA, Feb 20 (Reuter) - Talks on The Hon. Paul Keating the future of four East Timorese in the Aus- Prime Minister of Australia INDONESIAN MILITARY tralian embassy in Jakarta remained in a Canberra. ABDUCTS HOSPITALISED stalemate on Tuesday despite the precedent PROTEST NOTE ASYLUM SEEKERS of a quick fix at the Dutch embassy on Monday. The National East Timor Student Resis- CNRM Media Release, 20 Feb. 1996 “It is logical to assume they will spend tance (RENETIL) protests with the greatest another night in the embassy,” Australian Five of the nine East Timorese asylum indignation, and strongly rejects the refusal embassy spokeswoman Joanne Eyre said on seekers from the Australian Embassy in of the Australian Government to grant po- Tuesday. Jakarta were abducted from the N.C.S. hos- litical asylum to the nine East Timorese Five of the nine East Timorese who pital in Jakarta on Monday night 19 Febru- students Hermengildo, Cesar Dias Quintas, originally entered the Australian embassy on ary by members of the Indonesian military. Delta Alves, Faustino, Paula Fonseca, Fidel February 7 left on Sunday after three were Three of them had been hospitalised after a Alves. Amorim Vieira, Aires Aparicio, and forced to seek medical treatment at a nearby failed suicide attempt, since their original Florencio. These are still in the grounds of hospital after not eating for two days. request for political asylum had been re- the Australian Embassy in Jakarta, under its They were accompanied by two others. jected by Australia. They went to the hos- responsibility. Eyre denied reports from Timorese pital in the company of two of their friends The refusal of political asylum so far has sources that they had been involved in a for support. All had agreed to leave the led to the attempted suicide by Paula Fon- suicide attempt. “That is not our under- embassy to seek medical treatment in the seca, Fidel Alves, and Amorim Vieira. They standing of events,” she said. understanding that they were under its pro- are currently in a critical condition in Eyre said the three had been discharged tection. As has happened in Indonesia and hospital in Jakarta. This refusal does not on Monday. This was confirmed by a hos- East Timor on past occasions, members of only represent a strong lack of respect for pital official. the military entered the hospital to take the international norms, but points to an ob- An official of the Jakarta delegation of East Timorese away for questioning. Medi- scure desire by the Australian Government the International Committee of the Red cal staff is usually too intimidated to op- to assist in the extermination of the East Cross (ICRC) said on Tuesday the pose such abductions. Timorese people, as it tries to protect its Timorese were taken away by police for According to information received via economic interests in its dealings with the questioning after their discharge and then Lisbon through the East Timor Student Jakarta government. released. National Resistance (RENETIL), three stu- The National East Timor Student Resis- Earlier on Tuesday, a Dutch embassy of- dents from the nine in the embassy had tance appeals to the international commu- ficial said four East Timorese who entered attempted suicide with pocket knives, nity to make a fair and impartial assessment their compound seeking asylum on Monday which were confiscated by the embassy of the policy of the Canberra government in morning were flown to Portugal via Amster- staff. The two men and a woman then tried relation to the refusal of political asylum to dam on the same day. to kill themselves by hitting their heads the above East Timorese students. It asks The asylum-seekers departed in record against a wall. According to RENETIL the UN Secretary General, Dr. Boutros time – the first in under 24 hours since a leader Carlos Silva Lopes, the version Boutros-Ghali to question Australia’s com- wave of embassy break-ins started in No- propagated by the Australian government pliance with its obligations as a UN mem- vember 1994. ber. that only one had attempted suicide and two Resistance, 19 February 1996 Page 38 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

The Dutch official, who asked not to be time outside in the grounds in the open air to the Portuguese authorities. The Dutch named, said: “We had four East Timorese in or sunlight not allowed to listen to radio Ambassador in Jakarta even invited the the embassy. They entered at about 8.30 broadcasts East Timorese own radio eventu- Indonesian security thugs into the Embassy. yesterday (Monday) morning (0130 GMT). ally confiscated refused permission to read The Russians displayed an equally crude We tried to solve this problem together with any newspapers personal belongings confis- and insensitive attitude in a manner that is our own, the Indonesian and the Portuguese cated, including glasses, make-up etc. Em- very revealing about the kind of people now governments and they left yesterday (Mon- bassy personnel leave hospital abandoning in office in Russia. In both cases, the asylum day) evening for Portugal.” sick East Timorese to be detained, while still seekers were detained and tortured. The four young men left for Lisbon via sick in hospital, by Indonesian military who The East Timorese are people pro- Amsterdam on a scheduled evening flight interrogated the East Timorese for nine foundly attached to their ancestral land and under the care of the International Commit- hours. tradition and are not of an adventure seeking tee of the Red Cross (ICRC). ASIET Calls Demonstration nature. The island itself is their entire world “Their motives were political but they and there they lived with nature and the ASIET National Coordinator Max Lane were not very elaborate,” the official said. universe for thousands of years in perfect said today that ASIET was calling a demon- It was the third time since early Novem- harmony. stration to picket Foreign Minister Gareth ber that a group of Timorese had entered the Apart from a serious mutiny in 1959 in- Evans and Shadow Foreign Minister Dutch compound and the second time that a stigated by Indonesia, during the Portuguese Downer at 12 noon, Thursday February 29 group had left for political asylum in Portu- colonial rule there was not one single case of at the Teachers Federation in Sydney. The gal, the former colonial master of troubled East Timorese seeking asylum in the three demonstration is also supported by the East East Timor. foreign consulates in Dili. There were no Timorese nationalist organisation, On November 7, eight East Timorese asylum seeking in Jakarta or Australia. On FRETILIN. burst through the embassy gates. They left the eve of the Portuguese carnation revolu- “Keeping East Timorese who are fleeing for Portugal after 30 hours. tion in April 1974 there was not one single persecution by the Indonesian military in a On December 7, the 20th anniversary of East Timorese political dissident in jail. If locked room and denying them the right to Indonesia’s military invasion of East Timor, the Portuguese colonial rule had been a s even listen to their own radio is an outrage,” more than 50 Timorese and their supporters brutal as the Indonesian propagandists and said Lane, formerly posted on diplomatic entered the embassy in protest at Jakarta’s their Australian apologists so often allege, service to Jakarta himself (1980-81). “Re- rule. thousands of East Timorese would have fusing to release to the Australian public the They all left under police escort three flooded the three consulates in Dili as they contents of the East Timorese political days later. were never guarded or they would have statement given to officials supposedly in A request by more than 20 Timorese for crossed easily into West Timor. the service of the Australian community is asylum only minutes before they were Apologists for the Indonesian regime like also an outrage.” “While the East Timorese ejected was refused by the Dutch. Richard Woolcott, Gareth Evans and Paul people continue to be persecuted in their The latest departures brings to 72 the Keating do no have the moral courage to own country, all those seeking political number of East Timorese who have left for point the finger at the real culprit and find it asylum in Australia should be allowed to Portugal under ICRC auspices since Sep- much more convenient to criticise Portugal, come here,” he added. tember last year. Other embassies hit by the a small and old European country whose The names of the East Timorese who are wave of asylum bids include the British, generous people have a profound sense of now out of the Embassy are: Paula Fonseka, New Zealand, Russian, Japanese, Polish and its historical and moral responsibility to- Florencio Amaral, Fidel Alves, Aires Apari- French. wards the East Timorese. cio Guterres and Amorin Dieria. The case of the nine asylum-seekers once again illustrate the hypocrisy and cowardice ASIET: 5 EAST TIMORESE CNRM STATEMENT ON OUT OF EMBASSY of successive Australian governments in ASYLUM SEEKERS their attitude towards one of the most des- Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East potic regimes in the world. The coalition 21 February 1996 Full text Timor media release, 21 Feb. parties that were in power in 1975-1983 Statement by José Ramos-Horta On the East were the first to recognise de jure Indone- ASIET has now communicated directly Timorese asylum seekers in Jakarta and the sia’s annexation of East Timor in 1978 and with the spokesperson for the five East role of the two major Australian political sought to silence any critic of the occupa- Timorese, Ms Paula Fonseka, who left the parties tion in Australia and internationally. The Australian Embassy to be treated in a local coalition government of Malcolm Fraser hospital and has received a detailed account Sydney -- It is now two weeks since nine East Timorese entered the Australian Em- went to extremes in banning East Timorese of their treatment in the Australian Em- activists from visiting Australia. I had the bassy. bassy in Jakarta and sought asylum. They followed the action of several hundred of honour of being banned from entering Aus- East Timorese Prisoners in Australian tralia between 1977 and 1983 because I was Embassy their countrymen and women who in the last twelve months have fled East Timor. considered to be a threat to Australia- East Timorese treated like prisoners kept There are now more than 1,000 in Austra- Indonesia relations. In the UN and other 10 days locked in a space with no windows lian in a legal limbo. Over 100 are in the international fora both parties actively at- or access to sunlight, no mattresses or other Portuguese enclave of Macau in China. Over tempted to have the East Timor issue de- bedding no contact with Embassy officials 100 are in Malaysia in very precarious con- leted. to discuss asylum or other issues for two ditions. Several hundred left for Portugal in The policies of servility and appease- days, and then asylum refused. No further the last few years. ment of the Suharto regime over East Timor discussion after that except to be given nor- In each case, the embassies in question and human rights in Indonesia itself have mal visa application forms which the East conveniently turned the asylum seekers over only convinced the regime in Jakarta that Timorese refused to fill. not allowed any brute force pays off. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 39

The on-going drama of the Western hos- War some 20,000 miles away because as show no desire to change and reverse course. tages held by the rebels in West Papua is Bob Hawke said then “big countries cannot The East Timorese are forced to hear their another illustration of the brutal nature of invade small countries and get away with racist and patronising discourse that we the Jakarta regime and the moral bankruptcy it.” Supreme hypocrisy. should simply accept “limited autonomy” of Indonesia’s Western allies. The Jakarta Now when nine East Timorese seek Aus- from a more benevolent Indonesia. regime and the West are the only ones to tralia’s protection via way of the Embassy We believe that there can be and there has blame for the hostage drama in West Papua. in Jakarta, Australia’s official reaction is to be morality and decency in the interna- Do not blame the impoverished, humiliated that there are no grounds for them to fear tional diplomatic discourse among states. and persecuted people of West Papua persecution. The same half-truths and lies We believe that international relations must whose land, forest and waters have robbed repeated ad nauseaum for the past 20 years. be founded on certain norms and rules that and destroyed by Indonesia’s colonial ex- The CNRM holds the federal government respect human life and dignity because these pansionism and Western complicity. morally and materially responsible for any are the prerequisites for peace, stability and Australia bears a direct responsibility for harm caused to the nine asylum seekers. It progress. Regimes that trample upon human the tragedy of East Timor because of its will resort to all legal and diplomatic means rights and the rule of law might survive for a active collusion with Jakarta in trying to to make it understood in Canberra that it certain period of time but the anger and suppress the aspirations of the East cannot get away with impunity. hatred they sow can explode into uncontrol- Timorese for too many years, because of the The CNRM commends the Portuguese lable violence. Hence, even adherents of material support it provides the very same authorities for their generosity and willing- state pragmatism should actively support army that brutalises the people of East ness in receiving any East Timorese who is human rights and the rule of law in every Timor and murdered six Australian news- willing to go to Portugal. However, the country. men. CNRM maintains that Portugal must seek a I am not arguing that Australia should en- The main opposition parties have offered direct contact with each asylum seeker to gage in a lone crusade against Indonesia and no better hope for the East Timorese. Their ascertain their real wishes and to make sure all the Asian dictators or that it repeats its policies are the very same ones they inaugu- that in deciding to go to Portugal they are “heroic” defence of international law as it rated way back in 1975 with disastrous not doing so under duress and coercion as it did so promptly when the oil of Kuwait results for the East Timorese people. has happened in recent past. Portugal must was put in jeopardy by Iraq. Twenty years after the invasion and also seek an official clarification from the What are we asking of Australia? What 200,000 dead, the coalition does not have governments concerned on their position on can Australia do? the courage and sensitivity to change. Its the legal status of East Timor and on Portu- Australia can withdraw the de jure recog- official stand, well rehearsed by almost gal’s own status in regard to East Timor nition of Indonesia’s annexation of East every single MP or candidate is to reiterate when and if they wish to discard the asylum Timor as the Fraser government did in re- the policies initiated by Malcolm Fraser and seekers by dumping them in Portugal. gard to the Baltic States which were recog- Andrew Peacock of the de jure recognition Few Australian academics, namely Ivan nised by the Whitlam government as part of of the illegal annexation. As a second Shearer of Sydney University Law School, the Soviet Union. thought it expresses “concern” about the argue the government line that while the The Timor Gap Treaty can be put on human rights situation in East Timor. It territory of East Timor and its wealth are hold for a few years or at least a special proposes absolutely nothing new for East Indonesian, the less valued human beings trust fund should be established for the Timor and is silent on human rights and can be discarded and dump into Portugal. benefit of the East Timorese themselves. environment in the region. Australia is the only country in the world Australia can terminate some of the most A majority of ALP politicians did not to have extended de jure recognition of In- offensive aspects of its defence cooperation have the moral and political courage to op- donesia’s annexation of East Timor. How- with Jakarta which allows Indonesian secu- pose the policies of their government under ever at the International Court of Justice rity thugs to be trained in this country. Bob Hawke and Paul Keating. The Timor hearings in the Hague in February 1995, it In can enlist the support of New Zea- Gap Treaty was allowed to pass, military hypocritically stated that after all it recog- land, Canada, the US and the EU for a joint training for Indonesian security personnel nised the right of the people of East Timor diplomatic effort in pressuring Indonesia to and other security arrangements are allowed to self-determination and that the legal be begin serious dialogue with Portugal and to expand. No dissenting voice was heard in status of East Timor remained that of a the East Timorese resistance leaders. the ranks of the ALP or the Liberal-National Non-Self-Governing Territory. Such being And in the same way the South African coalition parties when the infamous Austra- the case, the UN General Assembly Resolu- apartheid regime released Nelson Mandela lia-Indonesia security agreement was singed tions 1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV) on self- and worked with him a peaceful transition behind the back of the Parliament and the determination are fully applicable to East to majority rule in South Africa, Indonesia Australian people. East Timor never de- Timor. However, the Department of Foreign must be compelled to release Xanana Gus- served more than passing references in ALP Affairs and Trade has already backtracked mão, the most credible and revered East National Conventions. While we are eter- arguing now that the right of the people of Timorese resistance leader. nally indebted to the very few in the ALP East Timor to self-determination is on a par A genuine political autonomy for East who over the years have not forfeited their with the right of indigenous peoples in sov- Timor based on a complete demilitarization conscience for the sake of a job as a federal ereign states which is to say they are enti- of the territory, release of all prisoners, politician, the East Timorese cannot but tled only to some measure of autonomy. In repatriation of the thousands of Indonesian denounce the silence of so many for so the versatile interpretation of DFAT, the illegal migrants, transmigrants, civil servants, many years. people of East Timor do not have the right prostitutes and drug traffickers and other To these lonely voices in the wilderness to determine its own future. This is to be common criminals, and a UN-supervised of the two parties go our respect and eternal determined by Indonesia. election for a local Territory Assembly gratitude. The two major parties are locked in their along the lines of the Israeli-Palestinian in- In a display of utter hypocrisy, the la- 20 year old policies of servility and ap- terim agreement would go a long way in bour government led Australia into the Gulf peasement of the Suharto regime. They addressing the concerns and aspirations of Page 40 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. the East Timorese and de-escalate the ten- The five were part of a group of nine On November 7, eight East Timorese sion. East Timorese who asked for political asy- burst through the embassy gates. They left However, at some point, the people of lum from Australia after entering the em- for Portugal after 30 hours. East Timor will have to be consulted in a bassy on February 7 by scaling a two-metre On December 7, the 20th anniversary of UN-supervised referendum on the final perimeter fence. Indonesia’s military invasion of East Timor, status of the territory. The four East Timorese remained in the more than 50 Timorese and their supporters So far only the small parties to the left embassy building today, embassy spokes- entered the embassy in protest at Jakarta’s have articulated a moral and principled stand woman Joanne Eyre said. rule. on East Timor principled stand on East She said they were still eating normally, They all left under police escort three Timor. To those who believe that human after two separate hunger strikes earlier in days later. A request by more than 20 rights, freedom and dignity of peoples are their stay at the embassy. Timorese for asylum only minutes before worth fighting for, to those who believe that On Sunday night, the five attended a they were ejected was refused by the Dutch. Australia can make a difference in significant nearby hospital after one of them fell and The latest departures brings to 72 the ways, to those who believe that the changes cut his head in the embassy bathroom. Two number of East Timorese who have left for of the last few years have been possible others were suffering stomach problems Portugal under ICRC auspices since Sep- only because of the will of the people in related to the most recent hunger strike. tember last year. Other embassies hit by the challenging the mighty military powers, I The other two left the embassy to con- wave of asylum bids include the British, appeal to them to vote the small parties, do duct interviews over illegal actions like New Zealand, Russian, Japanese, Polish and not vote Labor, do not vote Liberal-National breaking into a foreign embassy. French. coalition. We must all give the Democrats On Monday, Ms Eyre said the Austra- Three Timorese in the Australian em- and the Greens a bigger share of power in lian embassy had gained an assurance from bassy from a group of nine who sought the next federal parliament if we want a the Indonesian government that the five political asylum on February 7 were admit- more open, more pluralistic and a more would not be prosecuted over their entry ted to hospital on Sunday night after not moral Australia. into the embassy. eating for two days. Australian embassy José Ramos-Horta is the Special Represen- However she said the Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Joanne Eyre said on Monday tative of the National Council of Maubere had said the group might be questioned over two other members of the group were also Resistance (CNRM), an umbrella body link- the incident. at the hospital and that the four in the em- ing all East Timorese resistance groups bassy foyer had started to eat again. based inside East Timor and headed by FOUR TIMORESE LEAVE The nine East Timorese had been told by Xanana Gusmão. Ramos-Horta is also a DUTCH EMBASSY embassy officials that their cases did not justify granting asylum. Instead, they were specialist in human rights law and recipient IN RECORD TIME of three major International human rights invited to apply for visas to travel to Aus- tralia or Portugal. and peace awards. In 1994 he was nomi- JAKARTA, Feb 20 (Reuter) - Four East Australia is one of a handful of countries nated and short-listed for the Nobel Peace Timorese entered the Dutch embassy in that recognises Indonesian sovereignty over Prize. Jakarta on Monday seeking asylum and East Timor. were flown to Portugal via Amsterdam on MILITARY GRILLS ASYLUM- the same day, an embassy official said on THREE IN DUTCH EMBASSY SENT SEEKERS, SAYS ASSOCIATE Tuesday. TO PORTUGAL As the asylum-seekers departed in record translated By Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia time – the first in under 24 hours since a Correspondent wave of embassy break-ins started in No- Jakarta, Feb 20 (LUSA) - Four East Timorese who sought refuge in the Dutch Jakarta, Feb 21 AAP - Five East vember 1994 – four other East Timorese were considering their future after nearly embassy in Jakarta on Monday, were sent Timorese asylum-seekers who left the Aus- to Portugal the same day, said Dick Den tralian embassy in Jakarta on Sunday night two weeks in the Australian embassy. A Dutch official, who asked not to be Haas, embassy diplomat, speaking to France to attend hospital had been questioned by Presse. the military for nine hours yesterday, one of named, said: “We had four East Timorese in the embassy. They entered at about 8.30 “Such expediency is only possible thanks the group said today. to the collaboration by the Indonesian au- Paula Fonseca, 21, said the five had been yesterday (Monday) morning. “We tried to solve this problem together thorities and the representatives of the In- questioned over their February 7 embassy ternational Committee of the Red Cross,” break-in by officers at an Indonesian mili- with our own, the Indonesian and the Portu- guese governments and they left yesterday said the diplomat. Den Haas revealed that tary (ABRI) base in Jakarta. four youths entered the embassy, in the Ms Fonseca said the group had been re- (Monday) evening for Portugal,” he added. The four young men left for Lisbon via center of Jakarta, on Monday 8:30 AM leased without charges, but that they feared local time. They left to the airport in the they would be arrested again over their anti- Amsterdam on a scheduled evening flight under the care of the International Commit- afternoon, and boarded a KLM regular flight Indonesian activities. to Portugal, via Amsterdam. “We don’t know where will go now,” Ms tee of the Red Cross (ICRC). This was the third time, since November, Fonseca said by telephone from a suburban “Their motives were political but they were not very elaborate,” the official said. that Timorese people seek refuge in the Jakarta house where the group is staying. Dutch embassy in Indonesia. She also said four East Timorese still in It was the third time since early Novem- the Australian embassy intended to stay ber that a group of Timorese had entered the there until granted asylum by Australia, or Dutch compound and the second time that a until after the March 2 Australian general group had left for political asylum in Portu- elections. gal, the former colonial master of troubled East Timor. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 41

FOUR EAST TIMORESE Tuesday, the Palestinian ambassador and entered the diplomatic sanctuary and physi- Timorese sources said. cally assaulted asylum-seekers, in violation SITTING TIGHT AT “They broke into the embassy, which is of international law and diplomatic immu- AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY my house also, by jumping over the wall,” nity. Palestinian Ambassador Ribhi Awad said. These young people are fleeing persecu- By Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia “They were overwhelmed by security and tion in East Timor, where the repression Correspondent within one minute they were out,” he told continues to intensify. Before Indonesia’s JAKARTA, Feb 25 AAP - Four East Reuters by telephone from the building in invasion in 1975, there was no tradition of Timorese asylum-seekers were set to spend Jakarta’s residential Menteng area. emigration from East Timor – where, as a nineteenth night camped in the Australian “My first impression when my secretary Pacific people, attachments to land and Embassy in Jakarta, an embassy spokes- informed me about them was that it was the family are very strong. But the military woman said today. Mossad, the Israeli intelligence (organisa- repression in their homeland is so brutal that Spokeswoman Joanne Eyre said the three tion).” they feel forced to flee, to live as exiles in men and one women had shown no signs of “I only recognised they were from East Portugal, Australia, and elsewhere. the leaving the embassy, which they entered Timor when they were chanting ‘Long Live The latest wave is particularly alarming. with five other East Timorese on February 7 East Timor,’” Awad said. “They did not These are desperate youngsters who have by scaling a two metre perimeter fence. give me a petition, they did not hand over grown up under the Indonesian occupation Australian officials have responded to the any letter.” and been exposed to Indonesian “educa- latest intrusion by erecting barbed wire on Timorese sources said the four youths tion,” but who have been driven to escape it the fence to increase security. had intended to seek political asylum in by two decades of torture, killings, rape and Last Sunday, the other five left the em- Palestine, adding they were shocked by the disappearances. Unlike the East Timorese bassy to attend hospital and were dis- embassy’s rejection of their colleagues. who sought asylum through the end of charged on Monday but denied re-entry to Awad said neither his staff nor the 1995, who were students studying in uni- the embassy. Timorese, who entered at 10.40 a.m. (0340 versities in Java for several years, the young One of the five said last week that the GMT), were injured in the brief scuffle but men and women scaling embassy walls these remaining four intended to stay in the em- said a gate was damaged. days come directly from East Timor, aban- bassy until granted asylum by Australia – or “We can’t tolerate any trespassers. doning their homes because the level of re- until after the March 2 Australian election. Those who try again will not be dealt with pression has now become impossible to The embassy has told the group they do with mercy as this is a violation to the em- survive. not qualify for political asylum but has bassy and we can’t tolerate these things,” he The embassy asylum-seekers confront suggested they could apply for visas to said. the international community with a new and Australia, or travel to Portugal, East Australian embassy spokeswoman Jo- alarming phenomenon, one which forces Timor’s former colonial ruler. anne Eyre said on Tuesday that four East governments to make immediate decisions Since last September, Portugal has ac- Timorese asylum seekers in that mission which will affect not only the future of the cepted 72 East Timorese who sought asy- since February 7 were still contemplating individuals’ lives they hold in their prem- lum in a string of Jakarta embassies. their future. ises, but the future of the nation of East Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975, Canberra has rejected a request for asy- Timor. and annexed the former Portuguese colony lum, saying they can travel to Portugal or We call upon all governments with em- the following year in a move recognised by apply for a visa in a normal way. bassies in Jakarta: Australia but not the United Nations. 1. to exert pressure on the Indonesian gov- INTERNATIONAL ernment to take immediate steps to im- ENTRY ATTEMPT AT STATEMENT ON JAKARTA prove the human rights situation in East PALESTINIAN EMBASSY EMBASSY ASYLUM- Timor that gives rise to these desperate flights. translated SEEKERS 2. to instruct their embassies in Jakarta to Jakarta, Feb 27 (LUSA) - At least three February 28, 1996 treat any East Timorese who seek asy- Timorese youths attempted to enter the Since October, nearly 200 young East lum with understanding, to protect their Palestinian embassy in Jakarta today, but safety while they are in the embassy and were prevented to do so by the embassy Timorese men and women have sought ref- uge in eight foreign embassies in Jakarta. to do everything possible to comply with guards, the Palestinian ambassador said. their requests for political asylum. Under “There were maybe three Timorese at the Without exception, their well-founded re- quests for political asylum have been re- international law, countries which have front gate, but our security didn’t allow signed the relevant treaties must duly them in,” said ambassador Ribhi Awad told fused without serious consideration, and their only choice has been to go to Portugal, consider all applications for political asy- France Presse, adding that the group left the lum, and embassy premises cannot be en- site immediately. which has received more than 75 in the past four months. tered by Indonesian personnel without PALESTINIAN EMBASSY IN The remainder have not yet succeeded in permission. Countries should accept their legal obligations and insist on their rights. JAKARTA EJECTS TIMORESE their efforts to escape East Timor and Indo- nesia. Dozens were arrested by Indonesian [abridged] 3. The circumstances and pressures placed security forces outside the French, Japa- on asylum-seekers to go to Portugal are Jakarta, Feb 27 (Reuter) – Guards at the nese, and Thai embassies, while others were unclear. Since these incidents are likely to Palestinian embassy in Jakarta ejected four evicted from the Dutch and Russian embas- recur until the repression in East Timor East Timorese who jumped over the em- sies into the hands of the police. In the New becomes less severe, a mechanism should bassy wall in search of political asylum on Zealand, Dutch and other embassies, thugs be established for asylum-seekers to and/or Indonesian military personnel have Page 42 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

communicate their wishes and make their · Stop the Hawk Deal, U.K. The group of 17 non-government organi- decisions in a non-coerced manner. To fa- · Guerre et Pace, Italy sations (NGOs) from Australia, Asia and cilitate this, Portuguese government offi- · Comitato Golfo, Italy the United States presented a joint state- cials should be able to meet with each in- · Solidaritas Perjuangan Rakyat Indonesia ment to the office of the Australian De- dividual asylum-seeker before he or she is untuk Rakyat Maubere (Indonesian Peo- partment of Foreign Affairs and Trade in sent to Lisbon, and to help the embassy ple’s Struggle in Solidarity with Maubere Darwin yesterday. People) (SPRIM), Indonesia and home-capital personnel determine if The group called for mechanisms to be · Solidaritas Mahasiswa Indonesia untuk De- political asylum is requested and appro- mokrasi (Student Solidarity for Democracy put in place to allow asylum seekers to priate in countries other than Portugal. in Indonesia) (SMID), Indonesia communicate their wishes and make deci- Since Portugal does not have diplomatic · Persatuan Rakyat Demokratik (People’s sions without coercion or pressure from relations with Indonesia, the U.N. could Democratic Union) (PRD), Indonesia Indonesian officials. help implement this. Asylum-seekers · Pusat Perjuangan Buruh Indonesia (Centre They said embassies should allow UN should also be given access by telephone for Indonesian Labour Struggle) (PPBI), In- representatives to meet with asylum seekers to lawyers from the country in which donesia and negotiate through them with Portugal they are seeking asylum. · Serikat Tani Nasional (National Peasant and should publicly recognise Portugal as Union) (STN), Indonesia the administrator of East Timor. 4. Governments which ask the government · Jaringan Kerja Kesenian Rakyat (People’s “Governments which ask the government of Portugal to accept asylum-seekers Art Network) (JAKER), Indonesia of Portugal to accept asylum seekers from from their embassies should state pub- · The American Reporter, International, their embassies should state publicly that licly that they are taking this step be- WWW they are taking this step because Portugal is cause Portugal is the internationally- · Mouvement contre le Racisme et pour the internationally recognised administering recognized administering authority over l’Amitié entre les Peuples (MRAP), France authority over East Timor,” the statement the Non-Self-Governing Territory of East · Cap Magellan, France said. Timor. · Justice et Paix, France · Reseau Jeunes solidaires, France “Every democratic country should accept 5. Every democratic country, including · Foreign Bases Project, USA its humanitarian obligation to assist Portugal those whose embassies have not been · War Resisters League, USA for whom support of increasing numbers of approached yet, should accept its hu- · Tribal Act, France East Timorese refugees is becoming an eco- manitarian obligation to assist Portugal, · Coordinamento di Solidareita con il Popolo nomic burden.” for whom support of increasing numbers Timorese, Italy of East Timorese refugees is becoming an · Komite Indonesia, Netherlands · Delta Greens, New Orleans, USA TIMORESE IN AUSTRALIA economic burden. As numerous resolu- MISSION LIKELY FOR tions of the United Nations Security EAST TIMOR COALITION CALLS PORTUGAL Council and General Assembly have FOR GREATER ASSISTANCE stated, Indonesia’s brutal invasion and Abridged occupation of East Timor creates an in- DARWIN, March 19 AAP - An interna- ternational responsibility. Accepting tional coalition of East Timor pro- JAKARTA, March 5 (Reuter) - Four refugees is part of that responsibility. independence groups has called on foreign East Timorese who have been holed up in embassies in Jakarta to give greater assis- the Australian embassy in Jakarta for nearly Signers (list in formation): tance to political asylum seekers from the five weeks seeking political asylum are · East Timor Action Network, USA disputed Indonesian territory. likely to ask to go to Portugal, a prominent · TAPOL, U.K. Signatory countries to United Nations human rights campaigner said on Tuesday. · East Timor Alert Network, Canada treaties should do “everything possible” to Johannes Princen met the Timorese at the · Commissão para os Direitos do Povo comply with requests for political asylum, embassy on Tuesday and said after that the Maubere (CDPM), Portugal and resist leaving former East Timor admin- group were well and had already thought · Watch Indonesia!, Germany istrator Portugal to come to the rescue of · Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and about going to Portugal, East Timor’s for- East Timor (ASIET formerly AKSI), Aus- asylum seekers, the group said in a joint mer colonial power. tralia statement. “I haven’t received their answer if they · East Timor Religious Outreach, USA Since October 1995, almost 200 East want to go to Portugal, but they are thinking · Friends of East Timor, Western Australia Timorese have entered foreign embassies in towards that direction. I told them they can · International Platform of Jurists for East Jakarta, including the Australian, British, go to Portugal and make any further deci- Timor, International / Netherlands Japanese, Dutch, Polish, New Zealand, sions on where to go from there,” he told · British Coalition for East Timor, United Russian and French embassies. Reuters by telephone. Kingdom In the latest incidents, four East Canberra has rejected their request saying · East Timor Independence Committee, Timorese yesterday broke into the Polish they had not shown enough evidence why Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand) and French embassies in Jakarta, hours be- they should be granted asylum. · Asia-Pacific Coalition for East Timor, fore talks between East Timorese leaders Princen, director of the Jakarta-based In- International / Philippines were due to begin in Austria. stitute for the Defence of Human Rights, · Philippine Solidarity for East Timor and “The sad thing is that every time an asy- Indonesia (PHILSETI), Philippines named the remaining members as three men · Initiatives for International Dialogue, lum bid is made by these young East Faustino Ximenes, Sejar A Dias Quintas and Philippines Timorese at foreign embassies in Jakarta, Ermejildo Lopes and one woman Delta R. · Agir pour Timor, France governments refuse to consider sympatheti- Alves. · Association de Solidarité avec le Timor cally the desperate plight of these men and A spokeswoman for the embassy, Joanne oriental (ASTO), France women, and rely instead on Portugal to Eyre, said on Tuesday there had been no · Free East Timor Japan Coalition, Japan come to the rescue,” a statement from Aus- significant developments and the four were · East Timor Relief Association, Australia tralians For a Free East Timor said. still considering their options. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 43

FOUR EAST TIMORESE The Australian embassy announced soon Xanana Gusmão, the East Timor resistance after the asylum-seekers’ entry that em- leader who began a 20-year jail term in 1993. LEAVE AUSTRALIAN bassy staff had determined that their per- “Hopefully, we can come closer to an EMBASSY, TO STAY sonal circumstances meant they did not agreement on some issues to help develop- qualify to have their asylum bids consid- ment in East Timor,” one participant, who abridged ered. asked not to be named, said in Jakarta on JAKARTA, March 8 (Reuter) - Four The embassy said it had suggested the Sunday before leaving. East Timorese, whose request for political group apply for Australian visas or travel to “But it will be a long process and the asylum was rejected by Australia, left Can- Portugal. meeting is only a small step,” the Austria- berra’s embassy in the Indonesian capital on bound participant told Reuters. Friday after holing up there for a month, an TIMORESE ENTER FRENCH The talks are known as the All-Inclusive embassy spokeswoman said. AND POLISH JAKARTA East Timorese Dialogue (AETD). “They have left today on their own re- In the first round of talks last June, 30 quest to return to the Indonesian commu- MISSIONS AHEAD OF TALKS East Timorese leaders met in Austria and nity. We have advised the Indonesian au- issued a declaration calling for respect of by Jim Della-Giacoma, slightly abridged thority about it and recalled the assurance it human rights and the preservation of East has given that there will be no action to be JAKARTA, March 18 (Reuter) - Four Timor’s cultural identity. taken against them for the unauthorised East Timorese youths broke into the French Participants said the declaration had em- entry to the embassy,” Joanne Eyre said by and Polish embassies in Jakarta on Monday, barrassed Indonesia because of its reference telephone. a day before talks begin in Austria between to human rights. This meant that those liv- She declined to give other details. East Timorese leaders at home and in exile ing in East Timor would be restrained at this Eyre said on Friday Indonesia’s assur- abroad. meeting. ance that it would take no action against the One of the break-ins, which involved two “The meeting is also meant to create a Timorese was given when the five youths youths at the Polish mission, also coincided conducive atmosphere for the success of the left the embassy compound. with the arrival of Polish Prime Minister tripartite meeting so that East Timorese can Canberra rejected the Timorese requests Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz in Jakarta on a contribute to development in East Timor,” for asylum saying they had not shown four-day visit. said Lopez da Cruz, Jakarta’s ambassador- enough evidence to support their case. It was not immediately clear if those in- at-large for East Timor, last week. volved in the break-ins were seeking politi- ASYLUM SEEKERS LEAVE cal asylum or seeking to draw attention to TWO EAST TIMORESE LEAVE AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY the troubled former Portuguese colony POLISH EMBASSY By Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia ahead of the dialogue in Austria between abridged Correspondent March 19-22. It was the fifth such break-in at the JAKARTA, March 19 (Reuter) – Two JAKARTA, March 8 AAP - Four East French embassy in Jakarta and the second East Timorese youths left the Polish em- Timorese asylum-seekers today left the break-in at Poland’s embassy since a wave bassy in the Indonesian capital Jakarta on Australian embassy in Jakarta after camping of East Timorese asylum-seekers began Tuesday for asylum in Portugal after spend- there for just over a month, one of the group entering foreign missions in the capital in ing a night at the mission, an embassy offi- said. late September. cial said. The group left after they gave up any Since then 72 East Timorese have left for They left for Jakarta’s international air- hope of obtaining political asylum from Portugal under the auspices of the Interna- port about the same time as two other East Australia, Ermejildo Lopez, 24, told AAP tional Committee of the Red Cross after Timorese in the French embassy left the by telephone. entering various foreign embassies in Ja- compound in central Jakarta. The group was now under the protection karta. The four, believed to be in their twenties, of the leading human rights’ campaigner, Some participants in the meeting in Aus- entered the French and Polish embassies on Haji Princen, of the Institute for the Defence tria, which will focus on social, cultural and Monday. The incursion coincided with the of Human Rights, Mr. Lopez said. economic issues rather than politics, said arrival of Polish Prime Minister Wlodzim- Mr. Princen said the Indonesian Foreign they expected only modest progress from it. ierz Cimoszewicz in Jakarta and came a day Ministry had given an assurance that the Indonesia, which rules the territory, has before talks begin in Austria between East group would not be harmed in any way. said that political issues should be left to the Timorese leaders at home and in exile. He said the group did not wish to go to separate tripartite U.N.-sponsored meetings Portugal, which has provided refuge to 72 TWO EAST TIMORESE LEAVE including the Indonesian and Portuguese FRENCH EMBASSY other East Timorese who have sought asy- foreign ministers as well as the U.N. Secre- lum at a string of Jakarta embassies since tary-General, which entered a seventh round JAKARTA, March 19 (Reuter) - Two last September. in January. East Timorese youths left the French em- “They will live in Indonesia,” Mr. Prin- The next meeting is to be held in June in bassy in Jakarta on Tuesday for asylum in cen said. Geneva. Portugal after spending a night at the mis- Mr. Lopez said the group was not sure But this week’s talks will be the first sion, an embassy official said. She said they where they would live, and were “quite since Indonesia’s President Suharto and left for the airport in a car belonging to the worried” they would be arrested by Indone- Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guter- International Committee of the Red Cross, sian security forces. res met in Bangkok on March 1 at the inau- which helps arrange the travel of Timorese Asked about their treatment in the Aus- gural Asia-Europe summit, and politics will asylum-seekers to Portugal. tralian embassy, Mr. Lopez said the group surely be broached in private. The two, believed to be in their twenties, was more concerned about having their right Guterres offered Jakarta partial diplo- entered the French embassy on Monday on to political asylum recognised. matic ties mainly in return for the release of the same day that two other East Timorese Page 44 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. also seeking asylum broke into the Polish THROWN OUT, BEATEN AND out within minutes by embassy security mission. ARRESTED IN JAKARTA guards and handed over to members of the Indonesian Armed Forces waiting outside. It MORE TIMORESE ARRIVE IN Publico, 17 April 1996. Translated from is believed that the military had been watch- LISBON Portuguese, Abridged ing the embassy from a nearby building. Diario de Noticias, 20 March 1996. Trans- Nine Timorese have been unsuccessful in Plainclothes and uniformed military officers lated from Portuguese their attempt to take refuge in the German were then observed by eyewitnesses beating Lisbon – Two Timorese, who had taken Embassy in Jakarta, where they had in- and kicking the East Timorese. One of the refuge in the French Embassy in Jakarta, and tended to ask for political asylum. Security group was allegedly kicked while on the two others who had done the same in the agents detected their attempted entry and ground. Polish Embassy, left yesterday by plane for expelled the Timorese from the premises. The group were all arrested and report- Portugal. A spokesperson for the Interna- Some were then arrested by Indonesian edly taken to the Central Jakarta military tional Red Cross (ICRC) said that one of the security forces. command. It is not known how many re- ICRC’s vehicles had picked up the four According to eye-witness accounts main in detention, but it is believed that two Timorese and taken them straight to the quoted by Reuters, the refugees that failed may have been released later the same day. airport, where they departed on a KLM to make their escape after being thrown out Amnesty International is concerned that flight, on route to Portugal via Amsterdam. of the Embassy (it was still not known yes- those remaining in detention are at continued Since September last year, a total of 72 terday exactly how many had managed to risk of further ill-treatment or torture. It is young Timorese have left for Portugal after escape arrest) were handed over to Indone- not known whether they have had access to seeking asylum in eight foreign embassies in sian soldiers who were guarding the Em- medical assistance or independent legal Jakarta. bassy premises outside. They were beaten counsel. there and then by the soldiers, and then led In December 1995, Amnesty Interna- TIMORESE BOAT away to the Indonesian police headquarters. tional expressed concern that the Dutch and Before attempting to enter the diplomatic Russian Governments did not seek suffi- PEOPLE JAILED mission, the nine Timorese, aged between 26 cient assurances from the Indonesian au- and 41, left a statement denouncing Indone- thorities for the safety of around 118 East The New Zealand Herald 19 April 1996 sia’s brutal repression in East Timor. Timorese and Indonesian protestors who JAKARTA/AFP - Five East Timorese The attempted “invasion” of the German were expelled from their respective embas- who attempted to flee to Australia in a Embassy took place in the early hours of sies and then taken into police custody. The wooden boat last November have been given yesterday and was the most recent in a se- Dutch Government reportedly expelled nine months to one year jail sentences, In- ries of similar incidents. Since last Septem- around 26 East Timorese after they re- donesia’s official Antara news agency re- ber, 72 Timorese who took refuge in differ- quested asylum. Some of those handed over ported. ent western embassies in the Indonesian were reportedly subjected to ill-treatment Judge I Made Nandu said the five were capital subsequently managed to travel to and ongoing harassment. guilty of unlawfully taking control of the Portugal. The latest embassy expulsions come as boat from its captain, an act punishable by a Timorese report to President Sampaio the human rights situation in East Timor is maximum sentence of seven years in jail. Some of the recently arrived Timorese being discussed at the United Nations The five were part of a group of 35 East Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Timorese who tried to leave Dili by boat for met yesterday with Portuguese President of the Republic, Jorge Sampaio. The Timorese Geneva. In the last two years the CHR has Australia in November 1995. failed to act decisively on East Timor. The boat was then stranded on a Vique- recounted their experiences to the President, and the situation created by the incident at “This latest example of continuing human que beach, about 280km east of Dili, where rights violations against East Timorese en- they were arrested by the Indonesian the German Embassy was also bound to have been discussed at the meeting. gaged in political actions highlights the need authorities. for the international community to take firm It was unclear whether the 30 others EAST TIMORESE HANDED OVER action and adopt a strongly worded resolu- were also facing legal charges. TO MILITARY BY GERMAN tion on East Timor,” Amnesty International EMBASSY said. TIMORESE FORCED TO In bodies such as the CHR the interna- Amnesty Int’l News Service, April 17 LEAVE GERMAN EMBASSY tional community, including the European Amnesty International was appalled at Union, has been seeking a consensus ap- summarized the expulsion today of eight and possibly proach. Yet this has had a minimal impact Lisbon, April 16 (LUSA) - Eight East nine East Timorese from the German Em- on the human rights situation in East Timor Timorese today entered the German em- bassy in Jakarta, Indonesia, directly into the and has allowed human rights violations bassy in Jakarta but were forced to leave by hands of military officers who beat, kicked such as torture, ill-treatment and arbitrary embassy security. They were detained for and then arrested the group. arrests to continue. interrogation by Indonesian police. “This is the latest incident of foreign em- According to the German embassy in bassies in Jakarta failing to take action to Lisbon, the eight were part of a larger group protect the rights of East Timorese,” Am- who attempted to jump over the embassy nesty International said today. fence at 1 AM. “The group were handed over to the mili- After interrogation, two of the eight were tary, despite ample evidence they might be released, but the whereabouts of the others at risk of torture and ill-treatment. “ is not known. The group entered the embassy around 2 am on 16 April, with the intention of seek- ing asylum. They were reportedly forced East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 45

GERMAN PROTESTS AGAINST the beginning of the collapse of communism And - by the way again - the German EMBASSY EXPULSION in East Europe. embassy in Jakarta is not like other embas- We urge the German government to im- sies surrounded by a fence, but by a con- Press Release From Watch Indonesia! - East mediately ask the Indonesian government to crete wall that makes it look like a prison... Timor Group, PO Box 106107, 69051 Hei- unconditionally release the detained East [...] It’s interesting that the German For- delberg and IMBAS, PO Box 60422, 60334 Timorese, to ask for their safety and physi- eign Office does not reject that their inten- Frankfurt/M., Germany, April 17, 1996 cal uninjuredness. tion was asking for asylum, although they [quoted in at least two major German dailies We also urge the German government couldn’t formally appeal. on April 18: On the “tageszeitung” front Yesterday the German government tried · to actively support the right to self de- page, and the “Frankfurter Rundschau” to blame the security personal which con- termination of the East Timorese people page 3] sists of local staff. The German Foreign to support and their demand for a refer- Office said, the behavior of the security endum in international fora and against Protest against the expelling of nine staff was not O.K., and meanwhile they the Indonesian government, East Timorese asylum seekers from the were told so. It won’t happen again, the German Embassy ground in Jakarta - · to influence the Indonesian government Foreign Office said.... moral bankrupt of the German Federal to ameliorate the human right situation in For us this statement is less than a weak Government’s so-called human rights East Timor, so that the people there are excuse. The German Embassy and the For- policy. no longer forced to flee into foreign em- eign Office are directly responsible for what The German Embassy in Jakarta allowed bassies, their security personnel is doing. We blame its own Indonesian staffed security person- · not to expel East Timorese people who Freeport McMoRan if their Satpam shoots nel to expel a group of nine East Timorese ask for refuge in the compound of the on tribal people in West Papua, so how can from the embassy grounds. The nine East embassy, but to do everything possible we accept that the Satpam at the German Timorese had entered the embassy grounds to help these people and to support them Embassy acts on their own responsibility! at 2.00 AM on Tuesday night and asked for in their struggle as Germany in particular Germany is trying to scapegoat the local asylum. According to eyewitnesses’ reports is obliged to do according to its democ- staff for the Embassy’s failure. the refugees were directly handed over to ratic principles. After so many foreign embassies in Ja- the Indonesian military, and subsequently It is important that strong protests are karta have been entered by East Timorese it were beaten and kicked by the military. made from activists around the world. You isn’t possible that the German Embassy Indonesia annexed East Timor 20 years may want to send protests to: was not prepared for a possible incident at ago violating international law. Although the Bundeskanzler Dr. Helmut Kohl their own place. So, I’m sure, they did have international community never recognized a plan how to face such a situation. The the annexation, and despite the continuous Bundeskanzleramt only question is whether the behavior of the violations of human rights and international Postfach security personal was consistent with that law, the international community failed to D-53106 Bonn, Germany plan or not. But in both cases, Germany is demonstrate its political will to put pressure Fax: +49-228-562357 responsible. on Indonesia to find a just solution. It’s Foreign Minister: Today the Foreign Office made another because of this missing pressure that the Dr. Klaus Kinkel step forward: They called in the Indonesian Indonesian government may undisturbedly Auswaertiges Amt Ambassador in Bonn and gave him a harsh continue its political course. Postfach 1148 lesson on the human rights violations com- We sharply condemn the expelling of the D-53001 Bonn, Germany mitted by the military/police forces outside East Timorese. Considering the human Fax: +49-228-173402 the embassy. Also the embassy itself com- rights situation in Indonesia and East Timor, German Ambassador in Jakarta: plained at the Indonesian Foreign Office for such inhumane behavior is scandalous and is the same reason. not at all a constructive step forward to- Dr. Heinrich Seemann Fine! After continuously ignoring the wards a political solution of the East Timor German Embassy (Kedutaan Besar Re- East Timor case and the gross human rights conflict. We value the expelling as just an- publik Federal Jerman) violations committed by Indonesia for the other concession of the German government Jl. Thamrin No. 1 sake of good business relations, finally to Indonesia’s technocratic military regime. Jakarta Pusat, Indonesia Germany blames Indonesia for torture etc. Our government’s human rights policy is Fax: +62-21-3901757 It’s only a few weeks ago when the German morally bankrupt. UPDATE ON GERMAN EMBASSY government refused to make any kind of Germany in particular should feel obliged ASYLUM-SEEKERS statement on the human rights situation to help people who are forced by circum- towards the Suharto regime at the ASEM stances to search refuge in foreign embas- From Watch Indonesia!, Germany, April 18. conference in Bangkok. sies. Seven years ago citizens of former East Excerpts Only now, when the Germans them- Germany fled into the West German Em- We have different reports, some saying selves are accused for human rights violation bassies in Budapest and Prague. In that the number of fence hoppers was eight, (at least indirectly) they are brave enough to situation it was a mere self-evidence to use some saying it was nine. We cannot confirm launch their protest towards Suharto’s kill- all diplomatic means to beware these refu- which one is correct. It would be very im- ing machine. gees from falling back into a situation where portant to know, in case the one missing is I guess it would be very positive if as - for good reasons - they just had fled from. the one who is told to be dead. many as possible people and organizations At that time the squatting of West German By the way, some cable reports said, officially criticize the German foreign pol- embassies was not only an impressive dem- they were entering the embassy ground by icy. If you can arrange protest notes to be onstration that let the world know the real passing the main door - which isn’t possi- send by prominent people or politicians it situation in East Germany, but it was also ble, I guess, at least not at 1.00 AM. would be perfect. But not only from Portu- Page 46 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. gal or Ireland, ... we need a strong protest by sies in Jakarta. This was the first time the BONN PROTESTS TO JAKARTA people from strong countries. German embassy had been involved. Publico, 19 April 1996. By Joaquim Trigo de Witnesses said there were nine people in Negreiros. Abridged. Translated from Por- EAST TIMOR LEADER TO the group which tried to enter the com- tuguese, LODGE COMPLAINT pound but Erdmann said there had only been eight, who had been taken into custody Timor is the focus of attention on various AGAINST GERMANY by Indonesian police. latitudes. In Bonn, the German Government He said two of them had been released has asked for an explanation of what hap- LISBON, April 17 (Reuter) - An East shortly afterwards and the Indonesian gov- pened to the refugees expelled from its em- Timor resistance leader said on Wednesday ernment had assured Bonn the other six bassy in the Indonesian capital. In Jakarta, he was lodging a complaint against Germany would be released by 1400 GMT on three Timorese sought refuge at the Dutch at the European Court of Human Rights Wednesday. Embassy. In Lisbon, new methods of inte- over the ejection of East Timorese asylum- grating refugees have been adopted. In Ge- seekers from the German embassy in Ja- BONN SUMMONS neva, negotiations continue at the UN karta. Germany said the group had been Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), thrown out by locally-employed Indonesian INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR and the Timor issue could go to the vote. guards who had not informed German em- IN TIMOR CASE Yesterday, the Indonesian Ambassador in bassy staff before acting. It said it had been Bonn was summoned to the German Foreign assured they would be released by Indone- BONN, April 18 (Reuter) - Germany Ministry, while Germany’s representative sian authorities who had seized them. summoned Indonesia’s ambassador to Bonn in Jakarta requested an audience with Su- José Ramos Horta, a leader of East Timor on Thursday to criticise the treatment of a harto’s diplomatic chiefs. The object of the resistance to Indonesian rule, told Portu- group of East Timorese men who were two meetings was the same: Bonn wants a guese radio TSF on Wednesday that a group beaten after they were ejected from Ger- clarification of the “brutal” way in which 8 of East Timorese who tried to enter the many’s embassy compound in Jakarta this Timorese, expelled from the German mis- German mission compound in Jakarta earlier week. sion in Jakarta in the early hours of last this week had been thrown out. “The foreign ministry state secretary, Pe- Tuesday, were treated y the local security “The Timorese are Portuguese citizens, ter Hartmann, summoned the Indonesian forces. and therefore European Union (EU) citi- ambassador today and protested against the According to the German authorities, the zens,” he added. “We will take the matter to brutal treatment of people from East Timor 8 refugees who entered the Embassy in the court of human rights in Strasbourg.” in front of the German embassy,” a Bonn search of political asylum were thrown out - Witnesses in Jakarta said nine East ministry statement said. without the knowledge of the Embassy staff Timorese men were kicked and slapped by “He called on the Indonesian government on duty - by members of a private security Indonesian soldiers after being handed over to investigate the case thoroughly and hold firm that guards the building. by guards at the German embassy on Tues- the guilty parties responsible.” The fact is that, once out on the street, day. They were then arrested, according to a Ambassador Hartono Martodiredjo and right in front of the Embassy premises, spokesman for a legal aid body. pledged to inform his government and to tell the 8 Timorese were beaten by Indonesian Ramos Horta urged Portugal on Tuesday Bonn about the outcome, the statement said, soldiers and then taken to police headquar- to lodge a formal protest with Bonn after but added the probe could take some time. ters, interrogated and later released. the incident. The German ambassador in Jakarta also The incident sparked off a series of reac- Foreign Minister Jaime Gama told the lodged a protest about the case. Witnesses tions in various quarters: a request from Portuguese news agency LUSA on Tuesday described the intruders as asylum-seekers Lisbon to the Bonn authorities for an expla- during a visit to Brazil that Portugal, the but Germany has said they did not request nation; a complaint lodged with the Euro- former colonial power in East Timor, in- asylum or indicate any political motive for pean Court of Human Rights by the vaded by Indonesia in 1975, was willing to entering the compound. Timorese Resistance against Helmut Kohl’s accept the nine Timorese. Witnesses in Jakarta said nine East government; a wave of indignation in the Portugal has urged fellow European Un- Timorese men were kicked and slapped by German press, and in Bonn the summoning ion member countries, whose embassies Indonesian soldiers after being handed over of the Indonesian Ambassador, to whom have been the targets of a series of East by guards at the German embassy on Tues- video footage of the beatings was shown. Timorese break-ins in recent months, to take day. Meanwhile, the German Ambassador in a sympathetic line with the asylum-seekers. A Bonn foreign ministry spokesman said Jakarta said that he had already spoken to In Bonn, foreign ministry spokesman on Wednesday there were eight in the group the 8 Timorese who had been expelled from Martin Erdmann said the embassy’s Indo- and that they had been thrown out by lo- his mission. “They are all well, under the nesian security staff should have informed cally-employed Indonesian guards who had circumstances,” Heinrich Seeman assured. diplomats of the intrusion. not informed German embassy staff before “Of course we do not approve of this acting. RESISTANCE LODGES conduct,” he said. The Indonesian government assured COMPLAINT; PORTUGAL “But I must add that during the attempt Bonn the group would be speedily released, DEMANDS EXPLANATION to get into the compound, no political de- he said. mand or any other request of that nature Portugal has urged fellow European Un- Publico, 18 April 1996. Translated from was expressed. So it could certainly have ion member countries, whose embassies Portuguese, Abridged been concluded that this was (just) a case of have been the targets of a series of East The Timorese Resistance overseas in- intruders.” Timorese break-ins in recent months, to take tends to lodge a complaint with the Euro- Since late September, 72 East Timorese a sympathetic line with the asylum-seekers. pean Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg have left for Portugal after entering embas- against the German Government. The com- plaint, which could also be taken to German East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 47 courts, is being formulated by José Ramos order to avoid any reprisals on the part of tried to gain entry into the German embassy Horta, and concerns the case of the 8 Indonesians. last week are still in hospital in Jakarta. Timorese who, in the early hours of last (Portuguese) Foreign Minister Jaime They are recovering from serious injuries Wednesday, tried to take refuge in the Ger- Gama (...) stated that Portugal has already sustained when they were assaulted by man Embassy in Jakarta. They were thrown expressed its willingness to receive said Indonesian security forces outside the em- out of the diplomatic mission and subse- Timorese. Portugal “has been following the bassy premises. quently arrested by the Indonesian police. situation from the outset,” he said, since the After their arrest outside the Germany The incident led Lisbon to request the German Embassy stopped them from enter- embassy, the eight Timorese were taken to Bonn authorities for an explanation. Yester- ing its compound. KODIM, the local military command. From day, the German Foreign Ministry spokes- there, they were taken to a police command man said that his Government condemned FROM WATCH INDONESIA!, and later transferred again to KODIM, the the expulsion of the Timorese, blamed on GERMANY, 21 APRIL 1996 Jakarta regional military command. Thereaf- members of staff of an Indonesian security According to information, Watch Indone- ter, it is understood that three were released firm which is said to have acted without the sia! understands that the eight East- and three were taken to hospital for treat- knowledge of the German diplomatic ser- Timorese who tried to enter the German ment. The whereabouts of the other two is vice. Embassy to ask for asylum have all been not clear. Two of the eight Timorese arrested were released from military detention. At present released after being interrogated. The others three of them are in a Jakarta hospital for GERMANY REGRETS were released yesterday from Indonesian medication, five others are in a students’ INCIDENTS police headquarters. News of the releases “asrama.” was relayed by an official of the German After demonstrations of East-Timorese Gama draws curtains over diplomatic Embassy in Lisbon to a group of Timorese in front of the German Embassy in Lisbon, row who were demonstrating there. the Embassy gave an official statement say- Yesterday in Geneva, where the UN ing that all eight Timorese may leave Indo- Publico, 23 April 1996. Translated from Commission on Human Rights’ annual ses- nesia to a country of their choice in the next Portuguese, Abridged sion is underway, the incidents at the Ger- few days. The International Red Cross is The German Foreign Minister, Klaus man mission in Jakarta were much com- assisting the relevant negotiations. It is ex- Kinkel, apologised yesterday to his Portu- mented on. However, they were not referred pected that they choose Portugal as their guese counterpart, Jaime Game, for the to by the Portuguese Ambassador Santa recipient country. “brutal treatment” to which 8 Timorese Clara Gomes at the meetings. Three other East-Timorese refugees who were subjected last week when they tried to Speaking on behalf of the Portuguese had entered the Dutch Embassy already left enter the German Embassy in Jakarta. The delegation, attending this year with observer Indonesia for Portugal. beating of the 8 young men by Indonesian status, Santa Clara Gomes accused Jakarta security forces and their subsequent arrest of not complying with commitments it had PCP DEMANDS sparked off a diplomatic row between Bonn undertaken in Geneva at previous sessions EXPLANATION and Lisbon. of the UNCHR. Yesterday, before the start of the meeting (...)Meanwhile, the President of the Publico, 19 April 1996. Translated from in Luxembourg between diplomatic heads of European Parliament, Klaus Hansch, said he Portuguese the Fifteen, and “given the importance of was willing to raise the problem of East The Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) Portugal-German relations,” (...) Kinkel met Timor at the Europe-Asia inter- wants Foreign Minister Jaime Gama to ex- with Gama to clarify the matter. The Ger- parliamentary meeting which commenced plain to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs man minister gave assurances that his gov- yesterday in Strasbourg. The meeting con- Committee the Government’s position with ernment had carried out an exhaustive in- tinues today, and whether Timor is dis- regards the violent way in which security quiry into the case, had lodged a complaint cussed is now in the hands of the Portu- guards at the German Embassy in Jakarta with the Indonesian authorities, and had guese Euro MPs attending. reacted to the 8 young Timorese individuals’ made every effort to ensure that the request for political asylum. Timorese involved in the incident were not TIMORESE HELD IN The PCP argued that since Germany is a kept in detention. Their release had actually JAKARTA RELEASED member of the EU it has a duty to act in been reported, but representatives of the solidarity with Portugal. The PCP wanted Resistance movement in Portugal are still Diario de Noticias, 18 April 1996. Trans- “clarification of the Embassy’s role” in the unaware of their whereabouts. lated from Portuguese, Abridged “very serious incidents” and, in addition to For his part, Jaime Gama put a lid on the matter and said there had been an improve- The Timorese who were arrested on calling for Jaime Gama’s explanation, re- ment in the attitude of the Germans as a Tuesday after ‘invading’ the German Em- ferred to the news that “the USA has re- result of the incident. “The German authori- bassy in Jakarta were released, according to sumed military aid to Indonesia, as well as ties acted with rigor and thoroughness in a an official of the German Embassy in Lis- the training of its armed forces.” matter which started off in an uncoordinated bon. After meeting with a group of way,” said Gama. He also said that the Timorese who had gone to the Embassy in THREE TIMORESE Timorese Resistance had decided not to go Lisbon to protest about the expulsion of 8 IN HOSPITAL ahead with the legal action against the Ger- of their companions from the Embassy in man Government at the European Court of Jakarta, Clemens Betzel told the LUSA TAPOL Report, 22 April 1996 Human Rights. agency that the six Timorese still being held According to information given to East had been released. Betzel said that the case Defeat at the Sub-Commission Timorese representatives in Lisbon by the of these Timorese would be monitored in Meanwhile, Portugal was unsuccessful in German embassy and confirmed by Am- its attempts to get Marta Santos Pais and nesty, three of the eight East Timorese who Page 48 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Ana Gomes elected as specialists on to the Respectfully, have answered their request in a positive UN Sub-Commission on Prevention of Dis- Dr. Alan Cheney & Family way according to orders by the Ambassador crimination and Protection of Minorities. St Louis, USA and the German Foreign Office, and we The elections were held in Geneva and, of [email protected] should have given them protection and sup- the four countries who put forward candi- –––––––––––––––– port. dates for the three available seats in the This is not meant as and it cannot be an RESPONSES (courtesies edited out) western group, it was Portugal that fell by excuse, as the security firm was hired by the the wayside. From: “Joerg Tauss, MdB” German Embassy, but it may be an explana- Marta Santos, Sub-Director of documen- tion of the tragic circumstances which made tation and comparative law at the (Portu- 20 Apr 96 possible an escalation to that extent, guese) Attorney General’s office and writer I’ m hearing from this problems the first With all the best for the UN Committee on Children’s Rights, time. I’ll ask for it. Michael Lauer and Ana Gomes, in charge of the Minister With kindly regards From: “Dr. Gerhard Friedrich, MdB” for European Affairs’ office, managed to get Joerg Tauss Member of Parliament 31 votes - just two less than the names put From: W Philip Quimby Dr. G. Friedrich asked me to answer your forward by the US. The specialists from <[email protected]> mail. Belgium and Norway held on to their seats. It is true that in the night of 16 April Contacted by Publico, Marta Santos admit- Thank you for your message concerning 1996 at around 01.00 hrs local time an at- ted that it had been “a complicated election” the events in Jakarta. Truthfully, I must tempt was made by a group of eight East in which the countries that already had spe- confess, that personally, I was unaware of Timorese to force their way into the cialists on the Sub-Commission won. these events. grounds of the German Embassy in Jakarta. In the past, this UN body has focused I have forwarded a copy of your message A few of them succeeded. They were forced considerable attention on the Timor issue, to the German Consulates in Atlanta and back by the Indonesian security staff at the which in itself was a good reason for Portu- Chicago, as well as to the embassy in Wash- Embassy and arrested by he Indonesian gal’s interest in the elections. Nonetheless, ington. Since the GACC is a private, non- police called to the scene. Marta Santos was sure that the Belgian and profit representative of German Industry, Two of the eight were released on 16 (especially) the Norwegian specialists “have we believe that these two official represen- April while another six persons continue to always defended the Timorese cause.” tatives of Germany in the United States are more appropriate recipients of this message the held by the police for questioning. The of concern. German Embassy in Jakarta has urged the LETTER TO GERMANS Should we be able to ever be of assistance relevant Indonesian authorities several times From Dr. Alan Cheney, USA to you in any commercial area, please do not to effect the immediate release of those con- hesitate to contact us or our Chicago office cerned and has sent an official letter to the I’ve sent the following letter to several which is responsible for the midwest. senior police authority in this regard. The members of the German parliament, news Sincerely, senior police authority has just informed the media, and government offices. There’s a W. Philip Quimby Embassy that those concerned are to be gold mine of German URLs and email ad- Marketing Director, German American released on 17 April 1996 at 21.00 hrs local dresses at Chamber of Commerce of the Southern time. http://www.DocuWeb.ca/Germany/weblinks.html United States According to the Indonesian security Some are in German only but many are in staff at the Embassy some of the East English From: Michael Lauer Timorese stated that they wished to apply Forwarded letter: for visas. They did not make or submit po- Sorry to answer your E-Mail so late, but litical statements or demands. Dear______, I just came back to Indonesia a day ago. The main concern of the intruders is to I am writing to express my utter shock If you don’t mind. I like to give you the draw attention to the issue of East Timor. In and disappointment at the treatment of the answer in German [Translation follows] cases where the intruders wanted to emi- East Timorese asylum seekers at the hands Unfortunately what has happened in In- grate to Portugal their applications were of representatives of the German govern- donesia is true. There is no excuse for it by accepted by the Indonesian authorities. Such ment at the German embassy in Jakarta. the German Embassy, too. an application was not made in this case. The German people especially should The security personal which is responsi- The security staff at the Embassy acted understand and respect the importance of ble to save the embassy’s outer area and correctly in forcing back the intruders. safe treatment for asylum seekers at embas- which is hired by an Indonesian security The following applies to asylum applica- sies. Not very long ago, German citizens firm clearly disobeyed the orders that were tions: As a matter of principle, applications from the former DDR successfully sought given by the ambassador and allowed Indo- for asylum can only be made in Germany asylum at foreign embassies. What if those nesian security forces to enter the protected and not abroad. If an application for asylum Germans had been forcefully expelled to embassy ground. As this incident happened is also made abroad a residence title for ex- face beating and kicking and arrest at the at 2 am local time and no one of the em- ceptional purposes may be issued, if neces- hands of thug police as happened in Jakarta? bassy staff was informed on the Timorese’s sary in very special cases, “if, for reasons Our family is a friend of Germany. We request, unfortunately nothing could be under international law or for urgent hu- have visited Germany several times and this done by the embassy officials. manitarian reasons or for the sake of pre- year hosted an exchange student from Ham- Of course, the embassy took some rele- serving the Federal Republic of Germany’s burg in our home. But we were shocked and vant measures against the firm to avoid the political interest, an alien is to be granted very disappointed at the conduct of the possibility of repeated encroachments and permission to enter and reside in federal Germans at the embassy in Jakarta. arbitrariness by the firm in the future. If territory” (Art. 30, Aliens Act). It is not Thank you for listening. some embassy official had been informed on the Timorese’s request, of course we should East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 49 apparent that these requirements existed in tatives from all the ministries connected the present case. with the problem. A technical office of spe- EVENTS IN INDONESIA Thanks to the involvement of the Federal cialists will provide the commission with Government and the International Commit- back-up. tee of the Red Cross all those concerned The Ministry of Solidarity and Social Se- GOVERNMENT NETWORK were able to emigrate to Portugal an 25 curity, which is to appoint the Chairperson HACKED BY FREE TIMOR April. of the new commission, is responsible for SUPPORTERS I do hope that this development will dis- organising, within the next two months, the pel your disappointment with what ap- setting up of “temporary emergency recep- Jakarta, 8 February 1996, AFP (Abridged) peared in the TV-news and elsewhere and tion centres” which are to replace the board- Computer hackers have broken into a ma- turned out to be at least an incomplete pic- ing houses used up until now to house jor Indonesian government network known ture of what happened really. I hope you Timorese refugees arriving to Portugal. as IptekNet and left messages for a free East will visit Germany in the future as well. Timor, the head of the network told AFP Yours sincerely TIMORESE LEAVE DUTCH EMBASSY FOR PORTUGAL Thursday. Dr. Christian Stienen, subject specialist ‘The hackers got in on Monday. Our ASYLUM – Dr. Gerhard Friedrich, MdB technicians saw the messages and they said CDU/CSU Fraktion, Bundeshaus HT JAKARTA, April 19 (Reuter) - Three it was news about East Timor and now we 325, 53113 Bonn East Timorese youths who broke into the have closed our IptekNet home page,’ said From: stan eckert Dutch embassy in Jakarta left the com- IptekNet coordinator Finarya Legoh. She pound on Friday for asylum in Portugal, an declined to reveal exactly what messages the Since the Expo2000 is a non-political or- embassy spokesman said. hackers left. ganization, we can not answer your request. “The East Timorese left the embassy at IptekNet links 30 government institu- We are not responsible for actions from 1630 (0930 GMT). They were accompanied tions including the Department of Industry German embassies or the German govern- by officials from International Committee of and Trade, the Institute of National Space ment. Maybe you should contact the the Red Cross (ICRC) to the airport to and Aviation and the Indonesian Institute of “Deutscher Bundestag"- Pages for your catch the KLM plane to Lisbon via Amster- Sciences. request. dam,” Dutch embassy spokesman, E.J. Finarya said technicians were trying to Yours, Schmidt, told Reuters by telephone. track how the hackers got into the hope the Expo Internet-Team The three youths scaled the Dutch em- page, accessible only with a password. bassy’s gate on Thursday and sought asy- The network was ‘still secure,’ according THREE TIMORESE ENTER lum. Four others failed to clear the gate and to Finarya, although it remains unclear ran off. whether the hackers have gotten any further DUTCH EMBASSY Since September, 75 East Timorese who into the strategic network. She declined to Publico, 19 April 1996. By Joaquim Trigo de have broken into embassies in Jakarta have say how many people were using IptekNet Negreiros. Translated for Portuguese, received asylum in Portugal, the territory’s but industry analysts said it could be up to abridged. former colonial ruler and still regarded by thousands of civil servants and academics. the United Nations as its administering In a separate incident, yesterday morning power. WHAT CORRUPTION DOES three Timorese entered the Dutch Embassy The Dutch embassy break-in came two in Jakarta. The three refugees, who were days after nine East Timorese entered the From: [email protected] part of a group of seven people involved in German embassy compound and were (Amok Maritiem), Feb. 12 the attempt to “invade” the embassy, will quickly ejected. Witnesses said they were be arriving tomorrow in Portugal - the desti- handed over to soldiers outside the mis- Korupsi nation of 72 other Timorese who, since last sion’s gates and were beaten. Indonesia is ranked on position 41 in a September, have sought refuge in western While some asylum-seekers in the em- survey after corruption in 41 countries. This embassies in the Indonesian capital. bassy break-ins have sought publicity for index is made by Transparency International A DIFFERENT RECEPTION their opposition to Indonesian rule, diplo- (TI) and the University of Göttingen in The events that took place this week are mats believe others simply want to escape 1995. This position is based on seven sur- an indication that the flow of Timorese to their homeland. veys on corruption by governments: three Portugal is likely to continue. Those who Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 of the World Competitive Report of the arrive in future, however, will benefit from and proclaimed the territory its 27th prov- Institute for Management Development in the new forms of reception procedures, set ince in 1976 in a move not recognised by the Lausanne (1992-1994); three of the Political out in a resolution adopted yesterday by the United Nations. & Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd. from (Portuguese) Council of Ministers. Hongkong (1992-1994); and one of the The resolution aimed to improve coordi- Business International from New York nation between the various governmental (1980). departments involved - Social Security, Corruption leads to wrong decisions ac- Employment, Education, Health, Justice, cording to the Dutch representative of TI Internal Administration, Foreign Affairs - Michel van Hulten. “The wrong supplier or and coordination of their activities with wrong investment goods will be chosen, those of NGOs working with Timorese in wrong spots for investments will be advised Portugal. and the wrong price will be paid. The Government decided to create a Sometimes the contracted goods or ser- permanent commission, to include represen- vices are not delivered at all. This is harming Page 50 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. the economy even on a lager amount than BISHOP BELO’S NIECE at the prison, along with 101 criminals. given in the form of bribes. Corruption is Some East Timorese have urged the authori- about disturbances of the market which is ARRESTED IN PRIOK ties to separate the political prisoners from unacceptable because of the disadvantages it From ‘Hidang,’ Jakarta 16 February 1996 the criminals but the government does not is causing to the respective activity and/or recognise any of the prisoners as being po- the population.” An East Timorese student named Utilia litical prisoners and treats them all as crimi- In Indonesia, according to a Indonesian Filipe Ximenes Alves, niece of Bishop Belo, nals. report, the functioning of a enterprise was arrested on Tuesday at 11.30am by needed 8 till 10 % of payments to bureau- troops in civilian clothing in Tanjung Priok. MUI AID TO TIMOR MUSLIMS crats. (NRC-Handelsblad 30-01-96) She had just arrived back in Java from Dili “On school I had learned during history by ship. Indonesia Media Network, Feb. 18 Utilia put up a fight when officers came lessons: the collapse begins on the top and Accompanied by ABRI Chief of Staff of not at the bottom. It starts with them who to arrest her, insisting that she had done nothing wrong. She was returning from six Social and Political Affairs Syarwan Hamid, are high in society, who have the power and Tomorrow the Indonesian Council of Mus- the money.” (Pramoedya Ananta Toer, Cor- months vacation in Dili. The armed forces took her into custody because they sus- lim Scholars Sends Aid to East Timor ruptie, Geuzenpocket 1992, p. 153. Origi- JAKARTA– Saturday (2/17) tomorrow nal: Korupsi, 1995) pected her of planning to go to an embassy in the capital to ask for asylum. She is also the Chief of Staff for Social and Political Affairs of the Indonesian Armed Forces INDONESIA SAYS STILL suspected of supporting the clandestine movement. (Kassospol ABRI), Lieut. Gen. Syarwan NEEDS SUBVERSION LAW Utilia insists however that she was re- Hamid will accompany the Indonesian turning to Java to complete her studies. ‘If Council of Muslim Scholars Chief KH Slightly abridged they were planning to arrest me, why didn’t Hasan Basri to hand over aid for the reha- Jakarta Feb. 14 (Reuter) - An adviser to they do it in Dili?’ she said. Despite her bilitation of places of worship that were Indonesian President Suharto defended the protests she was taken away. Nothing is destroyed by rioters early September last country’s widely-criticised anti-subversion known about what has happened to her year in East Timor. law, saying it was needed to counter subver- since. “God willing, we will depart on Saturday sion, a newspaper reported on Wednesday. Security forces are very busy in Jakarta (2/17) with a special plane owned by H The Jakarta Post quoted the Chairman of these days because of the many East Probosutedjo and will return to Jakarta in the Supreme Advisory Board, Sudomo, as Timorese youths and students who have the afternoon.” said KH Hasan Basri to saying on Tuesday the law enacted in 1963 been flooding to Java to seek asylum. Two Republika at his residence Thursday (2/15). was still necessary because threats of sub- recently entered the French embassy and Besides the Kassospol, according to the version remained. were almost immediately flown to Portugal. plan, Kyai Hasan Basri who will be handing “If the law is abolished, what other laws But nine young people who entered the over aid worth Rp 176 million for the resto- do we have to prevent subversive activi- Australian embassy last week have refused ration of places of worship in East Timor, ties?” he told reporters after a meeting with to go to Portugal. They insist on going to will also be accompanied by Head of Mu- Suharto. Australia although the Australian authorities hammadiyah, Dr. M Amien Rais, Vice There have been calls from the House of have rejected their request for asylum, argu- Chairman of the Islamic Da’wah Council of Representatives and for many Indonesians ing that their grounds for asking for asylum Indonesia (DDII) Hussein Umar, Muslim for abolition of the law, known as the are not strong enough. Entrepreneur H Probosutedjo, and also the “Rubber Law” because of its flexibility to Security forces are having to cope with a Lesser Sundas Regional Military Com- trap anybody critical to the government. large number of East Timorese who hang mander A Rifa’i. Opponents of the law saying it is used around outside various embassies, particu- “According to plan, the group will fly only to prosecute people who oppose gov- larly the US embassy, hoping for a chance from Jakarta and stop over in Bali where the ernment policies. to scale the walls. Most of these young Pangdam will join us to East Timor,” he The law, which carries penalties that in- people have nowhere to stay in Jakarta and explained. clude death, has been used against many spend the nights outside shops, churches or Basri further mentioned, as explained by dissidents including Xanana Gusmão, serv- newspaper offices. the Head of MUI of East Timor regarding ing a 20-year jail term for leading East They have told journalists that the pris- the damage that the Muslims of East Timor Timorese separatists. ons in East Timor are again full of political incurred in the Riot last September, that his When serving as chief of Indonesia’s in- prisoners. It is hardly surprising that a riot office, through the coordination of several ternal security agency from 1974 to 1983, erupted at Becora Prison a few weeks ago, institutions such as Muhammadiyah, DDII, Sudomo froze student councils in universi- which resulted in shots being fired at a num- and Muslim Entrepreneurs lead by Probo- ties and banned a number of newspapers ber of political prisoners. One prisoner was sutedjo, was able to collect the funds when students took to the street in protests shot dead. Among those wounded and still needed. “On behalf of the Head of MUI and against Suharto. in hospital is José Soares Tailolo who was the Muslims of Indonesia, we are very Sudomo said Malaysia and Singapore sentenced to nine years for murdering a grateful for the funds that are needed to were among countries that had the power to member of the security forces in 1994. An- restore the mosques in East Timor.” bypass legal procedures and detain people other of the injured is Agusto dos Santos Touching upon the preparation to receive for the sake of preventing subversion. Moujino who was given a three-year sen- the aid in East Timor, Basri who seems tence for unfurling a Fretilin flag in Liquiça never tired in urging Muslims to help their two years ago. fellow Muslims in East Timor, stressed that Following the escape of five political the security conditions in East Timor is now prisoners and three criminal convicts during under control and is much better. “We have the riot, there are now 72 political prisoners received information from the MUI branch East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 51 there, that they are ready to receive us. In ‘TIMOR’ CAR TO BE guide. A directive is needed especially by fact the reception will be attended by the those in the regional area. entire board of the Communication and PRODUCED BY Without the directive, the lower level ap- Consultation Forum of Religious Figures TOMMY SUHARTO paratus will hesitate in taking actions which and the Governor of East Timor, José Abilio lead to the human rights offenses. With the Soares,” he added. Jakarta Post, 27 February 1996, more clear comprehension human rights, the In order for the aid from the Muslims of Summary only, with details from other Indo- hesitation to take action can be avoided. Indonesia to be put to good use, he stressed nesian papers which have given extensive Often happened that because of their that he would invite all the managers of coverage of this. hesitations, more people became victims. mosques, mushallas, Islamic study groups, A company, PT Kia-Timor Motor, Because of their unawareness, the people do and other Muslim educational institutions in jointly owned by Kia Motors Corporation not speak up even though they are harmed. East Timor to come to the reception. There- of South Korea, PT Timor Putra Nasional Before, a similar kind of book had been fore, “the aid will be handed over directly to and PT Indauda, both of which are owed published in a simple form, like the one the people responsible for the rehabilitation and controlled by Hutomo (Tommy) Man- written by Commander of Irian Jaya and of the places of worship.” dala Putra, the youngest son of President Moluccas Regional Military Maj. Gen. Asked why the handing over of the funds Suharto, is to start production of the first Dunidja. The book that became a guide for required the accompaniment of the Kasso- Indonesian car. The car will bear the name the members in the Regional Military Com- spol. KH Hasan Basri answered that the ‘Timor.’ mand was complemented by many. inclusion of the Kassospol in the handing Kia has a 30 per cent share in the ven- Dunidja’s initiative is a progressive step. over of the funds this coming Saturday, is ture, with the rest in the hands of Tommy It is hoped that Komnas HAM opens an regarded as an attentive and highly respon- Suharto. opportunity for public to contribute sugges- sible act of ABRI toward matters in East The car will be produced in two models - tions and ideas for the book. That way the Timor. sedans with 1,500 cc engines, and a recrea- people’s aspiration can be accommodated The inclusion of the Kassospol in the tional jeep with 2,000 cc engines. better. group to East Timor, according to Basri is a To mark the launching of the ‘Timor,’ ten New input, especially from the outside, special request from the ABRI Commander prototypes of the model were donated to must not be considered as a taboo. The Feisal Tanjung when he met with him last the President who donated the cars to the guide book idea should be treated as a public Friday (2/9). “It is not only a matter of Jakarta police. treasure so that its realization is accelerated. sending the Kassospol with us to East Around 80 per cent of the parts will be It will be more positive if the people’s Timor, the Commander also gave funds for produced in Indonesia with the remainder suggestions, Dunidja’s Directives, and the restoration of the places of worship in imported from South Korea. Komnas HAM’s script, can be united as East Timor,” he stressed. Exceptionally, the parts will be imported one book. Its wider and deeper content will Basri further evaluated that the realiza- tax-free, giving the model a significant edge make the people who are involved can par- tion of the handing over of the funds for the over a variety of models part-produced or ticipate farther in obeying it with full re- restoration of the mosques for the Muslims assembled in Indonesia. It will therefore be sponsibility. in East Timor near the Islamic Holiday, six able to sell at a price far below other cars on Because of its comprehensive content, months after the riot, is considered a wis- the market. the action can also nationalized. A guide dom of the Holy month of Ramadan. “Once For these reasons, the ‘Timor’ is set to book that nationalizes reflects that there is a again we should be grateful, that finally the become the leading car in Indonesia, compa- unity and coordination so that there is no Muslims of Indonesia can fulfill the wishes rable to the Volkswagen in Germany. sectoral, regional, or incidental handling of of their fellow Muslims in East Timor that With cars a leading status symbol, the human rights. have been hit by this calamity. Hopefully ideological overtones of this choice of name So far, what people recognize as human with this aid, the religious activities will go is quite unabashed. rights violation is only the government and on as usual.” he said. its apparatus. Because the government holds Head of ABRI Information Center, Maj. the power then the weaker party is consid- Gen. Suwarno Adiwijoyo confirmed the HUMAN RIGHTS GUIDE ered as the mistreated. Actually, human departure plans of the Kassospol, Lieut. BOOK rights violation can be committed by any- Gen. Syarwan Hamid to East Timor tomor- one. row. According to him, through the Kasso- Indonesia Media Network Editorial: Human The eviction against a group of small- spol, ABRI Commander gave funds for the Rights Guide Book scale traders by other society member, in Muslims in East Timor. 1 March 96 East Timor for instance, is a human rights Adiwijoyo did not reveal the specific The guide book on human rights will be violation. The taking of hostages against amount of the aid. However, according to published by the Human Rights National civil citizens in Irian Jaya by the Free Papua him, the plan to give the funds has been Committee (Komnas HAM). This is a very Organization separatist movement is also a mentioned during Probosutedjo’s visit last exciting news following various alarming human rights violation. week. human rights offenses recently. It is hoped that besides being complete According to Adiwijoyo, the departure of According to Secretary General of Kom- and detailed, the human rights guide book the Kassospol to East Timor is not only to nas HAM Baharuddin Lopa, the book will will also include concrete examples. A book accompany Probosutedjo and the Chief of be a public guide in comprehending and which only contents ideas or concepts will MUI. There are several matters that need to upholding human rights in Indonesia. be far from the reach of lower levels in the be coordinated between ABRI and the Re- It is hoped that with the book, the peo- society. If that happens, human rights will gional Government. ple will be able to comprehend better, gov- be a strange thing to them. It is also hoped ernment officials too can have a clearer that this book will be a system which not only protect but also bind us together. Page 52 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

It is obvious that the guide book idea in- Speaking on broader international issues, “If we are faced to choose between hu- creases the value of Komnas HAM as a Feisal Tanjung said political developments man rights and the people, ABRI will cer- national asset. in Europe and Asia have influenced global tainly choose the people,” he said. relations and regional concerns. Regional When asked about the vocal standing of DOMESTIC SITUATION stability is particularly volatile because of certain groups, Hamid said that whether CALLS FOR MORE the ongoing Spratly and Paracel island dis- vocal or not we still have the right over our pute which involves China, Taiwan, Viet- nation and country. SERIOUS ATTENTION nam, Malaysia, The Philippines and Brunei “We also need to be vocal. What is im- Darussalam, he said. portant is that it has to be controlled, not Kompas Online, 6 Mar 1996 If these tensions continue then, of course, letting it lead to awkward desires such as Jakarta – Commander in Chief of the regional security will be disturbed, he said. changing Pancasila, the 1945 Constitution or Armed Forces (ABRI) General Feisal Tan- laws which have been approved,” he added. jung maintains that more serious attention ARMED FORCES CHIEF: needs to be directed toward the increasingly ARMED FORCES SHOULD volatile domestic situation. HUMAN RIGHTS ALONE Speaking at a parliamentary working CANNOT SOLVE NOT WORRY ABOUT THE meeting on Tuesday (5/3), the General said NATIONAL PROBLEMS GROUPINGS IN SOCIETY the potential for conflict among the growing number of socio-political organization was a March 10, 1996 Jakarta, 3/9 (ANTARA) - Former cause of great concern. Speaker of the People’s Consultative As- Surabaya, 3/9 (ANTARA) - Indonesian sembly who is also the elder in the Army In particular Feisal Tanjung pinpointed Armed Forces Chief of Staff for Social and the activities of separatist groups in East Gen. Abdul Haris Nasution said, Indonesian Political Affairs (Kassospol ABRI) Lieut. Armed Forces (ABRI) does not need to be Timor and Irian Jaya who worked in col- Gen. Syarwan Hamid stated firmly that the laboration with certain foreign parties. concerned about the phenomenon of group- national problems cannot only be solved ings in society grouping, which are trying to When the chairman of the working meet- through law or human rights, but it has to be ing Marcel Beding, from the Indonesian form their own strength outside the existing solved comprehensively. political system. Democratic Party Fraction (PDI), asked “ABRI really appreciates human rights, how long the East Timor and Irian Jaya “In my opinion, ABRI does not need to as long as it is not concluded subjectively, worry,” said Nasution to the press in Ja- problem would be allowed to continue, Fei- but comprehensively,” said the three starred sal Tanjung said, We only need to look at karta, Saturday, when asked about his com- general answering to question in the dialogue ment on the statement of ABRI Chief of England. The IRA problem has continued at the National Working Session (Rakernas) for over 100 years, the same is true in Spain. Staff for Social and Political Affairs Lieut. IV Indonesian National Committee of Youth Gen. Syarwan Hamid (3/7) that ABRI is And then there s Italy plagued by Mafia and in Surabaya, Friday. bandit activities. Japan and the United concerned about the phenomenon. After representing the ABRI Commander The phenomenon, said Nasution who States are not excluded either. Gen. Feisal Tanjung to speak in the Raker- In relation to the new left phenomena, was met briefly at his residence, has to be nas, Hamid explained, ABRI often deals considered as ABRI spirit to increase the ABRI s Chief of Staff for Political and So- with dilemmatic conditions, between up- cial Affairs Lieutenant General Syarwan service to the people, in accordance with its holding human rights and being cornered or function as the stabilizator and dynamizator Hamid said those who had witnessed the defeated. subversive activity which resulted in the which protects all the people. “I once brought one platoon into the jun- The existence of various interests, de- 1965 Coup were familiar with such subver- gles of Irian Jaya to deal with the rebel sive tendencies. sires, even complaints from the people, he groups there, but then my men died and said, is not something new because in 1945 By being cautious doesn’t mean being only one or two left, Can you call it a viola- continuously suspicious but simply to take ABRI formed a coordinating institution tion of human rights we fire because we are which was called the “People Liberation preventative action against certain symp- in such a forced situation,” he said rhetori- toms. These symptoms must be controlled Army,” to hear various aspirations of the cally. people, because ABRI grows from, by, and so they don t erupt, he said explaining According to him, if he let the whole ABRI s early warning activities. for the people. troops die and most of the residents in Irian So, Nasution said, ABRI does not only We have to learn from history so as not Jaya become threatened, of course the na- to be clinched twice by the same problem. depend on those who give orders nor only tional interest has to be prioritized than carry out orders from the rulers, but also has ABRI is not seeing an ant as an elephant but human rights. rather taking preventative action. If ignored to be close with the people. “So, human rights issue has to be priori- By doing that, he said, ABRI can ac- then the situation can be used by other par- tized also, but if the situation demands than ties, he said. commodate the voice and aspiration growing we have to prioritize national interest. in the society. Election Therefore, the national problems cannot During the meeting commission member only be solved through human rights but has PAKPAHAN CALLS FOR Irham Abdurrochim questioned the Com- to be observed comprehensively,” he said. mander in Chief of ABRI about the extent to People’s Choice REFERENDUM which ABRI would guarantee an honest and Hamid stated that ABRI when in a forced IN EAST TIMOR just 1997 election. Feisal Tanjung, however, situation will always choose the people’s Jakarta Post, 15 March 1996, Abridged was reluctant to answer the question saying choice rather than only viewing the human only that the election campaign was in the rights issue narrowly. The 20-year old dispute over East Timor hands of the election organizers. will only be solved by referendum, a consti- tutional law expert told members of the East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 53

United Development Party (PPP) at the is the courage of such an important figure based on the Pancasila. For almost twenty House of Representatives. stating them so clearly in an Indonesian years, we have tried to resolve the East Muchtar Pakpahan, who is also leader of publication. Like much of his labour and Timor problem by military means, and it the Indonesian Prosperous Labour Union human rights advocacy in Indonesia, his has not yet been resolved. From an ideologi- told the legislators there is no need for Indo- analysis of the East Timor case is based on cal basis, there may be something that needs nesia to maintain East Timor’s integration as a fundamental belief in the principles of the to be revised. long as disputes continue to cause economic Indonesian independence struggle, and the Our principle is independence, everlast- and political problems for the country. Since rights guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution, ing peace and social justice. After all this much money has been poured into the prov- which have been (illegally) overridden or time, are we still holding on firmly to that ince and given that many countries still do ignored by the current regime. (see below) principle, or have we already deviated from not recognise Indonesia’s sovereignty over Rob South Friends of East Timor (Western this basic principle. It looks like Indonesia is East Timor, Indonesia must take the brave Australia) FOETWA is the WA affiliate to the not willing to give independence to the peo- step of ending the dispute by holding a ref- Australian Coalition for a free East Timor ple of East Timor, to determine themselves erendum, he said. democratically through a referendum “Their The four legislators told Pakpahan that a POTRET NEGARA INDONESIA own independence/freedom” or “integrated referendum is not relevant to solving the with Indonesia.” The point is, everlasting (PORTRAIT OF THE INDONESIAN problem. peace has not been achieved in East Timor. STATE) According to Pakpahan, a referendum 2. Principle of Indonesia’s Mission would also be consistent with the country’s by Muchtar Pakpahan Published by Yayasan Indonesia’s mission in the international basic ideology, which includes freedom, Forum Adil Sejahtera, Jakarta, 1995, world is to eradicate colonialism because, peace and social justice. pp.112-115 since independence is the right of every Pakpahan also reported on the Youth East Timor nation, any subjugation in this world is con- Solidarity Group of East Timor conference trary to humanity and justice and must in Lisbon which he attended on 23 - 24 Feb- Until this time, the problem of East therefore be abolished. ruary. The 400 participants were mostly Timor has not been resolved. The case of In the international world, there are still East Timorese living in Portugal, including East Timor has been absorbing energy and in nations which accuse Indonesia of colonising those who had just arrived from Indonesia. the international world it has brought shame East Timor. But actually the case is that Similar meetings are being planned for Aus- for Indonesia. Economically and politically Indonesia has a mission to eradicate coloni- tralia, the US, Ireland, Sweden, Malaysia is it beneficial for Indonesia to force East alism from the face of the earth. It is not a and Britain this year, he said. Timor to join with Indonesia? The point is, good feeling to receive an accusation of being He told the legislators that the message in the mind of the East Timorese there is an expansionist/aggressor [mencaplok - lit. he got from the meeting was that most of still a feeling that says “First colonised by ‘swallower’] or a coloniser, when actually the East Timorese in Portugal are not anti- Portugal, then colonised by Indonesia.” This the case is that Indonesia has a mission to government. ‘They said that they could not group of people don’t feel that there is an eradicate colonialism. stand the military’s cruelty towards the integration with Indonesia. In the interna- The other factor that is always being East Timorese people,’ he said. tional world there is an accusation, led by Portugal, that “Indonesia is the coloniser of talked about in the international world is PAKPAHAN ON EAST TIMOR East Timor.” that the Indonesian army often acts inhu- manely and arbitrarily. The case of Dili and From: Friends of East Timor WA, April 3 The point is that this fact remains, and will still be there if the approach is as re- Liquisa, besides others, is the proof that has Recently a number of reg.easttimor confer- pressive as the last twenty years. There been raised. ence items mentioned the views of Muchtar should be a new approach in accordance 3. Historical Approach Pakpahan, Chair of the Indonesian Pros- with the Preamble of the Indonesian Consti- perous Labour Union (SBSI), on the ques- Geographically East Timor is part of the tution of 1945 (UUD45). Everlasting peace Nusa Tenggara Timur island chain, part of tion of East Timor. Muchtar has recently and social justice is the principle, and de- published a book Potret Negara Indonesia the archipelago. Historically this archipelago mocracy and the protection of human rights is the Republic of Indonesia’s territory. (Portrait of the Indonesian State), in which is the solution. he details his position further. A quick trans- There were two choices that were brought To resolve the East Timor problem com- up to find the meaning of the archipelago, lation of the relevant section is attached at pletely, the East Timorese should be given the end of this item. the first one being the inheritance of Mata- the right to a democratic referendum, to ram/Majapahit, or secondly as an ex-Dutch As head of SBSI, the largest independent decide whether East Timor should be inte- colony. If we see it from the first choice, it trade union in Indonesia (which must be grated with Indonesia or get its own inde- means that Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, distinguished from SPSI - the government pendence as a nation. There are four consid- Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines are controlled labour organisation), Pakpahan erations I want to point out. 1. Principle of still a part of the Republic of Indonesia’s was sentenced to three years gaol in No- Ideology 2. Principle of Indonesia’s Mission territory. If this is the case, in the current vember 1994 in an attempt by the regime to 3. Historical Approach 4. Fact context, Indonesia would have to fight and repress free trade unionism. He was re- Now I will consider these one by one conquer all of them. But wisely, we chose leased six months later pending appeal, after 1. Ideological Principle the second choice, which was as an ex- there was a local and international cam- Dutch colony. paign by trade unionists and solidarity activ- In the introduction it was explained that If the approach is based on history, all of ists on his behalf. The harassment and re- the view of Indonesia in its relationship and the ex-Dutch colony will be a part of the pression of SBSI continues, however, and association with the international world is in Republic of Indonesia, which means East many organisers remained behind bars. the framework of carrying out international Timor is not included, because East Timor is Muchtar’s arguments will not be unfamiliar security/order, which is based on independ- an ex-Portuguese colony. But Indonesia to reg.easttimor readers; what is impressive ence, everlasting peace, and social justice would not close any options if the East Page 54 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Timorese want to be part of Indonesia, in a sia and warned against any action that could means to guarantee safety, orderliness and democratic way. lead to national disintegration. its smooth passage,” he said. 4. Fact Suharto, who has ruled the sprawling He called on those involved in the super- equatorial archipelago with a firm hand since vision of the elections to carry out their The fact is there are still many East the late 1960s, also called on the armed duties responsibly, accurately and without Timorese people who do not want to recog- forces to ensure a smooth general election, reservations. nise the integration with Indonesia. They set for next year. “Take firm action against anyone who accuse Indonesia of carrying out an act of “We must be aware that there are limits violated the rules and protect those who expansionism/aggression [pencaplokan - to decentralisation, deregulation and de- deserved to be protected,” he said. q.v.]. That percentage which disagrees needs bureaucratisation, and to openness,” he told Armed forces commander General Feisal to be determined in a proper and democratic a meeting of senior military officers. Tanjung told the same gathering that various way. Suharto, a former army general, said the security disturbances, sparked by either Based on these four items, it is correct “wholeness of the territory, the unity and domestic or foreign sources, had been over- that the people of East Timor should be cohesiveness of the people and the sover- come. given the right of self-determination through eignty of the nation” were the limits. “These “Operation targets have been achieved, a referendum, to decide whether they want have to be looked after so that they are not among others, in crushing security distur- to be integrated with Indonesia or get their violated by anyone. bances in East Timor, Aceh and Irian Jaya,” own independence. This referendum should “This has to be stressed so that there is he said be done under the supervision of the United no one fishing in muddy waters, such as Nations. stepping up acts that could result in national Indonesia should not be worried, because INDON PARTY BOSS SAY S disintegration, directly or indirectly,” he they have done something meaningful in TIMOR A NON-ISSUE added. East Timor. And if in the referendum the Suharto said the armed forces must guard majority of East Timorese people choose By Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia against any “germ” that could endanger the their own independence, Indonesia should Correspondent [abridged] unity and cohesiveness of the nation, the accept it with grace. Indonesia should be world’s fourth most populous country with JAKARTA, April 12 AAP - As Austra- graceful in this, because Indonesia is a nation more than 193 million people. lia’s new Foreign Minister prepared to visit based on Pancasila and the 1945 Constitu- He did not mention any specific regions Indonesia next week, one of Jakarta’s most tion. or groups in his speech, which followed powerful politicians has declared East I am convinced that through the referen- some of multi-ethnic Indonesia’s worst Timor a non-issue. dum the East Timor case would be finally street violence in recent years in remote Ruling Golkar party chairman Harmoko resolved. So let us muse carefully, objec- Irian Jaya. said there was “no problem” in the former tively and cool-headedly, without jumping Separatist rebels in the province have Portuguese colony, and anyone suggesting to conclusions. held hostages since January 8. the territory was not irreversibly integrated Indonesia has also faced separatist with Indonesia was “dreaming.” TIMOR - INDONESIA’S groups in the troubled former Portuguese But Mr. Harmoko, the Information Min- MAIN PROBLEM colony of East Timor and in Aceh, on the ister, and a figure sometimes mentioned as a northern tip of Sumatra island. possible successor to President Suharto, Diario de Noticias, 20 March 1996. Trans- The country’s experiment with openness said East Timor was no longer a matter for lated from Portuguese slowed in 1994 when the government debate. “East Timor and Indonesia have become According to an article yesterday in “Re- banned three popular news magazines which inseparable,” the official Antara newsagency publika,” a Jakarta newspaper, East Timor were highlighting sensitive political issues. reported Mr. Harmoko as telling a meeting still constitutes a major problems for con- On Thursday, Suharto said granting of Golkar members in East Timor yester- temporary Indonesian politics. greater autonomy to regencies would not day. The paper stated that the current differ- lead to disintegration of the archipelago, “Therefore anybody still trying to sepa- ences “concerning the advantages and disad- adding that the central government was rate the region from the rest of the country vantages of (Timor’s) decolonisation” and committed to allowing them greater author- would only be dreaming in broad daylight.” with regard the territory’s political status ity in managing their own affairs. Mr. Harmoko said East Timorese people are obstacles to “the development process The political situation in Indonesia has had greatly benefited from integration with in general and to Indonesian diplomacy in been hotting up in the wake of next year’s Indonesia, in terms of the economy, society, particular.” general election, to be followed in 1998 by culture and politics. The article went on to say that the Indo- the presidential election. nesian Government’s programme had served The government has been irked by the to “weaken local values.” setting up of an independent election NIP THIS REBELLION watchdog, comprising prominent govern- (IRIAN JAYA) SUHARTO WARNS ment critics, before next year’s general elec- AGAINST INDONESIAN tions. A need for all sides to address Irian Suharto, widely expected to be appointed Jaya’s problems DISINTEGRATION to a seventh five-year term as president in Editorial, Asiaweek, April 16 1998, said it was the duty of all Indone- By Muklis Ali sians, including the armed forces, to ensure Until the middle of last year, few observ- JAKARTA, March 29 (Reuter) - Presi- that the elections are conducted smoothly ers of Indonesian affairs gave much time to dent Suharto said on Friday there were lim- and peacefully. the vast province of Irian Jaya. Home to its to openness and deregulation in Indone- “It is our responsibility to safeguard the rich rainforests and a population of just 2 election,” he said. “To safeguard the election million, it was best known for photographs East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 55 of stone age tribesmen. The rebel Free simple everyday freedoms that most Indo- other words do are afraid to realize it,” he Papua Movement (OPM) was considered nesians can take for granted. Like their frac- said in Dili on Tuesday. so splintered as to survive only because of tious cousins in faraway Aceh, where natu- He assumed that the Human Rights Na- the safe havens across the border in Papua ral gas produces solid export revenue, the tional Commission which until now has an New Guinea. The rich mining operations of Irianese can point to Freeport and the prob- independence position and always criticizes U.S.-based Freeport had aroused protests ability of more rich mineral sites as evidence several social and human rights matters and from environmental groups, but that didn’t that they are not getting a fair deal. even judge the DPR members, as political alter the fact that the copper mine, which is Yet it is unfair to blame most of Irian’s employees, are not capable of doing what is also Indonesia’s biggest gold producer, was troubles on Freeport. Last year it gave $22.7 actually need to be done, especially when it a substantial taxpayer and the motor for million to local community development concerns the human rights. development in the region. programs, a sum that is set to rise this year When asked whether there is a possibil- That picture changed last year when sol- to $34.3 million. This is no small contribu- ity that the undone realization of the repre- diers allegedly shot dead 16 OPM sympa- tion to an area that already benefits from sentative office in the region is because of thizers in anti-Freeport protests at or near Freeport-related roads, airports and other the pressure from certain parties, Soares the mine. Indonesia’s Human Rights Com- facilities and a workforce that is a market for said, that is possible, so that the human mission slapped the army over the inci- local produce. A strong element of cargo rights national commission in the region is dents, and in January it jailed four of its cultism makes it unlikely that the tribes will still afraid to do their activities. men. While Freeport was not directly criti- be easily satisfied with whatever Freeport Unstable Yet cized, there were hints about collusion be- can give them, and the company is consider- Soares pointed the possibility of the dys- tween the company and the military. In ing putting management of its programs function is because the planning of the hu- January, an OPM group kidnapped 25 wild- under locals so they can learn what is in- man rights national commission itself is not life researchers. With seven Europeans volved in developing a remote area. stable enough. among the hostages, Irian was catapulted Ultimately the answers to discontent The representative office was founded on into world headlines. Then in March came must come from Jakarta. Irianese are de- January 24, 1996, which received assistance riots at the Freeport site and in the capital manding more autonomy in decision-making, in operational means from the East Timor of Jayapura, the latter incident underlining particularly on budgets. So far, devolution Regional Government which was submitted that Irian’s problems are by no means con- of authority has been firmly resisted by in person by the Regional Secretary, Drs. fined to Freeport. A student-led crowd of Jakarta, which fears that a taste of auton- Rajakarina Brahmana. 4,000 rioted when they were unable to re- omy may only create the desire for more. The official appointment was also at- ceive the body of former OPM leader Tho- Yet if national cohesion is to be maintained, tended by two members of the Human mas Wainggai, 59, who had died of an illness Indonesia one day will have to go some way Rights National Commission; B.N. Marbun, the week before in Jakarta’s Cipinang Jail. toward defusing the resentments of those SH and Clementino dos Reis Amaral from The Jayapura riot pointed to enormous regions that feel neglected. East Timor. dissatisfaction with the governance of the Greater responsiveness to local concerns In the occasion, Amaral said that there province. While Indonesia’s right to rule in would require, on the Irianese part, an effort will be three personnel who will be placed at Irian is not contested by the United Na- to better articulate their wishes and accept the representative office; two from East tions, as in the case of East Timor, the coun- more responsibility. They will need to rec- Timor and one, who will be the head, from try’s own political scientists have warned ognize that it is only by working with Free- outside of East Timor. for some years of the risk of Balkanization port and Jakarta that they can improve their “The important thing is that the person- should the imbalances between eastern and lot. Calling for independence from Jakarta, nel who are going to be placed have the abil- western Indonesia not be addressed. It is a and for Freeport to be shut down, are apt ity and are neutral. The neutrality of the common theme in the east that little of the only to try the patience. With the eyes of head of the East Timor-based representative money contributed to Jakarta ever makes its the world on Irian Jaya, there’s at least a office is what we prioritize on, from which way back home. reasonable prospect that Jakarta is in a ethnic the person come does not matter,” he Added to the problems of development mood to listen to grievances. said. are the often heavy hands of bureaucrats and The representative office will not only military leaders. Despite the Human Rights DPR MEMBER REGRETS serve the reports or complaints on the hu- Commission’s recent work, Irian is far from DYSFUNCTION OF HUMAN man rights violations from the East the attention of the national press and other Timorese. institutions which might help to ensure a RIGHTS COMMISSION “Our commitment is to serve everyone fair deal for residents. Aggravating this is a OFFICE who feels harmed and that their human western-Indonesian superiority complex rights are violated without questioning their that tends to regard the Melanesians of Irian Dili, 4/24 (ANTARA) - One of the origin, religion and other primordial identi- as simple folk who don’t know administra- members of the House of Representatives ties,” said Amaral. tion. Not that the Irianese are always lords (DPR) from the Development Faction Sal- in their own villages. Tens of thousands of vador Januario Ximenes Soares regretted the Javanese have been resettled in the province, fact that the East Timor-based representa- INDONESIANS JEALOUS OF partly to sanitize the land border with PNG, tive office of the Human Rights National EAST TIMOR HANDOUTS while other migrants have arrived independ- Commission since its existence on January ently to dominate commerce in the major 1996 until now has not function yet. Manchester Guardian Weekly, 28 April settlements. “The dysfunction of the Representatives 1996. By John Aglionby in Jakarta Not unlike East Timor, some local people Office in the region reflects that the mem- East Timor is beginning to give the Indo- have found themselves disenfranchised in bers of the Human Rights National Com- nesian government headaches of a different their own land. Also not unlike East Timor, mission in Jakarta is still doubtful or in kind, as accusations grow of government a heavy military presence has minimized Page 56 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. favouritism towards the troublesome prov- is caught in a dilemma. “In Jakarta there is a minimum and the share of global air travel ince. basic fear that if the youngest province is will be 20%. Airbus Industries, Boeing, and Taxpayers are complaining that a dispro- treated very differently from the rest of the McDonnell Douglas (MDC) are all forecast- portionally large amount of public money is country it will become very different,” he ing that Asia Pacific carriers will account for being used to woo people away from sup- said. “But how can equal treatment be ap- nearly 4,000 new aircraft by the year 2014. port for separatist unrest in the former Por- plied to a province which doesn’t share the Considering this development in Asia, tuguese colony, while more loyal areas are nation’s history and is economically so far Indonesia comprehends the need to build being neglected. Most provinces rely on behind other provinces?” commuter aircraft (actually not only for the central government for up to 70 per cent of There is little evidence, however, that region but also for her air transportation of their budgets. government policy towards East Timor is its 27 provinces) as well as to supply air- The government spends more in state aid about to change. Resentment in other prov- frame parts to other types of aircraft. on East Timor, per capita, than anywhere inces may, in any case, be checked by a new Leaders of this country realized that de- but Irian Jaya, the Indonesian half of New regional devolution programme. pendency on foreign technology will only Guinea. In the last financial year government place Indonesia in a disadvantage position. spending stood at nearly $100 per person in INDONESIA AIR SHOW Therefore, in pursuing the long term objec- East Timor compared with $28 for East (IAS) IN JUNE ‘96 tives, Indonesians should be able to gain and Java, $45 for Bali and just $15 for West develop their science and technology. In Java. Millions of dollars have been spent on From Martin Broek particular, aviation and aerospace technol- schools, hospitals, roads and housing in the ogy. This can be seen through the presence province. The Indonesian armed forces rely on of CN-235, N-250, assembly of NBO-105 But many East Timorese remain deeply western arms, but have their own domestic Helicopters, NAS 332 Super Puma, hostile to Indonesian rule. Dozens have arms industry too. Companies like PT Pal NBELL-412 and other products. sought asylum in foreign embassies in Ja- (small naval vessels, maintenance and repair) It has become a tradition that each par- karta in the past 18 months or tried to enter and PT Pindad (small arms and rockets) are ticipating country in an airshow emerged Australia illegally by means of the hazard- two of the most important. The other one is with leading aircraft. In IAS ‘96 Indonesia ous sea passage. Indonesia is obliged to IPTN (aircraft and helicopters), which is will feature its latest commercial aircraft, N- maintain a garrison of 6,000 soldiers in the regularly mentioned on this newsgroup. 250, built by the Bandung based state air- province. To strengthen the position of this com- craft industry, IPTN. Open opposition of this kind fuels the pany Indonesia is organising a air show, Co-organised by PT. Produk Indonesia in bitterness in other areas, where people feel called the Indonesia Air Show ‘96. I have co-operation with the National Committee their loyalty to Jakarta goes unrewarded. some information on this ‘event,’ but I am of IAS ‘96 interested in more information, e.g. which “Attitudes to East Timor have started to End official text change,” said one political analyst. “Instead companies will attend the show. The earlier of accepting what the government does, mentioned address in reg.easttimor and Facts: people are beginning to question the large reg.indonesia is mainly focussed on Austra- The show will be held at June 22-30 on amount of aid given to the province. The lian business. If you have any information the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in new feeling is: ‘Why should we give money please let me know. I also will try to answer Jakarta. Soeharto will open the show. to these people when they are doing nothing requests on information. The organisation expects 600 exhibitors but always causing trouble?’ Some people from: Australia, Belgium, Canada, China, are even wondering whether we should give Background of IAS ‘96 [official informa- France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia up East Timor, as it’s proving to be so ex- tion] (IPTN, Garuda maintenance Facilities, pensive to govern.” The year 1996 is earmarked as ‘Tahun Gapura Putra Internusa), Italy, Japan, Ma- “There is jealousy emerging, particularly Dirgantara’ which means the ‘Year of Avia- laysia, Pakistan, Russia, Singapore, Spain, in eastern Indonesia,” Pande Radja Silalahi, tion’ for Indonesia. After celebrating its Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, The Nether- an economist, said. “The people there feel 50th year of anniversary in 1995, the coun- lands, United Kingdom, USA, Czech Re- that they’re giving more to Jakarta than try will demonstrate to the world its devel- public, Denmark, Ireland, New Zealand, they’re receiving, and they point to East opment in aircraft technology through Indo- Norway, Poland, Rumania, South Africa, Timor as somewhere that is getting more nesia Air Show ‘96 (IAS ‘96). Taiwan, UAE, etc. Indonesia, UK, France than its fair share.” IAS ‘96 is the second air show to be held and Australia will attend with their special Resentment is particularly strong in East in Indonesia. The first one in 1986 was pri- ‘aerobatic’ teams respectively: Hang Biru (6 Kalimantan, an oil-rich province in Borneo marily targeted to introduce Indonesia’s F-16’s), Red Arrows, Golden Dream, Pa- which regularly generates more than 20 per capabilities in the aviation and aerospace trouille de France, Roulettes cent of Indonesia’s export earnings yet re- industry. However, in 1996, the country has Conclusion ceived less than 1 per cent of the country’s grown to be capable to develop aircraft with Although the background information is $128 billion development budget last year. its own local human resources, thus enhanc- on air transportation in the context of a “The indigenous Dayaks are witnessing ing the continued effort of Indonesia to pre- Asian development towards traffic growth. their resources being depleted without, in sent its advancement in aviation internation- The mentioned products of IPTN are fore- their eyes, being adequately compensated,” ally. most military aircraft, except the N-250. said Mr. Silalahi. “In the past they have As indicated already in the year 2000, the Stunt flying with military aircraft is painting pointed the finger at the Javanese, but now economy of Asian countries will increase even a more militarized picture. This air- attention is turning to the question of East tremendously. Along with the high rate of show will be a civil/military one and needs Timor.” economical growth, the demand of air trans- to be followed very closely, because it will Hadi Soesastro, the executive director of portation will undoubtedly also multiply. be a market place where people do business. the Indonesian Centre for Strategic and In- It is projected that within the next 20 ternational Studies, believes the government years, the annual traffic growth will be 7% East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 57

So if anyone can add information to this representative for the Indonesian govern- EAST TIMORESE CLAIM rudimentary information, please let me ment at UN human rights conferences. The know. I just saw the message about the interview, extracts of which appear below, OVER PORTUGAL information on internet. was conducted by Arif Bargot Siregar and IS REALISTIC Arief A. Kuswardono. Indonesia Air Show additional informa- Indonesia Media Network - 20 Apr 96 tion Following discussion on East Timorese Dili, 4/19 (ANTARA) - The East From INTERAVIA Jan/Feb 1996, page 29, embassy fence jumpers, Muladi said: Timorese claim over the cruelty and coloni- via Martin Broek ‘I think there is something unhealthy zation of the Portugal government for 450 there from a national point of view. Of The Indonesia Air Show is a show on air- years which caused suffering and backward- course East Timorese who are anti- craft and isn’t limited to military aircraft. ness of the natives, was considered by a integration may see it differently. Over there Although it will be used to expose the Indo- social observer in Dili realistic. people value the International Committee of nesian built military helicopters and air- “The claim is necessary and realistic as a the Red Cross and Bishop Belo more than planes, as well as foreign ones. According to prove of stabilization of the integration the Indonesian government apparatus. If the organisers 20,000 trade visitors, 600 values,” said the Executive Director of the anything happens, let’s say a conflict with exhibitors and 2,5 million public visitors are East Timor Development Studies Center Indonesia, they run for cover there.... At expected to attend. “Duc in Altum Foundation,” Drs. Antonio some point, I think, a highly strategic prob- The UK has demanded 1,200 sq. m, of Castro da Silva, on Friday. lem will arise that will put an end to the total exhibit area of 20,000 sq. m., more than The estimation was forwarded to the whole conflict with a final decisiveness. It 10%. The UK is followed by French 700 sq. press when asked for his comment on the will burst like a boil. We have to wait and m, Germany, the USA and Australia, 600 claim of the East Timorese over Portugal see how the boil develops. sq. m each. which was done by the East Timor Regional South Africa will attend IAS with the Q: What form will this take? House of Representatives and several fight- Rooivalk combat helicopter and from Russia A: It could be the determined attitude of ers from the “1959 Viqueque Movement” fighters and transport aircraft shall give East Timorese society. The strategic forces last week. presence during the show. 14 stunt teams there at some point suddenly realize who Head of East Timor Regional House of will do their aerobatic tricks. “unlike the the enemy is. As for Indonesia, I think we Representatives, Antonio Freitas Parada, situation at the Singapore Air Show, the are ready for anything. accompanied by several fighters from the flying display will not be limited by com- Perhaps most disappointed of all is 1959 “Viqueque Movement” last week, mercial air traffic,” a report in Interavia tells ABRI. Let’s say they succeeded in imple- charged the Portugal government over the us. Among the stunt teams are those from menting integration, but then it turned out cruelty which was done through a joint China and Taiwan. we were challenged with social and eco- statement. According to the chief operations officer nomic problems that remain unsatisfactory. The charges has already been registered at for the show, with a familiar name, Thareq ABRI’s position has become difficult. the Arbitration Court in Den Haag, Nether- Kemal Habibie the show “(...) has a definite With the East Timorese running away lands, on January 28, 1995; two days before political purpose - to build support for overseas, a crystallisation will occur, it will the verdict of the International Court on Indonesian aviation.” When the 96 show become increasingly visible. What needs to Portugal’s claim over the Celah Timor to will be a success the frequency will be be investigated is, how great is the potential Australia which was eventually denied. change from every ten years to every three of these East Timorese émigrés to replace [The verdict was actually in June, 1995. years, according to TH Habibie. Indonesia’s existing foreign enemies? That The court denied Portugal’s case be- IAS will be another step in a money con- includes a vigilance against terrorism. cause Indonesia does not recognize the suming prestige project and will be a market Q: Is there any evidence of that? jurisdiction of the International Court of place for military aerospace equipment for A: There it is! The movements in Austra- Justice. – Charlie, ETAN/US] governments and company’s from all over lia were pioneered by them. Also the dem- The charges was stressed again through a the world. onstrations against Mr. Suharto, against the joint statement with reinforcement through embassies, burning the Red and White flag. the presence of several fighters from the That is them - besides the East Timorese 1959 Viqueque Movement which recently DISINFORMATION FROM refugees from earlier times perhaps there are returned from their exile in Portugal. THE INDONESIAN SIDE our Chinese who have run away there, as- The claim, according to Parada, was in- sisted by the original inhabitants [Australian tended to make the international world citizens], and the families of Australians aware of the standing, determination, and MULADI IN MATRA: EAS T killed in East Timor. It is not impossible intention of the East Timorese which has TIMORESE TERRORISM? they will do something even more negative. been stated in the “Balibo Declaration” 20 And we have to be ready. That includes a years ago, which declared the intention in DIGEST from Gerry van Klinken, April 13 vigilance in the area of national aircraft integrating with the Republic of Indonesia. In the March 1996 edition of Matra flights and our interests overseas.’ It was explained that if the claim of the (pp.14-24), the criminologist Prof. Muladi DIGEST provides quick news summaries East Timorese is accepted and approved, his foreshadows the possibility that East with comment. Contact: Gerry van Klinken, people along with public figures will depart Timorese will resort to international terror- Indonesia Resources and Information Pro- to the Arbitration Court. ism. Unfortunately, he does not go on to gramme, publishers of ‘Inside Indonesia’ According to da Silva, all this time the prescribe a solution. Prof. Muladi is rector magazine, tel +61-7-3371 3854. Indonesian government and those who are of Diponegoro University in Semarang, pro-integration seems to be defensive to- Central Java, a member of the National Hu- ward the claim of those who are anti- man Rights Commission, and a frequent integration and Portugal. Page 58 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

“With the charges, an offensive effort is She said, she experiences the progress seen and felt both structurally and mentally, starting to show in order to balance the at- herself because initially, the opportunity to there is no obstruction for the women in the tack from the anti-integration group and receive educational until high school is very youngest province to progress and develop Portugal itself,” he stressed. rare, let alone to be a master in various fields in various fields of development. The charges, said the graduate from the of science. “Only, such opportunities to progress Social and Politics Faculty of the Gajah “There are some cultural limitations in and develop are often not used by the Mada University-Yogyakarta, also prove the society which consider why women women in the region themselves,” he said. that the integration has brought positive should go to school up to a high level,” he He suggested the young women genera- impacts to the people in the youngest prov- explained. tion in East Timor to always learn so that ince in Indonesia although it must be admit- According to Lopes who during the inte- the big opportunity to be able to tale part in ted that there are still a group of people who gration process of East Timor into Indonesia the development in any filed can be well are questioning the matter. was still a little girl, the great number of used. When asked whether the charges will be women in the region who has become mas- When asked about her comment on the responded by the anti-integration group and ters in various fields of science and able to women in the villages, Lay said that the Portugal itself, in his opinion, that is certain. play role in various fields of work proves work ethic of the East Timorese women is “I think a response will certainly come the rapid progress. similar to the Balinese women. up, but in stabilizing the integration, the She mentioned that at present, there are “The East Timorese women in the vil- charges which was submitted by the East already many East Timorese women who lages are the backbone of the family and Timor Regional House of Representatives is have become members of the Regional their work ethic is similar to the Balinese necessary and there must be people who House of Representatives, leaders of the women,” she said. have such standing,” he said. local regional government bureaucracy and She also agreed that the women in the vil- He stressed that all this time in balancing also famous entrepreneurs in Lorosae (Sun- lages, through various efforts, must be more the accusation and criticism on the East rise Land). improved so that they can progress and Timor matter, an offensive diplomacy pol- According to the graduate from the develop more in accordance with the de- icy in several fields is necessary. Udayana School of Medicine - Bali, the mands of the era. If we go on with the defensive diplo- progress in the women’s role does not nec- macy, Indonesia will always be a target of essary have to be measured by how many RAFTY: THE EAST TIMOR criticism and accusation through the state- women representatives in various govern- QUESTION: AS I SEE IT ments of the anti-integration group and Por- mental formal fields. tugal itself which we must admit has drawn “Because there are still many women in Article circulated on the WWW site of the the international press sympathy all this the villages who need to be improved so that Indonesian Foreign Ministry, at time. they are able to develop and progress even www.dfa-deplu.go.id/english/tonyraft.htm “So, there must be an offensive effort in more,” he continued. by Tony Rafty order to balance it,’ said da Silva. Women’s Organization Tony Rafty was a was correspondent In the context of increasing the women who served in many theatres during World WOMEN’S ROLE HAS resources in the villages, according to Lopes, War II. At the time of the Japanese surren- IMPROVED RAPIDLY the role of the women’s organization like the der to the Allies, Tony was assigned by his education for women program (PKK) can superiors to cover the situation in the East Dili, 4/21 (ANTARA) - The women’s realize the expectations and wish of the Indies. role in the East Timor province in the last women in the villages. Arriving in the city that was then called 20 years since the integration with Indonesia She referred to the health field where as Batavia, he found a completely different has rapidly improved and developed. much as 75 percent of the cadres in her picture that until his arrival had been, for The opinion was enclosed by ANTARA working area are women. That shows that one reason or another, kept secret. He found in Dili, on Sunday, from the opinions of two the women’s role is very big, but it still that a new nation had been created, the Re- women from two generations from the needs to be improved. public of Indonesia comprising the whole of youngest province in Indonesia, when asked Unfortunately, she said, all this time the the Dutch East Indies proclaimed under the about their comment relating to the 1996 management of the women’s organizations leadership of the nationalists. Soekarno as Kartini Day with their “emancipation” like PKK is still identical to the wives of president and Moh. Hatta vice president. spirit in the context of the women’s role in officials, whereas in the villages the women Tony Rafty is credited with being the East Timor. villagers are the ones who are supposed to first foreign journalist to make the world “The progress of women’s role in East be the members of the board because the award of the existence of the Indonesian Timor in the last 20 years is very apparent organization is “owned” by the women in Republic and its proclamation on the 17th and that is not fabricating because there are the region. August 1945. the facts,” said dr. Candida Isabel Lopes – In a separated occasion, Maria Fernanda As a reward, Tony Rafty gained the con- Head of the local governmental clinic in the Lay – Head of Telecommunication Regional fidence of President Soekarno who went the West Dili Subdistrict. Office Dili Telkom Co. said that the pro- battle of Surabaya erupted travelled from According to the young doctor who is an gress of the women’s role in the last 20 Yogyakarta to that city in order to bring East Timorese, the progress of women’s years in East Timor has not found any ob- about a cease fire (which he succeeded in role in the region is seen from the increase of structions. achieving), allowed Tony to accompany him number of East Timor “Kartinis” who hold “I see the opportunity to progress is in his private aircraft. the position in various fields, both in the given equally to women in various fields in Charlotte Clayton governmental and non-governmental areas in East Timor,” he said. ––––– this region. To Lay who during the integration was a For 20 years I have marvelled at the young generation, so far from what she has manner the Australian press has, generally East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 59 speaking presented the so called Timor his on the spot version to the general public. have began to fire on the crowds. Indeed all problem to the general public. Or did they and for reason yet to be made the actors were in place while the camera- As a journalist, proud of my profession, clear, ignore Pat Burgess’ on the spot ver- man, also strategically positioned at a ceme- I am appalled that the true story, especially sion to the of the Balibo incident at the be- tery where the so called “massacre” takes the killing of 5 journalists in Balibo has hest of the editorial staff scanning the head- place and the Australian activities every- never been reported accurately. lines for the next issues? where ready to carry out their leading roles. This correct record of that incident is not With Pat Burgess account in mind I de- Stage three. Once inside the cemetery the mine belongs to a colleague who was at cided to pursue with a greater depth of in- British cameraman goes into action and a Balibo. A colleague, a war correspondent terest other aspects of the Timor question film that has since made for him a very now deceased who has gained the respect and my findings are most alarming. The pretty penny begins to record the “massa- especially from his peer group. The person I following I present for your consideration. cre.” However the screening of this so called speak of is Pat Burgess and this is his ver- Firstly, why is it that when the killing is horror can only show people running and a sion of that fatal day at Balibo. mentioned the reference is always made to 5 man obviously hurt lying on the ground. If “Together with other journalists I was at Australian journalists when it is recorded the incident was not so tragic it would be Balibo and warned by Indonesian authorities that there were only 2 Australian, the others good material for a comic opera which por- in no uncertain term of the danger of being in were two British and one New Zealander? trays the indigenous people being saved by an area where they expected cross fire be- And why do we only hear the name of Greg strong white Britons, an American and Aus- tween their troops and the Fretilin gorillas Shakleton and not the others. tralians. And the scene of foreigners leading was to take place.” The widow of Greg Shakleton, Shirley is the people out of the church. Indeed it is too We realised how dangerous the situation forever in the news as a strong Fretilin sup- ridiculous to contemplate. And that film was becoming and immediately prepared to porter. Why does not she heed the words of tagged “Massacre at Dilli and the first vacate the zone. To our amazement five a respected and well known person such as screening in Sydney presented by Jane journalists (two Australians, two Britons Pat Burgess who was with her husband in Wendt on channel nine.” and one New Zealander) refused to do so. Balibo and openly says that the bullet that On the first night, sounds of bullets could When asked why, they replied that they killed her husband could well have been that be heard as the scene unfolded. But the next would stay and film the crossfire. They of the Fretilin? She seems to embrace the night’s television feature of the incident were after headlines. Fretilin cause without question and one can came without the sound of any bullets just “With that they walked towards the sur- only wonder why? the screeching noise of ambulances or fire rounding mountains and soon after became Secondly as recently as 14th October alarms. victims of the crossfire.” 1995 an article written by David Jenkins Why the faking of the sound of bullets Pat Burgess said that if they had heeded appearing in the Sydney Morning Herald and who was responsible for the dubbing? the Indonesians warning they would be back states “That the journalists had been caught What happened to the bullets, Jana Wendt? in their own countries this day. in cross-fire between Fretilin and Indonesian The Australian Journalists Association went Pat’s summary of the killing at Balibo forces.” Tut, tut Shirley Shakleton, believe on record stating that as Jana Wendt was should be recorded and noted. This is after me you have all my sympathy about the not a member of the AJA, no case could be all an on the spot observation by a journal- death of your husband, but really, do you brought and no further comment was forth- ists well known and well respected. He have to be so blind not to see where the coming. In other words no action was taken could gain nothing by bending the truth and truth lies? although it is obvious that some where as a man of honour would never have done And how about the so called Massacre at someone distorted the real facts. so. Dilli. A massacre? Well the media certainly Fourthly why is it that Australia is the But for reason that one can only conclude wanted the word to believe that was what it base for the Fretilin? Why is that they find are based on vested interests some sections was. But to my mind it was a stage-managed their strength in this country? Why do we of the media prefer to listen to the words of performance by vested interests to further not only allow this to happen and appar- James Dunn who has set himself up some the gap between Australia and Indonesia. ently encourage it to do so? sort of an authority on the communist Fre- For an instance. How come that a British The latest episode in this on going Timor tilin in Timor. Mr. Dunn, who having been cameraman, an American radio journalist and saga centred around the so called boat peo- the Australian vice consul during the Portu- activists from Australia were all in centre ple. They claim that they will be jailed and guese time in Dilli does nothing but bend the stage when the “massacre” took place. So even worse could happen if they are sent truth especially in the case of the killings at strategic were their placings on that day that back to Timor but what real evidence do Balibo. those who have a vested interest in the issue they have of this? Unfortunately, Pat Burgess is now de- were able to portray to television viewers None at all. Only the words of the Fre- ceased when alive he was determines to have the entire tragic incident and unfortunate tilin that we all know is nothing more and the truth told and would relay the happen- loss of lives to the viewers appears as a nothing less than communist front. ings at Balibo to fellow journalists and other “staged” box office film. Wade through all the pages of the mate- interested parties who cared to listen. Take as an instance the church scene rial written especially by James Dunn and One of those occasions was a couple of where an Army Major is stabbed by a none of the above questions are ever an- years after the killings. It was at a lunch at member of Fretilin. An American journalists swered. Al that the words of the persons the journalists’ Club in Sydney where mem- leads the worshippers from the church (why writing convey are undercurrents that sug- bers of the press were present. The occasion they, being nationals of the country needed gest we should fear the Indonesian and be on was an informal one and Pat took the op- guidance by an Americans nor disclosed) to the alert for the danger they will bring to portunity to relay in great detail the events a near by cemetery. The American journalist this country. leading up to the death of the five journal- (a woman by the name of Anne Goddard) I close this article knowing that forever ists. Since then I often ponder why it is that jumps up and down while all the time the five killed in Balibo will be recorded (for not one of those journalists ever called on screaming at the military who now horrified sensations sake) in the press as Australians. Pat for official clarification in order to bring by the stabbing to death of their superior That Shirley Shakleton will forever grab Page 60 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. every opportunity to damn the Indonesians Rafty think Mr. Burgess was doing in Por- How would Mr. Burgess know what and that Immigration Minister Nick Bolkus tuguese territory taking orders from the happened once they were out of sight? will fail in taking a positive stand with the Indonesian military? Why would anyone I am not suggesting any evil intent by Fretilin Boat people. And that Brian Too- give credence to what “Indonesian authori- Mr. Burgess, he may have been misin- hey will keep his eyes and ears closed to the ties” were telling them when the said “Indo- formed, but one wonders why he didn’t ask true account of the killings as Balibo as told nesian authorities” had no business operat- the all too obvious questions. Given the by Pat Burgess. ing in territory that was not theirs? time that has passed, I am forced again to The communist Fretilin are having the Why didn’t Mr. Burgess report the fact wonder why he deprived me of this infor- last laugh and I for one resent that it is a that the Indonesian army had crossed the mation? In fact, we don’t know what he laugh on a country that I love, respect and borders and were firing upon Timorese? actually said, we only have Mr. Rafty’s admire, Australia. The Fretilin openly boast Doesn’t this fact bother Mr. Rafty? Why account to go by. that they can lead this country by the nose doesn’t he feel outrage at this obvious Mr. Rafty seems particularly irked by any which way they desire and I deeply breech of the peace? the Australian media reporting of the deaths resent the suggestion. Don’t you? I can’t help thinking that the use of the (of five Australian journalists) yet he spelling “gorillas” may offer a clue to a hid- doesn’t seem to care or has ever bothered to SHIRLEY SHACKLETON den agenda; whether it is a Freudian slip or check the facts - all the murdered men were RESPONDS made deliberately, what kind of person let not journalists. Two were journalists, two May 2, 1996 alone a journalist would make such a ridicu- were camera men and one was a sound re- lous spelling mistake? It is true that some cordist. Personally, I have always made Mr. Rafty claims to know a great deal Indonesians use the term Orun Hutan or these distinctions verbally, including the about me, yet during the passage of twenty Orang-u’tan as an insult to humans. As well names of the murdered men and their re- years he has failed to contact me with in- as the name for members of the primate spective television stations - but when it formation he claims is vital to an under- family of orangutans, they also say Irang- comes to recording such fine details in print standing of what happened to my husband Hitam to denote blackman or a native of it is extremely cumbersome, so I am not at and his colleagues at Balibo. At no time have West Papua. These terms are used exten- all surprised that the shorter description of I heard from him or from Mr. Pat Burgess sively in East Timor along with other regret- five Australians was more commonly used. which is astonishing given the claims Mr. table forms of insult such as: “You This also gives the lie to those who com- Rafty alleges were made by Mr. Burgess. Timorese are primitives, you’ve just come plain that reporting of the Balibo murders Many of these claims are just plain silly and down from the trees.” and the invasion of East Timor were not some of them are quite mad. I am sorry to say this, but I think it is well covered in the Australian press. By Mr. Rafty seems determined to take um- just too much of a give-away - I suspect comparison to other countries it was. Before brage on a number of points stated by him Mr. Rafty has learned to think like a par- the Pilger documentary, and apart from to be facts for which there is no evidence: in ticularly spiteful type of Indonesian (not at Tapol, the reporting elsewhere was very fact there are so many inconsistencies in all characteristic of the majority of Indone- poor indeed. poor Mr. Rafty’s article that I find it hard sians) or he is a very poor journalist whose I am the widow of Greg Shackleton. to take his allegations seriously, but for the ready acceptance of the brutal Indonesian From the first day when I heard an early record I will try. invasion of East Timor makes his point of morning newscast on the Australian Broad- The answer to the first question directed view questionable. casting Corporation that five journalists at me is quite simple: I have not heeded the Likewise, we have to ask ourselves what were missing in Portuguese Timor, I have words of Mr. Pat Burgess because he never credence we can give to the following: asked the same question at every opportu- gave me the chance. Until now neither has “To our amazement five journalists nity given me. I can do it in my sleep! Mr. Rafty! Though claiming particular (two Australians, two Britons and one “What happened in Timor? What happened knowledge of what happened at Balibo, his New Zealander) refused to do so (re- to my husband and his colleagues? What statements and claims only serve to deepen treat). When asked why, they replied happened to Roger East? What is happening the mystery. that they would stay and film the to the people of East Timor?” I believe I The first and obvious questions concern crossfire. They were after headlines.” have not only the right, but the duty to the following extract purporting to be evi- Does Mr. Rafty mean that the journalists continue to do that and I believe that unless dence from Mr. Burgess: actually said they were after film of the he can give good reason why I should not “Together with other journalists I crossfire? Unless it was dark there wouldn’t continue to do so, Mr. Rafty owes me an was at Balibo and warned by Indone- be much to film. Perhaps they said that they apology. sian authorities in no uncertain terms wanted to film some action. In other words, I really resent his suggestion that anyone of the danger of being in an area where they were doing their job. What kind of and myself in particular, in trying to sort they expected cross fire between their journalist would expect anything else from out this horrifying story has a “vested inter- troops and the Fretilin gorillas was to television crews reporting an undeclared war est.” I would like to know precisely on what take place.” by a large powerful neighbour on a smaller evidence Mr. Rafty has based his allega- What were the names and nationalities of weaker country? Only a fool would think tions; if he has facts to contribute to this the “other journalists” said to have been “at that wasn’t the kind of news that would dreadful, I urge him to publish them now. Balibo”? It is a strange fact that no-one has grab headlines. In other words they were Here are some facts to be going on with. I ever made such claims before. I for one doing their job. If we are to accept Mr. am not, nor ever was a supporter of Fretilin would like to make contact with these Rafty’s allegations, Mr. Burgess was not per se. I am a supporter for the enfran- “other journalists,” as any evidence they with the journalists in Balibo - “they (the chisement of East Timorese, personal politi- could give would be valuable. journalists) walked to the surrounding cal affiliations within their own country are What did Mr. Burgess think he was doing mountains and soon after became victims of no business of mine or of any other person. in Balibo and what did he think the Indone- the crossfire.” So many lies have been told about the kill- sians were doing there? What does Mr. ings at Balibo and about the invasion and East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 61 occupation of East Timor that this latest the newsmen. That I know because I was Some diplomats said the issue had been attempt to fudge the issue stacks up there at the time they were killed. blocked at the level of political directors and (whether it is meant to or not) as a badly therefore not reached the Council. flawed attempt at pro-Indonesia propa- Others said it had been agreed by the ganda. EUROPE-ASIA SUMMIT IN ministers and would be published shortly, Another pointer to Mr. Rafty’s agenda BANGKOK while others again said it had been put on ice are his allegations regarding Max Stahl’s until some countries had dealt with the presence at the massacre in the Santa Cruz tricky issue of refugees in their embassies. cemetery. Mr. Rafty’s conclusions are sim- THAILAND TO BAR No one said what the disputed text con- ply not true. Far from making Max “a tained, but last week diplomats said a text pretty penny” it was the worst business TIMOR LEADER under discussion by political directors called deal he ever made. I persuaded Yorkshire BANGKOK, Jan 21 (Reuter) - Thailand for dialogue between Indonesia – which Television to visit East Timor to ascertain has rejected an appeal by Thai human rights invaded in 1975 and is regularly accused of the situation there, and I can report that the and pro-democracy groups to allow East human rights abuses – and the local popula- team led by Peter Gordon met up with Max Timor resistance leader José Ramos-Horta tion, with the stress on observing human Stahl who was visiting East Timor as a free- to enter the country during the Asian- rights. lance film maker and journalist. Max ac- European Summit in March, the Nation Still in the same region of the world, the cepted Peter’s offer to go on Yorkshire newspaper said on Sunday. ministers at Sweden’s request informally TV’s payroll temporarily - Peter told me The paper quoted Forum Asia spokes- discussed allegations that Chinese orphan- that he didn’t want someone else nosing woman Chalida Tajaroensuk as saying Thai- ages have killed children for years through a around. When Peter had to return to England land’s decision stemmed from concern that programme of starvation and neglect. to fulfil commitments there, he asked Max Ramos-Horta’s presence here during the Sweden insisted that the EU take a “more to stay and record the Portuguese Parlia- March 1-2 summit could provoke an Indo- direct approach,” a Swedish diplomat said, mentary delegation. When the delegation nesian protest and withdrawal of participa- without giving details. was cancelled, Max made arrangements to tion by President Suharto. Diplomats said the ministers agreed that leave and it was a miracle that his flight out Foreign ministry officials were not im- foreign ministers should accompany their was scheduled for the day after the Santa mediately available for comment. political masters to the Bangkok summit Cruz Massacre otherwise he would have Thai human rights groups had sought for- because the EU wanted the meeting to pro- missed the greatest story of his career. Un- eign ministry approval to let Ramos-Horta duce solid results. fortunately, for Max the rights for his film lecture at a month-long diplomacy training They also ranged over a report agreed last were owned by Yorkshire TV who used it programme of Thammasat University here. week by the European Commission setting extremely well in newscasts all over the “Our appeal to the foreign ministry was out the EU’s shopping list. world and in their documentary “In Cold for Ramos-Horta to enter the country solely It calls for strengthened political contacts Blood.” Oh, and by the way, Mr. Rafty as an academic without engaging in any po- both at bilateral and multinational level, makes many other mistakes - like naming litical activities, and we gave a guarantee to much enhanced trade and investment, pro- the Santa Cruz Massacre the Dili Massacre the government that he wouldn’t meet any motion of human rights, democracy, the - the latter took place in 1975 and should journalists or hold any press conferences on environment and cooperation in regional not be confused with the former. East Timor,” Chalida said. security issues. I am running out of time - if what I have She said: “Unfortunately, the government All the participants in the summit have said so far has not caused the reader to seri- doesn’t trust assurances given by people’s been at pains to ensure that the meeting ously question Mr. Rafty’s bona fides, groups and human rights organisations. stresses the positive – politics, trade and nothing will, so I will conclude by thanking Once again, the country is bowing to the economics – and skates cautiously over the Mr. Rafty for this opportunity to set the interests of Indonesia and this is dreadful.” more contentious issues such as human record straight. rights, democracy and social protection. Let me assure you that I will continue to “The agenda is still open,” one diplomat respond to every opportunity offered me in GAC TO PREPARE FOR shrugged when asked how the issue of hu- order to comment on the parlous state of BANGKOK SUMMIT man rights would be included. affairs in East Timor. I believe that those of The political section of the summit will us lucky enough to be living in a democracy By Jeremy Lovell stress support for the World Trade Organi- must damn Indonesia’s presence in East Brussels, Jan 29 (Reuter) - The General sation, reform of the United Nations, nu- Timor. In view of the distortions Mr. Rafty Affairs Council began begin its preparations clear non-proliferation and cooperation in has published regarding me, I take it as a on Monday for the forthcoming summit in security and the settlement of regional dis- vote of confidence that I must be doing Bangkok between the leaders of the Euro- putes. something right. pean Union and 10 Asian nations, diplomats The economic section will stress the need Shirley Shackleton said. to wrap up a global package on liberalising P.S. I think Mr. Rafty should by interviewed They was some confusion on whether telecommunications networks and maritime with his “evidence” by Mr. Sherman who is the ministers had agreed a statement on East transport – two items left over from the currently in England. Timor – an issue that the former colonial Uruguay Round of talks under the General power Portugal wants cleared up before the Agreement on Tariffs and Trade. Comment from Jim Dunn March 1 and 2 summit with Brunei, China, It will also urge the adoption of global Pat Burgess was never at the scene at Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, rules for foreign investments and reinforced Balibo. I knew him well and he was not the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and co-operation on rules for financial services. unsympathetic to the Timorese. I don’t Vietnam. Asia as a whole is the EU’s largest trad- know this Rafty, but his information is ing partner, accounting for 23.2 percent of nonsense. Burgess could not have advised Page 62 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. the bloc’s external trade in 1994, and its weapons, a comprehensive nuclear test ban Indonesia brutally invaded the former economies are growing rapidly. treaty, as well as security in the two re- Portuguese enclave of East Timor in 1975, There is already agreement that the sum- gions. and annexed it the next year...a valid act of mit will be followed by working groups and European diplomats say their leaders are self-determination has not been carried out. ministerial level gatherings, with a second also expected to raise social issues, including So when [Portuguese Prime Minister] summit tentatively proposed to take place human rights and labour standards. Asians Guterres is in Bangkok, he will bring up in Britain in the first half of 1998. say they are willing to discuss such topics East Timor with Indonesia’s President Su- generally but European criticism should not harto. Not to do so will be tantamount to EAST ASIANS SEEK TO be excessive. political suicide by the new Portuguese AVOID CONTROVERSY Some Asian officials said they were op- leader. posed to a European suggestion to include a In Europe, the political philosophy of AT EU SUMMIT reference to the Vienna declaration on hu- governments of the people, by the people man rights in any final statement emerging and for the people is still respected and By Robert Birsel from the summit. adhered to. But sadly, that concept, previ- PHUKET, Thailand, Feb 3 (Reuter) - “Then we have to talk about other decla- ously held sacrosanct, has been disregarded East Asian leaders will discuss a range of rations. Why refer to only one when we by the ASEAN governments. political issues in a March 1-2 summit meet- should be referring to ... the social summit in It is important to point out that certain ing in Bangkok with their 15 European Un- Copenhagen, when we should be referring to positions taken by ASEAN governments do ion counterparts but will not welcome “ir- the population conference in Cairo, when not necessarily reflect the views and opin- relevant,” controversial topics. we should be referring to the Beijing confer- ions of the citizens of their countries... Foreign ministers from the 10 Asian ence on women,” a senior Malaysian official Vienna Declaration countries on Saturday wound up prepara- said. The European countries have insisted tory talks for the summit with broad agree- “We cannot single out a particular decla- that the principles of the Vienna Declara- ment on their position and gave a clear signal ration or convention in order to stress an tion, which came out of the World Confer- to the European Union to tread carefully aspect on a certain issue,” he said. ence on Human Rights in Vienna in June when raising topics such as human rights Asian officials said they were very close 1993 should be included in the chairman’s and labour standards. to agreeing to proposals for the chairman’s statement after the summit. ASEAN states, “For this first dialogue to be successful I statement, which would be the summit’s together with China, have voiced strong think both sides should realise you should final declaration. opposition to this. not bring in controversial and non-relevant The Asian ministers are also looking On the part of Thailand, it is indeed issues,” Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali ahead to future summit meetings with the hypocritical that it toes the ASEAN line on Alatas told reporters. European Union. the exclusion of principles of the Vienna “Controversial and non-relevant issues “We cannot view (the March summit) as Declaration after the Thai government can be found on both sides, not only on the a one-shot affair,” Singapore Foreign Minis- adopted the full declaration in 1993. Asian side. I can think of 10 irrelevant is- ter S. Jayakumar told reporters. Agreeing to the exclusion in the chair- sues that can seriously embarrass the Euro- “We anticipate that there will be a second man’s statement will be tantamount to Thai- pean side but we’re not thinking of raising meeting in Europe in two years time and land’s colluding with undemocratic regimes them, but neither should they raise certain we’re already talking about a third meeting in the region that put profits first and their issues that are not relevant,” he said. to be held in Asia,” he said. Asked if he thought East Timor would be people last. The Asia-Europe Summit is not the sole raised, Alatas responded: “I consider that to EAST TIMOR AND THE be a question of irrelevance.” prerogative of governments and must be Indonesian forces invaded East Timor in ASIA-EUROPE SUMMIT seen as a forum where the people can voice 1975, annexed it the following year and have their views. The people’s agenda must be “Asia-Europe Summit must be a forum for there and Asian governments, besides talk- been battling a band of East Timorese guer- the people” (The Nation, Bangkok) re- rillas since. There are persistent allegations ing about trade with their European coun- printed in The Daily Yomiuri, Tokyo, 10 terparts, should also allow the discussion of of rights abuses by Indonesian authorities in February 1996 [abridged] the territory. human rights. The United Nations still regards former One clear message came out of the meet- colonial power and EU member Portugal as ing of Asia foreign ministers in Phuket last JAKARTA WORRIED East Timor’s administering power. weekend: If human rights are brought up at BY TIMOR Asian countries attending the summit, the the Asia-Europe Summit in Bangkok next first between the two regions, include the month, Asia will bite back. This was made Diario de Noticias, 13 February 1996. seven-member Association of Southeast very explicit by Indonesian Foreign Minis- Translated from Portuguese ter Ali Alatas, who warned European lead- Asian Nations (ASEAN) - Brunei, Indone- The Indonesian Government is worried ers to stick to only “relevant issues” and sia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, about the possibility of Portugal raising the avoid talking about human rights. Thailand and Vietnam - as well as China, question of East Timor at the Europe-Asia “For the first dialogue (Asia-Europe Japan and South Korea. Summit, due to be held in the Thai capital, Summit) to be successful, controversial and The meeting will focus on economic co- Bangkok, on 1 and 2 March. Their concern nonrelevant issues should not be brought operation, including the expansion of trade was obvious from the statements made by up,” Alatas said...... and investment, but political and security Indonesian Foreign Minister, Ali Alatas, issues will also figure in the talks. Indonesian Diatribe during the visit to Jakarta of his French Asian officials say they want to discuss Alatas’ diatribe of course came about counterpart, Herve de Charette. Alatas pro- the reform of the United Nations, the prolif- when he was asked about East Timor.... posed that “the controversial issues” should eration of nuclear, biological and chemical not be broached during the summit, “in or- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 63 der to avoid the risk of failure of the historic 20,700 million dollars), and some way be- PARIS VOLUNTEERS TO MEDIATE meeting.” hind them are the Germans (with 5,000 BETWEEN LISBON AND JAKARTA Ali Alatas was speaking to reporters af- million dollars). To catch up, Paris is betting ter a two-hour long meeting with Charette on the renovation of political dialogue with Diario de Noticias, 14 February 1996. with whom, he said, he had discussed the Jakarta, which has recently been hard hit by Abridged. Translated from Portuguese East Timor problem, believing it to be “one Indonesia’s opposition to French nuclear Lisbon – The French Government has of- of the issues which ought to be excluded testing in the South Pacific. Now that the fered to mediate between the Portuguese and from the summit.” The Indonesian Minister tests are over, the time is though to be right Indonesian authorities on the question of expressed his satisfaction with the outcome for greater political approximation, free of East Timor. The news was made public of the meeting and said he had found his contention, and in which there seems to be yesterday by the French Foreign Minister, French counterpart to be receptive to Ja- no place for East Timor. Herve de Charette, at the end of his two-day karta’s concerns. Not far from where Charette and Alatas visit to the Indonesian capital. Herve de Charette was in Jakarta to dis- sealed their pact of silence for the Bangkok He said that “our friends can always look cuss political and economic co-operation summit, 9 young Timorese who, last week to us for help to overcome their difficult between the two countries. He did not sought refuge in the Australian Embassy in problems, if they so wish.” The Minister comment on his meetings with Ali Alatas, Jakarta, were nearing the end of their hunger was speaking to reporters on the last day of but a French diplomatic source said that the strike. In contrast to the other Timorese his trip to Indonesia, where he had meetings Paris Government is likely to agree to avoid who have recently undertaken a series of with various governmental authorities. controversial subjects which might jeopard- occupations of western embassies in the With regards the problem of East Timor, ise the Bangkok summit. Indonesian capital and subsequently trav- the Minister said that France’s position The Summit, which will be held for the elled to Portugal, this group is insisting on coincided with that of the EU. The Commu- first time, will be attended by the countries political asylum in Australia. The Australian nity’s position recognises Indonesia’s an- of the EU and members of ASEAN, plus authorities, however, have recommended nexation in 1976 of the former Portuguese Japan, South Korea and China. One of the they opt for Portugal, arguing that the grant- colony, following its invasion of the terri- aims of the meeting is to strengthen political ing of asylum by Australia is unlikely. tory in December 1975. relations and economic ties between the EU While there is still uncertainly about the It is thought that the issue of East Timor and South-east Asia. ASEAN currently future of these 9 Timorese, another two might be raised by Portugal at the forthcom- consists of Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, refugees arrived yesterday in Portugal, after ing Europe-Asia summit meeting to be held Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet- passing through the French Embassy in in Thailand in March. The Indonesian au- nam. Jakarta. (...) thorities are going to great diplomatic Timor was also in the headlines yester- lengths to avoid the subject being raised at PARIS-JAKARTA – WITHOUT day in Macao, where Portuguese Foreign the summit.... PASSING THROUGH TIMOR Minister, Jaime Gama, met a group of resis- Herve de Charette announced that French tance representatives who are exiled there. President Jacques Chirac will have a bilateral PACT OF SILENCE FOR EUROPE- During the meeting, which took place just meeting with Indonesian President Suharto in Thailand, for an exchange of views on ASIA SUMMIT before Jaime Gama left for Peking, the Ma- cao Group of the Timorese Resistance issues of mutual interest. Publico, 13 February 96. By Joaquim Trigo (GMRT)presented the Minister with its de Negreiros (with AFP), Abridged. Trans- own detailed plan for East Timor. The COMMENT FROM TAPOL: lated from Portuguese document (...) was recently presented in There must be something wrong here, The visit to Indonesia by French Foreign Hong Kong at a seminar on human rights in with the text or translation. The EU coun- Minister, Herve de Charette, which aimed to Asia, by Timorese lawyer Manuel Tilman, tries have not recognised Indonesia’s an- look at French investment in Suharto’s who is linked to the GMRT. nexation of East Timor. country and to intensify bilateral co- The plan, which includes a kind of indi- LISBON ENVOY REJECTS operation, has already produced some prac- rect referendum in East Timor through the FRENCH TIMOR HELP tical results for Jakarta. Yesterday, in a election of an assembly which would have meeting with Charette, Foreign Minister Ali authority to decide on the territory’s status, [slightly abridged] Alatas got France’s support for keeping the reveals signs of moving closer to Jakarta. Macau, Feb. 14 (UPI) - Portuguese For- Euro-Asian summit “clean” of “controver- For example, the document mentions the eign Minister Jaime Gama dismissed as sial issues” like East Timor which, Jakarta desirability of a Treaty of Free Association “unnecessary” the French government’s argues, might lead to the failure of the Bang- with Indonesia or, among the short-term offer to mediate between Portugal and Indo- kok meeting. (....) measures, the need to promote diplomatic nesia in the East Timor conflict, the Portu- Charette’s readiness to offer his coun- relations between Lisbon and Jakarta - a guese news agency LUSA reported try’s support for the Indonesian proposal move that Indonesia considers to be a prior- Wednesday. to keep the summit free from “controversial ity. “The negotiations (over East Timor) are issues” is not surprising ... Addressing a The GMRT’s plan includes, among other under way under the aegis of the United group of businessmen who accompanied proposals, a proposal to create a UN repre- Nations. It is unnecessary to establish a new him on the trip, Charette said that France sentation in East Timor, and to set up a framework,” said Gama, responding to a was “tragically behind” in the race to con- committee to co-ordinate the practical ap- statement made Tuesday by French Foreign quer the gigantic Indonesian market, but plication of measures within the framework Minister Herve de Charette in the Indone- promised the “French government’s back- of the so-called intra-Timorese dialogue... sian capital of Jakarta. ing” to help them catch up. He also suggested French involvement France’s investment occupies 14th place would be pointless since France belongs to (1,600 million dollars in 1995) on the list in which UK investors are well ahead (with Page 64 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. the 15-member European Union, which which is apparently not the advice of Portu- The environment, labour and women’s already has adopted a position on the issue. gal, the former tutelar power of this terri- issues and problems encountered by small- “France is bound by the position of the tory annexed by Indonesia in 1976. scale commodity producers will also be European Union, which does not recognize A cordial atmosphere discussed. the integration of East Timor into Indone- Thai authorities say they have a list of The French minister’s visit in Jakarta, in sia,” Gama said. several people who will be denied entry to the wake of a journey to China, confirms Gama made the remarks during the third the country in the run-up to the Asia- that the priority will be given in Bangkok to day in a four-day visit to Beijing. Europe summit, including at least one exiled economic and commercial cooperation. On The issue could arise next month at a opposition leader from East Timor. the issue of East Timor, Mr. de Charette Bangkok summit that will bring together only recalled his “faithfulness” to the EU’s representatives of the European Union, the common stand of not recognising the an- HOST THAIS SAY Association of Southeast Asian Nations, nexation, and to point out that France was NO SENSITIVE TOPICS China, Japan and South Korea. always ready, “if asked to,” to “help its French President Jacques Chirac and In- friends to solve their problems.” By Rajan Moses donesian President Suharto are scheduled to The cordial atmosphere of this two days meet during the session, while Portuguese BANGKOK, Feb 22 (Reuter) - Thailand, visit, during which the French minister also Prime Minister Antonio Guterres will be which hosts the first ever summit of key presided a meeting of French ambassadors in among the European Union leaders at the East Asian and European Union countries the region, therefore seems to confirm that a meeting. next week, said on Thursday that sensitive consensus is emerging, on the European just issues such as child labour and East Timor as on the Asian side, to make the Bangkok should be avoided at the meeting. PARIS DOES NOT summit a success. Jacques Chirac should Controversial issues should be discussed WANT ANY CLASHES want this more than anyone else, since he informally instead, Prime Minister Banharn intends to take the opportunity of his first Silpa-archa told a small group of foreign Le Monde, Thursday, Feb. 15, 1996. Bang- presidential journey to a region he knows journalists in an interview. kok By Jean-Claude Pomonti, South-East particularly well to address from Singapore, The March 1-2 Asian-Europe summit Asia correspondent Translated from French on Feb. 28, a “message to Asia” before going (ASEM) will be attended by leaders of the [Other title in same issue: Paris supports the next day to Thailand’s capital to par- 15-member EU, the seven-member Associa- Boris Yeltsin’s policy] ticipate the summit. With respect to this, tion of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Bangkok – Co-presidents for several Herve de Charette recalled Tuesday that the and east Asian powerhouses Japan, China years of the international conference which President of the Republic wished “France to and South Korea. led, in October 1991 in Paris, to a peace be much more present in Asia.” It will be preceded by an informal gather- agreement in Cambodia, French and Indone- ing senior officials on February 29, hosted sian diplomats know each other well. More- PRESSURE GROUPS by Banharn, where the premier hopes to get over Indonesia remains France’s first trading PLAN ALTERNATIVE some consensus on key issues. Banharn made the remarks in response to partner in South-East Asia [translator’s ASIA-EUROPE TALKS note: according to the statistics I have, this a question on whether he planned to allow is completely inaccurate. Indonesia comes BANGKOK, Feb 20 (Reuter) - Repre- the summit to be a forum for sensitive is- much behind Singapore, Malaysia and Thai- sentatives from more than 100 non- sues such as the human rights records in land, which are in any case way behind Ja- governmental organisations (NGOs) will some Asian countries, child labour, Indone- pan, China and Taiwan]. The first visit in meet before a summit of European and sia’s occupation of former Portuguese col- Jakarta of the French Foreign Minister, Asian leaders, organisers said on Tuesday. ony East Timor, unfair trade practices and Herve de Charette, which was completed on The NGO conference, which will include nuclear testing by some big powers. Tuesday, February 13, was therefore also human rights, farmers’ and women’s groups, “As this will be the first meeting, I think devoted to preparing the first summit be- is to be held in Bangkok on February 27-29. non-relevant issues should be avoided and tween the European Union and South-East It aims to try to build a new relationship such issues would include, perhaps, the Asia, to be held in Bangkok on March 1 and between the ordinary people of the two issue of East Timor, child labour and things 2 and to which Jacques Chirac will partici- regions, the organisers told a news confer- like that,” he said. pate. ence. “We will discuss trade, human resource At the end of his meeting with Mr. de Government leaders and senior officials development and environment which are the Charette, Ali Alatas, his Indonesian coun- from the 15-member European Union and same ones discussed in APEC,” he added. terpart, declared that France was in “com- 10 east Asian countries will meet in Bang- “But they have to be discussed on their own plete agreement” that Bangkok’s success kok on March 1-2 to strengthen economic merits and not linked to other unrelated should not be undermined by controversies. and political ties. issues.” Meeting at the beginning of February in “The NGO conference will stress that The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Phuket, South Thailand, the Foreign minis- people-to-people interaction must be fos- Forum groups countries ranging from the United States to Japan to Papua New ters of the Ten of East Asia - China, Japan, tered side by side with government-to- South Korea, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philip- government dialogue between Asia and Guinea. pines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam - Europe,” the conference organising commit- Banharn said there would be no formal have indeed firmly vowed that human rights tee said in a statement. agenda at the meeting but the question of issues or “social clauses” of international One of the issues to be discussed at the which issues would be relevant and what trade should not sour the debates when the NGO conference is the human rights situa- should not be raised would probably evolve dialogue between the EU and their region tion in the former Portuguese colony of East at the informal on the eve of the summit. officially opens. Jakarta on its part wishes Timor, which was invaded by Indonesia in Leaders are expected to use the summit that the issue of East Timor is not raised, 1975. to build fresh and solid commercial and po- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 65 litical links between booming East Asia and The summit from March 1-2 will be the that could erupt and reduce Asia’s economic the EU, diplomats and Thai foreign ministry first between leaders of 10 East Asian na- strength, he added. officials said. tions and the 15-member EU. Strengthening of trade and investment Asia will be represented by the seven- EU WON’T PUSH ties, security and political issues and early member Association of Southeast Asian HUMAN RIGHTS conclusion of a comprehensive nuclear test Nations (ASEAN), China, Japan and South ban treaty are among the key topics ex- Korea. Hong Kong Standard, 25 Feb 1996 pected to arise at the summit, they added. ASEAN groups together Brunei, Indone- Banharn said ASEAN member nations - sia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, http://www.hkstandard.com/online/news Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam. BRUSSELS: The European Union has Singapore, Brunei and Vietnam - could use “You don’t want to gather 25 heads of dropped attempts to ensure that human the forum to ask nuclear powers represented governments and deem some issues are so rights are included in a new political dialogue at the summit status to accede to a south- controversial that you don’t want them to with Asia that will be launched by next east Asian treaty calling for a nuclear-free be mentioned,” said Descoutures. weekend’s summit of EU and Asian leaders zone in their region. “We cannot preclude some subjects will in Bangkok. ASEAN, Cambodia, Laos and Burma not be brought up. If both sides want to The shift in the EU’s stance reflects fears signed the Southeast Asian Nuclear Free build an equal partnership, a real listening is that treading on sensitive Asian toes over Zone (SEANFZ) agreement in Bangkok last important,” he said. “It will be a golden the issue could jeopardise the two-day December, but the world’s nuclear powers, opportunity for all leaders and could defuse summit’s main objective of forging deeper including France, Britain, China and the tensions.” trade and investment ties. United States, have refused to accede to the Banharn told reporters on Thursday that But it has been greeted with dismay by pact. sensitive issues should be avoided because human rights groups who believe the EU has Nuclear powers have reservations about this was the pioneer summit between the sacrificed democratic principles to economic some language in the SEANFZ and are due two regions. ASEAN member Indonesia has greed and squandered a valuable opportu- to hold further discussions with ASEAN to also said it does not want controversial top- nity to promote political reform in the iron out differences. ics raised at the meeting. world’s most dynamic economies. Thai foreign ministry officials said the “The world is not perfect. We have to Officials preparing the summit have summit would not have a formal structure achieve a lot more. The Uruguay Round has agreed that its closing statement, to be is- like APEC. been a major success. Now we look to the sued by the Thai hosts, will make no refer- Given that, there would be no formal World Trade Organisation meeting this year ence to human rights other than reaffirming agreements on economic or political issues to make the playing field more level,” the meeting’s commitment to the UN Char- with specific target dates. Descoutures said. ter and the Universal Declaration of Human But in the liberalisation of trade and Discussions on nuclear test bans and the Rights. breaking of protectionist tariff barriers, any Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons Free This marks a significant dilution of the agreement reached would follow the same Zone would figure prominently at the sum- position approved by EU leaders at their timetable as that set for freer global trade by mit and at bilateral meetings between heads Madrid summit in December, when they the World Trade Organisation, they said. of government, he added. called for the EU-Asia summit to launch an Follow-up on issues agreed at this “Nuclear non-proliferation will figure in “open and wide-ranging” dialogue on values ASEM summit will, however be reviewed in the language in the final (summit) commu- and codes on both continents. the run-up to the next ASEM planned in niqué,” he said. The Madrid statement also said Bangkok Britain in two years’ time, they added. On farm trade disputes and demands by should call for practical co-operation be- Asians for greater access and lowering of tween the participants on the promotion of EU WANTS SENSITIVE tariff barriers for their commodities, democracy, human rights and the rule of ISSUES BROACHED Descoutures said agriculture was a special law. case for the EU. In contrast to this approach, a theme of By Rajan Moses The EU had agreed to dismantle some the Bangkok declaration will be that political farm tariff barriers at the Uruguay Round reform is essentially an internal matter, ac- BANGKOK, Feb 23 (Reuter) - The and was in the process of revamping its cording to a draft obtained by Agence European Union sees the March summit of Common Agriculture Policy and price sup- France-Presse. leaders with East Asia as a golden opportu- ports for farmers. The text will say that dialogue should be nity to thrash out sensitive political and “Agriculture is a special case and we need based either on “mutual respect, equality economic issues, a senior official of the some time to reduce barriers. This is because and non-interference in each other’s affairs,” grouping said on Friday. agriculture cannot follow the industrial cycle as the Asians have suggested, or on “mutual The charge d’affaires of the EU’s mission because much depends on weather and some benefit and respect of sovereignty,” as the in Bangkok, Daniel Descoutures, told special circumstances,” he said. EU would like. Reuters it would not help both sides build Descoutures noted that the EU was con- Amnesty International approached all 15 an equal partnership if such issues were left cerned that Japan was not liberalising its EU governments in December in a bid to out, as mentioned by host Thailand. trade and markets as fast as it was expected ensure that human rights would be an inte- Among issues deemed sensitive and ir- to. “The EU’s greatest trade deficit is with gral part of the political dialogue inaugurated relevant by summit chairman and Thai Japan and it cannot continue,” he said. in Bangkok. Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa were On the political and security front, the But officials acknowledged they have those related to child labour, human rights, EU was keen to see stability in the booming failed to prevent the issue from being swept Indonesia’s occupation of former Portu- Asian region for mutually beneficial reasons. under the carpet. “We are extremely disap- guese colony East Timor, unfair trade prac- There were flashpoints in the South China pointed with the result of our efforts,” ad- tices and nuclear testing. Sea, in Taiwan and on the Korean Peninsular Page 66 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. mitted Brigitte Ernst, head of the group’s the Asian view that the meeting should stick Asia wants to make this week’s forum Brussels office. to economic issues and the EU position that the foundation of a political and economic Ms Ernst pointed out that the EU had it should take in politics and security as bridge between the two regions rather than insisted on human rights being put on the well. allowing controversial issues to mar it, they agenda at last year’s Euro-Mediterranean “The meeting recognises the need to said. conference despite the presence of countries strive for a common goal of maintaining and Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa of like Syria, yet appeared unwilling to risk enhancing peace and stability, as well as host Thailand made it clear last week that offending China or Indonesia. creating conditions conducive to economic certain prickly issues such as Asian human “It is difficult not to question whether and social development,” one quoted the rights and labour standards and Indonesia’s it’s Asia’s economic power that explains the draft declaration as stating. occupation of East Timor were to be difference,” Ms Ernst said. The diplomat, who declined to be identi- avoided at all costs. Among the specific issues Amnesty fied, said it vowed to create a Euro-Asia This has forced officials of the EU, wanted the EU to raise in Bangkok is the partnership for greater growth, to take up whose members had wanted to pick a few fate of 15 East Timorese arrested by Indo- the issue of reforming the United Nations, bones with Asia, to work behind the scenes nesian authorities on 12 January, whose strengthen arms control and disarmament to limit any potential damage, according to whereabouts are still unknown. and aim to conclude a comprehensive nu- diplomats from both sides. Despite the efforts of officials to main- clear test ban treaty. One of the biggest gatherings in Asia of tain a highly consensual tone, some discus- But on the more contentious issues of heads of government in recent times, the sion of sensitive issues at the summit is Indonesia’s occupation of former Portu- Asia-EU summit meeting (ASEM) on inevitable. guese colony East Timor, human rights, March 1-2 will bring together leaders from The EU wants to secure Asian support child labour and democracy, the draft con- economically buoyant East Asia and the 15- to put on the World Trade Organisation’s tents itself with referring to a string of exist- member European grouping. (WTO) agenda the issues of creating rules ing international declarations. Asia will be represented by the seven- that could help enforce international bans on These range from the United Nations member Association of Southeast Asian child or forced labour and the right of work- Charter and the Universal Declaration of Nations (ASEAN) plus China, Japan and ers to organise free trades unions.- AFP Human Rights to the 1994 Cairo Programme South Korea. Most EU heads of government of Action of the International Conference on will attend. EU MINISTERS AGREE ON Population and Development and the 1995 Diplomats and analysts in Asia see freer BANGKOK PREPARATIONS Beijing Declaration and Platform of Action multilateral trade, increased European in- for the fourth World Conference on Women. vestment, technology transfers and stronger By Jeremy Lovell On the trade side the 25 nations find commercial links as basic issues that need rather more common ground. further discussion. BRUSSELS, Feb 26 (Reuter) - European “The meeting expresses its resolve to ASEAN, which groups Thailand, Malay- Union foreign ministers on Monday generate greater two-way trade and invest- sia, Indonesia, Singapore, the Philippines, skimmed through the final preparations, ment flows between Asia and Europe,” an Brunei and Vietnam, initiated the meeting. including a draft declaration, for next week- EU diplomat quoted the draft declaration as ASEAN and other east Asian leaders end’s 25-nation, EU-Asia summit which saying. have signalled they mean business by declar- will focus on trade and duck sensitive politi- “The meeting...agrees to simplify cus- ing they will be bringing with them their cal topics. toms procedures and standards confor- economics ministers in addition to foreign “They rattled through the preparations. mance...It will also aim for the reduction of ministers. There was no substantial discussion on any trade barriers to avoid trade distortion and Indonesia’s expectations typify Asia’s in item,” an EU diplomat said. create better market access thus encouraging general. The leaders of the EU, Brunei, Thailand, trade flows between Asia and Europe,” it “Indonesia obviously wants to improve Indonesia, Malaysia, China, Japan, South adds. its economic relations, particularly in the Korea, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philip- The draft also declares full support for area of investment, with Europe in the face pines, who will meet for the first time on the World Trade Organisation that will have of its declining non-oil exports,” said Dewi Friday and Saturday in Bangkok, have been its first ministerial meeting in Singapore in Fortuna Anwar, political scientist at the taking great pains to avoid any controversial December, agrees that senior officials and Indonesian Academy of Sciences. topics upsetting their get-together. foreign ministers will meet regularly in fu- “But Indonesia wants to make sure there A draft declaration, penned by summit ture, and that businessmen should also get is no linking of political issues such as hu- host Thailand and to be finalised at a special together to discuss mutual problems. man rights and democratisation on the meet- meeting in Bangkok on Wednesday, covers ing’s agenda, particularly by Portugal which all the less contentious bases in EU-Asia wants to put the issue of East Timor to the relations. ASIANS STEER SUMMIT WITH EU AWAY front,” she told Reuters. It tiptoes round a list of taboo subjects, EU diplomats in Bangkok said they such as human rights and child labour, that FROM CONTROVERSY doubted Portugal would succeed in raising Asia has refused to discuss but which, for the issue formally. “We (EU) are trying to By Rajan Moses the sake of self-esteem, the EU has to men- kiss and cuddle Portugal so hard that they tion at least in passing. BANGKOK, Feb 26 (Reuter) - Asian may not be able to move and raise the issue “There is a general agreement on the need leaders are working hard to steer their first at the summit,” said one. to avoid confrontation,” one EU diplomat summit with the European Union away Japan will find itself in an awkward posi- said at the weekend. “They do not want to from human rights and other touchy topics tion as it seeks to clear up misunderstand- be too specific about anything.” and focus it on less sensitive issues, officials ings about its protectionist market structure, Diplomats said the declaration for the and analysts said. Asian and European diplomats said. summit was an uneasy compromise between East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 67

“By playing a positive role in helping European Trade Commissioner Sir Leon Likewise, there is continued friction in enhance relations and cooperation between Brittan, who along with Commission Presi- the region over the Spratly Islands that are Asia and Europe, Japan hopes Asian coun- dent Jacques Santer and Developing Coun- partly or wholly claimed by China, the Phil- tries and the EU will increase their under- try Commissioner Manuel Marin will attend ippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and standing of Japan,” said Japan’s deputy the summit, shrugged off any suggestion of Brunei. foreign minister Shunji Yanai. potential rifts at the meeting. EU diplomats said there could also be East Asian nations have also complained “You are the first person to suggest that some mention on the margins of the meeting about the EU’s allegedly arbitrary anti- and I don’t think it will happen...This is not of the rising tension between China and dumping laws and the need for greater ac- the forum for that,” Brittan told Reuters in Taiwan. cess for Asian commodities and agriculture. an interview. Any of these and a host of other regional These issues will be tackled at the summit, “The question of human rights has not issues could torpedo the summit, but Brus- Asian foreign ministry officials say. been excluded from the dialogue and the sels-based diplomats said diplomats would Some Asian diplomats have privately heads of government will have to discuss it be on alert during the meeting to avoid this. said they would not mind seeing the EU to the extent that they wish,” he added. “This is what diplomats are trained for balance a strong U.S. regional presence and Brussels-based EU diplomats were and paid for,” one remarked. play a bigger role in helping to build confi- equally adamant that everything possible “That is not to say that an unguarded dence in dealings with nuclear giant China. was being done to ensure smooth sailing at remark on a sensitive issue could not rock Bangkok. the boat or worse...But everyone is very FEATURE - EU AND ASIANS “I get the impression that all efforts are mindful of the importance of making this FIGHT FOR PLAIN SAILING AT being focussed on preventing any of the first-ever Euro-Asian summit work.” SUMMIT potentially divisive issues blowing this thing By Jeremy Lovell out of the water,” one said. EU-ASIA MEETING TO “The Thais are working extremely TARGET BIASES BRUSSELS, Feb 26 (Reuter) - There are hard...to make sure that the meeting spends so many taboo subjects for this week’s its time on profitable areas,” he added, not- [abridged] summit between the leaders of the 15 Euro- ing that possible comments by former colo- pean Union and 10 Asian nations that it has nial power Portugal on alleged human rights BRUSSELS, Belgium, Feb. 27 (UPI) – A the potential to be a diplomatic catastrophe. abuses in East Timor by occupying-power top European Union official said Thursday East Timor, human rights, Chinese or- Indonesia would be kept to a modest tone. that although it is not on the agenda, a goal phanages, labour standards, social welfare Likewise Swedish concern about reports of this weekend’s EU-Asia conference in and democracy are just a few of the subjects of infanticide in Chinese orphanages is likely Thailand will be to break down misconcep- that, if raised as substantial issues, could to be expressed in fairly general terms – the tions on both continents. wreck it. more so since Prime Minister Ingvar Carls- Leaders of the 15 EU nations will bring The meeting in Bangkok on March 1 and son has cried off the meeting for domestic together the heads of state of 10 Asian 2 is supposed to launch a new era of diplo- political reasons. countries for the first meeting of its kind. matic, economic and commercial cooperation But diplomats agreed the hard work lead- Top priorities of the conference include between the EU and southeast Asia. ing up to Bangkok could turn to ashes if improving political dialogue, reciprocal in- It is a relationship that has languished for some of the obvious frictions between the vestment and cooperation in education, years as the EU, Brunei, China, Indonesia, Asian participants raised the temperature of science and the environment. Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philip- the meeting. EU External Relations Commissioner pines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam A number of the main potential clashes Manual Marin told reporters that the prob- concentrated their attentions either inwards involve China. lem of low European investment in Asia, or on the United States. Japan and South Korea have fallen out which lags well behind that of the United That is why officials from both sides are over territorial claims both have on a group States and Japan, is as much about image working anxiously behind the scenes to of islands that lie between them – leading in and communications as it is about trade tiptoe round as many of the potential dip- one instance to the burning of a Japanese policy. lomatic landmines as possible and tread flag in Seoul. “There are many clichés and stereotypes lightly on others which prove impossible to The dispute has drawn in China whose that stand in the way of constructive dia- avoid. fishing boats are accused by both sides of logue,” Marin said. The Asian countries have made it clear encroaching their territorial waters. But Marin said that doesn’t mean Euro- that too forceful a mention of issues such as The seven members of the Association of pean leaders won’t feel free to bring up human rights would be totally unacceptable. South East Asian Nations agreed last De- human-rights concerns. EU officials hope, As far as the EU is concerned the mes- cember to set up a nuclear free zone. however, to dispel the notion of Europeans sage has been received loud and clear. But France has defused some of the criticism as “arrogant” and “seeing ourselves as the for the sake of face it cannot avoid making it would have received had it not ended its center of the world,” Marin said. some mention of the highly sensitive issue. nuclear test programme in the South Pacific The question of whether European lead- ers would raise human rights concerns such “The Asian countries...tackle some sensi- and declared itself willing to sign a non- tive points such as human rights, while hop- proliferation treaty, but summit invitee as Indonesia’s controversial East Timor ing that the discussion of these sensitive China has not. situation or Chinese child labor has been issues does not overshadow the other is- Japan, the only country in the world to subject to wide speculation. sues, thereby compromising the atmosphere have suffered nuclear attack, has repeatedly Portuguese officials in Brussels said their of the meeting,” according to an internal urged China to end its test programme – but prime minister, Antonio Guterres, would European Commission document on the so far to no avail. mention East Timor during his opening summit. Japanese officials have said the issue speech at the summit. would be raised at the summit. Page 68 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

But EU President Jacques Santer said the nents began a three-day meeting Tuesday in what people like us can do is try and use purpose was not to complain about human Bangkok. ASEM as a lobbying article against govern- rights. Speaking at the opening of the confer- ments that are supporting the (Burmese) “We don’t want to be there as an ex- ence, Thai social critic Sulak Sivarak urged military regime.” colonial power,” he said. “By working to- the leaders of both continents not to shy Many Asian nations have pressured gether we hope to be able to say anything to away from confronting the “very ticklish” European countries attending the ASEM each other, but first we must create the cli- human-rights issue. meeting not to bring up sensitive human mate of partnership.” “These rights are harmonious with the rights or labor issues, but Budiardjo urged Marin and Santer both said EU national ethical systems of all world cultures and European nations to make their views heard. leaders will be free to talk about any issue cannot be undermined by the opportunism “We should have no illusions about the they please during the summit but the EU of authoritarian governments, almost all of European Union. Its several institutions go representatives will stick to the positive, which claim to be democratic,” Sulak said. their different ways, particularly on human “what we share in common.” Sulak’s speech was in sharp contrast to rights issues,” she said. the frequently expressed sentiments of Sin- “With Indonesia and its partners in HUMAN RIGHTS LOOMS gapore’s senior statesman Lee Kuan Yew, ASEAN aided and abetted by its allies in the OVER ASIA SUMMIT who has urged Westerners not to apply EU, the people of East Timor will have to their own standards of morality on Asia. rely on the deeply held moral and political by John Hall commitment of governments.” RIGHTS ACTIVISTS SEEK Indonesia has said the East Timor issue BANGKOK, Thailand, Feb. 27 (UPI) - STRONG SUMMIT STAND was irrelevant to the leaders’ summit, and it Human-rights advocates warned Tuesday BANGKOK (Reuter, Feb. 28) - Human should not be raised. But Portugal has said it that delegates to the upcoming summit be- will not let the meeting ignore East Timor. tween Asian and European nations should rights activists called on Asian and Euro- pean leaders Wednesday to take a strong [not] let commercial issues overshadow VOA: ASEM HUMAN RIGHTS social problems. stand against human rights abuses but said they expected their pleas to fall on deaf ears. Voice of America, 2/28/96. By Vikash Jain, “The ASEM meeting is a big step for Bangkok Asian countries,” said Thongbai Thongpao, Carmel Budiardjo, director of TAPOL, an Thailand’s leading human rights lawyer. “It organization campaigning against human Intro: in Thailand (Wednesday), labor, is better that they talk about human rights. rights violations in East Timor, said a firm human rights, and non-government organiza- Why should we avoid talking about the stand could be a landmark in setting the tone tions held a second day of a conference truth?” for future work in southeast Asia. aimed at influencing Asian and European He said he was dismayed by reports that She referred in particular to “bullying tac- leaders holding a separate summit this week. European countries had dropped plans to tics” by Indonesia, whose rule of the former As we hear from Vikash Jain, two groups raise such contentious issues as political Portuguese colony of East Timor is not staged a demonstration in an effort to send a repression in China and Burma and the mili- recognized by the United Nations. message to the Asia-Europe summit in tary occupation of East Timor by Indonesia. She was one of several speakers in a Bangkok: “Sometimes (the Europeans) only con- panel discussing Burma, East Timor and Text: first, a group of about 20 women centrate on economic issues that benefit Northern Ireland as “urgent issues for textile workers tried to enter the Bangkok them,” Thongbai said. “They don’t want to Europe and Asia” at an Asia-Europe forum hotel where the NGO/human rights confer- confront China, Singapore or Burma over of non-governmental organizations (NGOs). ence is taking place. They were stopped by human rights violations.” The meeting of more than 350 represen- police who said the women had no place at EU President Jacques Santer said the tatives from 100 organizations has been the meeting of non-governmental organiza- purpose was not to complain about human billed as an alternative to a conference of tions discussing labor issues. rights. leaders from 25 Asian and European nations The women were eventually allowed in, “We don’t want to be there as an ex- on March 1-2. escorted by some NGO workers. Then, a colonial power,” he said. “By working to- After the NGO conference ends Thurs- second group of about 80 people wearing gether we hope to be able to say anything to day, organizers plan to present a summary red head bands marched into the building. each other, but first we must create the cli- of their discussions to Asian and European They were members of “assembly for the mate of partnership.” representatives before the Asia-Europe poor,” a group of farmers from central Thai- In a statement issued Sunday, Amnesty meeting (ASEM) begins. land. Speaking through a translator, a International said it was “extremely disap- At ASEM, leaders from the seven- spokesman for the group criticized Thai- pointed” at the notion European leaders member Association of Southeast Asian land’s development policies and the Asia- would back away from talk that could em- Nations (ASEAN) plus Japan, South Korea Europe summit: barrass some Asian leaders. and China will meet with counterparts from The poor people have been suffer- Meanwhile, the Thai hosts of the summit the 15-member European Union to discuss ing. The indigenous people, the farm- have warned human rights groups against ways to strengthen economic and political ers, are going to suffer in the name of staging demonstrations that could disrupt ties. development from the north countries. the meetings at Bangkok’s plush Sirikit But although Budiardjo and speakers On behalf of the assembly of the poor, Convention Center. from Northern Ireland and Burma all made we would like to condemn the agree- Concerned that human rights, labor stan- pleas for governments to take note of the ments of the trade and any kind of se- dards and the environment are likely to take human rights problems in the different coun- curity reason to avoid the problem of a back seat to forging business connections, tries, they said they did not expect much in human rights abuse in any country, about 100 representatives from non- concrete terms. especially in Asia and Europe. government organizations on both conti- “I don’t think they will raise the issues at Asian and European leaders have agreed the summit,” Burmese dissident leader not to allow disagreements over labor stan- Maung Maung told a news conference. “But East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 69 dards and human rights to upset the inaugu- Timor being left alone in the interests of a “The issues of human rights and the ral Asia-Europe summit. successful meeting. rights of the people of East Timor worry me Another issue discussed during the NGO It would not be the first time that the is- permanently,” the prime minister added. In conference was the situation in East Timor. sue of the territory, some 2,000 km (1,250 Jakarta, Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Among EU countries, only Portugal – the miles) east of Jakarta, has cast a shadow Alatas said on Tuesday the East Timor former colonial ruler of East Timor – has over relations between Asia and Europe. issue was irrelevant to the Asia-Europe said it will raise the issue. Indonesia says Portugal’s then foreign minister João De summit and should not be raised. East Timor is irrelevant and should not be Deus Pinheiro, now an EU Commissioner, Asian leaders are working hard to steer raised during the summit. pushed a Manila meeting on improving trade the summit away from human rights and Carmel Budiardjo, a human rights activist between ASEAN and the EU to the brink of other touchy topics and focus it on less from Britain, says Indonesia should under- failure in 1992. sensitive issues. stand East Timor as an issue is still alive for After accusing Indonesia of genocide dur- many Europeans: ing the occupation of East Timor, he threat- INDONESIA WARNS OF The Indonesian foreign minister Ali ened to block any accord unless there was IRRELEVANT ISSUES IN SUMMIT Alatas has spent a lot of time recently specific reference to its rights record in the abridged holding forth about the weekend’s half-island. Jakarta, Feb 27 (Reuter) - Indonesian summit. One thing above all else has Eventually a compromise was reached. Foreign Minister Ali Alatas said on Tues- worried him. The prospect that human But plans to upgrade a trade and coopera- day the East Timor issue was irrelevant to rights and in particular, East Timor, tion pact between ASEAN countries – the Asia-Europe summit in Bangkok and would be raised by some of the Euro- Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philip- should not be raised. pean union participants. By insisting pines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam – “It is clear Indonesia has stated that ir- as he has done repeatedly, that East and the European Union are still on ice. relevant issues such as East Timor should Timor is a question of irrelevance for For Portugal, defending what it sees as not be raised in the forum. There is another the summit, he has only succeeded in the rights of the Timorese on the interna- forum to discuss this problem,” Alatas said. proving the contrary. tional stage is a way of assuaging its sense “We, from the Asian side can also raise Portugal’s prime minister, Antonio of national guilt. irrelevant issues, but it will only lead to the Guterres, has said when he attends the Reports of continuing rights abuses by talks becoming unproductive,” he told re- ASEM summit, he will not be prevented Indonesian forces and lobbying by Timorese porters. from raising the issue of rights for East exiles in Lisbon keep the issue at the fore- Portugal has said it will not let this Timorese people. front of domestic politics. week’s Asia-Europe summit ignore East Diplomats in Lisbon agree that it would Timor, the former Portuguese colony occu- be inconceivable for government leaders to PORTUGAL DETERMINED pied by Indonesia 20 years ago. attend an international conference with In- TO KEEP ASIAN EYES ON “We raise the issue at every international donesia and keep silent on Timor. opportunity and we shall do so in Bang- TIMOR Nevertheless, such is the importance of kok,” said David Damião, spokesman for the meeting, both to the European Union as By Richard Waddington, abridged. Prime Minister Antonio Guterres. well as ASEAN members, that Portugal will “Portugal cannot agree to a limit being Lisbon, Feb 26 (Reuter) - Despite rum- not want responsibility for jeopardising its put on its right to speak out,” he told blings from Asia, Lisbon will not let this success, they say. Reuters. week’s ground-breaking Asia-Europe sum- Portuguese officials admit that Guterres Alatas said Indonesia’s President Suharto mit quietly ignore East Timor, the former and Foreign Minister Jaime Gama will have had no intention of meeting Portuguese lead- Portuguese colony bloodily occupied by to pull off a balancing act to keep both their ers in Bangkok. Indonesia 20 years ago. domestic audience and Portugal’s European But the Portuguese, for whom Timor re- Union partners happy. INDONESIA SET TO ARGUE EAST mains an open political wound, say the “No decisions have been taken yet on TIMOR STANCE AT BANGKOK March 1-2 gathering cannot pass off with- how the issue (of Timor) will be raised. But MEETING out some reference to the territory’s prob- clearly, we are not going to be an obstacle to lems, whether Asian countries like it or not. success in Bangkok,” said one Portuguese The Jakarta Post, Feb. 28th 1996 The United Nations still sees Portugal as official. JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia says it is Timor’s administering power and does not prepared to answer questions about its pol- recognise Indonesia’s annexation of the terri- PORTUGAL PM TO icy on East Timor if European leaders raise tory in 1976, one year after it invaded. SPEAK OUT FOR TIMOR the issue during a summit in Bangkok this Some 200,000 people are believed to AT ASIAN SUMMIT week. have perished in the years following the abridged However, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali invasion, proportionally more than those Alatas warned yesterday that raising the LISBON, Feb 27 (Reuter) - Portuguese who died in Pol Pot’s Cambodia in the mid- East Timor issue would only divert atten- Prime Minister Antonio Guterres said on 1970s. tion away from the objectives of the inaugu- Tuesday he would speak out for the rights “We raise the issue at every international ral Asia-Europe summit, which is to en- of the East Timorese people at a summit of opportunity and we shall do so in Bang- hance cooperation between the two regions. Asian and European leaders later this week. kok,” said David Damião, spokesman for He also expressed confidence that the “My voice will not be silent in defence of Prime Minister Antonio Guterres. matter would not be raised in the summit, at human rights,” Guterres said before heading “Portugal cannot agree to a limit being least not in the conference proper. off to the summit in Bangkok on March 1 put on its right to speak out,” he told The minister was speaking to reporters and 2 that will discuss improving economic Reuters after some strong words from Asian shortly after accompanying his Ukrainian and political ties between the EU and Asia. countries about human rights issues such as counterpart Hennadly Udovonka to pay a Page 70 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. courtesy call on President Soeharto at Mer- AMNESTY: should listen to what the people in the re- deka Palace. gion are asking for.” President Soeharto will be among the 10 SUMMIT MUST INCLUDE In preparations for the summit, govern- Asian leaders who will meet with 15 Euro- STRONG COMMITMENT ments have used perceived differences in pean leaders in their first ever summit which TO HUMAN RIGHTS cultural values as an excuse for not including will be held in the Thai capital on Friday human rights in their discussions. and Saturday. From: Amnesty International, Feb. 27 “Try telling the mother of the young In- Although the two camps have already This News Service is posted by the Interna- donesian woman tortured to death for her agreed on the summit’s agenda, which cov- tional Secretariat of Amnesty International, peaceful work promoting workers” rights, or ers economic and political cooperation, the parents of all those killed in Tiananmen some European leaders are under pressure News Service 35/96; AI INDEX: IOR Square that their deaths can be somehow from their constituents to discuss sensitive 30/01/96 excused as part of an Asian cultural tradi- political issues such as human rights. Portu- As 25 heads of state and governments tion,” Amnesty International said. gal is believed to want to push the issue of gather in Thailand for the first Asia-Europe The 1993 Vienna Declaration passed at East Timor, its former colony, at the forum. Meeting (ASEM), Amnesty International the UN World Conference on Human Rights Asian countries have warned that the in- today called on the summit representatives states that “all human rights are universal, clusion of “irrelevant” and “controversial” to include in the agenda a firm commitment indivisible, interdependent and interrelated,” issues could jeopardize the outcome of the to human rights. and “the promotion and protection of all summit. Governments attending the summit want human rights is a legitimate concern of the “We are anticipating that possibility,” the meeting to promote dialogue between international community.” ASEM member Alatas said when asked if the East Timor Europe and Asia, particularly on trade and states must use their previously stated question would be raised at the Bangkok investment. However, any dialogue which commitment to upholding this Declaration summit. “That means we’re prepared to does not include a recognition that the pro- as a basis for any regional cooperation and deal with it (if it comes up).” tection of civil and political rights is com- development, the organization said. He emphasized, however, that there are plementary to sustained economic growth Non-governmental Organizations other forums more appropriate to discuss and development would be a hollow one, the (NGOs) are also in Bangkok for a parallel the East Timor problem. human rights organization said. NGO forum, and Amnesty International is “If they insist on bringing the issue to the “Trade and human rights are not mutu- calling on governments to recognize the forum, which is intended to expand eco- ally exclusive,” Amnesty International said. crucial role played by NGOs in promoting nomic relations and political cooperation “Development is about the way people are close cooperation between the two regions. and discuss issues of common interests, able to live and participate in their society, Many members of these NGOs are the tar- then they will open the door to irrelevant not just about dollars. At the very least, all gets of state repression; ASEM member issues. And the meeting won’t achieve the the governments present should reaffirm states should ensure that they can carry out desired result,” he said. that human rights are universal and indivisi- their activities without intimidation and Alatas contended that most, if not all, the ble.” with adequate protection. participating countries have agreed that this “In addition, ASEM governments should is the best course. “They too want this follow up this affirmation with concrete HUMAN RIGHTS WATCH: summit to succeed.” “But who knows steps to ensure that human rights are re- DON’T IGNORE what’s in the mind of the Portuguese prime spected throughout Europe and Asia. Previ- minister? We will see. Let’s hope they will ous international summits have included fine HUMAN RIGHTS heed our firm appeal. I don’t think it (the words, but these are not backed up by ac- From: Human Rights Watch, 28 Feb 96 East Timor issue) will be raised, but if it is, tion.” then we will be prepared to deal with it.” The conference should lead to an ongoing Human Rights Watch today urged Asian Portugal will be represented by Prime dialogue, which enables ASEM states to and European leaders gathering in Bangkok Minister Antonio Guterres in Bangkok. His address, monitor and act regularly upon for the first ever Asia-Europe summit on spokesman, David Damião, was quoted by specific human rights issues which come up, March 1 to take joint action to protect hu- Reuters as saying that Portugal intends to the organization said. man rights in the region, even as European discuss the East Timor issue in Bangkok “Human rights concerns are not confined leaders indicated that human rights issues just as it has raised it at every international to one side of the Asia-Europe conference would be downplayed at the twenty-five meeting. “Portugal cannot agree to a limit table,” Amnesty International said. “Police nation meeting. In a series of specific rec- being put on its right to speak out,” he said. ill-treatment is a problem from Germany to ommendations accompanying a twenty-six In Brussels, European Union foreign min- Indonesia and prisoners of conscience are in page report, Human Rights Issues for the isters on Monday agreed to postpone a jail from Greece to China.” Asia-Europe Summit, the international hu- statement on its position on East Timor The organization urged governments at man rights organization calls on participants until after this week’s summit in Bangkok. the summit to put aside previous arguments to: Portugal earlier urged its EU partners to between Asian and European governments · support the stationing of a United Na- adopt a position on East Timor before the about the inclusion of human rights in tions Special Representative in Burma to summit to help offset domestic criticism strategies for regional cooperation and de- monitor human rights. that the issue was being swept under the velopment, and take into account the wishes · take joint action to ensure that the human carpet. of the peoples they represent. rights situation in Cambodia does not de- Alatas said President Soeharto, who will “This is not the West telling Asia what teriorate further. That action could in- leave for Bangkok tomorrow, has lined up a to do,” Amnesty International said. “The clude joint monitoring of the upcoming series of bilateral meetings with some Euro- demand for human rights comes from the local and national elections and the pro- pean leaders, but the Portuguese leader is people of Asia themselves. Governments tection of basic freedoms, such as free- not one of them. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 71

dom of expression, association, and as- not just mean more business deals – it also pect much in concrete terms to arise from sembly in the run-up to those elections. means an obligation to use their increased the weekend meeting. · support protection of labor rights economic leverage to protect human rights,” Strengthening economic and political ties through ratification of key International Jones said. is expected to take precedence at the meet- Labor Organization (ILO) conventions The Human Rights Watch report con- ing of the leaders of the Association of guaranteeing freedom of association and tains summaries of human rights concerns South East Asian Nations plus Japan, South banning forced labor. over the past twelve months in Indone- Korea and China, and their counterparts sia/East Timor, Burma, Vietnam, Singapore, from the 15-member European Union. · take joint action to curb the trafficking of Asian women to Europe and within Asia. Malaysia and Thailand. Human Rights ‘I don’t think they will raise the issues at Watch is a nongovernmental organization the Summit,’ said Maung Maung, a Burmese · support an arms trade “code of conduct” established in 1978 to monitor and promote dissident leader. to control the sale and transfer of weap- the observance of internationally recognized Many Asian countries have pressured ons to countries that seriously violate in- human rights in Africa, the Americas, Asia, European leaders attending the meeting not ternational human rights or humanitarian the Middle East and among the signatories to bring up sensitive human rights or labour law or that do not fully participate in the of the Helsinki accords. It is supported by issues, but Ms Budiardjo urged European U.N. Register of Conventional Arms. contributions from private individuals and countries to make their views heard. · take all possible measures to ensure that foundations worldwide. It accepts no gov- ‘We should have no illusions about the the remaining Vietnamese asylum-seekers ernment funds, directly or indirectly. Its European Union,’ she said. ‘Its several insti- in Malaysia, the Philippines and Hong Asia division was established in 1985 to tutions go their different ways, particularly Kong will be protected from excessive monitor and promote the observance of on human rights issues.’ use of force when protesting repatriation internationally recognized human rights in ‘With Indonesia and its partners in to Vietnam; forced registration for “vol- Asia. ASEAN, aided and abetted by its allies in untary repatriation"; and refoulement. Human Rights Watch/Asia the European Union, the people of East · take all steps to ensure that people de- 485 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY Timor will have to rely on the deeply held tained for the peaceful expression of their 10017-6104 moral and political commitment of govern- views throughout Asia are released, with TEL: 212/972-8400 FAX: 212/972-0905 ments.’ particular attention to China/Tibet, Indo- E-mail: [email protected] [sic. This truncated sentence goes on to refer nesia/East Timor, Vietnam and Burma. 1522 K Street, N.W,. Washington D.C. to the Portuguese and Irish governments. Human Rights Watch deplores reports 20005 CB] that European officials preparing for the TEL: 202/371-6592 FAX: 202/371-0124 summit had already agreed that the closing E-mail: [email protected] SPEECH BY CARMEL statement, to be issued by Thailand, would BUDIARDJO AT BANGKOK make no reference to human rights other HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS than to reaffirm support for the Universal ARE GLOOMY ON SUMMIT NGO CONFERENCE Declaration of Human Rights. Even worse, Bangkok NGOs Pre-Summit conference, 27- it said, was Belgian Prime Minister Jean-Luc International Herald Tribune, 29 Feb. 1996 29 February 1996 Dehaene’s statement on February 26 that Bangkok, Reuter – Human rights activists the paramount need was to avoid conflict called on Asian and European leaders Dear fellow delegates, and that the European Union leaders would Wednesday to take a strong stand against I am very grateful to have been invited to not push issues which Asian countries con- human rights abuses but said they expected address this important gathering on behalf of sidered sensitive, and that they would do their pleas to fall on deaf ears. TAPOL. I warmly welcome the initiative to nothing to offend their Asian partners. The Carmel Budiardjo, director of TAPOL, hold this pre-Summit meeting and am glad to meeting is expected to focus primarily on which campaigns against human rights viola- be here in your midst. trade and investment. tions in East Timor, said a firm stand could For me, it is a special honour and privi- “This summit represents an unprece- be a landmark in setting the tone for future lege to be speaking here, in a Southeast dented opportunity to explore joint action work in southeast Asia. Asian country, as part of the world solidar- to address some of the region’s most intrac- She referred in particular to the ‘bullying ity movement for East Timor. Two years table human rights problems,” said Sidney tactics’ by Indonesia, whose rule of the ago I was blacklisted by the Philippines Jones, executive director of Human Rights former Portuguese colony of East Timor is government from attending the Asia-Pacific Watch/Asia. “To ignore these problems for not recognised by the UN. Conference on East Timor. But let me share fear of offending Asian leaders is an abroga- At an Asia-Europe forum of non- a secret with you: I had never intended going tion of responsibility at best and a capitula- governmental organisations, she called pol- to Manila for that meeting so they needn’t tion to the call of the dynamic Asian market icy on Burma, East Timor and Northern have blacklisted me. Only one of us from at worst.” Ireland ‘urgent issues for Europe and Asia.’ TAPOL was planning to go. The fury Human Rights Watch noted that while The meeting of more than 350 represen- unleashed by Jakarta against APCET and increased trade between Europe and Asia tatives from 100 organisations has been the Filipino Government’s supine response could bring benefits to both, it also brings billed as an alternative to a conference of revealed how much the Suharto regime fears increased responsibility to address some of leaders from Asian and European countries the rising tide of solidarity with East Timor the human rights problems exacerbated by on Saturday and Sunday (sic, Friday and in what it treats as its own backyard. rapid growth and to ensure that political Saturday). Now, the wheels of ASEAN collabora- repression does not increase as Asian lead- But although Ms Budiardjo and speakers tion have again been cranked into motion ers confront demands from their own popu- from Northern Ireland and Burma all made with the decision by the Thai Government, lations for change. “European leaders have pleas for governments to take note of human in response to bullying from Jakarta, to to recognize that partnership with Asia does rights problems, they said they did not ex- prevent East Timor’s leading overseas Page 72 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. spokesperson, José Ramos-Horta, co-chair der discussion would be political dialogue, taken in by the indoctrination pumped into of the National Council of the Maubere economic relations and international issues. them to make them ‘good Indonesian citi- People (CNRM), to visit Bangkok because What now worries Alatas is that the infor- zens.’ According to the army, the clandes- his visit would have coincided with the pre- mality of the occasion and the open agenda tine consists of about three thousand peo- Summit and Summit events. From this ros- means that it will be up to the heads of gov- ple, including East Timorese students trum, I strongly protest against his exclusion ernment to decide the issues they want to studying in Java and Bali. This certainly and hope that this will be reflected in our raise. Despite all the wiles of some Euro- understates the strength and size of the final statement. pean countries, the problem of ‘irrelevan- political resistance which probably includes Fellow delegates, cies’ like human rights and East Timor still most young East Timorese, whether or not The Indonesian Foreign Minister, Ali dogs Jakarta. they are organised and able to articulate Alatas, has spent a lot of time recently hold- The governments of western Europe have opposition to Indonesian rule. ing forth about next week’s Bangkok Sum- been told in no uncertain terms by Ali Canadian journalist John Stackhouse, mit. One thing above all else is worrying Alatas that any reference to East Timor [The Globe and Mail, 3 February 1996], him, the prospect that human rights and in during the two-day event could prompt a after returning from East Timor, reports that particular East Timor will be raised by some walk-out by President Suharto. Such is the a young man named Valerio Magno Xime- of the European Union participants. By importance the Indonesian Government nes, was beaten and left for dead while insisting, as he has said repeatedly, that attaches to the ‘irrelevant question’ of East walking with friends along the beach in Dili. ‘East Timor is a question of irrelevance’ for Timor. This was his third encounter with the the Summit, he has only succeeded in prov- Nor should we run away with the idea dreaded special forces, Kopassus. Two ing the contrary, that that tiny country that the fifteen members of the European weeks earlier security forces in Baucau beat which is still groaning under brutal Indone- Union are solidly behind Portugal on the two young men to death in Baucau. Rela- sian military occupation is extremely rele- question of East Timor. Far from it. True, tives of Valerio said: ‘Every day this hap- vant to Jakarta’s calculations regarding none of the governments has formally rec- pens. Everywhere. The military just go ASEAN’s relations with the European Un- ognised Indonesia’s unlawful annexation of around and give this shock therapy to the ion. the country and, although they refrain from young people.’ ‘Shock therapy’ is familiar Alatas has good reason to worry for this saying so loud and clear, they all accept the to the Indonesian ear. It was the term used is an issue that has haunted ASEAN-EU constitutional position of Portugal which is by Suharto about the death squads that relations for the past five years. The idea to recognised by the UN as the administering killed thousands of people in Indonesia in convene next week’s Summit evolved be- power of East Timor. Yet it was not until the mid-1980s. He justified the slaughter cause of difficulties that arose several years last December, twenty years after the Indo- then as part of an anti-crime campaign. To- ago between the two blocs over a new ac- nesian invasion, and ten years after Portugal day in East Timor, its purpose to stamp out cord on economic cooperation, the so-called joined the European Community, that the resistance to Indonesian rule. They have not ‘third-generation’ economic cooperation EU summit meeting in Madrid for the first succeeded in the past, and they won’t suc- accord, which also include political dialogue. time included a paragraph on East Timor in ceed now or in the future. Negotiations on this began in the early its Final Communiqué. In January, the EU Members of the clandestine also confront 1990s and when in 1992, the draft accord agreed to a Common Position on East violence and intimidation at the hands of came up for approval at a ministerial meet- Timor. However formal adoption was de- hooligans who prowl the streets, picking on ing in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia objected to layed after some members used the hostage people at random. For some time, a gang- the inclusion of a human rights clause. The crisis in West Papua as an excuse to shelve ster-type organisation Pemuda Pancasila EU had been in the process of renewing the issue for the time being. (Pancasila Youth) has been active in East economic accords with many countries and Fellow delegates, Timor. Now, a special band of thugs has regional blocs; in all cases, a human rights Our primary concern here today is the been set up, Garda Muda Penegak Integrasi clause was included. The decision to include present situation in East Timor and its im- (Young Guards for Integration). It is the a human rights clause in all ‘third generation’ pact on ASEAN-EU relations. brainchild of Brigadier-General Prabowo accords was taken by the EU in December In East Timor, repression has intensified Subianto, son-in-law of President Suharto, 1991. In view of Indonesia’s intransigence, over the past year and the activities of the who was recently appointed commander of Portugal exercised its veto - all decisions on resistance have become even more daunting. Kopassus. Prabowo has a long history of such matters in the EU are taken by consen- The problems raised by Indonesia’s illegal violence and political intrigue in East Timor. sus - and the matter was dropped. occupation of the country have also shifted In Indonesia, they call this kind of thing Naturally, quite a few of the European and become more complex. premanisme: preman are free-wheeling hoo- partners saw this as a serious setback to Repression today is directed first and ligans who help the security forces by add- their business dealings with the countries of foremost against the younger generation. ing a ‘civilian’ dimension to operations de- Southeast Asia. Some years later, during the They call it ‘shock therapy.’ The security signed to intimidate pro-democracy activ- German presidency, the German govern- forces closely monitor the actions of young ists. These are the people who hold pro- ment initiated moves to renew discussions East Timorese. Disappearances have be- integration actions to pour abuse on East about the accord but it was Britain, more come a daily occurrence and people are Timorese actions at various embassies in experienced than most in the art of the pos- picked up on the streets, beaten up for no Jakarta. Para-military thuggery working sible in diplomacy, advised against it, warn- apparent reason and left to die or make their hand in hand with the army has now become ing that it could only result in another dead- way as best they can to their homes. A year an established part of the system of repres- lock. Britain suggested that the objectives of ago, the Indonesian army identified the clan- sion in East Timor. By recruiting East economic cooperation and political dialogue destine as the main obstacle to their efforts Timorese as ‘Young Guards,’ it is as if con- between ASEAN and the EU could best be to rule the territory. As we know, the clan- flict over integration with Indonesia is be- achieved by convening a Summit between destine is composed of young East tween Timorese and Timorese, not between the two blocs, to be held on an informal Timorese who have been educated in Indo- the Timorese nation and the army of occu- basis, with an open agenda. The issues un- nesian schools but who have never been pation. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 73

Operations to destroy the clandestine guerrillas or flee to Jakarta and seek asy- This brings me to the key question of movement includes provocation, splitting lum.’ East Timor’s relevance in the ASEAN-EU tactics and criminalisation. There have been A small number of Timorese have taken relationship. Friends often ask: why is it so numerous provocations against the deeply to boats, to seek refuge across the waters in difficult for the EU to adopt a clear stand in held religious beliefs of Timorese who, in Australia. A group of eighteen reached Aus- support of its member, Portugal on the their tribulations under the occupation, have tralia after a perilous voyage last May. Two question of East Timor? The legal aspects turned in their tens of thousands to the other groups of boat-people were less for- are indisputable: an act of naked aggression Catholic Church for protection. Last Sep- tunate; they were intercepted and arrested. without a properly-supervised act of self- tember, a ‘spiritual guidance’ prison official So far, asylum bids have been made in the determination. Throughout twenty years of spoke contemptuously about Catholicism Australian, British, Japanese, Dutch, Polish, unlawful occupation, the people have never during a talk in Maliana Prison. Distur- New Zealand, Russian and French embas- swerved in their opposition to Indonesian bances rocked the town for days, and spread sies. Every time, governments have refused rule. Indonesian indoctrination has failed to to other parts of the country. Young to consider sympathetically the desperate win over the younger generation who have Timorese turned their wrath against Indone- plight of these men and women, relying on known nothing but life under the Indonesian sian settlers who have flooded in, taking Portugal to come to the rescue. Not one of jackboot. control of business, commerce and the local Portugal’s partners in the European Union I have followed with interest the recent administration; the young people destroyed has responded positively because they debate over Asian values, western values market-places and Indonesian-owned vehi- know that granting asylum means acknowl- and the universality of human rights as de- cles. The political message was clear: this edging that persecution is a grim reality in fined in the International Covenant on Civil was an outpouring of anger against the East Timor, placing their cozy business and Political Rights. Some argue that west- transformation of their country into an In- relations with Indonesian in jeopardy. Yet ern values have no roots in the South where donesian colony populated by Indonesian given that East Timorese are entitled to a different set of values based on respect for settlers. But in Indonesia, this has been recognition as Portuguese citizens, it means communal interests rather individual rights distorted and portrayed as a religious con- that other EU countries are bound to accept hold sway and that western governments are flict between Timorese Catholics and Indo- them within their borders as well. hypocritical in their human rights crusade; nesian Muslims. The Indonesian occupation is forcing their true purpose is to further their own Some three hundred young Timorese East Timorese to become a nation in dias- economic interests. Asian values as repre- were rounded up. Interrogators employed pora. Emigration has never been part of their sented by authoritarian regimes in Southeast the many forms of torture to which young tradition; the East Timorese, like all the Asia are the same values as western values Timorese have become accustomed. At least peoples of the South Pacific, are deeply advocated by multinational corporations and 43 of those arrested are to face trial on attached to land and the family. The longer arms manufacturers. charges of causing damage, an attempt to the Indonesian occupation continues, the We in the West have for years been ex- criminalise the resistance. Hundreds were more this exodus will intensify, serving posing the hypocrisy of our governments, held for short periods, tortured, then re- Indonesian designs to transform the popula- whether labour or conservative, social de- leased, only to be harassed in their homes or tion of their unlawfully-gotten colony. mocratic or Christian democratic. But this is hunted down by troops, police or thugs. In Solidarity organisations are calling on not because they use human rights argu- East Timor, release is hardly any better than western governments to instruct their em- ments to impose their will on regimes guilty remaining in custody. bassies in Jakarta to treat all asylum-seekers of gross and persistent human rights abuses. A month later, pro-integration gangs in- with understanding and allow them to con- On the contrary. The problem is that they cited members of the clandestine in Dili. In tact lawyers to assist them with their asy- give only lip-service to human rights princi- the ensuing street-battles, more people were lum request, and to allow Portuguese offi- ples, whether individual or collective. In arrested, some of whom now also face cials to meet asylum-seekers, with the help most western countries, business interests criminal charges. of the UN, to ascertain their true wishes. come first, second and last. Following the events of September and We also feel that governments which make Apart from the ever loyal Portugal, there October, scores of young people have de- use of Portugal as a convenient escape from is only one shining exception to this grim cided, in desperation, to flee to Jakarta and embarrassment should state publicly that balance sheet, the Republic of Ireland. seek asylum in any embassy to which they they do so in recognition of Portugal’s Thanks to a brilliantly successful solidarity can physically gain entrance. Seeking asy- status as the Administering Power of East movement in Ireland, a country whose lum at embassies is nothing new for East Timor. We also feel that EU countries population is acutely conscious of its own Timorese. But until last year, the asylum- should share with Portugal the growing bur- tragic history and the evils of colonialism, seekers were East Timorese students study- den of receiving East Timorese who are the Irish government has become a firm ing in Java or Bali who had for years been desperate to leave their occupied country. champion of the cause of East Timor. Cyn- part of the student resistance organisation, They are, after all, victims of western failure ics will say that Ireland has hardly any RENETIL. They organised their embassy to compel Indonesia to ends its reign of business relations with Indonesia and no actions to convey a clear political message terror in East Timor arms to sell. But I am quite sure that it is while fleeing from persecution. The most Besides their operations to quell the popular pressure and persistent media cov- sensational of these actions was the occupa- clandestine, ABRI recently announced, not erage that has forced the government to tion of the US embassy by 29 East for the first time, that it was launching all- come out as forcefully. In Ireland, the gov- Timorese during the APEC Summit in No- out war against FALINTIL, the armed resis- ernment and the opposition are vying with vember 1994.Today’s asylum-seekers are tance. Guerrillas were offered the choice of each other to prove their worth as support- fleeing from a level of repression back home surrendering or being wiped out. There is no ers of the people of East Timor. that has become intolerable. As one reason to expect that ABRI will be any Things could hardly be more different in Timorese observer told a foreign journalist: more successful than formerly in its drive Britain. The manufacture of weapons of ‘These days, our youngsters have two op- against the guerrillas. destruction is the activity that keeps the tions, to flee to the mountains and join the Fellow delegates, British economy afloat. The export of Page 74 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. equipment for the Indonesian armed forces was the occasion for yet more bullying. De For NGOs North and South, the need is (ABRI) is at the heart of the British- Charette quite shamelessly complied with a clear. We should call on the governments Indonesia relationship. Twenty-four Hawk request from Indonesia to help keep East and civil society in Southeast Asia and ground-attack aircraft are due to be delivered Timor off the agenda of the Summit, in or- Europe: to Indonesia shortly. This will go ahead der, in Alatas’ menacing words, to avoid the 1. to support East Timor’s just demand for despite the efforts of four brave women risk of failure of this historic meeting.’ For an act of self-determination in keeping peace activists who penetrated the British France, its all a question of helping French with international law; Aerospace factory in Wharton last month businessmen to catch up in the race to plun- 2. to demand an immediate UN presence in and succeeded in virtually destroying one of der Indonesia’s resources and exploit its East Timor to protect the population these deadly aircraft; the women are now in underpaid workforce, and the need to patch from the brutal repression which has remand, awaiting trial. I would like from this up recent quarrels over France’s contempti- been their tragic lot for more than twenty platform, to salute and congratulate them: ble decision to conduct nuclear tests in the years; Joanna Wilson, Andrea Needham, Lotta South Pacific. 3. to demand the immediate demilitarization Kronlid and Angie Zelter. We should have no illusions about the of East Timor as the essential first step The other major deal now being imple- European Union. Its several institutions go to improve the human rights situation mented is the delivery of between 120 and their different ways, particularly on human there; 140 Scorpion tanks and Stormer armoured rights issues. At the European Parliament, a personnel carriers. democratically elected body, issues like East 4. to call for support and understanding Fierce controversy has raged in Britain Timor and human rights get a thorough air- from governments around the world for over the use of Hawk aircraft in East Timor. ing and win majority support. At least ten young East Timorese who enter their Several East Timorese have testified that resolutions have been adopted by the Par- embassies in Jakarta to seek asylum and they saw Hawks in operation or on the liament, censoring Indonesia on a range of protection from their Indonesian persecu- ground during the 1980s but such testi- issues and calling for an arms embargo tors. mony, dismissed as being biased, will not against the Suharto regime. But the resolu- Love live the people of East Timor! Long wash with the men at the Ministry of De- tions of Parliament have no influence on the live world solidarity with East Timor! fense whose job is to promote arms sales to Union’s policy. In 1992, the Parliament’s any regime around the world, whatever their Human Rights Sub-Committee on Human BANGKOK NGO human rights record. In November, Hugh Rights conducted a hearing on East Timor CONFERENCE O’Shaughnessy, a British journalist, mo- and decided to send a delegation to East ments after he had been ordered to leave the Timor to monitor conditions there. But RECOMMENDATIONS country, saw two Hawk aircraft fly over Indonesia has refused to grant access, while Recommendations to the ASEM from The Dili at a time of high security alert; it was 10 arranging for two visits to East Timor by First Asia-Europe NGO Conference on the November, two days before the fourth anni- members of the Indonesian-sponsored Future of Asian-European Relations versary of the Santa Cruz massacre. But the European Parliament-Indonesia Friendship British government has dismissed Society. Bangkok 27-29 February 1996 O’Shaughnessy’s evidence as well. Accord- On the other hand, the Council of Minis- OVER 350 women and men representing ing to Jakarta, no Hawk aircraft are being ters, which is where policy decisions are 100 peoples’ organizations and non- used in East Timor. In Whitehall, such deni- taken, meets in secret and is not accountable governmental organizations (NGOs) par- als are ‘unbiased,’ unlike eye-witness re- to the European Parliament. It is farther ticipated in the first Joint Asia-Europe ports from East Timorese or a very well- removed from democratic control than any NGO Conference with the theme “Beyond known British journalist. governing body in Europe and its discus- Geopolitics and Geoeconomics: Towards a Recently, Britain was rocked by the gov- sions and decisions are not open to public New Relationship Between Asia and ernments decision to deport a Saudi human scrutiny. In this respect there is nothing to Europe” between Feb 27-29 in Bangkok. rights activist, Dr. Muhammad Al-Mas’ari, choose between the conduct and procedures This conference was held as a parallel to the equipped with nothing more than a fax- of the EU and ASEAN. Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) scheduled to machine. Britain’s largest arms deal, worth With Indonesia and its partners in be held March 1-2, between 10 Asian and more than $10 billion, is with the despotic ASEAN aided and abetted by its allies in the 15 European heads of state. ruler of that oil sheikdom. No attempt was EU, the people of East Timor will have to The conference unanimously endorsed made by ministers to conceal the reason for rely on the deeply held moral and political the parallel withdrawal of France from the deportation: the threat from the Saudi commitment of governments, Portugal for French Polynesia and New Caledonia su- government to switch the deal if Britain certain and also, hopefully, Ireland, to use pervised by the European Union (EU) and continues to harbour a troublesome individ- next week’s Summit to show the world that of Indonesia from East Timor under the ual. British Aerospace and lobbied hard for strengthening business ties between the auspices of ASEAN. The NGO meeting also Dr. Al Mas’ari’s deportation. governments of the two regional blocs must called on the Asian go governments to reject But its more than just a question of pro- not stand in the way of a ringing indictment the Multilateral Investment Agreement tecting lucrative arms deals. Britain recently of Indonesia over its abhorrent occupation promoted by the European Union and the overtook all other countries except Japan in of East Timor. East Timor must not be sac- World Trade Organization. The conference total foreign capital investments in Indone- rificed on the altar of crass profit. We call on also demanded that ASEM governments end sia. And although British overseas aid is due these countries not to buckle under to the repression and harassment of NGOs and to be cut drastically, with the concentration threats of Jakarta. A firm stand, taken here end the climate of fear in which they cur- on the poorer countries, it has just been on Asian soil, could be a landmark in setting rently operate in. announced that aid to Indonesia will con- the tone for future solidarity work in South- At the same time, the conference recog- tinue to climb. east Asia and showing the member states of nized the challenges confronting Asia and The visit of French Foreign Minister, ASEAN that bullying tactics will get Jakarta Europe and decided to work towards forging Herve de Charette, to Jakarta this month nowhere. a shared vision and a common programme of East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 75 action between the two continent that goes multilateral institutions, unilateral trade human rights violations is only an Asian beyond a narrow obsession with economic sanctions and massive internal subsidies. responsibility. We oppose violations of growth. Combined with the opening up of develop- human rights of the people of Northern The participants were of the view that ing countries' agricultural markets as man- Ireland and former Yugoslavia, as well as by centering relations on mere geopolitical dated by the WTO, subsidised American those of East Timor and Burma. In both and geoeconomic considerations, ASEM is and European agricultural exports will fur- Europe and Asia, the rights of migrant primarily serving the narrow interests of ther threaten small-holder agriculture in workers are systematically ignored and vio- dominant elites in the two regions. developing countries. For example, Euro- lated. It is in this context that the participants pean Common Agricultural Policy involves We believe in the universality of human sought to put forward an alternative vision major subsidisation of agricultural cultural rights as well as the indivisibility and inter- that would be people-centered, socially just, exports and threaten small-holder agriculture dependence of civil, political, social, eco- economically equitable, ecologically sustain- in developing countries. In addition, within nomic and cultural rights. Cutbacks in social able and politically participatory. Such a the EU, the top 20 per cent of farmers expenditure have eroded the socio-economic vision would embody respect for human mainly benefit from such subsidies. rights of the poor and vulnerable in many rights and human dignity and nurture the Contrary to the expectations generated European countries. Europe should also be spiritual, moral, intellectual and cultural by the United Nations summits, the process held accountable for “trans-border human lives of all individuals and communities in of globalisation and the dominant lifestyles rights violations” resulting from its eco- both the regions. have caused widespread social and cultural nomic relations with developing countries. Towards this end, the conference urged disruption, new economic chasms, ecological European investments help prop up mili- transparency and accountability in the devastation and political disenfranchise- tary regimes, gross violators of human ASEM process. The participation of citi- ment. rights, in countries such as Burma and Indo- zens in the decision-making process of gov- We are also concerned that European re- nesia. ernments in both continents should not be lations with Asia will focus predominantly Many governments in Asia should be just limited to parliamentarians and business on trade, and therefore on the fastest grow- condemned for systematic violations of people. ing countries in the region, the ten countries human rights. Many have internal security Participants agreed that organizations of invited to ASEM, and disregard other coun- laws which allow arrest without warrant, workers, women, indigenous and tribal tries especially those in South Asia where detention without trial and imprisonment of communities, popular organizations and poverty rates remain scandalously high. The people for proscribed political beliefs. For- NGOs have to be also included. In this re- EU should promote coherent policies in mally democratic countries frequently ignore gard, the conference declaration expressed trade and development cooperation that take the social and economic rights of their peo- the desire to look forward to a continuing into account the inter-relationships within ple. Local communities of farmers, fisher- dialogue and to the establishment of the the region as a whole. folk, indigenous peoples and urban dwellers mechanisms that would facilitate this. This In addition, newly proposed investment are often deprived of their rights to land and demands social commitment and political agreements, for example under the WTO, livelihoods to make way for so-called devel- will on the part of governments of Asia and would give foreign companies the right to opment projects without proper compensa- Europe. enter all economic sectors. Governments tion or alternative livelihoods. As part of this process, the 25 govern- would lose their right to regulate foreign Many governments systematically en- ments should ensure that women’s human investment. In the process, they would lose courage the occupation of indigenous peo- rights are respected and promoted and that control over macroeconomic policies and ples lands and strip them of resources. Gov- the benefits of economic development are ultimately over their country's natural re- ernments and multinationals must recognise shared more equitably. sources. If such a WTO agreement were to and respect that indigenous peoples’ iden- The conference endorsed that respect for be concluded, there would be disastrous tity and livelihood are based on their land human rights should be central to Asia- consequences, especially for developing and resources, and are related to their reli- Europe relations and emphasized that par- countries. Local farms, banks and other gious, cultural, linguistic and economic sys- ticipating countries in ASEM are all signato- enterprises would not be strong enough to tems. ries to UN summit declarations (Rio 1992, compete with multinational companies. We oppose the cynical manipulation of Vienna 1993, Cairo 1994, Copenhagen and Many of them would have to close down. workers’ rights as an instrument of interna- Beijing 1995). As of such conference par- Worldwide, vulnerable groups would suffer tional competition in trade and investment. ticipants reminded the ASEM governments most. We demand the repeal of laws setting barri- to remember their obligations and responsi- Finally, we are particularly concerned ers to the organisation of unions and other bilities under these covenants and give the that current patterns of trade and invest- workers’ organisations. We support con- utmost respect to the protection of human ment are increasingly based on the exploita- certed international action against gross rights. tion of women at work, in their communities violations of workers’ rights including child 1. Towards Sustainable People-centred and in their homes. labour, strike bans, and the torture and im- Social and Economic Relations 2. Democracy and Human Rights prisonment of labour organisers. Migration, and specifically labour migra- We support efforts to increase mutually We believe that respect for human rights tion, is increasingly an integral part of the beneficial trade and investment between should be central to Asia-Europe relations economies of sending and receiving coun- Asia and Europe. But we are concerned that while the struggle for human rights can only tries. Between Asia and Europe, population agreements such as the GATT Uruguay be fought within the context of cultural and mobility is significant yet basic information, Round only serve to strengthen the eco- social realities in each country. We do not details of problems and policy formula for- nomic power of already powerful economic believe that cultural particularism can be mulation remain inadequate. It is important actors. Northern powers push trade liberali- used to justify violations of human rights or to include on the agenda of the Asia-Europe sation while increasing protection of their that such violations are ‘domestic’ affairs. Meeting: transnational migration, its prob- own economies through the decisions of Neither do we believe that accountability for lems (especially human rights violations of Page 76 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. women migrant workers), its prospects and ognised in intellectual property rights re- well as the impact of intellectual property impacts. Human trafficking is an integral, if gimes. Further, all governments must im- rights o n indigenous peoples. unfortunate, part of labour migration. The plement the recommendations of the Work- Based on concerns about intellectual numbers of people trafficked across national ing Group on Indigenous People. property rights, the WTO Ministerial Con- borders is growing, as is the network of Exploitation of Children ference must begin renegotiation of the traffickers who profit from the illicit trade. Trade Related Intellectual Property Rights All governments participating in ASEM The illegal status of trafficked persons in (TRIPs) Agreement should immediately enforce the UN Con- host countries makes them more vulnerable ASEM leaders should oppose the intro- vention on the Rights of the Child. In par- to exploitation in manual, domestic and duction of a multilateral investment agree- ticular, they should consider ways in which sexual labour. ment into the WTO. Further, the liberalisa- laws and law enforcement mechanisms could tion of telecommunications and maritime 3. Politics and Security be improved and strengthened in the fight transport should be opposed. We welcome ASEM’s attention to politi- against the commercial exploitation of chil- Governments must urgently agree on ef- cal and security issues. Wars and conflicts dren. fective protection of small farmers and their of all types in Asia and Europe victimise Governments should support the First livelihood and take all necessary measures to hundreds of thousands of civilians. Under World Congress against the Commercial reverse the negative consequences of the these conditions, poverty eradication and Sexual Exploitation of Children which will WTO Agricultural Agreement. economic growth are meaningless. We sup- take place in Stockholm in August 1996. The European Common Agricultural Pol- port all efforts to actively seek political Trafficking in Women and Children icy should be fundamentally refocused and solutions to armed conflicts with interna- Governments should adopt and imple- reformed. tional mediation. The fundamental need for ment minimum standard rules for the treat- The trade in toxic waste and products be- nuclear disarmament and regulation and ment of trafficked persons. Further, gov- tween European and Asian countries must reduction of the arms trade demand broad ernments should fulfill their pledge made in be stopped through the negotiation of a code public discussion and the conclusion of the 1995 Beijing Platform for Action to step of conduct, standards and other mecha- transparent and equitable international up cooperation and concerted action by all nisms. agreements. relevant t law enforcement authorities to Anti-personnel landmines are a particu- Peace and Security dismantle networks in the trafficking of larly insidious weapon of war whose legacy The ASEAN Regional Forum should be women and children. remains long after the conflict has ceased. transformed into a Multilateral Security and States and intergovernmental organisa- Landmines kill and maim soldiers and civil- Disarmament Conference for the Asia Pa- tions should provide extra protection to ians alike, resulting in ongoing costs of cific region involving all regional military minorities/indigenous people who live in health care and rehabilitation, lost product powers to prevent an Asian arms race. border areas and are therefore especially productivity and waste of formerly produc- Conventional arms sales and production vulnerable to trafficking. tive farmland, along with great personal loss. within and between Asia and Europe must Labour and Migration RECOMMENDATIONS be phased out. ASEM governments should reaffirm their Following the lead of Austria, Belgium, We call on each of the government leaders commitment to human rights standards, and Denmark, Ireland, Malaysia, Norway, Phil- attending the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) adhere to International Covenants and to ippines and Sweden, all other governments to act on the following recommendations: ILO Conventions. Workers rights, particu- must impose a total ban on the production, Human Rights larly the rights to organise and collective use, sale and trade in anti-personnel land- Government leaders must fully discuss bargaining, as enshrined in the basic ILO mines. human rights at the ASEM because these are Conventions should be respected by gov- Governments should conclude the Com- the issues most relevant to the well-being of ernments and enforced upon all activities of prehensive Test Ban Treaty. They should the people. TNCs. ASEM leaders should commit them- initiate the negotiation of a nuclear weapons The role of civil society in promoting selves to eradicate forced labour. convention which supersedes the Non- human rights, human dignity and spiritual Governments should ratify and imple- Proliferation Treaty of Nuclear Weapons, values should be fully recognised by the ment the provisions of the UN Convention commits the five nuclear powers to a rigid governments. on the Rights of Migrant Workers and the timetable for total nuclear disarmament, and Cooperation between Asia and Europe in Members of their Families and these princi- provides for the complete prohibition of the areas of human rights education and the ples should be reflected in bilateral agree- nuclear weapons. development of human rights protection ments between labour sending and labour EU members should sign the Southeast mechanisms should be given a high priority. receiving countries. Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone Treaty Food security is a basic human right and An Asia-Europe Working Committee on and the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone must be fully integrated into ASEM discus- Transnational Migration should be estab- Treaty. sions, especially in preparation for the lished which would include non-government The comprehensive decolonisation of the World Food Summit in November 1996. representatives to consider economic, social, Asia Pacific region is an essential pre- All nations represented at ASEM should legal and health issues for migrants and the condition for peace and security. The Euro- adopt specific legislation to eradicate dis- members of their families. pean Union should take responsibility for crimination against women. Social and Economic Relations French decolonisation of French Polynesia; European leaders should give a high pri- ASEAN for the immediate withdrawal of The WTO Ministerial Meeting in Singa- ority to combating racism and xenophobia in Indonesia from East Timor. ASEM coun- pore in December 1996 should be primarily their own countries. tries should prevail upon the US to give concerned with the impact of the Uruguay Land and water rights of farmers, fisher- independence to Micronesia. Round. This should particularly focus on folk and forest people should be guaranteed Northern Ireland The conference con- the impact on small farmers, on women, as and indigenous knowledge systems be rec- demns the inaction of the British govern- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 77 ment over the last 18 months in relation to Regional Exchange for New Alternatives “Europe certainly has weaknesses with the conflict in the north of Ireland. The con- (Hong Kong), Pacific Asia Resources Center regard to the treatment of migrant workers, ference urges the British government to (Japan), Pacific Campaign for Disarmament minorities, the aged, unemployed and vic- immediately enter into inclusive all-party and Security (Japan), CIIR (Britain), Just tims of armed conflicts and displacement,” negotiations which should lead to a compre- World Trust (Malaysia) and the following noted Vitit Muntarbhorn, a law professor at hensive political settlement and include Thailand-based organizations and individu- Bangkok’s Chulalongkorn University. burning issues such as policing, release of als; Forum Asia, Asian Cultural Forum on But the EU is undeterred. These ques- political prisoners, demilitarisation of soci- Development (ACFOD), Thai Development tions are “difficult” but cannot be avoided in ety and adherence to international human Support Committee (TDSC ), Project for discussions with Asia, it says. “We are rights standards. Ecological Recovery (PER/TERRA), Assoc. going to Bangkok with a constructive East Timor Prof. Gothom Arya, Prof. Nikom Chandra- spirit,” said a Commission spokesman in vithun, Dr. Teeranat Kanchana-aksorn, etc. Brussels, but “we intend to bring up all The First Asia-Europe NGO Conference Further information please contact: areas of mutual interest.” The question is, strongly condemns the shameless efforts of [email protected] or how? the Indonesian government to prevent any [email protected] “The sensitive subjects that cannot be discussion of East Timor at the ASEM. We raised during the official summit of heads of strongly protest against the decision of the states and governments,” said Christian Thai government not to allow East Timorese TRILLION DOLLAR TRAD E Lechervy, a French specialist on Asia, “will resistance leader José Ramos Horta to visit DULLS RIGHTS PRINCIPLES be taken up at more discreet forums includ- Thailand in order to attend this NGO meet- ing the post-Ministerial meetings. ing. By Angeline Oyog, Mario Dujisin and Teena “What we would like to do is try to en- Further, we are deeply concerned about Gill hance the understanding in a correct and the continuing gross violations of human PARIS, Feb 28 (IPS) - The economic im- accurate way about the importance of this rights in occupied East Timor and calls for peratives alone ensure the European Union issue to both sides,” said Shumpei Tsuka- UN presence in the territory in order to will not allow rights issues to block its hara, head of Japan’s Ministry of Interna- protect the population. We believe that longed-for dialogue with east Asia this tional Trade and Industry, in Thailand this demilitarisation is an essential first step week. But gestures of support for human month. towards improving the human rights situa- rights are a European habit, one not easily Yet Portugal’s Prime Minister Antonio tion in East Timor. We firmly endorse East suppressed. Guterres is still determined to raise the issue Timor’s just demand for self-determination Europe goes to the landmark summit in of Indonesia and East Timor at the summit. and welcome the growing movement of soli- Bangkok on Mar. 1-2, largely on Asia’s The French and British are voicing concerns darity with East Timor in the countries of terms. “The summit is an event in itself, a about use of prison labour in China and Southeast Asia and Europe. recognition by Europe of the power of child labour in other parts of Asia. We call for the unconditional release of Asian economies and of Asia in its own Resistance to placing trade ahead of Xanana Gusmão and all East Timorese po- right,” said Jean-Marie Bouissou, research rights is strong in Europe. “There exists in litical prisoners. director of the National Foundation of Po- the EU a double standard in matters con- Burma litical Science, Paris. cerning human rights,” noted former Portu- ASEM leaders must urge that the While growth in Europe averages at about guese president Mario Soares this week, SLORC begin tripartite dialogue with Aung three percent, the Asian ‘tiger’ economies condemning the attitude of the EU’s “face- San Suu Kyi and ethnic minorities; demand have maintained GDP levels of eight percent less technocrats.” the release of all political prisoners and in- since the mid-1980s. By 2000 Asia is ex- “It is lamentable that the EU cannot have sist that the SLORC recognise the results of pected to account for half of the world’s a single moral line; one that would require us the 1990 elections. trade and one-third of the world’s produc- to condemn Indonesia’s invasion of Timor tion. Former Yugoslavia as we did Iraq’s attack on Kuwait in 1991,” “Relations between Asia and Europe he added. ASEM leaders should ensure that the have reached a turning point,” says Juan “The truth is,” added Joaquin Trigo de Dayton Accord is faithfully implemented. Prats, Director General for External Rela- Negreiros, a Lisbon analyst, “that Germany, This includes protecting territorial integrity, tions at the EU’s executive Commission. the United Kingdom and France are banking ensuring that Sarajevo remains a multi-ethnic “The Bangkok meeting will give a strong on capturing the gigantic markets of Asia, so city, that refugees are safely returned, that impetus to a future Euro-Asian dialogue.” have no desire to arouse the susceptibilities human rights violations committed during Entering the forum in the confident man- of Jakarta.” the war are acknowledged and that the viola- ner of ‘tigers,’ East Asian leaders like Thai This is not quite so. Practices such as tors are brought to justice through the War Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa warn child labour, aside from being morally Crimes Tribunal on Former Yugoslavia. that “sensitive and irrelevant” issues like wrong, give child-employing nations a pro- Notwithstanding the specific cases men- child labour, human rights and Indonesia’s duction cost advantage that Europe would tioned above, the Conference calls on Euro- occupation of the former Portuguese colony like to rebalance. pean and Asian governments to reaffirm the East Timor, should not be raised at the Yet cynical advantage apart, Europe de- overarching principles of decolonisation and Bangkok summit. ploys a high-flown vision of union that the rights of peoples and nations to self- And at a recent pre-summit meeting in requires its external alliances to be seen to be determination. Jakarta, Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali much more than a matter of cash transfers. ------Alatas said if the EU raised such issues, he Europe’s left-of-centre political parties also The Asia - Europe NGO Conference is could think of at least “ten issues that could insist that the grand European Union project organized by: Focus on the Global South be seriously embarrassing to the European must be more than just a unbridled triumph (Thailand), Transnational Institute (The side.” for free enterprise. Netherlands), Asia House (Germany), Asian Page 78 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

“The grandeur of the European economic rights to workers and it too does not want The EU and Asian nations said they will scheme must be matched by a no less inspi- to see a “slanging match” in Bangkok. actively encourage contacts between their rational social vision,” former Commission Europe and Asia must develop a joint so- private sectors. president Jacques Delors once told IPS. The cial agenda, argued the ICFTU’s Stephen The summit was held against a backdrop EU expects no less from its external trade Pursey. “There must be discussions on of impressive trade figures. In 1994, Asia as alliances. social and labour issues,” he said. “If not, a whole surpassed the United States as But Trigo de Negreiros is not wrong ei- this will hold up deeper relations between Europe’s largest trading partner, with two- ther. Public concerns about labour or social the two regions on trade and investment.” way sales reaching $312.5 billion. rights have not stopped European private Asia bought goods worth over 100 billion But Asia gets just 1 percent of European business from welcoming Asia open armed dollars from Europe in 1994 while Asian direct foreign investment even though it into the European and global trading envi- exports to the continent were valued at 145 accounts for 23 percent of European trade. ronment. billion dollars. From 1979-1993, the EU invested $2.5 Jean Pisani-Ferry, director of the Paris- As a bloc, Asians now account for 23.2% billion in 3,000 Asian projects, less than half based Centre for Studies on International of the EU’s total trade, ahead of the United the investments by either Japanese or U.S. Perspectives and Information (CEPII), notes States’ 17.4% share. These bottom lines will firms. there “is no real connection between the speak volumes at Bangkok. “Asia and Europe need to be more open number of U.N. rights and labour conven- with one another – in trade, in investment tions Asia ratifies and its integration into EUROPEAN, ASIAN and in the exchange of technology know- global trade as measured by its level of ex- NATIONS PLEDGE FRESH how,” summit host and Thai prime minister port growth. Banharn Silpa-archa said in opening the “Except for the Philippines which has COMMITMENT TO FREE summit at a sprawling convention complex ratified seven of the nine basic U.N. labour TRADE in the center of Bangkok. conventions, the countries of east Asia He called on EU nations to match the stand out, both in terms of the low number CNN Web Page, (from AP), March 1, 1996 trade and investment links the United States of conventions they have ratified and in BANGKOK, Thailand (AP) – European has with Asia through the 18-member Asia- terms of their high levels of exports.” and Asian nations worked Friday on a Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Françoise Lemoine, an economic analyst commitment to knock down trade barriers EU External Trade Commissioner Sir with CEPII, further cites the example of and stoke investment, highlighting Europe’s Leon Brittan worked hard at the meeting to trade between China and Europe, which has eagerness to match U.S. economic involve- get Asian nations, especially South Korea increased trade in spite the unresolved is- ment in Asia. and Japan, to make better market-opening sues of human rights between them. The first Asia-Europe economic summit offers on telecommunications services. China provided 16.5 percent of Asian – a two-day meeting between leaders of the There is an April 30 deadline on the issue in exports to Europe in 1979, but despite the 15 European Union nations and 10 of Asia’s world trade talks. human rights outcry that followed the 1989 most robust economies – sought to renew Despite the summit’s economic agenda, Tiananmen Square massacre, China’s export Europe’s interest in the world’s fastest- human rights questions loomed large. share had increased to 18.1 percent by 1993. growing market, as well as promote closer In a surprise move, Portugal proposed Similarly China’s share of all Asian exp orts political, economic and security ties. normalizing relations with Indonesia if the to Europe rose from 6.5 percent in 1979 to But human rights remained a divisive is- government in Jakarta frees an East 23.4 percent in 1993. sue, with officials haggling over the wording Timorese resistance leader from prison. The U.S. experience with China in this of a rights passage to be included in their Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 field is instructive for Europe, added Bouis- final declaration Saturday, the summit’s and annexed the former Portuguese colony a sou. Unilateralism without dialogue led the final day. year later. At least 100,000 Timorese are U.S. to fail in its efforts to square Most China, criticized by many for suppress- believed to have died in the years following Favoured Nation trading status for China ing dissent, wanted a reference to “non- the invasion, primarily from starvation. with its domestic concern for human rights. interference in the internal affairs” of other The Europeans consider some Asian “The EU’s attitude of trying to start a countries, while the Europeans pushed for a countries violators of basic human rights. dialogue with Asia must be contrasted with reference to “the importance of fundamental Asians say the Europeans are making judg- the U.S. attitude,” said Bouissou. “Europe rights.” ments based on their own cultural values. seems to have learned from the U.S. deba- “We think the emphasis (of the summit) cle.” should be laid on economic issues,” said AGIR POUR TIMOR LETTER Finally, a 1994 EU policy paper, To- Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Chen TO FRENCH EMBASSY wards A New Asia Strategy, makes it clear Jian. that a failure of dialogue will only strengthen As the summit drew to a close, concrete Translated from French - Bruno the hands of “those who view Asia as a and symbolic demonstrations of their desire Agir pour Timor threat rather than as a valuable partner” and to knock down trade barriers emerged: raise the spectre of a trade bloc war. 22 bis rue Jouvenet 75016 Paris Eager to gain entry to the World Trade tel/fax: +33-1-48 58 53 38 As a result the issue of human rights will Organization, China said it would soon an- Paris, March 1, 1996. be raised, but diplomatically. In this the EU nounce a new round of tariff cuts. It gave no has the support of rights groups like the further details. To the French ambassador in Thailand International Confederation of Free Trade The Philippines said it would cut all tar- Your Excellency, Unions (ICFTU). iffs to no more than 5 percent by 2003. While it is extremely concerned about We have had knowledge of Mr. Herve de South Korea signed a trade and economic Charrette’s [transl. note: the French Foreign violation of workers’ rights in nations like cooperation accord with the EU. China and Burma, it notes that other coun- Minister] statements about the situation in tries in Asia are gradually granting more East Timor. France does not wish this prob- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 79 lem to be touched during the current Bang- of a regime so highly praised by French suffer from this military and authoritarian kok summit between European Union and businessmen. regime, which was violent from the start. In Asian countries. Persecuted Chinese Catholics are lucky. 1965 there was the “big massacre.” All We are revolted by this position and in- Chirac thought of whispering Li Peng a cou- those suspected of communist sympathies, tend to let it be known. ple of words about them. The others, politi- or simply dissidents, were executed. More To let human rights violations committed cal opponents in Singapore, tyrannized East than one million people!” by Indonesia in the occupied territory of Timorese, Peking dissidents, can get their But Indonesia is oil-rich, its work-force East Timor and on its own soil pass in si- stumps and fly-feeding wounds examined costs almost nothing and the army control lence, while one knows about them, is unac- elsewhere. Beside the Vaticanese exception, ensures the stability which is the dream of ceptable from France. We think that Chirac hasn’t come to Asia to talk democ- every company eyeing up delocalization. So France’s place in the present world, and the racy and dignity of the human being, but to hush. greatness of its history of defence of human get swaddled in silk and talk dough. Political “It is true that Indonesia attract enter- rights, force it to have another posture. prisoners had better not come tan his hide in prises. But the weight of corruption is The international community must find the middle of a meeting. When they are tor- enormous: about 30% of investment goes an acceptable solution to the East Timor tured, these nitwits shout so loud that one into baksheesh! And you should not get issue, and this passes imperatively through can’t hear oneself signing contracts. All they illusions on political stability. The East the right of the people of East Timor to self- deserve is a good market share in the face! Timor problem starts being felt, the gov- determination. As long as such a solution From Paris, Wilson followed the Bang- ernment has to face inflation, social con- will not have been found, those countries kok summit on the radio, TV and in the flicts, poverty. People are fed up and oppo- which call themselves democratic and cham- newspapers. Wilson is an Indonesian trade- sition, democratic but also Islamic, gets pions of human rights have the obligation to unionist, the General Secretary of the Indo- more widespread. There are more and more recall the problem as often as necessary, nesian Centre for Workers Struggles and demonstrations. Perhaps we shall get to it, especially in their relationship with the Coordinator of “Solidarity with the East to democracy!” That day, don’t forget to oppressor country - in this case, Indonesia. Timorese People.” He is 27, has already thank Chirac. Does solving economic problems go, or been arrested three times, met quite a few not, in the sense of solving the problems of electrodes during his stays in prison, and his EAST TIMOR IN THAI PRESS Humankind? History goes forward and we political programme has everything to have don’t want summits like Bangkok to be, in a the Indonesian government jolt of anger: Translated summarized, by P. Nogueira few years, remembered in the same way as abolition of the low-salary policy as a Bangkok, March 2 (LUSA) - The pro- tractations of the times of slavery. means to attract foreign investment, better posal of Portugal’s PM to Indonesian Presi- We ask you to transmit this protest to working conditions, equality between men dent Suharto regarding ET were the front- the French delegation in Bangkok. and women, ban on racial discrimination, page subject of the three English-language Respectfully yours, freedom of union, ban on child labour, ban newspapers of Bangkok. AGIR POUR TIMOR on military intervention in labour conflicts... The Thailand Times announces in front- For the Collective When Wilson saw the European coun- page title that the proposal approximates Alexandre Milheiro tries go submissive in front of Asian dicta- Portugal and Indonesia closer to a solution tors and the French president wave his arms for East Timor. CHIRAC IN BANGKOK, about, shouting “Market! Capital! Trade! The dailies The Nation and Bangkok Post DEMOCRACY IN THE LOO Export, export, export!” while forgetting the underscore also in front-page titles that essential, he got a little upset: “There is a Guterres’ initiative prevented possible con- Anne Kerloch, Charlie Hebdo, March 6, popularity-seeking and tactical talk from flicts at the ASEM summit. 1996. Translated from French Asian tyrants. It’s the one that consists of [.....] saying that human rights are not good for us, [Note: Charlie Hebdo is a satirical weekly Inside, The Nation also publishes an arti- because they are not in our tradition. Europe cle on Carmel Budiardjo, of TAPOL [...]. which made itself famous when de Gaulle lets do and prefers to discuss trade, Chirac died in 1970 by making its title page as “Bal Thailand Times also publishes an article the first. France has already sold lots of about Mario Soares, whose term in Presi- tragique à Colombey: un mort,” colliding de weapons to Indonesia, rifles, combat heli- Gaulle’s death in Colombey and the news of dency terminates on March 9, after 10 years copters. And now the President wants to in function. a fire in a dancing which had caused some increase his arms exports to Asia. He’s 70 deaths the same week. It was closed pushing us to war!” ASEM COVERAGE IN JAP AN down for the impertinence. It hasn’t taken a Wilson describes Indonesia in the way wrinkle, with corresponding style. I’ll do my Total executives or members of the French From Jean Inglis, March 4. best to render it in English... Bruno] delegation don’t like to see it: as a country mistreated by President Suharto and his The Asahi, Mainichi and Yomiuri news- SEVENTEEN LANGUAGES IN THE merry khaki troop, cunning enough the cul- papers all reported the Suharto-Guterres EUROPE-ASIA SUMMIT AND NOT A tivate a semblance of democracy: “There are meeting. The regional daily in my area also covered it (with a photo of the Nov. 14 WORD TO SAY “HUMAN RIGHTS.” three parties, but all three are pro- While in Bangkok Chirac was learning government. The military gets reserved seats break in at the Japanese Embassy in Ja- how to display armlocks for the sake of in the Parliament, is all pervasive in the karta). The Asahi of March 1 also carried a photographers, to wear a white shirt with- parties, in neighbourhood councils, in facto- separate feature article by the Jakarta corre- out dribbling on it and to forget political ries, where they mount guard and repress spondent (with a photo of the Christ statue prisoners who haven’t made their commun- strikes. In Europe, the issue of East Timor in Dili), centering mainly on an interview ion, Wilson, an Indonesian trade-unionist, [former Portuguese colony occupied by with Manuel Carrascalão that begins with was visiting Paris to testify of the brutality Indonesia since 1975] is better-known, but him saying, “I would like the Indonesian you have to understand that all Indonesians president and the Portuguese Prime Minis- Page 80 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. ter to talk. Unless the two of them move, On 29 February the CNRM’s electronic framework.” “Evidently, this is not a deci- our destiny is not going to change.” mail box contained the following message: sion that can be made during a brief meeting The rather extensive article in the Yomiuri “Dear Mr. Horta, Take care of yourself at (...), it is something that needs to be worked of March 2 under the headline, “Portugal the Asia-Europe Summit. Think twice be- on very seriously, by the diplomacies of and Indonesia agree to normalization talks” fore planning any action, because we too are both countries (...)” and “The East Timor issue will still take planning action against you.” The meeting between Guterres and Su- time,” ends with comments by CSIS director Like the previous poison pen letter sent harto took place by initiative of Thailand’s Wanandi, who said that the top level meet- last January, the message was signed “Spar- PM, presiding the summit, and of the Italian ing had “symbolic significance” and was an row Unit” and sent by user Antonio Merlin EU presidency. When the ASEM presi- unexpected byproduct of ASEM. However - a false name which the Resistance associ- dency proposed bilateral meetings, Guterres the condition that Portugal set for opening ates with the Indonesian military. addressed Suharto and proposed that they of interest sections at friendly embassies, Ramos Horta did not make it to Bangkok, talk, and the two convened right away. the release of political prisoner and Fretilin where he was to take part in an NGO fringe Guterres described the conversation with leader Xanana Gusmão (serving a 20-year meeting. He was refused an entry permit to Suharto as “frank and open.” At the end of term) “had almost no possibility of accep- Thailand. what was the first meeting between a Portu- tance by the Indonesian Government as it guese and Indonesian head of state since the has repercussions for other political prison- 1975 invasion of East Timor, the two For- ers” (Wanandi), so that it seems that nor- GUTERRES OFFERS eign Ministers joined in. malization will still take some time. (Trans- OUT TO SUHARTO “The first positive result of this summit lated by Jean) is the realization of this meeting and the The Kyodo article on the “Human Rights opportunity to formulate (...) an innovative Gap” carried in my regional-based daily of GUTERRES MEETS proposal which I hope will be positive for March 3 was interesting for its mention of East Timor,” said Guterres, emphasizing Japanese PM Hashimoto’s stance. The part WITH SUHARTO that “it would have been worthwhile to be excerpted here reports on the evening ses- Translated excerpts here if only for this.” sion on Feb. 29 when: Should the Portuguese proposal be ac- “there was a heated exchange at the one- Bangkok, Feb 29 (LUSA) - The Portu- cepted by Indonesia “we will have a com- hour informal meeting after dinner. When guese PM, Antonio Guterres, today pro- pletely new situation,” said Guterres. Chairperson PM Banharn, in explaining the posed to Indonesian President Suharto the “Firstly, the Timorese resistance will have procedure for the meeting the next day opening of interest sections of both coun- its leader in freedom, and he can then be- touched on the points of agreement made tries in “friend embassies” in Lisbon and come an intervenor in the political process with Italy, Portuguese PM Guterres, who Jakarta, in exchange for the release of in a much higher capacity than what is pos- was poised to bring up the issue of Indone- Xanana Gusmão, and all other East sible today, from prison. Secondly, guaran- sia’s (sic) East Timor (former Portuguese Timorese political prisoners. Guterres pro- tees will be given for respecting human territory) at ASEM, strongly objected. posed also that the UN be allowed to ob- rights which will allow a political debate in Apparently opinions close to Portugal’s serve the human rights situation in East East Timor of much different nature, which were put forth by European leaders, but Timor. presently is not possible. Japanese PM Hashimoto and German PM This proposal was presented during a 20- Guterres commented that should Jakarta Kohl expressed support for the chairper- minute meeting between Guterres and Su- reject “a proposal presented in good faith son’s policy. harto, that took place after the dinner of- and which follows the logic which today the When PM Banharn got this reaction, fered to the heads of state participating in major international conflicts are following: a “Leave it up to the Chair,” he settled the the first Asia-Europe summit in Bangkok. stepwise perspective,” then “Indonesia’s issue by making the suggestion that “the Guterres told Suharto that this proposal position will be viewed negatively by the two parties might try to deepen their mutual will be made by the Portuguese Foreign international public opinion.” understanding.” When the meeting ended Minister, Jaime Gama, in the UN- Guterres said he admitted to Suharto PM Guterres walked up to Indonesia’s supervised talks underway between the two “without complexes” that “Portugal has President Suharto and shook his hand. They countries. committed errors in East Timor during colo- stayed behind in the room and started to “I am hopeful that all that is happening nial times” and during the time when many talk. right now will allow that such a proposal be Portuguese “gave priority to the fight for Upon leaving the room the EU chairper- accepted by Indonesia,” said Guterres, refer- democracy in their own country” [referring son Santeel (sp?) said, “We have come to ring to international pressure over Indonesia. to the period following the 1974 revolution talk about the future, not the past. It’s bet- “And, if this happens, a very important that overthrew the Caetano regime]. ter to leave issues that will cause conflict to step will have been taken towards the future “We don’t have complexes on this matter the two countries to work out,” thus show- of East Timor.” because the government I represent, and the ing a position close to the Asian one.” “It is an strong political initiative, pro- political force that supports it has been on foundly innovative, and we are convinced the side of self-determination and human TIMORESE LEADER that it could resolve the situation that has rights all along” stated Guterres. been dragging for a long time without posi- THREATENED Portugal’s “duty of solidarity” with East tive steps of significance in defense of the Timor in Guterres opinion justifies that the interests of the people of East Timor,” said Publico, 7 March 1996. Translated from Portuguese government “constantly take the Guterres. Portuguese initiative to seek that positive steps are Guterres said that from Suharto “there taken in defense of the interests and rights Lisbon – Timorese leader José Ramos wasn’t a globally negative reaction, and of the East Timorese.” Horta has been sent threatening messages there was openness for discussing the pro- for the second time via Internet. posal in the appropriate institutional East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 81

MARIO SOARES REACTION require that he remain in exile, which Xanana The meeting between Guterres and Su- Lisbon, Feb 29 - Portuguese President would refuse. Ramos Horta considered that harto was the first face-to-face encounter Mario Soares considered that the PM’s it would be useful to keep other possibilities between Portuguese and Indonesian leaders proposal to President Suharto is “quite in sight, such as reconsidering a visit by a since Jakarta invaded Lisbon’s former col- important” if it achieves the release of Portuguese parliamentary delegation to East ony, East Timor, in 1975. Xanana Gusmão. Soares emphasized how- Timor. The two countries have no diplomatic re- ever that Portugal must not give up the fun- João Carrascalão, president of UDT, lations and have been at odds over the issue. damental objective which is the self- considered that should Indonesia accept The United Nations still recognises Lisbon determination of East Timor. Portugal’s proposal, this “would be useful as the administering power of East Timor. Bangkok, Feb 29 - The coordinator of the to the future of East Timor. However, to Guterres had proposed to Suharto at [Lisbon-based] Maubere People’s Rights Carrascalão “to trade for Xanana’s freedom their meeting that his country put Portu- Commission (CDPM), Luisa Teotonio is placing a very low price on Xanana Gus- guese diplomats in a friendly embassy in Pereira, who participated in the NGO meet- mão.” “The Portuguese government should Jakarta and allow Indonesia to do the same ing of the last 3 days in Bangkok, classified simply demand the release of Xanana with- in Lisbon. the PM’s proposal as “interesting,” and said out offering something in exchange, because In exchange, Indonesia should free from it was “important that this proposal was his imprisonment is illegal,” he said. Carras- jail East Timorese resistance leader José presented in an Asian country where there calão expressed his longing for the “firm” Xanana Gusmão “and his companions.” is a large awareness of the East Timor ques- approach of Durão Barroso. [Incidentally, Guterres said Indonesia should also tion.” Durão Barroso had commented earlier on “guarantee respect for human rights” in the “This proposal agrees with some of the Guterres’ proposal, saying that it shouldn’t eastern half of the island of Timor, at the recommendations of the NGO’s, namely be up to Portugal to come up with innova- southeastern end of the sprawling Indone- with respect to the release of Xanana Gus- tive proposals, but it should instead stay sian archipelago. mão and the other Timorese political pris- firm on its stand.] “At least it (the proposal) was not re- oners, and to the role of the UN in accom- Nevertheless, UDT issued a communiqué jected and the President of Indonesia told panying the human-rights situation in East to “express the most lively support to the me this morning that he gave instructions to Timor,” said Luisa Teotonio Pereira. bold intervention by the Portuguese head of his minister of foreign affairs to develop Pereira considered that the opening of state.” contacts... with this proposal,” Guterres said. Portuguese and Indonesian interest sections PORTUGUESE PARTIES’ REACTION in embassies in Lisbon and Jakarta “could be “Things are now to be discussed, with beneficial,” it could also provide diplomatic Lisbon, March 1 - The Portuguese Social U.N. secretary general supervision, by the dividends to Indonesia. “The UN presence Democrat and Communist Parties expressed two ministers of foreign affairs,” he added. in East Timor would eliminate the possibil- reservations concerning the PM’s proposal Official Indonesian reaction on the pro- ity of Indonesia profiting from this gesture,” to President Suharto, because they thought posal was awaited but an Indonesian diplo- she emphasized. the Parliament ought to have been informed mat, who declined to be identified, called the beforehand. The PP Party expressed sup- Portuguese move a positive step. EAST TIMORESE REACTIONS TO port for the PM’s proposal. THE PORTUGUESE PROPOSAL Carlos Encarnação, of the PSD party, PORTUGAL’S TIMOR said before the parliament that East Timor is translated excerpts from text by A. Sampaio, a national question, and that the members of OFFER CARRIES RISKS Sydney parliament ought to have been informed of [abridged] By David Brough Sydney, March 1 (LUSA) - The the proposal beforehand. Timorese resistance reacted with surprise to Encarnação called for an urgent meeting Lisbon, March 1 (Reuter) – Portugal’s the Portuguese proposal. José Ramos Horta of the Commission that concerns East offer of partial diplomatic relations with told LUSA he had been taken by surprise, Timor (CEASTL), and requiring the pres- Indonesia in return for the release of an East particularly because there had been no con- ence of Foreign Minister Jaime Gama. Timorese resistance leader is a risky strat- sultation of the resistance. “However,” he egy that could backfire, local media and said, “the proposal has its merits, and could PORTUGAL SAYS INDONESIA diplomats said on Friday. create a very important dynamic in the ne- “The proposal has multiple risks,” Jorge gociation process.” MOVING ON TIMOR PLAN Wemans, deputy editor of Lisbon newspa- Ramos Horta recalled a similar proposal BANGKOK, March 1 (Reuter) - Portu- per O Publico, wrote in an editorial. “Indo- had been presented [by Indonesia] in April gal said on Friday that Indonesia had in- nesia could present the acceptance of inter- of 1993 during the meeting in Rome between structed its senior officials to start moving est sections (in friendly embassies) as Por- the Portuguese and Indonesian Foreign Min- on a proposal by Prime Minister Antonio tugal’s first step towards acknowledging the isters, and Portugal had counter-proposed Guterres to break an impasse over the dis- situation now prevailing in East Timor (In- the creation of a UN permanent mission in puted territory of East Timor. donesian occupation),” he wrote. East Timor, which Jakarta rejected. Guterres told reporters President Suharto “(But) If Indonesia says No, Portugal will have to get even tougher. The abandon- “Indonesia tries to portray Timor as a bi- had not rejected the proposal, made early on lateral question between Lisbon and Ja- Friday at a surprise meeting after the two ment or freezing of bilateral meetings under karta,” said Ramos Horta. “However, this attended an informal dinner on the eve of the U.N. auspices would be inevitable,” he new version by the Portuguese PM, being Asian-European summit in Bangkok. added. softer, is positive,” he said, adding that it is Suharto told him Indonesia’s foreign af- One Western diplomat based in Lisbon necessary to have “creativity and flexibility fairs minister had been instructed to develop said Guterres’ direct approach to Suharto in the Timor question.” the necessary contacts on the proposal, he was good news for prospects of reaching a Ramos Horta commented that even if In- said. solution to the East Timor problem. donesia agreed to free Xanana, it would Page 82 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

“We would applaud any move by Portu- greeted Guterres, who grasped the opportu- as the opening of representations in the gal to sort this thing out,” he said. nity to discuss East Timor. embassy of a third country. But another diplomat expressed scepti- Antonio Guterres told reporters in his According to Alatas, the suggestion put cism that the Indonesians would free Gus- room at the Royal Orchid Sheraton, that in forward by the Portuguese PM (to open mão, who was sentenced to life imprison- the meeting with Soeharto he suggested that representations) had already been put for- ment, later commuted to 20 years, after a Xanana Gusmão and his followers should be ward at one of the tripartite meetings by controversial trial in May 1993. released and that human rights should be Boutros Boutros-Ghali. “I can’t see the Indonesians releasing upheld in East Timor. In return, Portugal In contrast to Indonesia’s stance, up until Gusmão,” he said. “Gusmão is too much of would open a government representation in now, Portugal had always rejected this sug- an emotive figure. Indonesia might be caus- Jakarta and Indonesia in Lisbon, represented gestion. “However, it appears that the new ing themselves far too much trouble and it by an ambassador from a third country. Portuguese foreign minister is a little more wouldn’t be worth it. He said that the two conditions repre- flexible. This is what was brought by the “Indonesia wants the whole thing down- sented the opening step to restore relations Portuguese PM, but in my opinion this is played, and the release of Gusmão would between Indonesia and Portugal and that not Guterres’ suggestion,” said Alatas. have the opposite effect. If he went into request had already been made to Soeharto Alatas confirmed that in the meeting exile in Portugal, that would put him on a and Alatas. Guterres had asked for Xanana Gusmão to collision course with Indonesia.” Jusuf Wanandi, an observer of interna- be freed. Alatas added that the President had Diplomats said Portugal and Indonesia tional relations from CSIS (Centre for Stra- not given any details about this request, faced difficult talks ahead over self- tegic Studies-Jakarta), who was in Bangkok, except to say that he had given a brief ex- determination in East Timor. Guterres has said that Guterres had no other choice by to planation as to why Xanana Gusmão had compared the process to Palestinian negotia- talk about he East Timor issue directly with been tried and sentenced. tions for a separate state with Israel. Soeharto. Alatas said that Indonesia’s attitude to Prominent East Timorese gave a guarded “Initially he wanted to raise the matter of the request to free Xanana Gusmão had to welcome to Portugal’s offer for partial dip- East Timor at ASEM, but all ASEM dele- be placed in the context of the issue. “What lomatic ties with Indonesia. gates rejected this. He had promised to raise is clear, is that Xanana Gusmão was arrested the issue at the general election and because and sentenced and now is serving his sen- TEN MINUTE of that he had no other choice but to speak tence based on his actions, that is to carry HISTORIC DIALOGUE with Soeharto,” said Wanandi. out actions which are in contravention of According to Wanandi, the informal our criminal code,” he said. “So as far as we Kompas Online, Saturday 2 March 1996 meeting between the two leaders was very are concerned, it is a criminal matter,” useful in the opening new initiatives to re- First Step Bangkok, Kompas: Secretary of State solve the East Timor issue. Moerdiono confirmed that President Soe- The Portuguese PM said that the condi- harto had met and talked about East Timor Foreign Ministers Assigned tion to release Xanana Gusmão and his fol- with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Secretary of State, Moerdiono, explained lowers along with upholding human rights in Guterres for around 10 minutes after an that during the talks, the two countries clari- East Timor would be a first step in the res- informal dinner held by the Thai Prime Min- fied their respective positions in respect of toration of Indonesian-Portuguese relations. ister Banharn Silpa-archa on Thursday the East Timor issue. Indonesia considers He perceived that the meeting with Soe- (29/2) at the Oriental Hotel, Bangkok. the East Timor issue as already resolved, harto demonstrated a more open attitude on After the opening of the Asia-Europe after the East Timorese people stated their the part of Indonesia to discuss East Timor. (ASEM) Summit Meeting, Secretary of desire to assert Guterres said, “In this morning’s meet- State Moerdiono said that in an unscheduled their right to self determination, that is to ing, I also reported this meeting. I also ex- meeting, the two leaders clarified their re- join with Indonesia. “But we need to be pressed the hope that a break-through could spective positions about East Timor. realistic that in the international context, be achieved in respect of the East Timor Foreign Minister, Ali Alatas, who ac- East Timor is still an issue,” he said. issue. Both sessions noted the issue in the companied Moerdiono, said that he private Moerdiono explained that the two leaders conclusion of the Summit Meeting.” meeting between President Soeharto and the assigned the respective foreign ministers to According to Alatas, Portugal’s intention Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guter- meet and continue the discussion begun by to discuss East Timor emerged after an in- res was an important and historic matter, Soeharto and Guterres. formal dinner. When the head of ASEM, bearing in mind that this meeting was the Efforts to resolve the East Timor issue Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa asked first such meeting between leaders of the up until now have been made through tripar- about the agenda for the meeting and topics two countries in the last 20 years. tite meetings between RI foreign minister, for discussion, “The Portuguese PM ex- When the two leaders held their informal Portuguese foreign minister and Secretary pressed his intention to raise the East Timor meeting, said Alatas, the Portuguese Prime General of the United Nations Boutros issue,” said Alatas. According to Alatas, Minister expressed his intention to raise the Boutros-Ghali. Up until now, seven tripar- Portugal’s aim was rejected by many dele- issue of East Timor, which had already been tite meetings have been held, amongst which gates, including the head, Asian heads of rejected as a topic for discussion in the confidence building measures have been state and several European states. ASEM Summit Meeting. The topic was adopted. The eight meeting is scheduled for Because of that, at the end of the meet- rejected not only by Asian delegates, but June 1996 in Geneva. ing, when Soeharto greeted Guterres, Portu- also Europeans. Ali Alatas stated that although the meet- gal asked Soeharto to speak on the issue, President Soeharto received Guterres’ re- ing between the two leaders was important and Soeharto agreed, said Alatas. “The two quest well, and the two leaders spoke for for historic reasons, there was nothing new leaders spoke for around ten minutes. Both more or less 10 minutes. The unscheduled in the content of the discussion, particularly the Portuguese foreign minister and myself meeting occurred after President Soeharto with reference to the opening of an interest didn’t know. We were elsewhere,” he ex- of section, which was described by Guterres plained. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 83

Meanwhile, Guterres said that he didn’t freed. I don’t know if the Portuguese have leaders of the two countries, which have no feel there was pressure from the delegates consulted him on this issue,” Maia said. diplomatic relations, had met face to face. not to raise East Timor. “I don’t think he is willing to sacrifice the Mr. Guterres offered to put Portuguese “Many thought our aim was to make interests of the Timorese people just to be diplomats in a friendly embassy in Jakarta trouble, but we want to resolve the issue of released,” he added. and allow Indonesia to do the same in Lis- the East Timorese people. Because this Clementino Amaral, an East Timorese bon. In exchange, Indonesia should free from issue has reached stalemate, we feel a new member of Indonesia’s official National jail East Timorese resistance leader José proposal is needed in order to resolve the Commission on Human Rights, told Reuters Xanana Gusmão “and his companions.” situation,” he said, whilst repeating that the reopening of diplomatic relations would He said Indonesia should also “guarantee Portugal had not changed its stance in re- be a positive step. “Reopening diplomatic respect for human rights” in the eastern half spect of the rights of the East Timorese relations would open the way to finish the of the island of Timor, at the southeastern people to self determination. problem of East Timor but the Portuguese end of the sprawling Indonesian archipelago. In respect of the suggestion to open a li- should not put conditions on it,” Amaral “The proposal was not accepted. It was aison office, Guterres said that it would not said from his home in Jakarta. not rejected. It was agreed that it would take the form of full diplomatic relations. It Amaral said Gusmão was properly sen- should be discussed within the framework was just a first step, which should be fol- tenced under Indonesian law adding: “It is established by the United Nations,” he said lowed by permanent contact between the the right of the Supreme Court, government in the interview in his hotel suite overlook- two states, and as a confidence building or President to decide if he should be freed.” ing Bangkok’s Chao Phya river. measure. At the moment Portuguese inter- He said human rights violations in East “I think it’s good,” said Yusuf Wanandi, ests in Indonesia are represented by the Timor were decreasing, adding the Commis- executive director of Indonesia’s Centre for Dutch ambassador in Jakarta. sion would open a branch office in Dili in Strategic and International Studies. “I believe Indonesia is not yet ready to March or April as soon as a representative “It definitely breaks the logjam in the take on board our proposal at this moment. was found. talks” between foreign ministers of the two And we will not go back on our principles A diplomat who follows East Timor af- countries at the United Nations that have (about the rights to self determination of the fairs said the proposal linking the prospect been going on without success for years, East Timorese people) said Guterres. of better relations to Gusmão was more Wanandi said in an interview at the summit “shadow boxing” and not new. venue. EAST TIMORESE CAUTIOUS “Portugal has a strong desire to see and “This is a new prime minister,” he said ON PORTUGUESE INITIATIVE to be seen as not having failed to raise the referring to Guterres. “He can start anew. issue of Timor while not violating the un- For the Portuguese, it’s always been ‘who by Jim Della-Giacoma derstanding between European and Asian lost East Timor.’ If you have a new leader countries about what is not to be discussed from a new generation who cannot be ac- Jakarta, March 1 (Reuter) – Prominent at the summit,” the diplomat said. cused of losing East Timor, it’s a lot easier East Timorese gave a guarded welcome on “But from the Indonesian perspective, to convince public opinion,” Mr. Wanandi Friday to a conditional offer by Portugal for releasing Gusmão is a big block in the road,” said. partial diplomatic ties with Indonesia, sev- the diplomat added. Portugal and Indonesia have been at odds ered 20 years ago after Jakarta invaded Lis- In January, Portuguese Foreign Minister over East Timor since Indonesia invaded the bon’s former colony. Jaime Gama said he would visit Indonesia if former Portuguese colony, then annexed it in “The Portuguese prime minister is play- Jakarta allowed him to meet Gusmão. defiance of the United Nations. The UN still ing some sort of political game,” Armindo Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas in recognises Lisbon as the administering Maia, vice-rector at East Timor University, Bangkok on Thursday launched a scathing power. said by telephone from the East Timor capi- attack on Portugal, accusing it of abusing Indonesian officials did not react immedi- tal Dili. human rights for four centuries as a colonial ately to the proposal, which caught many at “It does not have much relevance for the power in East Timor. the summit by surprise. Foreign Minister average person, only for academics and poli- Ali Alatas was planning a news conference ticians,” he told Reuters. later on Friday. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio PORTUGUESE PROPOSALS SEEN BREAKING EAST One Indonesia diplomat called the pro- Guterres said on Friday Lisbon was ready posals “a positive step.” to open an “interest section” in a friendly TIMOR IMPASSE Mr. Guterres said he went up to Mr. Su- embassy in Jakarta and accept a similar harto after the European Union leaders met Hong Kong Standard, March 2. envoy in Lisbon. their 10 Asian counterparts at dinner on “In exchange Indonesia should free BANGKOK: Prime Minister Antonio Thursday and said: “I think there is a prob- Xanana Gusmão and guarantee human rights Guterres has defused a possible row at the lem to discuss and he accepted.” on East Timor,” Guterres told reporters inaugural Europe-Asia summit by offering “It was planned to be unexpected,” Mr. after a surprise private meeting with Indo- an olive branch to Indonesia’s President Guterres said, adding that the informal at- nesian President Suharto during the Asia- Suharto over the troubled territory of East mosphere of the summit created an opening Europe summit in Bangkok. Timor. for him. “The Portuguese and Indonesian govern- Mr. Guterres told Reuters in an interview Mr. Guterres said he no longer planned ments both have their own interests but I early on Friday, after surprise talks with to raise the matter at the plenary sessions, don’t think the Portuguese should sacrifice Mr. Suharto, that it was the best opportu- something that diplomats said could have the legitimate aspirations of the people of nity for a solution since Indonesia invaded upset the delicate harmony at this first the East Timor by starting new relations the former Portuguese colony more than 20 summit between European powers and with Indonesia,” Maia said. years ago after Lisbon hastily decolonised. some of their former colonies. “Xanana himself had made statements It was also the first time since the Indo- He stressed Portugal had not abandoned that he wants to be last East Timorese to be nesian invasion of East Timor in 1975 that its insistence that an act of self- Page 84 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. determination had to take place in East decade before being captured by Indonesian proposals for ending the diplomatic standoff Timor as part of a final solution. forces in 1992 and sentenced to life impris- over East Timor. But he compared the process to Palestin- onment - as a diplomatic bargaining chip. Prime Minister Antonio Guterres of Por- ian negotiations for a separate state with But the Timorese activists predicted the tugal created a minor sensation at the inau- Israel. “It has to be done step by step.” initiative would found unless the Indone- gural Asia-Europe summit meeting here by Mr. Wanandi said that Indonesia could sians agreed to allow Xanana to return to walking up to President Suharto of Indone- never agree to an act of self determination in live in East Timor, where he is revered as sia on Thursday and offering to restore dip- the territory it calls its 27th province. folk hero. lomatic relations. “It’s not possible for Indonesia to enter- “He will never accept being sent into ex- In exchange, Mr. Guterres proposed, In- tain the possibility of self-determination,” ile and we will never accept it,” the resis- donesia should free the jailed East Timorese he said. tance spokesman, Mr. José Ramos Horta, resistance leader, Xanana Gusmão and Indonesia’s record in East Timor is told the Herald. ‘guarantee human rights’ in the former Por- viewed by critics as the worst blot on the Mr. Ramos Horta said it was essential tuguese colony that Indonesia annexed in human rights record of Mr. Suharto’s 38- there be an international presence in East 1975. year rule of the world’s fourth largest coun- Timor to monitor human rights conditions Mr. Alatas, who has had fruitless talks try. and to ensure that any of the estimated 100 for years with the Portuguese through the Diplomats and human rights groups say long-term Timorese prisoners released were UN secretary-general’s office, said Indone- about 200,000 people -- about a third of the not victimised. sia would look at the proposals and ‘see in territory’s population -- were killed in a “We continue to insist that the United what context they were made and not brush civil war that broke out after Portugal hast- Nations has a presence in East Timor, or it off the table.’ ily decolonised the territory in 1974, the alternatively that the European Union be Portugal’s offer to open ‘interests sec- Indonesian invasion and an ensuing famine. allowed to set up an office there,” he said. tions’ in friendly embassies in the two coun- The meeting between the two leaders tries was a change of heart, Mr. Alatas said. LISBON SEEKS came on the eve of today’s opening session In the past, Lisbon had ‘totally rejected’ the JAKARTA TRUCE of the first Asia-Europe summit in Bangkok, idea. But he said: ‘If the quid pro quo is where Mr. Guterres had been expected to interest sections vis-à-vis the release of Sydney Morning Herald, 2 March 1996. By confront Mr. Soeharto over human rights Gusmão...’ He smiled and shrugged. Mark Baker, Bangkok abuses in East Timor. He confirmed that the proposals would Mr. Guterres said he had approached be discussed at his next meeting with Portu- Portugal has made a dramatic attempt to Mr. Soeharto during a dinner for the 25 gal in June in Geneva. ‘That’s positive,’ he end its dispute with Indonesia over East leaders from Europe and East Asia. stated. Timor, offering a partial restoration of dip- A spokesman for Mr. Guterres said the Mr. Guterres said in an interview that it lomatic ties in return for the freeing of resis- two men had talked at their hotel for about was the best opportunity for a solution tance leader Xanana Gusmão and pledges on 20 minutes, and their foreign ministers had since Indonesia invaded East Timor. The human rights. held discussions later. UN still recognises Lisbon as the adminis- The Portuguese Prime Minister, Mr. An- He said the proposals would be dis- tering power. tonio Guterres, outlined the plan in a meet- cussed by the Portuguese and Indonesian It was the first time since the invasion ing last night with Indonesia’s President ambassadors at the UN ahead of a meeting that high officials of the two countries had Soeharto - the first meeting of the countries’ in July of the foreign ministers - part of a met. ‘It was unexpected and unprece- leaders since Indonesia invaded the former long-running dialogue being sponsored by dented,’ Mr. Alatas said. Portuguese territory in 1975. the UN Secretary-General, Dr. Boutros Mr. Guterres said at a news conference Mr. Guterres proposed that the two gov- Boutros-Ghali. Friday that Mr. Suharto had told him Mr. ernment open diplomatic “interest sections” Alatas had been instructed to pursue the in friendly embassies in their respective proposal. ‘At least, it was not rejected,’ he capitals, that Xanana and other political ALATAS ON PORTUGUESE PROPOSAL said. prisoners be released and that Jakarta make Mr. Guterres said Portugal wanted an commitments on improved human rights in Bangkok, March 1 (LUSA) - Indonesian ‘act of self-determination’ as part of a set- East Timor. tlement. Mr. Alatas said that if Portugal He said Mr. Soeharto had neither ac- Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, commenting on the proposal by Portuguese PM stated “I meant a plebiscite on the annexation, ‘noth- cepted nor rejected the offer, but had agreed ing much has changed.’ it should be discussed further by Indonesian am not excluding any element to arrive at a solution, however I don’t see how there can [According to Jakarta Post, 28 February, and Portuguese officials at the United Na- Ali Alatas, speaking just before Suharto’s tions. be a solution while Portugal maintains the same basic position.” departure for Bangkok said the President Diplomats here were optimistic the plan had lined up bilateral meetings with some could provide a first step to breaking the Guterres had emphasized that Portugal maintains the objective of East Timor’s right European leaders, but the Portuguese leader bitter deadlock between the two countries was not among them.] over East Timor - which the UN still recog- to self-determination. [...] nises as a Portuguese colony. JAKARTA INTERESTED IN TIMOR PRESIDENT: NOT ONLY The diplomats said Indonesia had two OFFER years ago raised the idea of opening recipro- XANANA GUSMÃO cal interest offices in Lisbon and Jakarta as a International Herald Tribune, 2-3 March way of defusing tensions over East Timor. 1996 Reuters, Bangkok His followers could be released too Jakarta is believed to have been consider- Foreign Minister Ali Alatas of Indonesia Jakarta, Kompas Online, March 15 ing the possibility of releasing Xanana - who gave a guarded welcome Friday to Portugal’s President Soeharto said that not only led the Fretilin guerrillas in East Timor for a Xanana Gusmão could be released but also East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 85 his followers if Fretilin members were pre- proposal: he would release Xanana in ex- supported in Burg Schlaining. Nevertheless, pared to come down from the hills of East change for the surrender of the armed resis- a precedent had been created, thanks mainly Timor and surrender themselves. If this tance. In the view of the Portuguese Gov- to the efforts of Ramos Horta (who will be happened, the President maintained, Indo- ernment, “there is no new element in this,” attending the meeting which starts today, nesia-Portugal diplomatic relations could be and it is not even a counter-proposal. The even though at one stage he offered his place restored. Intra-Timorese meeting starts today in Aus- at the table to a Timorese priest in order to The President’s message was conveyed tria. reinforce the representation of the delegation by ambassador-at-large Lopes da Cruz at Xanana Gusmão could be released if the from within Timor). the President’s residence in Jakarta on Timorese guerrillas, who have been fighting Thursday (14/3). Lopez da Cruz had re- against Indonesia’s occupation of the terri- layed the results of the All-Inclusive East tory, were to decide to surrender to the INTRA-TIMORESE Timorese Dialog in Austria (16-22 March Jakarta authorities. However, this position, DIALOGUE IN AUSTRIA 1996) to the President. made public in the Indonesian capital by In follow-up to President Soeharto’s Lopes da Cruz before he set off for Austria meeting with Prime Minster Guterres, more to take part in the second Intra-Timorese HORTA’S PLACE MIGHT concrete steps had also been taken to estab- meeting, did not cause much of a stir at the lish an Indonesian Chamber of Commerce in Portuguese Foreign Ministry. A Foreign BE TAKEN BY PRIEST Portugal and a Portuguese Chamber of Ministry source told Publico that “on the FROM TIMOR Commerce in Indonesia. diplomatic level, there is no new element in Meanwhile, in relation to the release of this.” Second intra-Timorese meeting on 19-22 Xanana, the President said that this could The condition imposed by Suharto on the March happen but it should not be restricted to release of Xanana, who is now serving a 20- Publico, 22 February 1996 Translated from just Xanana and must be supported by year prison sentence in the Javanese prison Portuguese, Abridged separatist groups in the jungle. Other should of Cipinang, has emerged three weeks after Lisbon – Ramos Horta might not be going come out from the jungles and surrender. an important meeting between the Indone- to Austria late in March for the second in- This means diplomatic relations between sian President and the Portuguese Prime tra-Timorese meeting. This key Resistance Portugal and Indonesia could be restored. Minister. During that meeting ... in Bang- figure outside of Timor has admitted that he But if Xanana is released while there are still kok, Guterres expressed willingness to con- might give his place at the talks to a others in the jungles then this means that the sider closer bilateral relations (long awaited Timorese priest. problem is ongoing, quoted Lopez da Cruz. by Indonesia), if, among other conditions, Horta, who emerged from the first edition The release of Xanana was mentioned the Timorese Resistance leader were to be of the intra-Timorese meetings as natural during the unscheduled talks between Portu- released. leader of the Timorese living in exile, is pre- guese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres and Indonesia’s new position seems to have pared to step down if Jakarta agrees to the President Soeharto during the Asia Europe been meant, therefore, as a counter- inclusion in the delegation coming from Meeting in Bangkok. In the meeting Prime proposal, but the Portuguese Foreign Minis- within the territory, of a Catholic or Protes- Minister Guterres said because of Portugal’s try does not consider it as such. In Bangkok, tant priest who is “genuinely representa- concerns in the region, he requested the Suharto said his reply would be transmitted tive.” (...) As likely candidates, Ramos release of Xanana and his followers and an later by his chief diplomat, i.e. wait for Horta mentioned the name of Reverend improvement in the human rights situation Minister Ali Alatas’ reply (to the Guterres Arlindo Marcal, head of the Protestant in East Timor. proposal). Indonesia’s recognition that the Church in East Timor, and two Catholic Lopes said under the Constitution, Indo- Timorese guerrilla exists and is still active priests - Domingos Soares and Mario Belo. nesia is obliged to uphold human rights. The would seem the only relevant element. The proposal has already been put to the President stressed, that the East Timor issue The matter will undoubtedly be dis- UN which is sponsoring the meeting. First has been handed over to the foreign affairs cussed by the 30 Timorese of various politi- impressions from the UN are said to have ministries in both countries and discussed in cal tendencies who will be meeting for four been less than enthusiastic. According to a dialog among the Indonesian Foreign Af- days in the castle of Burg Schlaining. How- Ramos Horta, there are fears in New York fairs Minister, the Portuguese Foreign Af- ever, before the meeting started, Representa- that Jakarta might take the opportunity to fairs Minister and the United Nations Secre- tives of the Resistance overseas tried to make other changes to the composition of tary General. Seven dialogs have already dismiss the idea of any surrender. José Luis the delegation from East Timor, getting rid been held. The eighth is due to be held in Guterres and Mari Alkatiri, of Fretilin, and of some personalities who turned out to be June 1996 in Geneva. UDT’s João Carrascalão, made it abun- surprisingly critical of Jakarta at the first Lopes said in the upcoming All-Inclusive dantly clear ... that putting down weapons meeting. Such was the case of “liurai” (tradi- East Timorese Dialog Uskup Belo would was totally out of the question. tional chief) Guilherme Gonçalves ... not be involved because of his Easter obliga- (...) Jakarta’s ban on all discussion of the The intra-Timorese meetings are forums tions. territory’s political status was largely ig- in which the voice of all political tendencies nored by the participants at the previous from the territory may be heard. (...) Jakarta SUHARTO WOULD RELEASE Intra-Timorese meeting, which even went as only agreed to the UN sponsored initiative XANANA IN EXCHANGE FOR far as unanimously passing a document on condition that there would be no discus- GUERRILLA SURRENDER which referred to the “inalienable right of all sion of East Timor’s political status. This peoples to self-determination and independ- Publico, 19 March 1996. By Joaquim Trigo formal taboo was largely ignored at the first ence” (UN resolution 30/37). de Negreiros. Translated from Portuguese, meeting, at which the main protagonist was Jakarta quickly orchestrated a U-turn on Abridged the territory’s Catholic Bishop, Monsignor the part of the delegation from Timor, Lisbon – Through his ambassador, Ximenes Belo. The Apostolic Administrator Lopes da Cruz, Suharto has put forward a whose leader, Lopes da Cruz, eventually reneged on some of the conclusions he had Page 86 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. has already announced he will not be pre- abroad, without discussing any political that there is no problem. Indonesia already sent at the second meeting. matter. has a law on foreign investment. That way, Asked what if the dialogue is dragged into they can participate in it without having any BISHOP BELO, VATICAN , AND discussing political matters Sarmento said problem. AUSTRIA that it is impossible because there is already To da Cruz, the President also mentioned a rule which has been agreed to by both about his meeting with Portuguese Prime Far Eastern Economic Review (Hong parties. Minister during the Asian-European Summit Kong), 7 March 1996. Da Costa, who will replace Belo in the Conference (ASEM) in Bangkok a while AETD II, said that his participation de- ago. According to the President, during the The Vatican has been asked to reconsider pends on the UN approval. sudden meeting the East Timor referendum its decision to stop the bishop of East “I am willing to participate in the AETD issue was not brought up. In the meeting Timor, Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo, from in order to replace Belo if there is an ap- that only took for about 10 minutes, Guter- attending the second UN-sponsored intra- proval from the UN, but until now there has res only put forward the human rights issue Timorese dialogue, scheduled to be held in not been any official letter sent to me,” he and Portugal’s request on the release of Austria in March. Belo played a key moder- said. Xanana Gusmão. ating role in the first meeting last year. Dis- The AETD II participants from Indone- Regarding Guterres’ request to release mayed Timorese say they believe the in- sia are among others, Abilio José Osorio Xanana, the President according to da Cruz struction was made on the advice of the Soares, Francisco Lopez da Cruz, Salvador did not answer directly. The President only Holy See’s apostolic pro-nuncio, Monsi- Januario Ximenes, Domingos MD Soares, said that it would be better if Xanana’s fol- gnor Pietro Sambi, because of last year’s Armindo Soares Mariano, Florentino Sar- lowers come down from the mountains. If backlash against the predominantly Catholic mento and J. Piedade. they do so, then there would be no more Timorese for assaulting Muslim settlers. problem. About the release of Xanana, the SOEHARTO ASKS EAST President said that it can be discussed in the ALL INCLUSIVE EAST TIMORESE ABROAD TO foreign ministerial level. TIMORESE DIALOGUE II The implementation of human rights THINK REALISTICALLY TO BE HELD IN AUSTRIA which was questioned by Guterres was answered by the President. Indonesia is also Indonesia Media Network, 15 Mar 96 Dili, 3/12 (ANTARA) - It is confirmed concerned about human rights violations, that 15 Indonesian participants will take Jakarta (3/14) President Soeharto asked but that does not mean that Indonesia ig- part in the All Inclusive East Timorese Dia- the East Timorese who live abroad to think nores the problem because in the constitu- logue (AETD) II which will be held in realistically, objectively, pragmatically and tion, human rights is deemed highly by In- Schlaining, Austria, March 19-22, 1996. with clear mind, as well as not caring only donesia. One of the AETD participants from In- for their own interest. The follow up of the meeting between donesia, Florentino Sarmento, explained to Those who will participate in the All In- the President and Portuguese Prime Minis- ANTARA in Dili, Tuesday, that the Indo- clusive East Timorese Dialogue (AETD) in ter takes form among others by opening a nesian participants in the second round of Austria on March 19-22, said Ambassador- Chamber of Commerce organization rela- AETD as planned before are 16 persons. at-large for the special duty Lopes da Cruz, tionship of the two countries. From that “But one of the participants, Dili Bishop also asked by the President to think about concrete step, it is expected that the Portu- Mgr. Carlos Ximenes Belo, withdrew, and the interest of the future generations. gal Chamber of Commerce opens a represen- until now there has not been any replace- “That is something to be taken into seri- tative in Indonesia and vice versa. ment, so for the meantime only 15 will go to ous attention,” said da Cruz after meeting Portugal TV the dialogue,” he said. the President at his residence in Jalan Cen- dana yesterday. To the President, da Cruz Asked about the presence of Portugal TV When asked who the replacement is, broadcasting which can be monitored Sarmento, who is also Head of ETADEP, reported his plan to attend the AETD II. Besides himself, the Indonesian delega- through the satellite antenna in East Timor, one of the non-governmental organizations da Cruz said that we do not need to be con- in East Timor, said that there is a big possi- tion consists of 15 persons; East Timor Governor Abilio Carrascalão, Representa- cerned. East Timorese who still understand bility that it will be Diocese Vicar General the Portuguese language are only 1 % of the Mgr. José Antonio da Costa, but that is also tive Salvador Ximenez, Human Rights Commission member Clementino dos Reis total population now. uncertain yet. According to da Cruz, the broadcasting of Responding to what is expected from the Amaral, who will come on their private capacity. While Bishop Belo because of the Portugal TV program is actually harming coming AETD II, Sarmento said that at least Portugal itself. Besides, technically, if East they will have a better progress than the Easter preparation will not come and will be replaced by Mgr. José Anthony da Costa. Timorese want to watch the Portugal TV, first AETD. they have to change the position of their “Because the AETD is not the same as The coming AETD meeting according to da Cruz, will put the emphasis on economic satellite antenna. “Generally the people in the tripartite meeting (between Indonesia, East Timor prefer Indonesian TV program Portugal and UN Secretary General), even and social cultural issues in order to create a conducive atmosphere and for the success of because it is nice. The Portugal TV only though both are initiated by the United Na- have footballs,” said da Cruz. tions. So from the meeting, it is expected to the tripartite dialogue (between Indonesia, provide some possible solution to problems Portugal, and the UN Secretary General). relating to the East Timor issue in the inter- The dialogue will also be used to invite East national world,” he added. Timorese who live abroad to come home and It is mentioned that the AETD is actually build the economy of East Timor. no more than a dialogue between members About the participation of East Timorese of East Timor society and those who are who are now foreign nationals in the devel- opment of East Timor, the President said East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 87

ALL-INCLUSIVE DIALOGUE SECOND ALL INCLUSIVE The presence of Bishop Belo at the First AETD, according to several participants of ON EAST TIMOR TO EAST TIMORESE DIALOGUE the dialogue, has enlightened the atmos- CONTINUE IN AUSTRIA, WITHOUT BISHOP BELO phere, especially after he leads the mass, 19-22 MARCH even though before that there were a few Indonesia Media Network, 19 Mar 96 rifts concerning the drafting of the final UN Press Release, 18 March. SG/SM/5926 Vienna, 3/18 (ANTARA) - The second communiqué. The following statement was issued to- dialogue of East Timorese that reside in East day by the Spokesman for Secretary- Timor and outside Indonesia which was held INTRA-TIMORESE MEETING General Boutros Boutros-Ghali: in Burg Schlaining, Austria, on March 19- STARTS TODAY IN AUSTRIA A meeting of the All-Inclusive Intra-East 22, 1996 will not be attended by the Dili Timorese Dialogue will be held at Burg Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo. Diario de Noticias, 19 March 1996. By Abel Schlaining in Austria from 19 to 22 March “Bishop Belo has appointed his representa- Coelho de Morais. Translated from Portu- 1996. The meeting, the second of its kind, tive to attend,” said an unnamed source in guese, Abridged was agreed upon by the Secretary-General Vienna, Monday. He said that the Second All-Inclusive Burg Schlaining, Austria – According to a and the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia and member of the UN’s Asia-Pacific Division, Portugal at their last round of talks on the East Timorese Dialog (AETD), being held in a mountainous town which can be reached the agenda for the second intra-Timorese question of East Timor, held in London on meeting ‘is open, although the participants 16 January. The first meeting took place two hours by land transport, will be at- tended by 30 participants. will probably try to raise again some of the from 2 to 5 June 1995, also at Burg Schlain- issues discussed last year.” The UN official ing. As on the previous occasion, the Secre- The Indonesian delegates in the meeting which is acknowledged by the United Na- went on to say that “some such issues are tary-General was asked to facilitate the mentioned in the final declaration, while follow-up meeting, which will be attended tions, include Ambassador Lopes da Cruz and the East Timor Governor Abilio José others are included in the appendix which by a United Nations observer. Thirty East was not published.” However, the agenda Timorese of all political opinions will take Osorio Soares, while the foreign delegates include José Guterres and João Carrascalão. was being “left entirely to the participants,” part in the meeting in their personal capaci- who, said the source, may wish to introduce ties. The Second AETD, like the first one held June 1-5, 1995, has no intentions of discuss- new subjects or broaden others. The meeting does not represent a parallel The UN diplomat was reserved in his negotiating track and will not address the ing the political status of East Timor, be- cause this matter has been included in the comments on the possible outcome of the political status of East Timor. It is a forum meeting, which is to go on until Friday: “its for continuing the free and informal exchange Tripartite meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Indonesia, Portugal, and the UN Secre- success, or otherwise, depends on them of views to explore ideas of a practical na- alone.” Asked about the continuation of ture that might have a positive impact on tary General which has been carried out for seven times. these intra-Timorese meetings, possibly in a the situation in East Timor and assist in the different form given that several participants establishment of an atmosphere conducive The AETD Forum, like the first meeting as recognized by the UN, who is attending disagree with the present format of the to the achievement of a solution to the ques- meetings and their practical reach, the UN tion of East Timor. as a “facilitator,” is aimed at searching for various inputs in the effort to resolve mat- official clarified that before any changes DAILY PRESS BRIEFING OF OFFICE ters concerning East Timor. could be made “in the format and group of OF SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY- The First AETD Meeting brought forth participants” there would have to be “prior GENERAL an agreement of the need to preserve the agreement between the Foreign Ministers of 18 March 1996 [Excerpts] East Timorese Culture, the improvement of Portugal and Indonesia, who would then discuss their decision with the Organisa- Sylvana Foa, Spokesman for Secretary- the quality of Human rights, and the de- crease in the number of the military in East tion’s Secretary General.” General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, began to- The UN official also pointed out that the day’s noon briefing by saying that the Sec- Timor. East Timor, which was under Portugal participants were taking part in their indi- retary-General spoke by phone this morning vidual capacities and only at the end of the with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Tariq colonization for 450 years, on July 17, 1976 integrated with Indonesia, as a realization of next meeting between Jaime Gama and Ali Aziz. They discussed the status of the talks Alatas would it be known whether a further on Security Council resolution 986 (1995) – the statement of the majority in the “Balibo Declaration.” However, Portugal is still meetings would be scheduled and, if so, in the oil-for-food talks. which format. (...) She said that the second round of intra- questioning the status of East Timor in vari- East Timorese talks would be held in Burg ous international fora. Better Representation Schlaining, Austria, from tomorrow until 22 In the Seventh Tripartite Meeting in Many of those taking part in the Schlain- March. (See Press Release SG/SM/5926 London, on January 16, it was agreed that ing meeting are sceptical. There are those issued today.) The talks were not political the next meeting will be held in Geneva, who would like to see changes to those in- talks, but were people-to-people talks, pri- Swiss on June 29, 1996. vited. João Carrascalão, for example, sug- vate groups and parties trying to find a solu- In the effort to find a solution to the dif- gested names that “would be more represen- tion to the situation in East Timor. There ferences which are still evident from the tative of all the Timorese.” He was also in would be a United Nations observer taking tripartite meeting, it was agreed to search for favour of “Protestants, UDT members re- part. “We expect about 30 East Timorese inputs from the East Timorese themselves, maining in Timor, university students, and from all political walks of life to be attend- both living inside and outside Indonesia, in women” being better represented. In his ing and seeing if they can hammer out a order to find the solution of the East Timor view, the format and composition of the solution.” problem that can be accepted internation- delegations ought to change: there are par- ally. ticipants who “arrive dumb and leave si- lent,” both from within Timor and from the Page 88 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

“exterior.” The UDT leader also said that he “Release Xanana” “And I think this will bring about a huge thought the interest of the Schlaining meet- Xanana Gusmão is bound to be one of impact for them (overseas East Timorese- ing depended on whether “political issues” the central points of the Schlaining meeting. ed) because we are not deceiving the people. would eventually be discussed: “Talk about Lopes da Cruz did not wish to go into de- That, I think is the most significant content trade is only of interest to a limited group of tail: “We are prepared to clarify further,” of the meeting,” he stressed. participants.” but it is known that Suharto has already Commenting on whether it is on that ba- Another reason given for the scepticism given the go-ahead to the Foreign Ministers sis that he is confident that the Second among many of the Schlaining participants “to discuss the matter.” AETD will bring about more substantial was the absence of the Bishop of Dili, Abilio Sereno, of the Fretilin Committee results so as to accelerate the process of Monsignor Ximenes Belo, even though he in Portugal, is of the opinion that the pro- resolving the East Timorese issue in an in- has sent the meeting a personal message via posal put forward in Bangkok by (Portu- ternational forum, Soares hopes that there Father Antonio Costa. guese Prime Minister) Antonio Guterres for will be a form of trust among East Timorese According to José Luis Guterres, one of the release of all political prisoners, includ- in Indonesia and those living abroad by the Resistance representatives and the leader ing Xanana, ought to be discussed. “The bringing forth facts and information on what of the Fretilin overseas delegation, “these essential factor for us is the release of has been done in the area without any de- meetings could be nearing an end” because Xanana, although things ought to be done in ceptions. the people involved were “not representa- such a way as to avoid irritating Indonesia.” “I am confident that the result of what tive” and because “none of the decisions (...) we’ve been doing here (East Timor-ed) can reached were implemented.” support our effort in gaining trust from each Abilio Araujo, one of the organisers of A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE other,” he said. the “reconciliation meetings,” was still UN Secretary General hopeful: “We are going to go through the PEOPLE OF EAST TIMOR The Second AETD, like the first, will working document appended to the final MOST WANTED still be attended by 30 people, that is 16 declaration and extract points on which East Timorese from Indonesia and 14 others there is consensus: the cultural identity of Dili, 3/19 (ANTARA) - One of the par- living abroad. The composition was deter- the Timorese, respect for human rights.” At ticipants of the informal meeting of the All mined by the Secretary General of the UN least, a declaration similar to that of 1995 Inclusive East Timorese Dialogue (AETD) who suggested the meeting. would be possible, he concluded. has an opinion that the essence of this type ANTARA record showed that the par- João Carrascalão contested the scope of of dialogue is how to approach a better fu- ticipants of the second AETD from Indone- both the final declaration and the working ture of the people of East Timor. sia include the Special Ambassador FX Lo- document. In his view, they refer merely to “What is longed for is how the future of pez da Cruz, East Timor Governor Abilio “secondary issues” and, anyway, “they the people of the East Timor can be steered José Osorio Soares, Speaker of the Regional were not going to be taken seriously by the toward a better direction,” said Domingos House of Representatives Antonio Freitas Indonesians.” Carrascalão said he was in MD Soares, – one of the participants of the Parada, Representatives Salvador Januario Schlaining to hear what had “changed in Second AETD – in Dili last week before he Ximenes, member of the National Commis- Timor as a result of the previous meeting.” left for Burg Schlaining, Austria. sion of Human Rights Clementino dos Reis The UDT Chairman said he was certain that He expressed, in an interview with Amaral, and Head of the Indonesia-Portugal nothing at all had changed. (...) In his view, ANTARA, what he hopes of the AETD for Friendship Association (PPIP) who is also last year’s meeting only served to “clarify the people of East Timor. former first President of Fretilin who later the origins and significance of the so-called The Second AETD held in Burg Schlain- recognized the integration Fransisco Xavier Balibo Document,” which was used as a ing, Austria is scheduled to be held from do Amaral. pretext for Indonesia’s intervention in De- March 19 to 22. Reports from Burg Schlain- While the East Timorese abroad partici- cember 1975. ing mentioned the meeting has started, with pating include José Ramos Horta, João Unlike Carrascalão, Lopes da Cruz agreed 30 participants minus Bishop Mgr. Carlos Carrascalão, Mari Alkatiri, José Luis Guter- with Araujo’s view. “It is possible to agree Filipe Ximenes Belo who is being repre- res, Constâncio Pinto, and Abilio Sereno. on specific measures on the socio-cultural sented by the Vicar General Reverend José and economic topics. There is a wide variety Antonio da Costa. of issues which we can discuss” and the According to him, realization of a better TWO HOT ISSUES results of that discussion could then be put future for East Timor province requires the COMMENCE INTRA- into practice. He pointed out, however, that participation of all East Timorese in the TIMORESE MEETING the “scope for action in the intra-Timorese province. meeting” of those coming from Jakarta and The implementation, said the alumni of the Law Faculty at Airlangga University in The Liurai (traditional Timorese ruler) Timor was “very limited.” He believed that who stayed at home and the resolution. the success or failure of a meeting of this Surabaya, is coordination and making use of Publico, 20 March 1996. By Joaquim Trigo type essentially depended on the “affirma- every opportunity and working toward a de Negreiros. Abridged, Translated from tions made.” Lopes da Cruz gave an example better future. Portuguese taken from the previous meeting. “How can Answering questions of whether those you demand a reduction in the number of matters will be brought forth by the East The absence of Liurai Guilherme Gon- Indonesian battalions in Timor while, at the Timorese who are attending the Second çalves and the controversial reference to a same time, saying that the armed resistance AETD, according to Soares, at least those UN resolution in the conclusions of the must be given support?” On that point, the are the facts being put forward, informed previous meeting dominated the kick off of view of President Suharto’s adviser was and given directly by the people whom he the second edition of the broadened intra- seconded by Abilio Araujo: “If we want called are “acting here” (East Timor-ed) to Timorese dialogue, which commenced yes- demilitarisation, giving up the armed struggle those who do not know the situation. terday in the Austrian castle of Burg is a pre-condition.” Schlaining. (...) East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 89

Ramos Horta, the most prominent mem- overseas is prepared to go some way to- INTRA-EAST TIMORESE ber of the group of Timorese living outside wards accommodating him but refuses to re- the territory, demanded an explanation from write 1995’s Conclusions. DIALOGUE ADOPTS Jakarta for the absence of Guilherme Gon- (...) DECLARATION; CALLS FOR çalves, the old Liurai who, at the 1995 meet- Before President Suharto’s roving ambas- CONTINUING TALKS ing, took the Indonesian authorities by sur- sador, Lopes da Cruz, will agree to prepara- prise by speaking out in favour of the tion of a final Statement by the meeting UN Release SG/2021, 22 March 1996 Timorese people’s right to independence. currently underway, he wants to see part of STADT SCHLAINING, Austria, 22 Lopes da Cruz, Suharto’s ambassador last year’s Statement revised. The revision March (UN Information Service) – Conclud- and leader of the delegation from within in question concerns Paragraph 6 which ing an all inclusive intra-East Timorese dia- Timor, expressed his intention to review the establishes the intra-Timorese talks on the logue at Schlaining castle, Austria, today, 29 point in the Conclusions of last year’s meet- basis of UN Resolution 37/30, that embod- East Timorese, representing a broad cross- ing which mentions Resolution 30/37, ies the right of peoples to self- section of political opinion from inside and adopted by the UN General Assembly in determination. (...) Lopes da Cruz told jour- outside the Territory, called for a continua- December 1982, whose preamble refers to nalists he was hoping that the other delega- tion of the discussion, which was initiated “the inalienable right of all peoples to self- tion would be “understanding.” (...) by the Secretary-General in connection with determination and independence.” (...) Less The delegation from outside Timor be- his efforts to resolve the question of East than 24 hours after adhering to the Conclu- lieved it was vital to reach an agreement on Timor. sions of the first meeting held last June, the matter and, above all, to prevent the In a signed declaration, participants noted Lopes da Cruz issued a note in which he intra-Timorese dialogue from collapsing. the “positive atmosphere” that had pre- reneged the first point containing the refer- They were, therefore, willing to agree to the vailed during the dialogue and expressed ence to the UN resolution. He alleged it had suspension of the meeting until after the interest and readiness to continue the ses- been introduced by Ramos Horta who, he next round of ministerial negotiations in sions in the same framework in order to said, had insisted on including the reference Geneva (at which the Portuguese and Indo- consider practical measures conducive to without clarifying the resolution’s exact nesian Foreign Ministers could decide on the settling the question of East Timor. content. exact basis of the meetings), or until the UN Adopted by consensus, the declaration Yesterday he used the same argument, Secretary General (in consultation with the expresses interest in the establishment of an and said he was determined to “put every- two Foreign Ministers) had clarified what is East Timorese cultural centre in Dili to re- thing on clean plates,” i.e. to review the to be the legal-diplomatic framework for the search the culture, language, customs and Conclusions of last year, and eliminate the intra-Timorese meetings. tradition of the Territory. It welcomes Por- controversial reference to Resolution 37/30. In the view of Ramos Horta, it was im- tugal’s support for East Timor University (...) portant to realise that “the collapse of the as well as practical training for East ...Referring to the absence of the Liurai intra-Timorese dialogue would serve Indo- Timorese youth and proposes that Indone- from Atsabe, Ramos Horta did not mince nesia’s interests.” (...) sia provide further opportunities for East words and spoke of the “pressure” brought João Carrascalão thought that “if there is Timorese to have a greater role in the ad- to bear by Indonesia. Lopes da Cruz defen- no trust, it is not worth continuing,” adding ministration of the Territory. sively said he was unaware of the reasons that “If they were not aware of the content The 1996 “Burg Schlaining Declaration” for the absence, and gave assurances that of 37/30, then they should say so!.” pays special tribute to the “invaluable role” Guilherme Gonçalves did receive an airline (...) There was a strong belief among of the Catholic Church in East Timor and its ticket to travel to Austria. some members of the delegation of Timorese positive cooperation with other religions. Contacted by LUSA in Jakarta, the Liurai in exile that the intention of some partici- Facilitated by the United Nations, the in- gave his version of events. He confirmed pants from within Timor was clearly to put tra-East Timorese dialogue served to explore that he had received a plane ticket, but said a stop to the talks process. (..) practical ideas that could have a positive it had only arrived twelve hours before the In spite of the atmosphere, a report on impact on the situation in East Timor and time of departure. Since he had no passport, human rights in East Timor by Clementino assist in creating a conducive atmosphere for he said it had been impossible to organise Reis do Amaral, member of the Indonesian a solution of that question. The Government the trip. Unable to make it to Austria, Guil- human rights commission, was presented of Austria provided meeting facilities and herme Gonçalves sent a message to the and discussed (...) and created further ten- accommodation for all participants. A num- meeting, which Ramos Horta will read out in sion in the meeting room. Following this ber of other governments also extended fi- Schlaining. debate, the delegation from the interior an- nancial support to this initiative. The meeting will continue until Friday, nounced that the Human Rights Commis- when (Portuguese) Foreign Minister Jaime sion’s office in Dili, open since January, BURG SCHLAINING Game will be going to Austria to join up would be run be an Indonesian and that it with the two delegations. was out of the question that a Timorese DECLARATION, 1996 might be in charge of it. The justification Via the UN, March 30 STALEMATE AT INTRA- given was that all Timorese able to do so Guided by the terms of reference of the TIMORESE MEETING were linked to the Indonesian state in one way or another (either through their jobs as meeting as contained in paragraph 3 of the Diario de Noticias, 21 March 1996. By Abel civil servants or teachers), which would, communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Coelho Morais. Translated from Portu- therefore, put them in a very vulnerable fifth round of Ministerial talks in Geneva on guese, Abridged position. The resistance did not accept this 9 January 1995, the All Inclusive Intra-East argument. Timorese Dialogue on March 19-22, 1996, Burg Schlaining – Lopes da Cruz insists herewith 1996 AIETD in Burg Schlaining, on altering the final declaration of last year’s Austria, intra-Timorese meeting. The delegation from Page 90 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Expressing their gratitude to the Secre- 6. Encouraged by the substantial role of the The funds would help participants meet tary General and his staff for facilitating the East Timorese in the administration and travel costs. All Inclusive Intra-East Timorese Dialogue development of East Timor, propose to “Although these talks are distinct from in Burg Schlaining, the Indonesian government the provision the dialogue between Indonesia and Portu- Expressing their appreciation and thank- of further opportunities for East guese foreign ministers being held under ing the generous hospitality of the Austrian Timorese to have a greater role in the ad- United Nations’ auspices, they may provide Federal Government in welcoming the par- ministration of the territory as well as an avenue through which the various East ticipants for the second time, economic policy, trade and investment Timorese groups can begin to resolve their Taking into consideration the Note to the activities. The promotion of local small differences,” Mr. Downer said in a state- Burg Schlaining Declaration of June 5, 1995 industries, such as handicraft and textile ment. as contained in the Note of 6 June 1995 should deserve special attention; “The Australian government supports submitted by the participants from inside 7. Reaffirm the need to implement the nec- any international effort to resolve the situa- East Timor. essary measures in the field of human tion on East Timor in a way that is accept- Recognizing the efforts of various East rights in various areas, including the pro- able to all parties involved and hopes that Timorese personalities who made possible tection of women with a view to promot- the Intra-Timorese talks will assist the over- the realization of 1995 AIETD. ing peace, stability, justice and social all resolution of the East Timor problem.” Deeply concious (sic) of the invaluable harmony. role of the Catholic Church in East Timor Burg Schlaining, March 22, 1996 JAPANESE FUNDS FOR and commending its positive cooperation Signatures: [not included] INTRA-TIMORESE DIALOGUE with other religions, Taking note of all contributions by the AETD ENDS WITH SEVEN-POINT From Jean Inglis, April 4 participants of this meeting, DECLARATION Bearing in mind the positive atmosphere On March 28 the Japanese Foreign Min- Jakarta, 3/22 (ANTARA) - The Second istry announced that it was contributing that prevailed during the course of the 1996 All-Inclusive East Timor Dialogue (AETD) AIETD. $100,000 to support the all-inclusive East in Burg Schlaining, Austria, ended after pro- Timorese dialogues. The participants ducing a seven-points declaration. It was The announcement said that “The Japa- 1. Emphasize the importance of the pres- read jointly by Indonesian Ambassador at- nese Government, which supports the me- ence of Mgr. José Antonio da Costa, large Lopez da Cruz and Ines de Almeida diating efforts of the UN secretary general, Vicar-General of the Diocese of Dili, as (Fretilin Australia), Friday, 11.30 AM local hopes that a peaceful solution to the East personal representative of Bishop Carlos time. Timor issue will be achieved through dia- Filipe Ximenes Belo, SDB, Apostolic The declaration among others asserts the logue among the parties concerned on the Administrator of Dili; need to establish an East Timor Cultural basis of those mediating efforts, and hopes 2. Again affirm the importance of ongoing Center in Dili, whose function includes re- that this allocation of funds will contribute negotiations between the governments of search on Tetum and Portuguese culture, as to efforts by the parties concerned toward a Indonesia and Portugal under the aus- well as other East Timor tradition. solution of the East Timor issue.” pices of the UN Secretary General with a The meeting also agreed to prepare the Though not mentioned in the announce- view to finding a just, comprehensive, next AETD, if the UN Secretary General ment, it is known that both the Diet Mem- and internationally acceptable solution to considers that it is still needed to achieve bers’ Forum on East Timor and UN senior the question of East Timor; comprehensive solution to the East Timor official Yasushi Akashi have requested the problem. 3. Express their interest and readiness in Foreign Ministry to financially support the The Declaration also stressed the impor- intra-Timorese dialogues. continuing the AIETD, should it be re- tance of the negotiation between the gov- quested by the UN Secretary General in ernments of Indonesia and Portugal under XIMENES BELO KEPT FROM the same framework in which this one the good offices of the UN Secretary Gen- was undertaken with a view to continuing eral in order to find the just, comprehensive, MEETING FOLLOWING the debate on the concrete and practical and internationally acceptable solution. PRESSURE ON VATICAN issues conducive to the confidence build- The Second AETD was held for two ing measures aiming at helping the resolu- days, March 19-20. Expresso, 23 March 1996. By Mario Ro- tion of the question of East Timor; balo. Abridged, Translated from Portuguese 4. Express their interest to the Governments AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT of Indonesia and Portugal in the estab- UN Secretary General sees Indonesian lishment of an East Timorese Cultural COMMITS $20,000 TO TIMOR diplomatic pressure as Vatican gross interference. Center in Dili with the aim of undertaking CANBERRA, March 22 AAP - The research on the culture, such as language Schlaining, Austria – Boutros Ghali is go- Australian government today committed ing to ask the Indonesian Government for an (including Tetum and Portuguese), cus- $US20,000 ($A25,784) towards interna- toms and traditions of the East Timorese; explanation for the absence of the Bishop of tionally sponsored informal talks on the Dili, Mnsgr. Ximenes Belo, at the intra- 5. Welcome assistance from Portugal to help future of East Timor in a sign of its com- Timorese meeting which ended yesterday in East Timor’s human resources develop- mitment to a resolution of the issue, Foreign ment by concrete measures, such as fi- Schlaining, Austria. A UN diplomatic source Minister Alexander Downer said. told Expresso that “the pressure brought to nancial and technical support for East Australia was committed to supporting Timor University and practical training bear by Indonesia on the Vatican to prevent the All Inclusive Intra-East Timorese dia- the Bishop’s attendance” was considered by for youth in all areas of relevance to the logue, the second round of which was being needs of East Timorese people; the UN Secretary General to be gross inter- held in Austria now, Mr. Downer said. ference. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 91

The matter will certainly be raised when relations, and Fathers Constâncio Gusmão sions” that had been made aimed to ensure Boutros Ghali meets Ali Alatas and Jaime and Francisco Fernandes, of the so-called that “the future meeting was not put in Gama on 29 June. The same source revealed “3rd way,” were against the concessions jeopardy.” There are indications that the that “each Timorese attends these meetings being suggested by Ramos Horta and Fre- next meeting will be held in Norway next in his individual capacity.” The UN is tilin’s José Luis Guterres. September. aware, however, that “the Jakarta Govern- Ramos Horta conciliatory ment’s behaviour is due to the fact that In fact, Ramos Horta spoke of the need THE PEOPLE OF TIMOR Mnsgr. Ximenes Belo is a father figure to to reconcile positions with those of the pro- CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE the Timorese and that his presence at the integration camp because the intra-Timorese meeting would guarantee a broad consensus dialogue was the only means of the Expresso, 23 March 1996. By Rosa Pedroso being reached, as happened at last June’s Timorese having any say in the talks proc- Lima. Translated from Portuguese meeting.” With regard to the business of the ess between Portugal and Indonesia. How- Luirai (traditional leader) Guilherme Gon- According to Guilherme Maria Gon- ever, the Resistance leader’s representative çalves - also stopped from taking part in the çalves, one of the Indonesian delegation’s rejected any possibility of consensus, af- intra-Timorese meeting - Boutros Ghali is representatives to the Intra-Timorese Meet- firming that “the hands of the pro- apparently prepared to raise the matter for ings, “The people of Timor cannot take any Indonesians are tied by the Jakarta authori- discussion. more.” At the last minute, the Jakarta au- ties, who threatened them before they came When Ramos Horta, Xanana Gusmão’s thorities blocked Guilherme Gonçalves’ over to Austria.” personal representative, revealed yesterday attendance at the meeting. He had been in- Only after 22 hours of debate was Ramos that “some important issues” had not been tending to speak out in the same way as he Horta able to secure the signature of the 29 included in the Schlaining declaration, signed had done at last year’s meeting, and demand Timorese present. Of the seven proposals by the 29 participants, it was immediately self-determination for the territory. Indone- put forward by the pro-independence dele- understood that the meeting had not ended sian did not like his previous intervention gations, however, only one was mentioned in the same festive spirit as last year’s meet- and so interfered with his travel arrange- in the final text: a reference to the need to ing. (...) ments for to Austria. According to the what “implement necessary measures in the field Gonçalves reported to Expresso, Indonesia Sensitive issues of human rights.” Even on this point, the “sent military reinforcements to Timor and The inclusion of subjects which are sensi- pro-independence participants’ demands ordered a series of arrests to be made.” tive for Jakarta was systematically blocked were not fully met: in the final text there 77-year-old Guilherme Gonçalves was by the delegation led by Francisco Lopes da was no mention of the UN human rights the first Governor of Timor, appointed by Cruz. The ambassador for Timor Affairs, delegation in Dili, and the dismantling of the the Indonesians. Twenty years later, his appointed by Jakarta, even managed to pre- “ninjas” (rapid attack troops who raid name surfaced again when he was chosen vent reference in the meeting’s final text to Timorese homes at night to make arrests). last year by the Suharto Government to be a the release of political prisoners and to de- The delegation led by Lopes da Cruz would representative of Indonesia at the first Intra- militarisation of the territory. Furthermore, only agree to a request being made to Lisbon Timorese meeting. However, his statements ideas put forward by the pro-independence and Jakarta for the installation of a Timorese at the meeting must have come as a real sector - such as a commission composed of Cultural Centre in Dili, where “research in spanner in the works for Indonesia: he asked some of the participants at the meeting to the area of culture could be carried out.” for “a single voice: independence in East visit the occupied territory, and the opening Lopes da Cruz the only winner Timor” and ended his intervention with in Dili of a Pax Christi (Catholic Church Reference is made in the final document shouts of “long live free Timor!”. human rights organisation) delegation - were to the need for Portugal to support youth When he got back to Jakarta, the former rejected out of hand by the integrationist training at the University of Timor, and Governor was “interrogated by three mem- camp. there is even recognition that there are bers of the secret police.” He told Expresso From the very first day, Lopes da Cruz greater opportunities for Timorese to gain that, in the end, he said to them: “If they did was inflexible on the matter of the reference, access to the territory’s local administration, not like it, they could arrest or even kill me, in the final text of the last meeting, to UN and that small industries are being pro- but that I would not go back on what I had General Assembly Resolution 37/30, which moted. said.” recognises “the inalienable right of all peo- In the final press conference, Lopes da Guilherme Gonçalves had been preparing ples to self-determination and independ- Cruz said he was “a satisfied man.” “This for the second meeting in Austria for a long ence” and reaffirms Portugal’s “administer- battle has been won,” he told Expresso. time. “I intended to speak my mind again,” ing power” capacity. The pro-Indonesia Mari Alkatiri, on the other hand, added he explained to Expresso, and “to denounce delegation even went as far as to draw up a the words “with all reservations” under his the atrocities and the killings” that, he said, separate document rejecting the reference to signature. Later, the lawyer later said that it continued to occur in the territory under the Resolution, arguing that its members had had been “the insistence of the participants” Indonesian occupation. The Jakarta Gov- been tricked by Ramos Horta. Conflict be- which had led him not to leave blank the ernment, however, put an end to his plans, tween the participants subsequently spread, space on the declaration that had been re- delivering his airline ticket only the day but the Timorese from Dili managed to get before the flight “when it was then impossi- served for his name. reference to the incident included in the final While the UDT leader stated that he felt ble to go,” and his passport was kept con- declaration. as though he had a knife stuck into his back, fiscated until the meeting in Austria had The pro-independence sector’s demands Lopes da Cruz insisted on pointing out that ended. did not prevail, however, and it was also the members of his delegation are mainly He explained the reasons for his absence faced with some internal differences of opin- “civil servants (for the Indonesian state), in a letter addressed to the UN Secretary ion. Zacarias Costa, UDT’s representative and therefore people in a position to influ- General. In the letter the former Governor at the EC, João Carrascalão, party leader, ence mechanisms for the benefit of the peo- directly accused roving ambassador Lopes Mari Alkatiri, who heads Fretilin external ple.” Ramos Horta said that the “conces- da Cruz of having blocked his departure in Page 92 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. order to prevent any possible recurrence of A statement of concern at excessive lev- Under the difficult situation, CNRM’s statements which “would be unpopular els of Indonesian military presence in the Special Representative, Mr. José Ramos- with many people.” territory, and the dismantling of extrajudicial Horta, was able to play a central concilia- With regards the situation in East Timor, coercive institutions created by the Indone- tory role throughout the meeting, being a Guilherme Gonçalves said that, in spite of sian military was discussed at length but key factor for its success. This was widely all the international efforts, “the people are could not be included in the final text. acknowledged in the Portuguese media ac- still suffering in all kinds of ways, and are Meeting participants from both inside counts covering the event. It was Ramos- oppressed, hated, harassed, and have to live East Timor and in exile regretted the absence Horta who managed to convince some reluc- with the killings and incredible abuses.” He of the Head of the East Timor Church, tant exile participants to sign the meeting’s listed the complaints and asked “if the UN Bishop Carlos Filipe Belo, who played an statement, despite their initial reservations really does have the power to settle the important conciliatory role at the first meet- about its modest language on the existing problem of Timor.” He also put forward a ing in June 1995. The Bishop was ordered situation in the territory. series of proposals for consideration by the not to take part in this meeting by the Papal The Indonesian media, reflecting pres- UN. Gonçalves is in favour of the “urgent Nuncio in Jakarta, as a result of the Vatican sures by the Suharto dictatorship to play a installation of a UN human rights commis- yielding to strong Indonesian government disinformation and manipulation role on sion in Timor” - not in Jakarta as is cur- pressure. Vatican officials remained un- behalf of the regime, and in particular to rently the case - and he proposed that moved by both Portuguese and UN appeals conduct a slander campaign against Ramos- Xanana Gusmão and Ramos Horta be in- to reverse this decision, despite the recent Horta, reported that he had walked out of vited to participate in the negotiations be- highly positive statements by Cardinal the meeting in an attempt to precipitate its tween Portugal and Indonesia. Roger Etchegaray, Head of the Pontifical failure. This was absolutely false as neither Justice and Peace Commission of the Vati- Horta nor any other participant walked out CNRM ON SECOND EAST can, who recently visited East Timor and of the meeting at any stage. The prestigious TIMORESE TALKS expressed understanding and compassion for Portuguese weekly, ‘Expresso,’ reported the suffering of the East Timorese people that Mr. Ramos-Horta worked non-stop for Statement issued by the National Council of under the current oppressive situation. close to 24 hours on the last day to ensure Maubere Resistance, 26 March 1996 However, Dili Diocesan Vicar-General Fa- the general consensus that led to the meet- ther José Antonio da Costa ably represented ing’s unanimous adoption of the statement The second All Inclusive East Timorese the East Timor Church in Bishop Belo’s issued. Dialogue, conducted under the auspices of place, earning respect from all participants The East Timorese Resistance is commit- the United Nations concluded in Austria last for his valuable contributions to the pro- ted to the further continuation of the All week. The modestly successful meeting gress of the event. Inclusive Intra East Timorese Dialogue un- brought together a total of 14 exiled repre- Strong intimidating pressures by Indone- der UN auspices, despite the obvious limita- sentatives of the East Timorese Resistance sia on the participants resident in East tions of the present format imposed by the and 15 East Timorese living under Indone- Timor was evident. Firstly, there was the Indonesian pressures on the UN. sian rule in the illegally occupied territory. absence of Mr. Guilherme Gonçalves, who This Dialogue is the only forum in exis- Participants were invited in their personal had strongly spoken against Indonesian tence so far where the East Timorese people capacities. Indigenous East Timorese leader excesses in East Timor at the previous meet- can make a tangible contribution to the on- and former ‘governor’ Mr. Guilherme Gon- ing, and who denounced as a fraud the so- going dialogue between Indonesia and Portu- çalves was prevented from attending. called ‘Balibo Declaration’ whereby some gal under UN auspices, aimed at seeking a The meeting’s fair level of success was East Timor groups allegedly asked for Indo- resolution of the East Timor conflict be- achieved despite strong Indonesian govern- nesian intervention in East Timor in 1975. tween Indonesia and the International ment attempts to cause disruption and a Mr. Gonçalves was a signatory to the Community. break-up. The East Timorese participants, document, which Indonesia used as a base to restricted by the terms of reference imposed attempt to legitimise its occupation of East on the UN not to talk about the legal status HORTA: “THE FUTURE Timor. Indonesia’s East Timorese ambassa- OF EAST TIMOR of the territory, were nonetheless able to dor, Mr. Francisco Lopes da Cruz, consis- discuss the current situation in the territory, tently attempted to misrepresent the nature IS VERY CLOSE” and exchange views on how the hardships of the meeting, trying to speak in the name Publico, 30 March 1996. By Joaquim T. de presently faced by the people may be re- of the Indonesian East Timorese as a group, Negreiros. Translated from Portuguese solved and future improvements be sought. causing much uneasiness among them. A statement signed by all the partici- Nonetheless, the meeting’s atmosphere was Coming from the Austrian city of pants was produced at the end of the 4-day frank and open, revealing the underlying Schlaining, where he took part in the second meeting. The statement’s main points in- understanding existing among most East Intra-Timorese meeting, and recently arrived clude an expression of concern at the unsat- Timorese about the need for change to the to Geneva, where he will be closely follow- isfactory current human rights situation in current oppressive Indonesian presence in ing the progress of the UN Human Rights the territory, with special reference to the the territory. Commission, Ramos Horta spoke to Publico plight of East Timorese women; a request Most participants conducted themselves about the most recent developments of the for Portugal government support for the with composure throughout the long ses- Timor dossier. The CNRM’s special repre- setting up of an East Timor Cultural Centre sions, listening with consideration to the sentative confessed that it was not easy for in Dili; and a request for Portuguese finan- views presented with much dignity by Ms him to sign the Austria meeting’s final decla- cial and technical inputs to the East Timor Ines Almeida, a representative of the women ration - which omitted reference to many of University to assist with human resources of East Timor. Ms Almeida stressed the the Resistance’s aspirations - but he said he development and research and teaching of special hardships faced by women under the was hopeful about the latest initiatives the Tetum and Portuguese languages. present military occupation and the urgent taken by the Portuguese Government. need to change unacceptable situation. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 93

Publico: Was it difficult for you to sign the the intra-Timorese dialogue and our visit the press were to be allowed to do a cover- final declaration of the Intra-Timorese would, therefore, have constituted one of age in Portugal. meeting? the series of the UN Secretary General’s This was said by a reporter who covered Ramos Horta: It certainly was. If I had initiatives. The impact of a visit by us the “Second All Inclusive Intra East followed my emotions and convictions, would have been very positive and, for that Timorese Dialogue” (AETD) of the East obviously I would not have signed. But, reason, I was prepared to agree to it. Timor Province, Aderito Hugo da Costra from the outset, we were aware of the limi- Publico: Recently, the Timor dossier seems from the daily newspaper ‘Suara Timor tations imposed by the UN and we were to be “moving” a lot more. Do you Timur” (Voice of East Timor), in Dili on expecting the enormous pressure brought to agree? Tuesday. bear by Indonesia upon the members from Ramos Horta: Yes, definitely. There have “If there are members of the press from the interior. It was, therefore, unthinkable been leaps and bounds recently with regards Indonesia that can do a coverage in Portugal, that there could be a repeat of the declara- the Timor dossier, given the unexpected and I think it will be good and advanced step,” tion of June 1995. dramatic initiatives taken by Jaime Gama, he said to ANTARA when asked of the Publico: Wouldn’t it have been preferable, who offered to go to Indonesia to meet possibility of it. from the Resistance’s point of view, to Xanana Gusmão, and by Antonio Guterres In the AETD II, in Burg Schlaining, Aus- have refused the terms of this declara- who, during his historic meeting with Presi- tria a while ago, in one of the press confer- tion? dent Suharto in Bangkok, offered to open ences, the Portuguese Foreign Minister said Ramos Horta: No, not at all. That would interest sections in exchange for the release that his country believes in freedom of the only have led to the end of the intra- of Xanana Gusmão. press, therefore, reporters from anywhere Timorese dialogue, which is the only forum, around the world can do a coverage in his Publico: How do you think Jakarta will country. under the auspices of the UN, that the react to that offer? Timorese have in which they can make their However, several Indonesian reporters Ramos Horta: I have it from a reliable who covered the AETD II who applied for own contribution towards the search for a source that Jakarta trying to come up with a global settlement for the problem of East entry visas to visit Portugal through the graceful way of responding to the two initia- Portuguese Embassy in Vienna did not get a Timor. tives. But the Indonesian Government is Radical positions, based on our personal confirmation of whether or not they can restrained by the power of the military. On enter the country. convictions or emotional reactions, would one side, there are Suharto and Alatas who result in the breakdown of the dialogue - and According to him, all this while, a number would like to make a few, more or less seri- of reporters from the Portuguese mass me- that would be playing right into the hands of ous, concessions. On the other side, how- Indonesia, which sees this type of meeting dia have been allowed to do a coverage in ever, there are the hard-liners who will not Indonesia, including East Timor, so it is time as not being in its interests. agree to any concessions. Furthermore, the dialogue is important that there is a similar step taken by Portugal not just because of its possible conclusions Publico: Given that scenario, is it possible to in letting Indonesian reporters do the same. but also because it enables direct contacts to predict what will happen in three months Especially, in the three party meeting, he be established between the most varied po- time in Geneva when Jaime Gama, Ali said, there was a discussion of the possibil- litical tendencies and makes possible an Alatas and Boutros Ghali meet for an- ity of visits of reporters from both Indone- atmosphere of trust between us. For my other round of talks? sia and Portugal. part at least, this is what I have tried to do. Ramos Horta: It is hard to say exactly So far, according to information, the The future of East Timor is very close and what will transpire, but there a new positive number of Indonesian reporters that have we have to be prepared for it. element came out of Schlaining which will be been to Portugal amount to only one or two, on the negotiating table in June. I’m referring meanwhile tens of Portuguese reporters Publico: It seemed, at a certain point during to our proposal that Portugal give its back- have been in Indonesia. last week’s meeting, that an invitation ing to the creation of a Timorese cultural In the trial of the ring leader of the Secu- was going to be made to some members centre in Dili, where both Tetum and Portu- rity Disruption Group of East Timor, of the Resistance abroad to visit East guese would be taught. There is also the idea Xanana Gusmão who is currently serving Timor ... of Portugal making contributions to the time in Cipinang Prison in Jakarta, not less Ramos Horta: Yes, that’s true... University of East Timor. than ten reporters from Portugal came and Publico: We see from the Conclusions that These are important issues. Portugal covered the trial proceedings. the invitation never materialised. What ought to insist on them - I believe it would happened? get the support of the UN Secretary General Ramos Horta: Some of those among the - and it would be difficult for Indonesia to CATHOLIC CHURCH delegation from outside Timor did not look get around the proposals. These suggestions ACTIVITIES kindly on an invitation made by the (pro- may not seem very significant at first glance, Indonesia) Governor of East Timor, Abilio but they will lead to some very substantial Osorio Soares, and the terms proposed by implications in the long term. THE DAILY MARTYRDOM OF Lopes da Cruz (Suharto’s adviser and leader THE CHURCH IN TIMOR of the delegation from inside Timor). Ac- A GOOD STEP TO HAVE cording to the members of the delegation INDONESIAN REPORTERS by Father João Canição, SJ from abroad who opposed the idea, accep- tance of such an invitation would imply IN PORTUGAL Article published 4 January 1996 in “Voz Portugalense,” weekly publication of the recognition of Indonesia’s administration of Indonesia Media Network, 3 Apr 96 East Timor. Diocese of Oporto, Portugal. Translated by I was prepared to accept, in as far as the Dili, 4/2 (ANTARA) - It will be a good José Barros Basto. invitation, made in the way it was made, step if Indonesian reporters or members of The image that I received of Timor upon would have fallen within the framework of arriving and when I led the Spiritual Exer- Page 94 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. cises for the Clergy and talked about the acted as would be desired of their duty, but, BISHOPS’ TRIP TO media to the religious leaders (besides visit- even so, they continue to hope from us, ing nine missionary stations outside of Dili) even after 20 years of martyrdom, torture, TIMOR DELAYED is the image of a church living in a spiritual and death, some gesture that would comfort Diario de Noticias, 1 February 1996. Trans- fervor of faith and hope, even in the face of them and give them hope of a solution, lated from Portuguese, Abridged. lack of human respect and lack of support whatever it might be, but one that would from the political and social structures: a attend to their rights. The departure, scheduled to have taken true daily martyrdom, lived in the faith in The future of Timor is unforeseeable. On place yesterday afternoon, of a small group God. The sole request that they make of us, the one hand is the acknowledged right of of Portuguese who were going to attend the but they make it insistently, is that we pray the Timorese to exercise their own self- inauguration of the new seminary in Dili on for them: “Don’t forget Timor! Pray for us determination, on the other hand is the Saturday, did not take place after all. always!” strong bloc that opposes it (Indonesia, along The group includes Januario Ferreira, The Timorese people, who co-existed for with the United States and Australia). This Secretary of the Episcopal Conference, Fa- several centuries with the Christian religion, bloc, however, continues to commit very ther Afonso Heredia, representing the Jesuit never knew what were needless deaths grave strategic errors, such as, for example, Provincial, and Father Simão, Provincial of without justice or reason. They never ex- the lack of respect for human rights, which the Salesians, the Order to which Bishop perienced what it was to arrest, punish, has made impossible any acceptance of Ximenes Belo also belongs. Radio Renas- assault, rape, or violate and rob solely on integration by an important part of the cenca’s Information Director, Ramos Pin- mere, unfounded suspicion. On the con- Timor natives. These believe absolutely that heiro, is also one of the group. trary, they always observed the right to be the Biblical story of David and Goliath will Speaking to DN, Januario Ferreira said respected, without pain of death, and al- repeat itself, one day, in their land. that he had, in the meantime, heard that the ways left open the possibility of a defense, Indonesian Embassy in Madrid had received even up until the last moment. INVITATION DIDN’T COME notification from Jakarta, which authorised Now, having been submitted to another the entry of the Portuguese. The passports type of civilization for the last 20 years, Report from Free East Timor Japan Coali- were said to have left Madrid yesterday, they are experiencing quite a different type tion, Feb. 1, 1996 and were on their way back to Lisbon... The Secretary of the Episcopal Conference ap- of existence, a tragic and anguishing one, one Aloisius Nobuo Soma, Retired Bishop of that repeatedly removes any possibility for peared somewhat sceptical: “Now I will Nagoya, learned today with dismay that only believe it when I see them.” dialog in this inhuman conflict. It is not Bishop Belo of East Timor had sent him an surprising that, quite suddenly, the propor- The DN learned that, if the visas are in invitation to attend the inauguration of the fact issued, it will have been a quite rapid tion of Catholics has grown from 30 percent newly rebuilt Catholic seminary in Dili, an of the population in 1973 to 93 percent of process, as some of them were only re- invitation which was never received. quested a week ago. the population in 1993, each one accepting Bishop Soma, who as President of the the doctrine of the Gospel and the protec- If Jakarta authorises the trip, the group Japanese Catholic Council for Justice & will leave today ... and should arrive in Ja- tion of the faith in God and in Our Lady. Peace established close links with both the The missionaries are seen as big brothers to karta on Friday. However, the following present Bishop of East Timor, Bishop Belo, flight to Dili only leaves on Saturday at whom they confide their troubles and to and with his predecessor, Monsignor Lopes, whom they entrust their life and their death, around 6 am. As it is not a direct flight, the had expected to receive an invitation to the Portuguese will only arrive in Dili late that waiting with great respect for the benefit of inauguration on Feb. 3. When none arrived, their counsel. morning, when the inauguration ceremony Bishop Soma decided to call Dili. will have ended. The priesthood vocations have aug- Bishop Belo told Bishop Soma that he mented correspondingly. The number of The delay, according to the explanation had sent him an invitation and looked for- given by the Indonesian Embassy in Madrid schools under the direction of the Church ward to his attendance. For his part, Bishop grew greatly at the elementary school level, to the agency making the travel arrange- Belo was dismayed to learn that this good ments, “was due to bureaucratic reasons.” and, in a new step, more than a dozen com- friend of the East Timorese church did not plete high schools were constructed. The get the invitation. number of missions provided with priests The former Catholic seminary in Dare NEW SEMINARY grew by more than a half, and more mission- was destroyed by Indonesian bombing. INAUGURATED ary posts were created, with each little vil- Bishop Soma, who has visited East Timor ON SATURDAY lage and community constructing its own and seen the great need for Timorese clergy, local chapel – a very positive reality. More- launched a fund raising campaign in Japan Diario de Noticias, 2 February 1996. Trans- over, shrines to Our Lady have spread all for the seminary three years ago. lated from Portuguese Abridged. over the territory as the result of private Bishop Soma, who is also Honorary initiatives. In regards to this activity, the Chairperson of the Asia-Pacific Coalition 10,000 IN DILI Bishop of Dili, Mgr. Carlos Ximenes Belo, for East Timor, was prevented by Indone- The new Dili seminary, built with finan- affirmed with undisguised joy that “Our sian authorities from entering East Timor cial aid from Portugal, will be opened tomor- Lady, in many regions of Timor, is our par- last November to offer prayers for the vic- row. In addition to the official contribution, ish priest and bishop, brought about more tims of the Santa Cruz massacre in 1991. Suharto’s daughter made a personal “sub- by the Timorese than by the Bishop and the He expressed the fear that the Indonesian stantial donation.” The local diocese is ex- Priests.” authorities may have intervened this time to pecting 10,000 people to attend the inaugu- The Christians of Timor hope for our prevent Bishop Belo’s letter from reaching ration. prayers, but they hope also for our support, him. The Apostolic Nuncio, based in Jakarta, as Christians, and as Portuguese still offi- will inaugurate the new Dili Seminary on cially responsible for their destinies. They Saturday... The DN learned that the follow- know that Portugal has unfortunately not East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 95 ing celebrities will be attending the cere- tory. Official Indonesian figures for 1982-93 Dili during an anti-Indonesian demonstration mony: Bishops of Melbourne, Atambua, show that the number of Catholic churches in presence of the Catholic Bishops gathered Kupang and Flores, as well as Mnsgr. Xi- in Timor, which by far outnumber any oth- for the ceremony of inauguration of the new menes Belo. Januario Ferreira, Secretary of ers, is now over 1,000. Trailing far behind in seminary. the Portuguese Episcopal Conference will number are the Protestant churches and, in The security forces fired several shots at- also be there, along with the Salesian Pro- third place (with insignificant numbers in tempting to stop other demonstrators who vincial, the Jesuit Deputy Provincial, and 1982, and somewhat greater in the 1990s) fled, some of which ran into the Santa Cruz the Director of Information of Radio Renas- are the Moslem temples. Timor continues to cemetery, located near the new seminary. cenca, representing the radio station which be a Catholic enclave within the world’s “We don’t know what happened to the organised a fund-raising campaign for the largest Moslem country. young people who were chased by the po- construction of the building. Also expected lice. Those that were arrested were taken to to attend are Governor Osorio Soares, the EAST TIMORESE the command base, after passing through the Military Commander of East Timor, and the PROTEST AGAINST police headquarters,” said a source contacted Director-General of the Section for the by LUSA. Catholic Religion - a department of the In- INDONESIA AT MASS The incident took place at the end of the donesian Ministry for Religious Affairs. mass of inauguration of the new Dili semi- JAKARTA, Feb 3 (Reuter) - East nary, attended by monsignor Pietro Sambi SUHARTO’S DAUGHTER DONATES Timorese youths attending a mass on Satur- of the Jakarta ‘Nuncio Apostolico,’ and by The ceremony will begin with the unveil- day to inaugurate a new Catholic seminary several bishops invited by D. Ximenes Belo. ing of a plaque marking the event. Mass at 9 protested against Indonesia’s rule in their The ‘Provincial’ of the Portuguese Sale- am will follow. Then there will be a lunch troubled homeland but there were no reports sianos priests, father Simão, two Indone- with an local folklore display. The Timorese of arrests, witnesses said. sian, and an Australian bishop, and two clergy expect the “presence of 10,000 peo- “Those youths shouted anti-Indonesia personnel members of the Canadian em- ple.” Two years ago, laying of the first slogans after the mass, before East Timor bassy in Jakarta, witnessed the incidents. foundation stone ceremony attracted the Bishop Catholic Carlos Belo gave his bless- The secretary of the Portuguese Episcopal same number of people, “so we are expect- ings. None of the youths were arrested,” one Conference, D. Januario Torgal Ferreira, ing at least that number on Saturday,” said a nun who attended the inauguration of the arrived too late for the inauguration cere- source from the Diocese of Dili. Santa Maria Fatima seminary told Reuters mony, because of the delay in travel au- The new seminary, which will be able to from Dili. thorization by the Indonesian authorities. house 150 people, is located “on the way to Police in Dili, the Timorese capital, were He arrived in the early afternoon and at- the former headquarters, near the Santa Cruz not immediately available for comment. tended the lunch offered by Bishop Xime- cemetery,” and was built with money from The official Antara news agency reported nes Belo. A dinner is planned at Bishop Radio Renascenca (“nearly one third”), the from Dili that the youths shouted abuse in Belo’s residence tonight, in honor of his Patriarchate, the Indonesian Government, their Tetun language and displayed protest 48th birthday today. and the Provincial authorities, “about 100 posters. Witnesses told LUSA that about 200 million Rupees” (by law the Indonesian It was the first reported anti-Indonesian Timorese youths held up banners and authorities subsidise and support the activi- protest by East Timorese youths in the shouted ‘vivas’ to East Timor and to ties of the five main religions in the country: territory this year. Dili is often the scene of Bishop Ximenes Belo during mass celebra- Islam, Catholic and Protestant Churches, riots and protests against mainly Moslem tion, which took place at the sports field of Buddhism and Hinduism). Funds were also Indonesia, which invaded the predominantly the seminary complex. received from the “Christian communities in Catholic region in 1975 and proclaimed it its Bishop Ximenes Belo and the Dili Vicar- Australia, Germany, Japan, Holland, Bel- 27th province a year later. General, monsignor José Antonio da Costa, gium and the UK.” The DN learned that The last riot was in October when at succeeded in “calming down people’s spir- President Suharto’s daughter gave a signifi- least two people died in fighting between its,” appealing to the demonstrators not to cant personal donation towards the building rival gangs. shout during mass celebration, which was of the Seminary. The Diocese of Dili would The seminary is located a few metres attended by 8,000 to 10,000 people. only confirm the “existence of two particu- away from the Santa Cruz cemetery, where “At the ceremony were hundreds of In- larly substantial donations,” but would not Indonesian troops opened fire on a pro- donesian commands in plain clothes who reveal the names of the donors. However, independence demonstration in November took note of the demonstrators to arrest other sources confirmed that Suharto’s 1991, killing about 50 people. Human rights them at the exit from mass. The people daughter had contributed a “very substantial groups say 200 people were killed. attempted to protect the group, but the amount.” Antara reported that Bishop Belo regret- security men beat people with batons and ted what the youths had done at the semi- CHURCHES ON THE INCREASE wounded some,” said one of the witnesses. nary. The diocese of Dili sees the new Semi- Three of the four arrested were Sebastião “I regret it very much and do not agree nary, which has “study halls, chapel and Sarmento da Silva, Apeu Bina Raja (pseu- with what you have done,” he was quoted gymnasium,” as a very important instru- donym) and Paulo. The fourth, a scout, was as telling the youths. Antara gave no other ment for the training of those who are “more also taken in by police, but his identity is details. sensitive towards the problems of the peo- unknown, according to the same witness. ple.” (...) the number of faithful continues to ARRESTS AND SHOTS AT Along the access streets to the seminary, grow and religious training is given mainly to SEMINARY INAUGURATION in Balide near the Santa Cruz cemetery, Timorese. Only very rarely does an Indone- translated, summarized from various re- were hundreds of policemen, in uniform and sian appear. In spite of the transmigration ports plain clothes, phenomenon (i.e. the arrival to East Timor Along the access streets to the seminary, of waves of families from other islands), Macau, and Sydney, Feb 3 (LUSA) - At in Balide near the Santa Cruz cemetery, Catholicism still predominates in the terri- least four Timorese were arrested today in Page 96 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. were hundreds of policemen, in uniform and ries, and 21 lesser injuries. The prisoners The official Antara news agency reported plain clothes, with guns and radios. suffering serious injuries are now being from Dili on Saturday that the youths Mass was celebrated in Tetum and in treated in the general hospital, Dili. shouted abuse in their Tetun language and Portuguese, and there were speeches by Most of the 205 people held in the displayed protest banners. Bishop D. Ximenes Belo, monsignor Pietro prison were arrested in October last, when a The seminary is a few metres away from Sambi, East Timor governor Abilio Osorio disturbance occurred between Bobby Xa- the Santa Cruz cemetery, where Indonesian Soares, and the Dili council administrator vier’s group and Alexio Cobra’s group. The troops opened fire on pro-independence Domingos Soares. It was announced that the two East Timorese youth leaders were held demonstrators in November 1991, killing seminary will be directed by a German ‘re- in Kupang prison as political prisoners, but scores of people. ligioso’ [priest?], aided by a Dutch priest. fighting broke out when they were freed Local aid worker Florentino Sarmento, The teachers will be two Timorese and four when Bobby Xavier accused Alexio Cobra who went to the ceremony, said on Monday Indonesian priests. of being a spy. Alexio Cobra denied this. police beat and seized youths at random. João Nunes de Carvalho, a former pri- Apart from the group from the October “One youth whose task was to assist the mary teacher of Portuguese who remained in incident, there are prisoners from the re- bishop at the altar was captured after police East Timor and is presently staff of the ET gions, as well as 5 people who had managed mistakenly believed the robe he was holding education services, will teach Portuguese to escape by boat to Australia. One of them was a banner. He was released later,” he language courses at the seminary, according is a woman who is also being held at Becora said. to a source in Dili. prison. Apart from them there are also po- It was the first reported anti-Indonesian litical prisoners held who have been found protest by East Timorese youths in the THREE ARRESTED IN DILI guilty after a demonstration at the Univer- territory this year. sity of East Timor. Amongst them is Alex- From Hidang, Jakarta 4 Feb. 96 andro da Costa who is just 24 years old. POLICE SMASH Last Monday, the Reuters office in Ja- Alexandro who was sentenced two years EAST TIMOR PROTEST karta reported that Dili police, East Timor, and two months’ ago, clashed with a guard. had arrested three youths on suspicion of When Alexandro was being accompanied by Sydney Morning Herald, February 5, 1996. staging an anti-Indonesian demonstration on the guard to the head of security’s office, By Agence France-Presse Saturday. The demonstration comprised of suddenly a group of prisoners began to throw things at the guard, thinking that he Dili, Sunday: Indonesian police today hundreds of youths who had gathered for a violently broke up a pro-independence mass at a reception for the opening of a new was going to beat Alexandro up. The guards’ post, hall, and the polyclinic were attacked demonstration by young East Timorese seminary in Balide Dili, the Sominario Nosa during the inauguration of Roman Catholic Senhora de Fatima. and the guards beaten. The main gate was attacked. Some took diesel fuel from the seminary attended by several foreign cler- According to the Antara news agency, gymen, sources here said. the youths had already been yelling anti- garage and managed to burn down a number of security posts. Shortly after, ABRI were The demonstration, with scores of young Indonesian slogans in Tetum, and handing people displaying pro-independence ban- out leaflets of the same tone. Some of the called upon to deal with the situation. Then Armando who was at the front was shot. ners, took place at the start of the inaugura- leaflets and posters demanded the release of tion ceremony of the Nossa Senhora de Xanana Gusmão. Other posters said ‘Viva Moreover, he was due to be released this coming June. Fatima seminary in Balide, Dili, according to Xanana,’ ‘Viva Timor Leste.’ They were a resident. also protesting the Indonesian government’s THREE SAID ARRESTED AFTER Several of the protesters were injured af- moves to stop Bishop Aloisius Soma from EAST TIMOR PROTEST ter police and soldiers broke up the demon- Japan attending the opening. abridged stration, beating them with sticks and ba- Amongst those who did attend were tons, and several were detained and taken to bishops from Australia, Portugal (Msgr. JAKARTA, Feb 5 (Reuter) – Indonesian an undisclosed location, the resident said, Januario Togal), Atambua, Kupang, along police arrested three East Timorese after a quoting a witness. with the Secretary General of the Jesus protest during last week’s opening of a new Another source, who was close to the Covenant/Union (Serikat Jesus) in Portugal Catholic seminary in the troubled territory, demonstrators, said at least three people and the Vatican ambassador Mgr. Peter residents said on Monday. were arrested and a gunshot heard as secu- Sembie. 50 priests from every parish in East Police were not immediately available for rity pursued several demonstrators who ran Timor also attended the mass, along with comment. off into the neighbouring housing area. around 3,000 people, headed by Bishop “I’ve learned that three youths have been The East Timor police chief, Colonel Carlos Belo. The Bishop of Dili angered the arrested and are being questioned by the Andreas Sugianto, was not available to con- youths by telling them that they should not police after the protest,” local parliamentar- firm the reports. Several foreign clergymen be demonstrating at the place of a high mass. ian Manuel Carrascalão told Reuters from were at the ceremony, including Monsignor He said that their action ‘demonstrated that Dili, East Timor’s capital. Pietro Sambi, the Vatican’s apostolic pro- they were uneducated and uncultured peo- “One youth managed to escape by run- nuncio in Jakarta. ple who mixed religion with politics.’ ning to the nearby Santa Cruz cemetery,” he Meanwhile, a member of a pro- According to a student, the youths, aside said by telephone. independence movement has surrendered to from knowing there were guests from over- Witnesses earlier said about 20 East the military in Lautem district, according to seas, were upset by the Indonesian govern- Timorese youths attending Saturday’s press reports. ment’s handling of 105 prisoners in Dili opening of Santa Maria Fatima seminary Captain Jok Purwadi, head of the Dili prison, who the people perceive as political shouted anti-Indonesia slogans after the military command, said yesterday that Gil- prisoners. One died, Armindo da Silva Mass, which was led by East Timor Catho- berto Diaz, 24 surrendered in Ilipapa village, Soares Martins, a political prisoner. 7 po- lic Bishop Carlos Belo. Lautem district, about 200 kilometres east litical prisoners have suffered serious inju- of Dili. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 97

Captain Purwadi said Diaz was a member Dom Januario appealed for the restoration ordered the release of two East Timorese of Fretilin, the Revolutionary Front for an of democracy in the territory, referring to arrested after a protest during last week’s Independent East Timor, which has been the fact that at the time of the Portuguese opening of a new Catholic seminary in the fighting the Indonesian presence in East revolution in April 1974, the Portuguese troubled territory. Timor since Jakarta sent its troops there in “chose, by means of the vote, their own But he said one other Timorese youth 1975. Jakarta unilaterally declared East paths.” For this reason, he appealed “that was still being questioned. Timor its 27th province a year later, but the the Timorese be listened to on the question “We have released two East Timorese United Nations and Portugal do not recog- of their own future, and that they may ex- but are still questioning another one,” Colo- nise the claim. press their own will.” nel Andreas Sugianto told Reuters by tele- Diaz’s surrender was brokered by his All the Bishop’s words were connected phone from the Timorese capital Dili. “We brother Tito da Costa, an Ilipapa villager, with the defence of the rights of the are still questioning one East Timorese be- who met him during a hunting trip in the Timorese, even including a subtle allusion to cause we found documents at his house.” nearby jungle. the atmosphere in the territory being a kind Sugianto declined to give details. The Captain Purwadi said Diaz was being de- of hell on earth. He explained that, for the East Timorese were held after the opening briefed in Ilipapa but that in line with the Timorese not to live in that hell, they need of Santa Maria Fatiman seminary on Satur- Government’s policy to pardon rebels who peace, freedom and justice, which, obvi- day for allegedly showing anti-Indonesian gave themselves up, he would be released ously, they still do not have... attitudes. afterwards. Meanwhile, since the incidents on Satur- The small demonstration, held in front of Over the weekend, the Indonesian For- day, the Portuguese delegation has been dignitaries invited to the seminary’s inaugu- eign Minister, Mr. Ali Alatas, indicated that surrounded by a tight security barrier of ration, was the first reported protest by Jakarta was unwilling to discuss the issue of Indonesian soldiers, who fear further dem- East Timorese youths in the territory this East Timor at a summit of 25 leaders from onstrations. year. Asia and Europe next month in Bangkok. Dili has often been the scene of riots and “Both sides should realise they should DARWIN PROTEST AT protests against mainly Moslem Indonesia, not bring in controversial and non-relevant SUNDAY INCIDENT which invaded the predominantly Catholic issues,” he said. region in 1975. Asked if Indonesia would be prepared to From Hugh Ekeberg, Feb. 5 Witnesses said about 20 East Timorese discuss the Indonesian occupation of East youths attending the seminary’s inaugura- Timor, Mr. Alatas said he considered the A protest was held by five people out- tion shouted anti-Indonesian slogans. issue to be “non-relevant” to the summit, side the Indonesian consulate in Darwin The seminary is a few metres (yards) which is to be held in Bangkok on March 1- yesterday the 5th of February to protest the from the Santa Cruz cemetery, where Indo- 2. incident in Dili on Sunday at the inaugura- nesian troops fired at pro-independence Economics would be the main focus but tion of the seminary. demonstrators in November 1991, killing up eh Asia side was ready to discuss political Staff were late for work as a result of the to 50 people. issues, he said. protest, starting at 10AM instead of The United Nations still recognises for- 8.30AM. mer colonial ruler Portugal as Timor’s ad- Photographs were taken of consular staff ministering power. YOU ARE LIVING IN HELL as they came to work and two of the staff protested that they were not interested in Publico, 5 February 1996. Abridged. Trans- APPEAL FROM EAST TIMOR - lated from Portuguese politics and simply doing their job. Protesters pointed out that, that was no “DON’T FORGET US!” Mnsgr. Januario Torgal Ferreira, deliv- excuse when working for a mafia which ers a homily in Dili in support of continues to commit atrocities in East Timor Diario de Noticias, 9 February 1996. By Timorese human rights. and West Papua, not to mention Indonesia Abel Coelho de Morais. Abridged. Trans- lated from Portuguese “Without peace, freedom and justice, you itself. When one of the protesters started rat- are living in hell.” These words are taken WHOLESOME REBELLION IN from the homily of the Auxiliary Bishop of tling the metal fence, three car loads of po- Lisbon, Mnsgr. Januario Ferreira, delivered lice rushed to the scene including Darwin’s TIMOR yesterday in Dili, Timor, where he said new regional superintendent Wernum and The incidents during the inauguration of mass and addressed a large congregation of Casuarina CIB. the new Dili Seminary were, according to faithful. Twenty years after Indonesia’s The protesters believe the over-reaction Dom Januario Ferreira, a “healthy reaction occupation of the territory, this was the of police is a result of Indonesian govern- from an oppressed society.” The Secretary first time that a Portuguese Bishop said ment pressure to crack down on the in- of the Episcopal Conference, brought back mass there. Mnsgr. Januario, who returns to creased protest activity at the consulate with him an appeal from Timor: “Don’t Lisbon on Tuesday, went to Timor to take which is disrupting consular business. forget us.” part in the inauguration of the Seminary of The consul Colonel Widodo could not be In the view of the Secretary of the Portu- Our Lady of Fatima, which took place on contacted for comment. guese Episcopal Conference, the protests Saturday, and was marked by incidents No arrests were made. against Indonesian presence in East Timor, which led to a police charge on demonstra- carried out by a group of young Timorese tors and to several arrests being made. INDONESIA POLICE during last Saturday’s ceremony in Dili was In the homily, quoted in a dispatch sent RELEASE TIMORESE AFTER “natural” and reflected the “healthy reaction from Dili by the Director of Information of of an oppressed society.” The Bishop, who Radio Renascenca, José Luis Ramos Pin- PROTEST went to Timor with another two senior heiro, (also part of the Portuguese delegation Catholic Church figures and Radio Renas- JAKARTA, Feb 6 (Reuter) - East cenca’s Director of Information, said he present at the opening of the Seminary), Timor’s police chief said on Tuesday he had Page 98 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. found there an “extremely strong Catholic the two until the end of the ceremony,” said from Timor where he attended the inaugura- Church” which is most concerned with all the Bishop. tion of the new Dili seminary, said that he the problems facing Timorese society. It is a had brought back with him correspondence society of “courage and resistance,” in TWO INDONESIAN containing appeals addressed to world lead- which the great majority of the population AMBASSADORS MEET ers. opposes the current situation. “The correspondence, which is to be de- Bishop Januario Ferreira brought back an WITH BISHOP BELO livered to some international figures, is very “important message” from Timor. From his important with regards the (East Timor) Dili, 2/9 (ANTARA) - Indonesian Am- contacts with the people, a clear message problem,” said the Secretary of the Portu- bassadors to the UN Nugroho Wisnumurti emerged: “Don’t forget us!.” What they all guese Bishops’ Conference. However, he and to Great Britain Fanny Habibie, accom- asked the Bishop was that “Portugal and the would not be drawn on either the names of panied by the Director General of Political Church do not forget us!.” the addressees nor the name of the person Affairs Department of Foreign Affairs Iksan Dom Januario Ferreira believed that who gave him the missives. He would only Ibrahim held a meeting with the highest Bishop of Dili Ximenes Belo “ought to say that the person was a citizen of Dili, but leader of the Catholics in East Timor Bishop employ a very special strategy"; his posi- was not Dom Ximenes Belo. (...) of Dili Mgr. Carlos Filippe Ximenes Belo tion was “complex.” which took place at his residence in Dili, The Portuguese Bishop did not wish to Friday. POPE URGES DIALOGUE comment on how the Timorese clergy view The one and a half hour meeting was BETWEEN INDONESIA, EAST the possible creation of a second diocese, conducted in a friendly and cordial atmos- and the possible substitution of Dom Xime- TIMOR phere and dealt with various aspects of the nes Belo in Dili, but he suggested in this East Timor issue. VATICAN CITY (Reuter) - Pope John respect not all decisions had yet been made. Wisnumurti told reporters after the meet- Paul II Monday said East Timor, a con- The Holy See’s decision, he said, was “a ing that Bishop Belo has given positive tested province of Indonesia, was still wait- decision which may or may not be taken.” views and inputs relating to the importance ing for proposals addressing its “legitimate Portugal is still a reference point for of creating a better situation and condition in aspirations” for recognition and urged dia- many Timorese, especially for “middle- East Timor in the years ahead. logue to resolve the dispute. aged” Timorese. Throughout his trip, al- To achieve all that, according to Bishop The Pope made the remarks while receiv- ways in the company of the Bishop of Dili, Belo, we need a unified vision and percep- ing Portugal’s new ambassador to the Vati- ... the Portuguese Bishop was aware of the tion from all parties, the civilian, military can, Antonio D’Oliveria Pinto da Franca. almost permanent presence of Indonesian and Church leaders. The Pope said “every party involved soldiers in Dili and all the other places he The Bishop’s explanation in that meeting should give its just support to promote and visited, and also noticed (because of the brought quite a positive impact on solving support the dialogue already under way.” particular way they dressed) that many civil the East Timor issue. “Because the essence He added that the East Timorese “con- servants were Indonesian. of solving this question is a peaceful and tinued to wait for serious proposals which With regards development in Timor, safe atmosphere,” said Wisnumurti. would permit the realization of their legiti- Dom Januario said he found a “very simple Wisnumurti and Habibie and entourage mate aspirations to see their specific culture population” and a “territory in which there were in Dili, East Timor on a four day visit, and religion recognized.” is still a lot to be done, in spite of the efforts January 8 to 11, 1996, looking for various made in the past by Portugal and in the inputs around the latest development in the present by Indonesia.” POPE SENDS ENVOY province. “It is necessary to find more ways of TO EAST TIMOR While in East Timor both ambassadors helping the Timorese,” said the Portuguese held meetings with several local government Bishop, adding that “they ought to increase Vatican City, Feb 20 (Reuter) – Pope officials and public figures, among others communication channels and the exchange of John Paul, who has appealed for a “just were Governor of East Timor Abilio José information between the governments.” He solution” to the contested Indonesian prov- Osorio Soares, Bishop Belo, Speaker of the also saw the need to give the greatest possi- ince of East Timor, sent the Vatican’s jus- East Timor Provincial House of Representa- ble publicity to everything connected with tice and peace expert there on Tuesday on a tives Antonio F. Parada, and Commander of the situation in Timor. pastoral visit, a spokesman said. the East Timor Military Resort Command “A festive atmosphere” Chief Vatican spokesman Joaquin 164/Wira Dharma Colonel Inf Mahidin Sim- Dom Januario referred to the “festive at- Navarro-Valls said in a statement that Car- bolon. mosphere” he found on his arrival in Dili. dinal Roger Etchegaray, head of the Pontifi- The two ambassadors are scheduled to The delays in the issue of visas for his cal Council for Justice and Peace, had left visit the Regencies of Aileu, Viqueque, Lau- group, invited by Dom Ximenes Belo, Rome for Jakarta and would pay a pastoral tem, Baucau and Bobonaro, today (2/10). meant that they only arrived in time for the visit to the diocese of Dili in East Timor. last part of the ceremony, after mass had Navarro-Valls added that Etchegaray, a been celebrated. “We went to the ceremony LETTERS ARRIVE Vatican-based Frenchman, would also meet directly from the airport,” he said. When FROM TIMOR Indonesian officials during the visit. they arrived, Bishop Belo momentarily ET TO RECEIVE VISIT FROM interrupted the speech being made by the BISHOP BRINGS BACK APPEALS HOLY SEE representative of the Indonesian Ministry of Diario de Noticias, 13 February 1996. Religious Affairs, to welcome the Portu- Abridged. Translated from Portuguese translated, summarized guese visitors. “Dom Ximenes Belo em- Lisbon – Following a meeting with Por- Vatican, Feb 20 (LUSA) - The President braced me, and the Nuncio also rose from tuguese Prime Minister Antonio Guterres, of the Pontifical Commission for Justice and his seat to welcome me. I sat down between Bishop Januario Torgal Ferreira, just back Peace, cardinal Roger Etchegaray, left to East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 99

Jakarta today for a visit of over a week that Macao, February 25 (LUSA) - Cardinal Timorese and started throwing stones at includes a stop in East Timor. Roger Etchegaray, visiting Dili, today as- them,” said the source. “So far, there has The announcement was made just one sured that Pope John Paul II is following the been no confirmation of the numbers ar- day after Pope John Paul II received the problem of East Timor, and praised the rested or injured.” credentials of the new Portuguese ambassa- work of Bishop D. Ximenes Belo in defense According to a different Timorese source, dor to the Holy See, Antonio Pinto da of the East Timorese people. The Cardinal at least one person was seriously injured Franca. At the time, the Pope said that East said that John Paul II “carries East Timor in after being hit by a stone on the head. Timor “remains awaiting proper proposals his heart and does not forget to pray for the Roger Etchegaray, on a visit to East that permit realization of its legitimate aspi- Timorese people.” Timor, witnessed part of the confrontations, rations, of having its cultural and religious The Cardinal gave his speech in the early although the arrests took place after the specificity recognized.” afternoon at the Dili Cathedral, accompanied Papal representative had left the Cathedral. Msgr. Etchegaray’s visit to East Timor is by D. Pietro Sambi, Apostolic Nuncio of “Military Police then started to provoke of three days. He is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta, and by Bishop D. Ximenes Belo. the Timorese in an attempt to start trouble,” Dili on the 25th, and will inaugurate the The speech was delivered in French, and said the source. “It all started because the chapel of the new seminary. The next day translated to Tetum by a priest of the Dili Cardinal had spoken out against human he is scheduled to visit Baucau, where he diocese. rights abuses, and the military did not like will be received by governor Antonio Soares According to a local source, the Cardi- it,” he claimed. The climate around Dili’s and military commander Mahidin Simbolon. nal’s speech was “often interrupted by Cathedral remained tense for several hours, He leaves to Jakarta on the evening of the hand-clapping by the thousands of people with a large number of plainclothes and 27th and is received the next day by presi- in the Cathedral, especially when he made uniformed soldiers patrolling the streets. dent Suharto before departing to Rome, via reference to East Timor, and to justice and Ximenes Praised Bali, on the 29th. peace,” said a local source. Cardinal Etchegaray, Chairman of the One of the most emotional moments was Pontifical Justice and Peace Commission, when the Cardinal embraced Bishop Belo, CONFRONTATIONS & assured the congregation that Pope John after praising his courage and determination ARRESTS DURING Paul II was closely following the problem of in defense of the Timorese people. East Timor, and he praised the actions of ETCHEGARAY’S VISIT At the end of the ceremony, as the Car- Bishop Ximenes Belo in defence of the dinal left the Cathedral to go to the Semi- translated, edited Timorese people. The Pope “carries East nary to consecrate the new Chapel, instiga- Timor in his heart and does not forget to Sydney, February 25 (LUSA) - An unde- tors started throwing rocks at those who pray for the Timorese,” he said. (...) termined number of East Timorese was attended the ceremony, according to local “One of the most moving moments oc- detained and others were wounded following sources. The same sources added that there curred at the end of the ceremony, when the confrontations at the Dili Cathedral, after a was no justification for this, for “the cere- Cardinal embraced Bishop Monsignor Xi- blessing by Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, local mony took place with entire civility.” menes Belo, after praising his courage and sources told LUSA. The Cardinal will visit Baucau on Mon- determination in defence of the Timorese According to a Dili resident, the confron- day. The Cardinal will be received by Indo- people,” pointed out one source, who asked tations occurred at the end of the ceremony, nesian president Suharto before returning to to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals. when the Timorese who attended were Rome, via Bali, on Thursday. This is the first time since the Pope’s thrown rocks at. According to this resident, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray is the presi- 1989 visit that one of the Catholic Church’s the attackers had been staying together at a dent of the Pontifical Commission for Jus- highest dignitaries has officially visited the house in Vila Verde and included “informers tice and Peace, the highest dignitary of the world’s largest (in terms of population) and plain-clothes soldiers.” Catholic Church to pay official visit to In- Moslem country. According to another local source, “the donesia and East Timor since the visit by Monsignor Pietro Sambi, the Apostolic military police once again provoked the Pope John Paul II in 1989. Timorese to create problems. This hap- Nuncio in Jakarta, publicly denied that the pened especially because the Cardinal criti- TURBULENT BLES SING IN TIMOR question of East Timor’s status, and the possibility of its division into two dioceses, cized the abuses of human rights in his Pope’s Envoy’s Visit to Dili Marked by speech, and this was not well received by would be discussed during the envoy’s Incidents week-long visit. the military.” The same source indicated Diario de Noticias, 26 February 1996. that at least one person is in serious condi- Translated from Portuguese, Abridged tion for having been hit on the head by a ETCHEGARAY STATEMENT thrown rock. New clashes in Dili. Stone-throwing in ON LEAVING DILI Cardinal Etchegaray witnessed part of full view of the Pope’s personal repre- the confrontations, however the arrests took sentative, resulting in various people (Transcribed and translated from a FAX of place only after the Cardinal had left the arrested and injured. AGENCIA ECCLESIA - Portuguese Catholic Cathedral. The number of Timorese arrested and in- Church News Agency - by José A. Barros Basto –- [email protected] ) The situation in the area of the Cathedral jured as a result of confrontations at Dili’s remains tense, with a large number of both Cathedral, following Cardinal Roger It was a great joy for me to be able to ac- plain-clothes and uniformed soldiers patrol- Etchegaray’s blessing is unknown. cept the invitation of His Excellency, ling the streets. “Many youths haven’t yet According to a Dili resident contacted by Bishop Belo to visit the diocese of Dili. I returned home, therefore we don’t know LUSA, the disturbances broke out after the have been here in these days on a pastoral who was arrested and who is in hiding,” said Timorese were provoked by “informers and visit, first of all to bring the blessing and the same source. soldiers in plain clothes who had been at a encouragement of the Holy Father to the –––––– house in Vila Verde.” “When they entered Apostolic Administrator, to all his priests, the church, they started to provoke the to the religious and to all the members of the Page 100 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Catholic community. In the spirit of har- Soeharto’s residence in Jalan Cendana, yes- EAST TIMOR GOVERNOR mony which should exist everywhere be- terday. tween members of different faiths and relig- Cardinal Etchegaray yesterday met with AND BISHOP BELO FULFILL ions, I extend my greetings also to the mem- President Soeharto at Jalan Cendana. The INVITATION OF MUI AC EH bers of all other religious communities. Cardinal expressed his commendation on the Some foreign news sources attributed to relative peace in interfaith relations in Indo- Indonesia Media Network, 26 Mar 96 my visit the task of examining the possible nesia. To the President, he also mentioned Banda Aceh, 3/25 ANTARA - The Chief division of the diocese of Dili. I wish to that the Catholic church has been integrated of the Aceh branch of the Indonesian Coun- make clear that I have received no mission of into the Indonesian life. cil of Muslim Scholars (MUI), Ali Hasjmy this nature. After explaining briefly his conversation said that the East Timor Governor, Abilio As President of the Pontifical Council for with the President, the Cardinal refused to José Osoro Soares and Dili Diocese Bishop Justice and Peace, I wish to reaffirm my answer the reporters’ questions concerning Mgr. Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo will go to conviction that there can be no justice the East Timor issue. But a delegate then Aceh to fulfill the invitation of the prov- without peace and that there can be no handed out the Cardinal’s written statement ince’s MUI. peace without justice. Respect for human that was dated February 27, concerning the In a press release received by ANTARA rights is the only way in which justice and issue. in Banda Aceh on Monday, explained that peace can be brought to live together. If Cardinal Etchegaray admits that there are MUI has sent an invitation to the governor these principals had always been respected several foreign news agencies that considers of East Timor and Bishop Belo to come to in history, many lives would have been his visit to East Timor as an investigation to Aceh, and be the guests of MUI during their saved, much suffering and many tears would find a solution to the problem in Dili Dio- stay there. have been spared everywhere. cese. “I need to clarify that I did not receive The MUI chief of East Timor has asked I am aware that an international political such a mission,” the Cardinal responded. for the verification of the invitation by problem exists concerning East Timor. It is As we know, unlike the other Dioceses in phone and the Hasjmy confirmed that the not my competence to enter into that ques- Indonesia, until now the Dili Diocese has invitation was from the Aceh branch of tion. As a friend, however, I wish to say to not joined the Indonesian Catholic Church MUI. all these involved: believe in the power of Conference (KWI). This diocese, led by “According to the East Timor MUI head dialogue, of dialogue among yourselves and Bishop Belo, is still under Vatican’s control. via telephone, the two high officials of East of dialogue outside the country. And I ex- As a President of the Pontifical Council Timor have agreed to come to Aceh to fulfill press my complete encouragement, as the for Justice and Peace, the Cardinal stressed the invitation of the Aceh MUI, and the Pope himself has done on numerous occa- that there is no possibility of justice with- news of the said invitation has occupied the sions, for all the efforts of dialogue at pre- out peace and there can be no peace without front page of the Dili newspaper,” he said. sent in course. Dialogue is difficult: it re- justice. “Concern for human rights is the In the press release signed by the Aceh quires courage, patient and determination. only way where justice and peace can go MUI chief, Prof. Ali Hasjmy did not men- Dialogue requires mutual respect and under- hand in hand,” said the Cardinal. tion the exact date the Governor and Bishop standing by all the parts. It requires giving a The Cardinal realizes that East Timor is were scheduled to come. space to all, especially to young people, to still an international political problem. Bishop Belo appreciates highly the invi- express their concerns. The way of dialogue However, he stresses that he is not compe- tation of the Aceh MUI chief and “I re- is the most human way, and it is the most tent in handling that particular problem. As ceived many phone calls from Jakarta, say- effective way for producing solutions which a friend, however, the Cardinal says,” I wish ing that the step taken by Aceh MUI is satisfy all concerned. to say to all the parties involved: believe in very positive, including a call from a Catho- In such a dialogue there must be space for the power of dialogue, dialogue among your- lic figure from Jakarta,” said Hasjmy. the realization of the legitimate aspirations selves and dialogue with others.” Besides that, Aceh MUI has also offered of the Timorese people to see their special As mentioned several times by the Pope, ten scholarships to students of East Timor cultural and religious identity recognized. according to the Cardinal, to solve the prob- to study in various faculties in Aceh, he said With the Pope, I wish today to launch an lem of East Timor, a dialogue is needed. adding that the invitation to the Governor appeal for courage to all friends and servants “Dialogue is difficult. It requires courage, and Bishop Belo was repeated on March 17, of peace. patience, and determination,” said the Car- 1996. Signed Mgr. Cardinal Etchegaray dinal. Ali Hasjmy who is the former governor Dili, 27 February 1996 Dialogues, he said, require both parties to of Aceh said, the Aceh MUI has also sent respect and understand each other. Dia- his greetings and thanks to Bishop Belo who CARDINAL ETCHEGARAY logues also give an opportunity to all parties has sent Eid Greetings to the Muslims of MEETS WITH PRESIDENT especially the younger generation to express Indonesia. their aspirations. “Besides that, we are also inviting the SOEHARTO “The dialogue alternative is the best and East Timor Governor Abilio José Osorio most humane way, and this is also the most Soares to visit Aceh as a comparative study Indonesia Media Network, 29 Feb 96 effective way to reach a solution that satis- and while in Aceh will be the guest of Aceh JAKARTA, Cardinal Roger Etchegaray, fies all parties involved,” said the Cardinal. MUI. President of the Pontifical Council for Jus- However, at the end of the written tice and Peace, Vatican, expressed the need statement, the cardinal stressed that the for a continuous dialogue between factions dialogue must give a way the realization of that are involved in the East Timor prob- the validation of the East Timorese aspira- lems. “Believe in the power of dialogue,” tion that involves matters of cultural and wrote the Cardinal in his written statements religious identity. which he presented to reporters at President East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 101

TIMOR ON THE Antonio Guterres: When I raised the is- statements. After the lunch with Guterres, sue of East Timor with Pope John Paul II, the Vatican PM would only go as far as to VATICAN AGENDA he referred to the recent visit of Cardinal say that he defended the “historic, cultural Diario de Noticias, 29 March 1996. By Etchegaray. I think that the Holy See’s de- and religious identity” of Timor. Manuela Paixao. Translated from Portu- termination was expressed in the words of After the audience with Pope John Paul guese, Abridged Cardinal Sodano. The Holy See is in a deli- II, Guterres (...) said he had been “very cate position, and we understand that. There impressed” by the Pope’s knowledge about PORTUGUESE PRIME MINISTER is a Catholic community in Indonesia, but it the situation in Timor. The head of the has been increasingly speaking out in de- Catholic Church stated his support for de- ANTONIO GUTERRES ASKS FOR fence of human rights and the cultural iden- fending human rights and the cultural iden- GREATER PRESSURE TO BE PUT ON tity of the Timorese. In that respect, every- tity of the Timorese. (...) INDONESIA thing that the Church does will be important The shift in the Vatican’s attitude to- Rome – The self-determination of East in influencing Indonesia. wards Timor appears to be a direct result of Timor ... was among the issues which Anto- Diario de Noticias: How do you interpret the an initiative taken by Guterres at the Euro- nio Guterres discussed yesterday with the fact that there has been a change of atti- Asian Summit in Bangkok, when he put an Pope. tude within the Church? (...) entirely new proposal to Suharto. The “Ob- Flying in the face of inflexible Vatican Antonio Guterres: The degree of aware- sservatore Romano” dedicated a whole page protocol, Antonio Guterres went over and ness of the East Timor problem among the to the matter and the Pope entrusted Cardi- spoke to awaiting journalists after emerging international community has clearly been nal Etchegaray with the mission. However, from his 40-minute audience with the Holy growing. This has been due to the struggle of the Portuguese PM is realistic about the Father. the Timorese themselves, and what has been limitations of the Church’s diplomatic initia- “We spoke about Africa and the peace done by us, the President, the Government, tive: “We have the Holy See’s support, but processes in Angola and Mozambique, the the public. All that has been done has re- not to the extent of ... forcing the Indone- importance of the Church’s role in the im- sulted in the international community be- sians to agree to our demands for self- plementation of democracy all over the coming more aware of that the problem determination.” world, but above all, we talked about East exists and needs to be resolved, and the Guterres outlined for Cardinal Solano the Timor. In a lot of detail. About Portugal’s Holy See becoming determined to play an step by step solution for Timor, inspired by approach towards the Indonesian Govern- important role in ensuring that the rights of the Israeli-Palestinian agreements: a Pales- ment in Bangkok in initiatives to bring peace the Timorese are eventually recognised. tinian-type of autonomy as a first step to- to Timor - initiatives which it will continue wards self-determination. This transitory to take through the UN.” solution seems even to be acceptable to the Guterres said he had spoken to the Pope VATICAN URGING Resistance, although none of them has actu- about the need for “much pressure, so that XANANA’S RELEASE ally expressed a view supporting it. Indonesia realises that it has to take signifi- According to information given to Ex- cant steps forward - even though it might Expresso, 30 March 1996. By Orlando presso by diplomatic sources in Rome, Por- not start off with the right to self- Raimundo. Translated from Portuguese, tugal’s ultimate objective is self- determination, but with other measures Abridged determination, accompanied by measures which are vital to the well-being of the Turin – On Thursday, during a private which would enable the emergence of the Timorese community.” lunch held at the residence of Portugal’s 8th Portuguese-speaking country. (...) “I am not expecting to reach a com- Ambassador to the Holy See, Vatican Secre- (...) The fact that it is in Indonesia’s in- prehensive agreement with Indonesia in the tary of State Cardinal Angelo Solano re- terests to be on good terms with the Vatican short term, but I do want to continue our vealed to Portuguese Prime Minister Anto- (because part of the dominant elite is Catho- dialogue. It is essential that the international nio Guterres that the Vatican had already lic, and because of the Moslem fundamental- community brings pressure to bear on Indo- begun to put pressure on Suharto to release ist threat) could prove useful to Portugal (as nesia, and there is no entity seen to have Xanana Gusmão. The revelation emerged is the fact of East Timor being a Catholic greater moral authority than the Vatican. when the PM was explaining that the open- enclave in the midst of an Islamic world). This was, without a shadow of a doubt, the ing of interest sections in friendly embassies most important reason that brought me to could only occur once Timorese political BISHOP BELO VISITS Rome,” said the Portuguese Prime Minister. prisoners had been released. “Yes, yes, that (...) Cardinal Sodano, the Vatican Secre- is what we told them too,” said the Pope’s PURA GIRINATA tary of State, later stated that “The Vatican PM, emphasising each word, but without Indonesia Media Network, 10 Apr 96 defends the right to ethnic culture and relig- going into any detail. ion in Timor. (...) The presence of the Holy Diplomatic sources suggested that the Dili, 4/9 (ANTARA) - The East Timor See in Timor, with the recent visit of Cardi- pressure referred to by the Cardinal may Catholic leader, Bishop Mgr. Carlos Filipe nal Etchegaray, means that we have not have been initiated during the visit of the Ximenes Belo, Monday visited the Hindu forgotten Timor. The Timorese must realise Pope’s special envoy, Cardinal Etchegaray, sacred place of worship, Puri Girinata in the that they are not alone, and the Bishop of to Indonesia and Timor. Taibesi village, East Dili subdistrict. Dili knows that.” (...) Cardinal Angelo Solano gave assurances In the event, he was welcomed with the that the Vatican does not recognise Indone- honor dance “Panyem Brahma” or also THE POPE IS IN A POSITION TO called as “Puspa Resti.” The visit was in- HELP sian occupation of Timor, and stated that proof of this was the fact that the Church of tended to maintain good relationship with Diario de Noticias: What was the Holy See’s Timor is not answerable to the Indonesian the board of the Indonesian Administrative view on the pressure needed to be exer- Episcopal Conference, but directly to Rome. Council of the Hindu-Bali religion (PHDI) in cised on Indonesia about East Timor? However, all that is in flagrant contrast to East Timor. the extremely carefully worded public Page 102 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Bishop Belo when attending the celebra- where the bloody November 1991 incident BISHOP BELO TO BE tion of Dharma Canti 1996 of the East took place. CONTACTED IMMEDIATELY Timor Hindu people at the Balai Prajurit Up until now, the two RI ambassadors in Building in Dili, Saturday (4/6) said, he is Rome and in the Vatican are taking steps to Jawa Pos, 17 April. abridged looking forward in meeting with the board of deal with this damaging news item. The head Rome: Two Indonesian embassies in the PHDI in the area. of information at the Vatican embassy, Nad- Vatican and Rome will immediately give a According to the Head of the East Timor jib Riphatkesuma, admitted that he had clarification to the daily paper, ‘Il Corriere PHDI for the 1997-2001 period who was contacted Jakarta immediately. della Sera’ in respect of their interview with recently installed at the same time with the “Aside from that, we are holding talks Bishop Belo which was published last Sun- celebration of the Dharma Canti, Drs. I with the Rome Embassy on how to de- day about East Timor. Wayan Pudja Astawa to ANTARA in Dili, nounce that item. Because that newspaper is The Indonesian ambassador for the Vati- Monday, Belo’s visit was an honor for the an Italian newspaper, it will the Rome em- can, R Suhardhono, and the ambassador for Hindu people as well s the PHDI board in bassy which will give a reaction and take Italy, Witjaksana Sugarda, told the Jawa Pos the area. specific action,” said Nadjib. that they had already divided tasks over the “The Hindu people as well as the East After having received confirmation from issue. Timor PHDI board is very grateful with the Vatican embassy, Benson Rai explained “We are ready to take up our right to re- Belo’s visit. That shows that the spirit of that he had already taken swift action. “Ear- ply to the Corriere della Sera, because the harmony among religious people in the lier this morning (yesterday - ed) I called the article put our government in a tight corner,” youngest province is smooth,” he said. ambassador to send a clarification to ‘Il said Witjaksana who left for the haj yester- In a dialogue in the meeting, the PHDI Corriere della Sera,’ he said. day. board asked for Belo’s suggestions, but he The article certainly came as a shock. Ac- According to him, the embassy protest said that is not necessary so he only gave cording to the Jawa Pos, who have had a must immediately be sent as the article pub- his impressions. In his impressions, Belo as correspondent in Italy over the last three lished in a very influential Italian daily. “I quoted by Astawa, said that almost all relig- years, this is the first time that such an arti- very much regret that article because it could ions expect peaceful atmosphere. cle about East Timor has been published. give Italians the wrong impression about “Bishop Belo suggested to always foster The article was written by Ettore Mo Indonesia. Moreover, up until now the Ital- togetherness in the society life in East Konon, a freelance writer who specialises in ian people have known a different Indonesia Timor to develop together,” he said. In the East Asia. to the once depicted in that article,” said dialogue was also discussed about the im- In essence, the article is mostly con- Witjaksana. portance of always communicating among cerned with the upheavals which have taken Meanwhile, the RI ambassador to the religious followers in the area through all place in East Timor and the reasons behind Vatican, R Suharjono, confessed to being kinds of coordinating institutions. including them. 70% of the article was taken up with extremely surprised at Belo’s comments. the Communication and Consultation an interview with Bishop Belo. “As a citizen, Belo does have the right to Among Religious Followers Forum, said If the article is indeed the result of a di- express his views to whoever he wants, Astawa. rect interview with Bishop Belo, then it can including the media,” he said. However, he be concluded that that is the essence of hoped that his views or comments would be BELO MAKING WAVES AG AIN Bishop Belo’s presentation. ‘Slowly- based on a feeling of responsibility to the slowly. Indeed integration is only one alter- people and which would not result in rest- Jawa Pos, 16 April 1996. Abridged native. A Freedom of our identity is lessness.” Rome: Bishop Belo has been making felt...But I see it is not so...’ said Belo in the According to Suharjono, Bishop Belo’s waves again. Italy’s largest daily newspa- article. opinions were harmful. “The reporter who per, ‘Il Corriere Della Sera’ published a Belo also mentioned a touching story wrote the article, Ettore Mo, is well known special report last Sunday about East Timor about when he had just returned to East as a reporter who always writes about news which contained Bishop Belo’s strong opin- Timor in 1981 after having studied in a and events with an antagonistic slant,” he ions about East Timor and Indonesia. number of countries (including Rome - ed). explained. The article, which was full of insinuation “When I arrived in Wailacalma, my mother Moreover, according to him, Bishop Belo and which put Indonesia ‘into a corner’ in cried. Everyone cried. The Portuguese had was known as a good leader of the Catholic the eyes of the world, certainly kept the just vanished, then...” said Belo. people. “Every trip by representatives from Indonesian Embassies in Rome and the Vati- The article also mentioned Belo’s ‘un- Jakarta have been received by him. Could it can busy. happiness’ about Indonesia. Moreover, he be possible that he would not attend and As was reported by Jawa Pos Italian cor- talked of East Timorese integration with meet with Suharto if he went to East Timor, respondent, Wing Wiryanto, the article Indonesia as a process of ‘Indonesiasation’ as was written in the article,” said Suhar- which was printed in the overseas news and said the process of introducing a differ- jono. section was clearly very biased. Moreover, ent religion to East Timor was seen as ‘col- He added that the statue of Christ which the whole article condemned Indonesia’s liding’ with the reality of the majority of the was being built on the beach near Dili was policy of integration with East Timor. East Timorese and their religion. for the most part based on a design idea by The article, almost a whole page, included In the last part, Belo also made a surpris- Belo himself. “Because of that, is it possible a map of East Timor, along with four pho- ing statement about how he was not pre- that he would claim that something which tos. The four photos were of a young man pared to attend the celebration of the 20th was his own idea could be used as a political on his knees, spreading his hands out as if in anniversary of East Timorese integration, instrument by the government,” he ex- submission, one of the Bishop taking a ser- which it was stated in this article would be plained. vice in a church, one of young people on the attended by Suharto When asked by the Jawa Pos whether beach and one of the Santa Cruz grave yard, when Belo visited the Vatican he was al- ways ‘well-behaved,’ he said that although East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 103

Belo had visited the Vatican twice, that he The status, however, is more of a sym- had yet to visit the RI embassy there. bolic status and does not confer real auton- READERS DIGEST Because of that, Suharjono immediately omy. ARTICLE AND contacted Bishop Belo in East Timor. “This was because we didn’t believe Belo’s opin- FATHER MARSHALL: CONTROVERSY ions as depicted in the paper.” HARMONY AMONG Suharjono and Witjaksana said that they had sent the article to Jakarta straight away. RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES READER’S DIGEST: HERO Witjaksana said that this matter had ‘dis- IN EAST TIMOR FOR A FORGOTTEN PEOPLE turbed’ Indonesian-Italian relations. As far HAS NO PROBLEM as Ettore Mo is concerned, he said that the It was unlikely destiny for the bishop of name of the reporter was not on the file of Dili, 4/30 (ANTARA) - East Timor Head East Timor Italian citizens who had requested a journal- of Synod Father AF Marshall stressed that Reader’s Digest (Indonesia, Australia and ist visa to Indonesia. “Moreover, his name until now the harmony among the religious New Zealand editions) March 1996. This is is also not on the list of tourist visas,” added communities in the region has no problem the article from the issue which Reader’s Witjaksana who had also contacted Ali and tend to be better than before. Digest says was banned from newsstand Alatas. This was expressed by Marshall when sales in Indonesia. Italics in original. receiving the visit of Australia Ambassador by Paul Raffaele GIVE EAST TIMOR MORE to Indonesia Allan Taylor and his group in Bishop Carlos Belo sighed quietly as he AUTONOMY: BISHOP Dili on Tuesday. “Even though in the region, there had knelt in his chapel in Dili, East Timor, soon Singapore Straits Times, April 20: been several unrest which were aroused by after dawn. Oh God, he prayed, please religious matters, it was only the engineering spare my fellow Timorese more suffering. AFP. JAKARTA – East Timor bishop of certain groups to ruin the harmony among For 16 years, his island home had been Carlos Ximenes Belo has called on the Indo- religious communities which had been going under the heel of the Indonesian military, nesian government to consider giving the well,” he explained. which had brutally invaded the former Por- former Portuguese colony more autonomy, a In his opinion, the situation is often used tuguese colony. Now, on November 12, press report said here yesterday. “This by irresponsible people to achieve their 1991, 2000 people were gathering to march autonomy should cover culture, religion and political goals. to a nearby cemetery to protest the killing matters that can be managed by the East Touching on the development matters in of a pro-independence activist by Indone- Timorese themselves,” the bishop said in an East Timor, Marshall said the condition is sian intelligence agents. interview with the Kompas daily. quite well. The development which is car- Later that morning, the bishop heard He said he believed the East Timorese ried out in the region must be useful for the bursts of automatic gunfire, then screams. had enough resources to become autono- local people. Within minutes, dozens of young people mous, and that the key to a peaceful settle- “Ideally, the development emerges from were racing in panic toward his residence. ment was accommodating the aspirations of the lower society which is coordinated with “Hide us, or they will kill us!” shouted a the East Timorese. the central government so that the develop- teen-age girl in a blood-soaked dress. East Timor was annexed by Indonesia in ment can really touch the interest of many “Come inside, all of you!” the bishop 1976. The United Nations still views Lisbon people,” he added. cried out, as more than 250 people crammed as its administrator. He said that the economic growth in East into his garden. He dispatched the wounded The bishop said the government had not Timor is quite well and has acceded the goal to Catholic clinics and then drove to the fully realised all the points contained in the which had been determined by the central cemetery. Dozens of civilians, many ripped 1976 law that declared East Timor Indone- government. open by bullets, lay crumpled in the dust. sia’s 27th province, but he did not elaborate. In the meeting, Taylor also expressed his Soldiers armed with assault rifles screamed He said East Timorese should be able to deepest sympathy toward the death of the obscenities at everyone in sight. provide their own input for policy-making First Lady, Madame Tien Soeharto in the Then the bishop saw a trail of gore lead- in various fields. age of 73 years old. ing to a chapel. Despite his feat, he rushed In the past, he has justified his calls for a According to Marshall, Taylor consid- inside, where he found several people–some certain level of autonomy for East Timor by ered Madame Tien Soeharto to have a great beaten, others with gaping bullet wounds– citing the territory’s prevailing Roman role in the development in Indonesia and her lying in pools of their own blood. Even if Catholic tradition and the region’s distinct model ought to be followed. they threaten to kill me, the military will not cultural heritage. “Allan Taylor also considered Madame stop me from exposing this terrible deed, he East Timor is predominantly Roman Tien Soeharto as a First Lady who is very vowed as he clasped his hands and prayed Catholic while Indonesia is the world’s larg- much loved by her people because of her for the dead and dying. est Muslim nation, with close to 90 per cent simplicity and honesty, so it is not a sur- In a remote land of the Malay Archipel- of its 195 million people following Islam. prise if the people of Indonesia are deeply ago in southern Asia, a gentle people are However, Indonesian President Suharto sad by her death,” said Marshall. stalked by terror. In the 20 years of Ja- has said there is no question of according karta’s iron rule, it is estimated that almost a East Timor an autonomy exceeding that third of East Timor’s 700,000 native inhabi- already granted to several Indonesian re- tants have lost their lives as a result of the gions. combined effects of the Indonesian invasion. Three Indonesian provinces hold a spe- Countless thousands have been tortured and cial status – Aceh in northern Sumatra, Ja- raped. However, the embattled Timorese karta as the capital and Yogyakarta in Cen- still cling to hope–embodied in the man they tral Java. revere as the champion of their rights. It is Page 104 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. not a destiny many would have expected for where thousands died from disease or star- The dwindling resistance force on the Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo. vation. run, Jakarta tightened its grip on East Carlos Belo was born in 1948 on a rice Belo’s exile ended when he was ordained Timor, luring in more than 100,000 Indone- farm in Wailacalma, 100 miles east of Dili, in 1981 and given the post of rector of the sian migrants with free land and jobs. Soon the capital of the impoverished Portuguese Fatumaca seminary near Baucau, East most shops were owned by the newcomers, colony. His widowed mother, a pious and Timor’s second-largest town and by now Indonesian soldiers, bureaucrats and their reflective woman, introduced Carlos early to headquarters of at least 10,000 troops. At families thronged in the streets. Military the thrill of books. A favorite volume re- last, he told himself upon arrival in East officers lived in the handsome waterfront counted the life of the Italian priest Don Timor, I can share my people’s sorrow. villas. Dili no longer belongs to us, Belo Bosco. Someday, the small sturdy boy On the 70-mile drive from Dili, Belo had realized. would think, I, too will be a priest who to halt a dozen military checkpoints. Eve- East Timorese clerics shared his outrage serves his people. Belo excelled in his rywhere he looked, soldiers strutted. After but also saw cause for hope in Belo’s will- Catholic schooling, and at age 20 left for dropping his things off in Bacau, he traveled ingness to expose atrocities. “Perhaps,” Lisbon, Portugal, to begin his studies for the to his home village. they said, “he has the backbone for this task priesthood. His aged mother clasped his hands when after all.” Turmoil came to East Timor in 1975, as he entered the family’s modest home. “The Belo was named bishop in 1988. This Portugal prepared to cut its colony loose Indonesians have done terrible things to our time at his installation ceremony in Dili, he and new political groups, including the left- people,” she said. Over the next few days, was flanked by smiling East Timorese wing Fretilin party, vied for position. West Belo was horrified to find only women and clergy. Unfortunately, the task before Belo Timor, a former Dutch colony, had become children in some villages. Thousands of remained critical. The military continued to part of Indonesia when the latter became males had been forced into the Indonesian torture, rape and kill innocent East independent 26 years earlier, but Indonesia army to fight against the East Timorese Timorese. had no legitimate claim to the larger, eastern resistance. The campaign of cultural obliteration was half, known to be rich in oil and natural gas. As aggrieved as he felt, he decided not to equally relentless. TV and radio were not However, President Suharto, having wit- speak out. Better to accept Indonesian rule broadcast in East Timor’s lingua franca, nessed an attempted coup by the left-wing in the interests of peace. Tetum, but in Bahasa Indonesia. East military in his own country in 1965, feared This cannot be, a stunned Belo thought as Timorese students had to sing the Indone- the East Timorese resistance would seize he studied the telegram. Just two years after sian anthem before lessons and perform control and spearhead wider subversion. In his arrival in Baucau, the Vatican had chosen Indonesian songs and dances at school con- mid-1975, Indonesian troops began massing him to be East Timor’s new Apostolic Ad- certs. Indonesian companies swarmed in on the East Timor boarder. ministrator–the leader of the Catholic from Jakarta as the government poured mil- Belo nervously monitored events. On Church in his homeland. Among his con- lions of dollars into infrastructure projects. December 7 he was in Macau for further cerns was that he had been picked solely Migrants from the mainland elbowed aside religious training when thousands of Indone- because he wasn’t likely to promote dissent. the East Timorese, whose unemployment sian troops attacked East Timor. Jets and His fellow East Timorese clerics sus- soared. naval ships bombarded towns, and para- pected even worse. “He’s nothing but a When security forces arrested hundreds troopers gunned down unarmed civilians. puppet,” they muttered in private. All 37 of East Timorese just before Suharto’s visit Women and children were shot in the priests boycotted the installation ceremony. in November 1988, an enraged Belo ordered streets. Soldiers wiped out entire villages. They’re convinced I’m an Indonesian that a statement be read from all pulpits. The few thousand ill-equipped Fretilin stooge, Belo thought glumly. Little did the “We condemn the lying propaganda accord- fighters, along with other resistance groups, others suspect the battle that was shortly to ing to which abuses of human rights do not scurried to the mountains. rage within him. exist in East Timor,” the message said. Indonesia quickly sealed the border be- It was triggered by the courageous East When a village leader passed on army tween East and West Timor, and banned all Timorese who regularly slipped into Belo’s boasts that they would soon crush the news. The only word from Jakarta was that home to tell him about atrocities. One secret bishop and the Catholic Church. Belo re- its soldiers had been “invited in” by the East visitor was a middle-aged woman who had sponded with a resigned smile. “One day Timorese to “restore order.” the United pulled a shawl over her face to hide her iden- the soldiers will kill me,” he said. States and many other Western nations tity from army informers. “The soldiers In the fading light of February 6, 1989, remained largely silent. Portugal, however, shot my son dead as he was walking across Bishop Belo sat in his study, composing a immediately denounced the invasion, and the fields,” she whispered through stifled letter to the United Nations Secretary Gen- the United Nations demanded that Indonesia sobs. eral, Javier Perez de Cuellar. “We are dying withdraw its troops from East Timor with- Deeply moved, Belo placed a hand on her as a people,” he wrote. He pleaded to the out delay. President Suharto turned a deaf shoulder. “I’ll seek justice for you,” he U.N. to conduct a referendum on independ- ear to all criticism, and on July 17, 1976, promised. ence in East Timor. formally annexed the tiny nation. At a reception the next morning, he ap- It was a desperate move, but Belo could Belo, convinced that he could serve his proached Colonel Purwanto, the local com- see that much of the world had come to people best if he had the moral authority of mander of East Timor’s occupation force, accept Indonesia’s annexation. The United a priest, pursued advanced studies in Portu- and told him the mother’s story. Colonel States, Britain, Germany, Australia and gal and then Rome. Meanwhile Indonesian Purwanto turned his back. others were major arms suppliers to Jakarta. troops sought to starve the East Timorese Before long, Belo lost count of the peo- Several weeks later, Archbishop Fran- resistance by burning crops and slaughtering ple who sought him out to report the disap- cesco Canalini, the Papal Nuncio in Jakarta, livestock. Jets strafed and napalmed the pearance, jailing, rape or murder of friends summoned Belo in a rage. “Keep out of populated mountainsides. Soldiers herded or family members. Belo confronted the politics!” the portly archbishop thundered. almost half the East Timorese into camps, local military commanders again and again, Late-night callers threatened to kill Belo. but was always dismissed. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 105

But he remained boldly defiant, and the Rights Commission. Whatever it takes, Belo ken critic of Indonesia’s rule of his home- East Timorese admired this. By 1990 the vowed, the world will learn about this evil. land, East Timor, was offering his first-ever number of Catholics in East Timor had By 1993 the Indonesian military had in-depth interview. It was up to the Austra- surged from 30 percent of the population to weakened all East Timorese resistance and lia-based Raffaele to figure out how to get 85 percent. Adherents of animism, whose reduced the Fretilin guerrillas to a few hun- into East Timor and stay long enough to religion was outlawed by Jakarta, resisted dred, but the atrocities continued. The chronicle Belo’s 14-year struggle. inducements to become Muslim and con- bishop shared the grim details with journal- Ever since Indonesia’s invasion of the verted in droves to Catholicism. ists and reiterated his call for a U.N.- remote island 20 years ago, most journalists The bishop became the hero of the sponsored referendum. have been barred from visiting East Timor, young, yet Belo could not be sure they Finally foreign governments were moved about 300 miles north of Australia. The few supported his message of nonviolence. He to action. The U.S. Congress passed legisla- granted official access have had their move- knew they were ripe for rebellion. It was in tion requiring the White House to bar the ments severely limited by the Indonesian late 1991 that 2000 East Timorese gathered sale and transfer of lethal crowd-control intelligence agency know as Intel. The rea- in the Santa Cruz cemetery to mourn their equipment and small arms to Indonesia son is simple: Indonesia, the world’s fourth- friend’s murder–and fled, or died, in a hail of pending “significant progress” in human- most-populous nation, doesn’t want the bullets. rights conditions in East Timor. Australia’s outside world to know the true story of its Bishop Belo never felt more helpless pro-Jakarta Foreign Minister, Senator Ga- brutal repression of the former Portuguese than when he walked among the carnage in reth Evans, began criticizing Indonesia’s colony. Santa Cruz cemetery, but his anguish was human rights record. Amnesty International Raffaele started his journey on the lush turned to cold anger by the arrogance of the issue a damning report of prisoner torture Indonesian resort island of Bali, where he solders. Inside the cemetery chapel, he was and ill-treatment. loaded his suitcases with hand-woven sa- horrified to find six badly injured young Reacting to international outrage, Jakarta rongs. When secret police there searched his men, coated in their own blood but still set up a 25-member National Commission bags as he boarded a plane for Dili, he, in- alive. “Bishop, help me, give me water!” one on Human Rights to monitor abuses. When deed looked like a garment buyer shopping of them cried. The troops refused to let Belo soldiers near Dili executed six unarmed civil- for bargains. No one bothered to ask Raf- fetch water. ians last year, the commission found the faele if he was a journalist. But, just before Back at his residence, he learned how the killings “unlawful,” and a court marital jailed takeoff, a flight attendant had a few passen- onslaught began. Without warning, the In- two for up to 4 + years. “It’s a beginning,” gers trade seats, settling an East Timorese in donesians had opened fire at point blank Belo told a Western reporter. his 20s next to Raffaele. When the young range. A New Yorker reporter, in Dili under Telephoned death threats to the bishop man professed his longings for East guise of a tourist, wrote that “men and increased, often to several a week, but the Timorese independence and asked Raffaele women fell, shivering in the street... The bishop remained defiant. Last year he re- his opinion, the veteran reporter sensed a soldiers chased down young boys and girls ceived the John Humphrey Freedom Award, trap. “I know nothing about politics,” he and shot them in the back.” named for the Canadian who drafted the said, fearing his companion might be an Intel The next morning, Belo confronted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. In agent. military commander, demanding to see the addition to speaking out to the world, Belo Raffaele had been warned by East wounded and dead. “Go to the hospital if continues to challenge Indonesia’s attempts Timorese activists in Australia to be on the that is your wish,” the officer said with an to co-opt the East Timorese youth. In his lookout for informers–at the airport, in his indifferent shrug. diocesan schools, he ordered that lessons be hotel, almost everywhere. The secret police, At the military hospital, the bishop taught in Tetum up to six hours a week. He he was told, monitored Bishop Belo’s moved tearfully among more than 200 in- further arranged for Tetum textbooks to be movements, bugged his phone and kept his jured East Timorese, most in their teens. published and smuggled into East Timor. house under 24-hour watch. It will be im- Three days later, he returned to the hospital, One Sunday early last year, several hun- possible to visit the bishop without being Only 90 youngsters remained. dred East Timorese gathered in Bishop seen, Raffaele quickly realized after reaching Belo got a first inkling of the likely fate Belo’s garden for Mass. “Christ suffered so Dili. So he kept busy buying sarongs, and of the missing wounded when a nurse paid much for us,” he said. “But in his Resurrec- then revealed a true story to whose whom him a visit. “I washed the bodies of 78 mur- tion we see our own hope for the time when he told he intended to visit the bishop. “I’m dered East Timorese,” he whispered. Later a we are at last free.” related to Mary McKillop,” he announced, medical aide told how he had seen military His sermon was a direct glimpse into his referring to an Australian nun known to East doctors giving lethal injections to some of soul. For the bishop still trusts that freedom Timorese Catholics. “I’ve brought two the wounded. will come, that Indonesia will one day grant books about her life to present to the A parishioner related that an Indonesian East Timor self-rule. But, like every East bishop.” soldier he knew had confided he’d been Timorese, he also lives with an abiding fear. Books in hand, Raffaele simply walked in forced to take part in the executions of doz- After the service he pulled aside a visiting the bishop’s front door, and for several days ens of injured. Trucks had taken them from journalist. “We beg the outside world not to over the next week learned firsthand the the military hospital to an open mass grave forget us,” he said softly. “If that happens, incredible details of Belo’s life and of his in the hills, he said, where they were sewn we are doomed.” people’s courageous struggle for independ- into rice sacks. “The soldiers shot them one ence. He took care never to leave his notes by one and pushed the sacks into the grave,” BEHIND THE LINES (EDITOR’S in his hotel room. It turned out to be a wise said the distraught man. In all, more than INTRODUCTION) precaution, for, each day, Raffaele found 250 died in the massacre and its aftermath. “Meet Us at Ten O’clock Tonight” telltale signs that his baggage had been Belo helped smuggle two eyewitnesses to searched. the massacre out of East Timor to Geneva, Reader’s Digest staff writer Paul Raffaele When he wasn’t with the bishop, Raf- where they testified before the U.N. Human knew a challenge lay ahead when he received faele wandered through streets of four East word that Bishop Carlos Belo, an outspo- Timor towns, buying sarongs and observing Page 106 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. ordinary life. He attended Mass daily. Often INDONESIA DENIES many major newspapers including “The only in churches would local people dare Washington Times” and Portugal’s “Pub- whisper to foreigners about the horrible BANNING READER’S DIGEST lico.” human-rights abuses that plague their land. EDITION The Jakarta Post on Saturday (23/3/96) “My brother was shot dead by soldiers,” quoted spokesman for the Attorney Gen- one young man quietly told Raffaele. “My JAKARTA, March 26 (Reuter) - Indo- eral’s office, Pontas Pasaribu, as saying he father was taken by Intel agents, and we nesia on Tuesday denied banning the March was informed of the ban by the Ministry of haven’t seen him since,” a woman in her issue of Reader’s Digest. Information but he declined to comment on early 20s said through the tears. “There is no ban imposed at all,” In- the reason for the decision. Reuters, how- As Raffaele waited to enter the confes- drawadi Tamin, the information ministry’s ever, quoted Reader’s Digest spokeswoman, sional one morning, a boy approached him. director of public relations, told Reuters by Liz Dingwall, as saying that the magazine “Meet us on the beach road at ten tonight if telephone. was, “assuming that (the ban) is because of you want to hear more about our struggle,” Reader’s Digest spokeswoman Liz a human rights article” about Bishop Belo. the boy murmured. That night a car whisked Dingwall said in Hong Kong last week that The article, written by Paul Raffaele, is a Raffaele to a clandestine meeting, where he Indonesia’s information department had profile of Bishop Belo and also an expose of heard appalling accounts of the torture, written to them saying the magazine had Indonesian cruel stranglehold on East Timor. mutilation and murder the East Timorese been barred from news stand sales. The article traces Bishop Belo’s life, con- have suffered at the hands of Indonesian Dingwall said the decision cut the usual centrating on his opposition to what the security forces. circulation of the publication in Indonesia writer calls, “in a remote rule of the Indone- Raffaele’s story of Bishop Belo and his from 12,000 to 2,343 subscriber copies. sian military.” Raffaele wrote that, “in a people’s struggle for freedom appears on “There was no reference from the Minis- remote land of the Malay archipelago in page 29. try of Information as to why they were Southern Asia, a gentle people are stalked – The Editors suppressing the circulation of the maga- by terror. In the 20 years of Jakarta’s iron zine,” she said last week. rule, it is estimated that almost one third of “We are assuming that it is because of a East Timor’s 700,000 native inhabitants JAKARTA BARS READER’S human rights article which describes Bishop DIGEST NEWSSTAND SAL ES have lost their lives as a result of the Indo- Carlos Belo defending the rights of Chris- nesian invasion. Countless thousands have tians (in East Timor),” she said. been tortured an raped. HONG KONG, March 19 (Reuter) - In- But Tamin said on Tuesday he was un- donesia has barred news stand sales of aware of such a letter. [summary of article removed, as full Reader’s Digest’s March edition, possibly “As far as I know there is no such letter,” article is above.] due to a profile of an East Timorese Roman he said. To stop their own people learning the Catholic Bishop critical of Jakarta, a He said the March edition could be re- truth about East Timor, Indonesia banned spokeswoman for the magazine said on ceived by subscribers. news stand sales of the edition containing Tuesday. An employee at one bookstore said it did the explosive article headlined, “Hero For a “There was no reference from the Minis- not receive the March edition of the publica- Forgotten People.” Faced, however, with try of Information as to why they were tion. international condemnation of their crude suppressing the circulation of the maga- Belo has been an outspoken critic of In- attempt at censorship, in the edition of Ja- zine,” Liz Dingwall told Reuters in Hong donesia’s alleged human rights violation in karta post of 26 March 1996, the Indone- Kong. East Timor which Jakarta invaded in 1975 sian Government denied that it had barred “We are assuming that it is because of a and annexed the following year. local news stands from selling the edition. human rights article which describes Bishop The Jakarta Post newspaper on Tuesday “There had been no ban imposed at all” Carlos Belo defending the rights of Chris- quoted from a letter from the magazine’s stated Indrawadi Tamin, the Public Rela- tians (in East Timor),” she said. local distributor N.V. Indoprom as saying it tions Director of the Ministry of Informa- Mainly Moslem Indonesia invaded East had limited the circulation because of finan- tion. Indrawadi showed distributor the Ja- Timor in 1975 and made it a province in cial problems. Last week the paper quoted karta Post a letter from magazine’s Indone- 1976 in a process not recognised by the an Attorney-General’s office spokesman as sian distributor claiming that it decided to United Nations. saying he had been informed of the ban by limit the distribution of the March edition Bishop Belo has been outspoken about the information ministry. because of its financial difficulties, specifi- Indonesia’s alleged human rights violations cally, “a problem concerning its letter of in East Timor, which is predominantly Ro- INDONESIAN GENERALS credit with its bank.” man Catholic. The Jakarta Post, however, reported that Reader’s Digest has a total of circulation BAN READERS DIGEST this statement, contradicted the earlier of about 12,000 copies in Indonesia but the MARCH EDITION statement by Pontas Pasaribu, the Attor- government would only allow the 2,343 ney-General office’s spokesman, who told subscriber copies of the March issue to be Matebian News, (Feb.-March 1996). Jakarta Post that “he had been informed of circulated. “The balance of newsstand cop- Indonesia’s ban on news sales of the the ban by the ministry of information.” ies is not allowed to go on the news stand,” March edition of Reader’s Digest, which In a story carried by the Indonesian Dingwall said. contains a profile of Bishop Carlos Felipe newsagency on March 25 last, Antara, In- Ximenes Belo that is highly critical of Ja- drawadi Tamin also attacked the article’s karta has attracted world-wide media atten- author, Reader’s Digest roving editor, Paul tion. First put on its global newswire by Raffaele, claiming that Raffaele had never Reuters last week, news of the ban has since registered himself with the ministry for his been carried by the BBC World Service, the visit to East Timor as required by Indone- Australian Broadcasting Corporation and sian regulations. Indrawadi was further East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 107 quoted as saying “we regretted that a maga- General, Dr. Boutros Boutros-Ghali, and It was agreed in London last week that zine with an international reputation as the bringing together Indonesia’s Foreign Minis- the UN Secretary-General would consult Reader’s Digest should publish such an ter, Ali Alatas, and his Portuguese counter- with Jakarta, Lisbon and the East Timorese article.” part, Dr. Jaime Gama, the latter made an in order to prepare a package of ideas aimed In the controversial edition, Raffaele ad- unexpected announcement. at a comprehensive settlement to the prob- mitted that he had indeed entered East He offered to fly to Jakarta for discus- lem. The two foreign ministers would con- Timor clandestinely, disguised as a sarong sions with his Indonesia colleague if the sider this proposal in the next round of talks buyer to fool Intel, the Indonesian secret Indonesian side would allow him to meet the in July in Geneva. police. Raffaele wrote that this was neces- East Timorese leader, Xanana Gusmão, who The East Timorese resistance will con- sary because “Indonesia does not want the is serving a life sentence in jail after a cha- tinue to display solid determination to pur- outside world to know the true story of its rade of a trial in May 1993. sue our goal of self-determination. At the brutal repression of the former Portuguese This was the seventh round of talks be- same time, we will be flexible in exploring colony.” Raffaele added that while in East tween Portugal and Indonesia. Again no ideas aimed at achieving real peace and free- Timor, he “heard appalling accounts of the tangible progress was made and the basic dom. torture, mutilation and murder the East demand of the people of East Timor for Instead of mumbling an unconvincing ex- Timorese have suffered at the hands of the self-determination continues to be rejected. cuse, Mr. Alatas should display the same Indonesian security forces.” Instead of scaling down its army pres- courage and goodwill of his Portuguese ence in East Timor, Jakarta has increased the counterpart and invite Dr. Gama to visit, 2XX RADIO NEWS ON number of troops and there has been a dra- and allow him to meet with the man the East READER’S DIGEST matic deterioration in the overall human Timor revere most, Xanana Gusmão. rights situation. Like Nelson Mandela, Xanana Gusmão BAN IN INDONESIA Dr. Gama’s offer held the potential to can deliver peace if the other side shows break this impasse. But, caught off guard, wisdom and courage and enters into a seri- 2XX News Thursday 11 April 1996, excerpt Mr. Alatas responded that the two coun- ous dialogue with him. The conservative ‘Readers’ Digest’ has tries had no diplomatic relations. Who knows, in five years form now, been banned in Indonesia. Its March issue Neither did Egypt and Israel when, about with President Soeharto departed from the profiles East Timor’s pro-independence 15 years ago, the late President Anwar Sadat scene and a new generation in power in Ja- Bishop Belo with sympathy. of Egypt made a dramatic journey to Israel. karta, free from the security culture that has Journalist Paul Raffaele claims that one In fact there was a state of war between the dominated the country since its formation, third of the East Timorese people died as a two countries. Sadat was gunned down not Indonesia may even consider granting East result of Indonesia’s 1976 invasion. Of the long after his historic journey but his cour- Timor its independence. Bishop and his flock, the ‘readers’ Digest’ age paved the road to peace in a war-torn article says; “...the embattled Timorese still region. SEARCHING FOR A cling to hope embodied in the man they As I read the media coverage of the recent SOLUTION TO EAST TIMOR revere as the champion of their rights.” The Palestinian election, I could not help but writer focuses on the Bishop’s stand against wonder why Indonesia hasn’t shown the News & Views INDONESIA, Jan. 26, 1996. the military’s repression, shrugging off the courage and wisdom of Israel. The Israeli- Published by the Indonesian Embassy in countless threats against his life and the Palestinian conflict is of far greater impor- Washington. round the clock surveillance. tance and complexity. On the one hand there Indonesia’s information ministry was are the East Timorese who were never part The seventh round of United Nations- particularly upset at the global media atten- of the Dutch East Indies and to which the sponsored talks on East Timor was held in tion given to the article from the ABC, the new Indonesia never laid any claims: on the London on January 16. In preparation, In- BBC, ‘The Washington Post’ and Portugal’s other side is Indonesia alone. There are no donesia drew up a plan to better develop ‘Publico.’ other foreign parties to the dispute, as in the and preserve the socio-cultural heritage of Middle East with its overlapping and con- the East Timorese people. flicting interests pulling in different direc- According to Indonesian Foreign Minis- NEGOTIATIONS AND tions. ter Ali Alatas, the substantive topics of the talks were the preservation of the Timorese COUNTER-OFFERS I also noticed the similarity between the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and an heritage, bilateral problems between Indone- earlier peace proposal by the National sia and Portugal, and agreeing on a frame- Council of the Maubere Resistance work for the solution of East Timor. HORTA: A ROAD TO PEACE Both Alatas and his Portuguese counter- IN EAST TIMOR (CNRM) in 1992. In a speech to the European Parliament in part, Jaime Gamma, indicated the meeting Brussels, I outlined a three-phase peace had been constructive. An official with the PARALLELS WITH THE ISRAELI- Indonesian delegation to the London meeting PALESTINIAN CONFLICT MAY proposal, starting with demilitarisation, release of prisoners, setting up of a UN said Alatas appeared to get on much better with Gamma than with his predecessor, HELP BRING A SOLUTION IN EAST human rights monitoring presence in East TIMOR Timor, followed by genuine autonomy José Manuel Durão Barroso. Gamma ap- Sydney Morning Herald, 25 January 1996. based on a UN-supervised elections for a peared upbeat about the meeting, saying it Opinion article by José Ramos-Horta, spe- Territorial Assembly. A referendum on self- was “frank, open and very clear.” cial representative of the National Council of determination after a period of five to 10 According to Alatas, since Gamma is new Maubere Resistance (CNRM). years would settle the question of the legal in his post as foreign minister, he should be status of the territory. given more time to study the East Timor At last week’s London talks on East issue. Timor, hosted by the UN Secretary- This peace proposal remains valid. The Indonesian side has rejected it. Page 108 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

The two foreign ministers agreed to meet Speaking from Lisbon, Mr. Ramos-Horta I refer to Xanana Gusmão, the leader of again in Geneva on June 29, with UN Secre- made a direct appeal to the Indonesian gov- the people of East Timor who remains vir- tary-General Boutros-Boutros Ghali as ernment to continue to show restraint in tually incommunicado in a prison thousands mediator. Another Intra-Timorese dialogue using military force and to cooperate in of miles away from his country in contra- is also in the works. facilitating his personal intervention which vention of the 4th Geneva Convention. His he believes can secure the safe release of the trial in 1993 was universally condemned as a EAST TIMORESE LEADER hostages: ‘I can understand the feelings of charade and was no more valid than the APPEALS FOR RELEASE OF the West Papuans better than most people Dutch imprisonment and trial of the late and I believe I can secure the release of the President Sukarno, founding father of the WEST PAPUA HOSTAGES hostages and spare the West Papuans a Indonesian Republic. The actions of Indone- massive Indonesian military retaliation that sian leaders and indeed of many others never Press Release by the CNRM in Lisbon, 5 will inevitably cause the death of many cease to intrigue me in that they emulate February 1996 innocent people.’ well the policies of their former colonial José Ramos-Horta, special representative masters. The Dutch justified their presence of the National Council of Maubere Resis- JOSÉ RAMOS-HORTA in what is today’s Indonesia as a civilising tance, (CNRM) of East Timor, issued to- CHATHAM HOUSE ADDRESS necessity to lift their backward colonial day, from Lisbon, a statement in which he subjects. Today, we hear the same claims of appealed to the OPM leaders in West Papua a civilising mission in regard to the peoples East Timor: The Struggle for Self- holding several Western and Indonesian of West Papua and East Timor by our new Determination and Its Future in South- hostages to release them without further colonisers, the same ones who accused the east Asia delay. Dutch of colonialism. “I appeal to the OPM leaders to release An address to The Royal Institute of Interna- Allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to set the Western hostages and all others without tional Affairs at Chatham House, London, the East Timor conflict in its historical and further delay. My appeal is prompted by 23 April 1996. José Ramos-Horta is the geopolitical context for a better understand- two moral imperatives: one, the hostages are Special Representative of the National Coun- ing of our struggle and tragedy. innocent civilians. One of the hostages is a cil of Maubere Resistance, underground You might recall a picture that made three-month pregnant woman. The longer umbrella organisation based in East Timor headlines in the spring of 1975. I refer to the she is held under duress and in harsh condi- comprising all East Timorese groups op- picture of an American helicopter landing on tions, the more the risks are for her and her posed to Indonesia’s occupation and led by the rooftop of the US Embassy in Saigon to child. The civilian hostages cannot and must Xanana Gusmão. rescue remaining diplomats, CIA operatives not be held by those struggling for freedom Professor Sir Laurence Martin, and few privileged South Vietnamese and dignity of the West Papuans as pawns stooges as Saigon fell to the Vietcong. Cam- in their struggle. Two, the struggle of the Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: bodia and Laos followed. This picture illus- West Papuan people for freedom and dig- First of all, I wish to thank you, Sir Laur- trated better than a thousand words the nity is no less valid than the struggle of the ence, for your kind and generous invitation ignominious American retreat from Indo- Palestinian people or the struggle of the extended to me to address this most prestig- china. For the leaders in Moscow it was the Amazon Indians for their rights as a people, ious institution. I am particularly grateful beginning of Russian expansion and influ- for their land and values. However, in the for this opportunity to offer my views on ence, the execution of the Brezhnev doc- pursuit of its goals, the OPM cannot use the the conflict between the people of my na- trine. same methods that have been used by its tive country, East Timor, and the Republic In another continent, in the horn of Af- adversaries, the Indonesian army. It must of Indonesia, since the latter has had more a rica, the longest reigning US ally, emperor set an example of integrity and dignity, of important person than me, with opposite Haile Selassii of Ethiopia, had been over- compliance with certain fundamental norms views to mine, address this forum only three thrown a year earlier by radical army of- such as respect for the well-being of civil- months ago. fices. Further South, the Portuguese empire ians and non-combatants.. Therefore I am I shall not use this forum to level attacks had collapsed and Marxist forces gained appealing to the OPM leaders to release on the Republic of Indonesia or on the per- power in Angola and Mozambique. These their hostages immediately.” sons on whose behalf policies are carried out events seemed to confirm Lyndon B. John- Mr. José Ramos-Horta. who is a member that profoundly affect my country and son’s domino theory which was the rational of the Peace Action Council of the Hague- people. Nor shall I indulge in the role of for US intervention in Indochina. based Un-represented Nations and Peoples judge of the actions of the government of It was in this geopolitical context that Organisation (UNPO), and has just been Indonesia. I leave it to you and the interna- President Gerald Ford and his Secretary of awarded the first UNPO Award, offered to tional community to form your own judg- State, Henry Kissinger, visited Jakarta in travel to Papua New Guinea or West Papua ment on the basis of the abundant written early December 1975 as part of an Asian to secure the release of the hostages. He and visual material available from sources tour to reassure Asian leaders that the US offered his good offices to the Dutch and much more impartial than this person ad- would continue to honour its security com- British governments several weeks ago but dressing you today. mitments in Asia. regrettably there has been no response from I will try to the best of my ability to ar- The invasion of East Timor which took any of the parties in this hostage crisis. He ticulate the views of the man who should be place within hours of Fords departure from reiterates his availability to the governments here today as he is the real leader of our Jakarta was a mere footnote in the geopoliti- concerned, including Indonesia, and the struggle and people. He is an outstanding cal events of 1975. Thousands of East OPM, and is prepared to travel immediately man of courage, determination, generosity, Timorese who died in the days, weeks, to Papua New Guinea or Jayapura in West tolerance, vision and statesmanship. Yet, months and years that followed were mere Papua, to arrange for the safe departure of such a man is in prison for no crime other footnotes to the post-Vietnam and Cold all hostages. than his ideas and vision of peace, freedom Wars. and dignity of his people. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 109

We were not unaware of the develop- 1977 by invading the Ogaden region of recognise Indonesia4s incorporation of East ments taking place in our region nor were we Ethiopia. Somalia’s problems of the last few Timor. In Sweden, I met an old friend, Pierre insensitive to the concerns of our giant years can be traced back to that fateful ad- Scori, Deputy Foreign Minister, who reiter- neighbours, Indonesia and Australia. venture. Argentina invaded the Falklands in ated his country’s support for the right of In June 1974 I visited Jakarta, in my ca- 1982. However, here at least, that audacious the people of East Timor to self- pacity as secretary for Foreign Affairs of military adventure had a positive side effect. determination. In September 1993 I visited a the Timorese Social Democratic Associa- The murderous military regime in Buenos great little country, Ireland. I was always tion, that had just been created, less than a Aires did not survive the humiliation of fascinated by its dramatic history, im- month earlier. I had the privilege of meeting defeat and within months democracy was mensely rich and vibrant culture and se- with the then Foreign Minister of Indonesia, restored to that great country. World War II duced by its natural beauty. For me it was a Mr. Adam Malik. After our third round of was started with attempts by the Third personal pilgrimage to Ireland when I finally talks, Mr. Malik addressed to me a letter Reich to expand eastwards. This is also visited that country. I met with the then which read in part: what President Suharto and his many gener- Foreign Minister, Mr. David Andrew, who “The independence of every coun- als, Ali Mortopo, Pangabean and Benny stated his country’s support for our right to try is the right of every nation, with Murdani, did in 1975. self-determination. The EU members as a no exception for the people of (East) During the Cold War, Indonesia justified whole have not accepted Indonesia’s illegal Timor; its case for colonising East Timor with the annexation of East Timor. “...whoever will govern in Timor in bogus communist threat. Now that the Cold The UN General Assembly and Security the future after independence can be War is over, another argument has to be Council have adopted a total of 10 resolu- assured that the government of Indo- found and what better than the Yugoslavia tions on the question of East Timor all reaf- nesia will always strive to maintain scenario to scare off the rest of the world? firming this right. In its ruling of 30 June good relations, friendship and co- Twenty years after the invasion, the 1995 on the Case Concerning East Timor, operation for the benefit of both coun- problem of East Timor has not disappeared. Portugal Vs Australia, the International tries.” A video camera in the hands of a courageous Court of Justice stated that the right of self- In the course of our discussions, I con- cameraman recorded for the first time one of determination has an erga omnes character veyed to Mr. Malik our desire to develop the many massacres that took place in my and that the people of East Timorese were close relations with Indonesia and our inten- country. The massacre of 271 Timorese still entitled to it. tion to seek membership in the Association civilians in Dili on 12 November 1991 was From the Chittagon Hill Tracts in Bang- of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the not an isolated incident. It followed a well- ladesh to Bougainville in the South Pacific, future after independence. In an effort to documented pattern of gross and systematic from Sri Lanka to India, from Chechnya to appease our neighbour, I went as far as pro- human rights abuses in many parts of East Abkhazia, from the Ogoni in Nigeria to the posing that our future diplomats and secu- Timor perpetrated by the members of the West Papuans, millions of peoples seek to rity forces be trained in Indonesia. Adam Indonesian armed forces with the full assert their most fundamental rights and if Malik’s words were those of a statesman knowledge of, and active participation by, we attempt to find a common denominator conscious of his country’s lack of any valid the highest ranking officers in the army. But for the problems I have just listed there is historical claim to East Timor. He viewed I shall not elaborate any further on this and one: the right of these peoples to self- the emergence of an independent East Timor on the so many other cases of senseless determination. Governments must be sensi- as a natural outcome of the collapse of the killing in East Timor. Suffice is to add that tive and wise to the basic demands of their Portuguese colonial empire. the UN Sp ecial Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, own people. In most cases these demands The following year, in April 1975, I again summary or arbitrary executions, Mr. Bacre are not for secession, they are about their visited Indonesia and met with President Waly Ndiaye, of Senegal, a much more au- survival as a people with a language and a Suharto’s senior adviser, Gen. Ali Mortopo, thoritative person than me, has detailed at culture, with their land and environment to whom I reiterated our collective desire to length the circumstances surrounding the 12 protected from rapacious multinationals. develop friendly relations with Indonesia. November 1991 massacre in Dili and a wide- Only when these basic demands are not met Gen. Mortopo reassured me that Indonesia spread pattern of abuses. His report was there has been recourse to other forms of harboured no territorial ambitions over East preceded by an earlier one, that of the Sp e- struggle with an escalation in their demands. Timor. However, we soon learned that the cial Rapporteur on Torture, Prof. Peter While self-determination in the de- word of an Indonesian general or diplomat Kooijmans, of the Netherlands, who hap- colonisation process of the non-self- can be broken as easily as it is spoken. pened to be in Dili on 12 November 1991. governing territories almost always led to The current boundary of the Republic of His report on the torture practices in East independence, this is not the case in most of Indonesia is a product of the Dutch East Timor and in Indonesia was presented to the the conflicts of today. Some groups demand Indies administration. West New Guinea UN CHR in February 1992. full independence, others demand only some was absorbed by the Republic not because Allow me ladies and gentlemen, to elabo- measure of self-rule. Hence, self- of any reasonable historical, cultural, ethnic rate now on the general principle of self- determination should not be equated only kinship or geographic continuity. The only determination and its applicability in the with independence or secession. Rather it link that justified its forcible annexation was case of East Timor. should be an informed choice made by peo- West New Guinea’s brief colonisation by The right of the people of East Timor to ple that ranges from limited autonomy that the Dutch. self-determination is widely recognised. guarantees their native languages, culture, A strict respect for the colonial bounda- Apart from Australia, the only Western social and economic rights to full independ- ries, as unfair as most might be, has pro- industrialised country to have extended de ence. vided some peace and stability and kept jure recognition of Indonesia’s annexation of I understand the legitimate concerns of most of Africa, Latin America and Asia East Timor, no other country has done so. I some developing countries like Indonesia from disintegrating. Some ill-advised at- was pleased to hear in a meeting a year ago and India in preserving their national unity tempts to redraw the colonial map have led with Mr. Alastair Goodlad, a Minister in and territorial integrity. Many developing to war. Siad Barre of Somalia tried to do it in the Foreign Office, that the UK does not countries, Indonesia being a prime example, Page 110 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. experienced a traumatic nation building bad to worse since its annexation in 1969 · Removal of all heavy weapons, tanks, process with numerous attempts from because the anger in the hearts of the people helicopters, combat aircraft, long-range within and without to undermine the unity stems from desperation at seeing their very artillery; of the state. Hence the security culture that existence threatened. But no outside force · Immediate and unconditional release of all permeates the military and the Indonesian has ever offered that impoverished people political prisoners; ruling élite. any moral or material support. Indonesia · Reduction by 50 per cent of Indonesian The exercise of the right of a people to must look in East Timor, in Aceh and West civil servants in East Timor; self-determination never caused the fragmen- Papua for the roots of the problems it faces. tation of a country. This has been largely Blaming outside instigators does not resolve · Stationing in the territory of UN Special- the result of artificial arrangements imposed the problem. ised Agencies such as UNICEF, UNDP, on the people. The break-up of Yugoslavia The Israeli-Palestinian peace talks and WHO, FAO; and the USSR does not lend credibility to South Africa’s transition to democracy give · A comprehensive census of the popula- the argument that self-determination is the us renewed hope in that they demonstrate tion; cause of instability and war. Forced amal- that seemingly intractable problems can be · Establishment of an independent Human gamation of peoples without due respect for resolved if there is political will and vision Rights Commission under the Catholic their history, culture, language, religion, the by all involved. Our imprisoned leader, Bishop; policies of population transfer practised by Xanana Gusmão, has proposed and reiter- · Lifting of all Media control by the army; states as a means to consolidate that amal- ated time and again our very basic stance. · Freedom of political activities; gamation, are the causes of the break-up of We remain ready to enter into a process of Yugoslavia and the USSR. dialogue with the Indonesian authorities, · Removal of restrictions on the teaching of I do not hold the view that an independ- under the auspices of the United Nations, Portuguese; a Portuguese Cultural Insti- ent state has to be homogenous, ethnically, without pre-conditions, to explore all possi- tute is set up; culturally or religiously. Examples abound ble ideas towards a comprehensive settle- · Appointment of a resident Representa- of multi-ethnic states that live in peace, ment of the conflict. The head of the Catho- tive of the UN secretary-general. based on shared concerns and destiny, on a lic Church of East Timor, Bishop Ximenes These are some of the ideas which I be- degree of genuine political and administra- Belo, a leading Nobel Peace Prize candidate, lieve could be implemented immediately tive autonomy for each component, and of called for a referendum on the future of East without loss of face for Indonesia. On the deep respect for each others heritage and Timor. Mr. Konis Santana, leader of the contrary, its international standing would aspirations. armed resistance, has reiterated his full sup- improve significantly and its presence in the However, the preservation of the territo- port for the CNRM three-phase Peace Ini- territory would be less resented, thus reliev- rial integrity of a country can be achieved tiative. ing a very tense situation. only if those in power are sensitive to the Allow me, ladies and gentleman, to elabo- Phase Two - Autonomy, 5-10 years basic demands and aspirations of the many rate on this Peace Initiative. I began to re- indigenous peoples and nationalities that flect on this modest set of ideas in February Phase Two, lasting between five and ten make up the country. Brute force might 1989 when the then Portuguese Minister for years, would be a period of genuine political silence and keep dormant the dreams and Foreign Affairs asked us for some recom- autonomy based on ample powers vested in aspirations of a people but the anger sim- mendations on how Portugal should proceed a local, democratically elected Territorial mering for decades will inevitably resurface in the dialogue with Indonesia. Xanana People’s Assembly. The following ideas and break up the country. Gusmão, leader of the resistance, gave his could be explored and effected: The events of the last few months in seal of authority after consulting with all his · Political parties, including those advocat- West Papua illustrate my point. Ladies and field commanders and political leaders in ing independence for East Timor, are le- gentlemen, if you have a chance I would East Timor before it was formally presented galised; advise you to see an excellent documentary to a meeting of the European Parliament in · The EU sets up a legation in East Timor by Claudio Von Planta on the West Papuan Brussels on 22 April 1992 and to the Coun- headed by a senior Portuguese official; struggle, entitled Rebels of a Forgotten War. cil on Foreign Relations in New York on 14 · Elections are held for a Territorial As- The documentary records the colonisation May 1992. The CNRM proposal remains sembly. The UN to provide technical of West Papua by its new coloniser, Indo- valid as a modest contribution towards find- support and supervision of the entire nesia, and decades of brutalities and destruc- ing a solution to the conflict. process; tion of their environment and wealth, the Phase One - Humanitarian phase · Only Timorese identified as such may threat to their survival as a people by a This phase which should take up to two vote and be eligible; strategy of population transfer. The prob- years to be fully implemented, would in- · The Assembly elects a Governor of the lem of West Papua will not go away and the volve all three parties working with the UN Territory; West Papuans are learning to be more effec- to implement a wide range of “confidence tive both on the home front and internation- · The Assembly and the Governor have a building measures,” but would not deal with ally and will pose an even greater problem 5-year mandate; the core of the problem which is the issue of for Jakarta than East Timor. · The Territory may enter into trade rela- self-determination. This phase of the talks Yet, in spite of the problems of East tions with foreign countries, promulgate must focus on achieving: Timor, Aceh and West Papua, Indonesia is its own laws affecting investment, land · Immediate end to all armed activities in fortunate in that it does not have the kind of ownership, property, immigration, etc.; East Timor; powerful ethnic and religious movements · Remaining Indonesian troops are with- that exist in India, Sudan, China, Sri Lanka · Reduction of Indonesian troop presence drawn within three months;. or the Philippines, where, in some cases, to a maximum of 1,000 within a six- month period; · The Territory will have no army. A po- there are powerful regional powers fuelling lice force is trained by the UN and is the conflicts for their own strategic interest. placed under the elected governor; The conflict in West Papua has grown from East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 111

· Further reduction of Indonesian civil position to build bridges of dialogue and co- necessary to insure a smooth transition. On servants; operation between the peoples of the region. day one of independence, we will proclaim a · Portugal and Indonesia normalise rela- East Timor will maintain close ties with general amnesty and national reconciliation. tions. Portugal, a country which colonised us for To be true to ourselves, we will forgive our At the end of the second phase, the almost half a millennium has shown an abid- worst enemies. autonomous status of the territory could be ing commitment to our right to self- Our society will not be based on hatred extended by mutual accord. Seven years determination. Portugal and East Timor will and revenge. Because of its credibility and would have elapsed since this Peace Initia- be most valuable partners for ASEAN in its standing over the past twenty years, the tive was effected. The East Timorese peo- relations with the EU, Africa and Latin Catholic Church will be expected to play a ple, having enjoyed a period of peace and America. major role in the healing process of our soci- freedom without the presence of the most The majority of the East Timorese resi- ety. Our people are fortunate to have two hated symbol of the occupation, the army, dents outside the country are in Australia. outstanding men, Xanana Gusmão as the might accept to continue this form of asso- We will offer ourselves as a bridge between political leader, and Bishop Carlos Filipe ciation. Conversely, the changing generation, Australia and the South Pacific island-states Ximenes Belo, as the spiritual leader, whose attitudes and perception in Indonesia might as well as between Australia and Southeast combined moral authority and vision will also result in Indonesia accepting as natural Asia. guarantee that the people of East Timor will that East Timor becomes independent We are conscious of our geography which heal the wounds of the war and embrace compels us to co-exist with our neighbours each other and their neighbours. Phase Three - Self-determination in this part of the world. We will seek mem- East Timor is a relatively small country. If all parties agree that Phase Three bership in ASEAN and the South Pacific But with an area of 18,889 km2 and a total should enter into effect immediately, then Forum within days of our independence. population of 700,000 (1974 figures), it is at the UN begins to prepare a referendum on We will not have a standing army. For least equal to, if not larger, in size and popu- self-determination to determine the final our external security, we will rely on a lation, than some 40 independent states. It status of the territory. Treaty of Neutrality to be guaranteed by the is four times the size of Brunei and 40 times However, a referendum might not be nec- permanent members of the Security Council. larger than Singapore. It is potentially self- essary as in the cases of Namibia and Zim- We will endeavour with the UN and our sufficient in most agricultural goods, meat babwe. It is required only when there is neighbours to declare the seas surrounding and fish. It has large reserves of natural gas, some doubt about the will of the people of East Timor a Zone of Peace and work to- manganese and oil. the colonial territory on the issue of inde- wards total demilitarisation of the entire The CNRM is developing a three 5-year pendence. In the cases of Namibia and Zim- East Asia and Pacific regions. national reconstruction and development babwe there was no question that the two We will endeavour to build a strong de- plan for an independent East Timor with a countries should be independent. Instead of mocratic state based on the rule of law projected budget of US$1,500 million. We a referendum, internationally-supervised which must emanate from the will of the believe that a consortium of governments elections were held for a Constituent As- people expressed through free and democ- (US, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Can- sembly. In the case of East Timor, most ratic elections. ada, Portugal and the EU), UN agencies and observers believed in 1974-75 that the We will encourage a free and independent other multilateral bodies, the private sector overwhelming majority of the people of media as the voice of the people, a media and regional development banks, can harness East Timor favoured independence with that informs and educates, and we believe the needed financial and human resources. close links with Portugal. The option of the media should be as independent as the We will channel our resources into food integration with Indonesia was never a seri- judiciary. We also believe that there can be production in order to feed our people. We ous one. However, the crucial factor here no foreign interests controlling the local will seek the co-operation of UN Specialised was what Indonesia wanted and not what media. Agencies such as the FAO, World Food the East Timorese wanted. All international human rights treaties Program, UNDP. However, all our policies If in the next few years Jakarta considers will be submitted to the Parliament for rati- will be a result of close consultation with it in its interest to let East Timor become fication. We believe that human rights tran- the people in each region, town and village. independent, a referendum to determine the scend boundaries and prevail over state In addition, in co-operation with the FAO wishes of the people would become redun- sovereignty. We will introduce into the and other international bodies, we will initi- dant. In this case, internationally-supervised school curriculum at an early stage the sub- ate a massive reforestation program to repair elections for a Constituent Assembly should ject of human rights. We will actively work our badly damaged environment. be held, regardless of the results, the East with like-minded countries, NGOs and the The invasion up-rooted thousands of Timorese political contenders should form a media to strengthen the UN human rights people. Properties were abandoned, de- government of national unity for a period of machinery. We will actively support the stroyed or sold at unfair prices. This situa- five years. creation of an international human rights tion will be redressed. A voluntary resettle- If God willing, East Timor becomes in- court and a penal court to try war crimes ment plan will be effected to allow the many dependent, ladies and gentlemen, allow me and crimes against humanity. We will seek tens of thousands of displaced East to share with you, our vision for our coun- the co-operation of UN human rights agen- Timorese to return to their ancestral lands. try’s future and our role in the region. cies as well as NGOs to assist us in our We believe in free education and health East Timor is at the cross-roads of three efforts to promote respect for human rights care for our people. The money saved from major cultures: Melanesian which binds us and the rule of law in our country. not having a standing army will be well used to our brothers and sisters of the South East Timorese now serving in the Indo- in these areas. At least 40% of our resources Pacific region; Malay-Polynesian binding us nesian administration in East Timor, the will be allocated to our best resource - our to Southeast Asia; and the Latin Catholic security forces and police, should not fear people - through massive investment in influence, a legacy of almost 500 years of an independent East Timor. They will be health, education and food production. With Portuguese colonisation. This rich historical invited to stay on as their full and active the co-operation of WHO we will seek to and cultural existence place us in a unique involvement in running the country will be Page 112 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. eradicate malaria, tuberculosis and other for democratic reforms and rule of law in rest of the world owes the peoples of Asia a preventable diseases within a decade. Indonesia and for a genuine act of self- moral duty to stand by them. It is estimated that over 100,000 Indone- determination in East Timor. Last but not least, for the prophets of sians are now living in East Timor. Most are The world has changed dramatically in doom, for those in government who counsel poor Indonesians who came to our country the last few years and the theorists of irre- us realism, allow me to remind them of a looking for a better life. We would not be versibility and status quo have been discred- news item in the ever reliable BBC a few true to ourselves if we were to turn our ited by the collapse of the USSR. Who years ago. It was sometime in early 1991 backs on our poor neighbours. Indonesian would have thought it possible that the great and I was driving from the small Swiss town migrants in East Timor will be welcome to Armenian people, persecuted for hundreds of Nyon, to the Palais des Nations in Ge- stay and with us build a better home for us of years would regain a country called Ar- neva, to yet another round of futility in a all. They have brought with them the wealth menia? The entire world conspired against place where diplomats pretend to be too of their culture which can enrich the whole the Eritrean people. Americans, Russians busy and important to listen to real prob- community. and Cubans all connived against that small lems of real peoples, but are always eager to Ladies and gentlemen: this is in brief our nation. Today Eritrea is a shining example give us advice on being realistic. vision for the future of our tortured country. for the rest of the world. Two great nations, The BBC was telling us the story of a For the past 20 years, our neighbours have Israelis and Palestinians, who swore eternal Soviet cosmonaut who had gone into space a turned their back on us. They should offer hatred have shown courage and wisdom and few months earlier on one of those record- their Indonesian neighbours a word of wis- begun a painful process of dialogue. breaking missions in space. When he was dom, pleading with them to seize the olive The movement for democracy, human blasted off from somewhere in the Soviet branch we have been offering since 1974 rights and the rule of law is irreversible. Union he carried a passport and a national- when I met with Adam Malik. Even in our tortured region, Asia, some ity granted to him by the mightiest and most Indonesia is mediating the conflict in extraordinary events without precedent are feared military empire in the world. Once he Mindanao and is credited along with Austra- taking place. The events in South Korea are completed his tour of duty for the pride of lia for the peace process in Cambodia. of enormous significance for democracy and the socialist motherland he prepared the Shouldn’t we expect that the Indonesian the rule of law in the entire Asia region. The spacecraft for its return voyage to earth. But government which has shown such willing- brave people of Korea who endured decades he no longer had a country to return to. The ness in mediating its neighbours internal of dictatorship and occupation won the mighty empire had ceased to exist. He was problems show also similar vision in negoti- struggle for democracy not with guns but forced to circle the earth a few days longer ating an end to its occupation of East with their tenacity in fighting the troops in until people of good will on earth decided to Timor? the streets of Seoul and Kwangju. which country he should go. We are as determined as we are optimis- For the first time in the history of Asia, I hope one day to climb up to the Potala tic about our future. To Indonesia and our former heads of states and other leaders are in Lhasa and visit my good friend His Holi- other neighbours in the ASEAN we are of- being prosecuted for their crimes whilst in ness the XIV Dalai Lama of Tibet and invite fering a hand of friendship and appealing to office. The people of South Korea are chal- him to visit a free and independent East them to help us bring peace and freedom to lenging the impunity of public office and the Timor. The Tibetan people deserve peace East Timor. More pain and misery and loss sacrosanct myth of national security interest and freedom and the whole of humanity will of lives can be spared, more embarrassment which allows leaders to imprison, torture benefit from the peace-making role that an in the international fora can be avoided if and murder with impunity. The South Ko- independent Tibet can play. Thousands of ASEAN live up to its responsibilities. rean struggle is being watched closely in years of a philosophy and religion that teach The EU, working with the US, Canada, Asia and is sending tremors to Thailand, peace should be released from captivity into Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Indone- Burma, China, Indonesia. freedom and put to the service of the world. sia’s partners in ASEAN, can accelerate the We are proud of our relationship with the With this note, I will end with renewed on-going dialogue under the auspices of the brave people of Burma and I extend here our hope that no matter the level of brute force UN secretary-general, give it some impetus solidarity to the people of Burma and their used against us, our dreams will never die. and real substance. Occasional expressions elected leader, Nobel Peace Laureate Daw God bless you all. Thank you. of concern about the human rights situation Aung San Suu Kyi, in their struggle for de- in East Timor are no longer enough. The mocracy, rule of law and human rights. In UN HUMAN RIGHTS weapons the Western countries have pro- July 1994 I spent almost two weeks in vided the regime in Indonesia have made Mannerplaw meeting with leaders and rep- COMMISSION IN GENEVA them accomplices in the on-going suffering. resentatives of all Burma’s nationalities. I Hence our demand that they live up to their was overwhelmed by their hardship but also moral responsibility. by their resilience and faith. I felt small in U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS No country, no matter how rich and en- the face of their greatness. At a time when dowed with natural resources, is an island the ASEAN rulers are conniving with the COMMISSIONER VISITS into itself. In an increasingly smaller world SLORC regime to deny the people of Burma INDONESIA [AND E. TIMOR] and competitive age, where modern elec- their legitimate victory, we must all stand News & Views INDONESIA, a monthly pub- tronic communications break the barriers of up and redouble our efforts to restore de- silence erected by dictators, Indonesia can- mocracy to Burma. lication of the Indonesian embassy in Wash- not continue to flout the right of the people The peoples of Burma, Thailand, the ington DC, is now available on the World- of East Timor to self-determination and the Philippines, South Korea, the democracy wide Web. The URL is rule of law in Indonesia. movements in China and Indonesia, are tell- http://www.newsIndonesia.com. From the The next two to three years will witness ing the rest of the world that the struggle for Jan. 26, 1996 issue. a transition in Indonesia and the EU can democracy and human rights is not an inven- At the invitation of the Indonesian gov- encourage a peaceful, evolutionary transition tion of the West or of Western NGOs. The ernment, U.N. High Commissioner of Hu- with a discreet yet firm policy of pushing man Rights José Ayala Lasso visited Indo- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 113 nesia Dec. 4-8. The High Commissioner is ganisers wish to analyse some of the main Burundi, Cuba, China, Iraq, and the coun- mandated by a 1994 resolution of the U.N. problems in relation to the application of tries of former Yugoslavia are expected to be General Assembly to engage in dialogue the principle of self-determination in the among the main targets. Russia is expected with all governments with a view to securing 1990s. to come under fire for its military interven- respect for human rights. In Jakarta, he met Date: 25-26 March, 1996 (during the tion in Chechnya while Indonesia will be with Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, as well as 52nd Session of the UN Commission on blasted for its occupation of East Timor. the ministers of justice and defence, officials Human Rights) Amnesty International, the London- of the supreme court, the government- Place: Palais des Nations, United Na- based human rights group, said in a state- sponsored human rights commission, and tions, Geneva ment that it would call on the Commission pertinent non-governmental organizations Time: 13:00 - 15:00 to take action “as a priority” against five (NGOs). Speakers: countries: China, Colombia, Indonesia/East The Commissioner’s tour included a two- Timor, Nigeria and Turkey. Professor Richard Falk (Princeton Uni- day visit to East Timor where he met with “These countries with abysmal human versity, USA) Governor Abilio Soares and members of the rights records continue to escape scrutiny Professor M.L. Sondhi (Jawarlal Nehru local parliament, Catholic Bishop Carlos by the Commission,” it said. “The Commis- University, India; former Member of Par- Belo and prominent East Timorese of vari- sion is losing its credibility...” Amnesty liament of India) ous persuasions. added. Senator Michael O’Kennedy (former At a Jakarta press conference in the China, which last year foiled a Western Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland) company of Foreign Minister Ali Alatas, attempt to censure its human rights record Ajaan Sulak Sivaraksa (Thailand, 1994 Dec. 7, Lasso said he hoped Indonesia for the fifth successive year, is expected to Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, 1995 Recipient would soon ratify several conventions on conduct vigourous behind-the-scenes lobby- of Right Livelihood Award) human rights, to which Alatas responded ing again. Mr. José Ramos Horta (Special Repre- that although Indonesia had been slow, “We “There are plenty of resolution drafts sentative of the CNRM) are going to do it.” circulating already – China, Burundi, former Kasur Lodi Gyari (Special Envoy of The U.N. Commissioner acknowledged Yugoslavia,” said one diplomat. H.H. The Dalai Lama and President of the the government’s progress in addressing U.N. Secretary-General Boutros International Campaign for Tibet) abuses: “Indonesia has taken the right path. Boutros-Ghali will address the opening Mr. Fadel El Kaid (Representative of I will be satisfied if all aspects of human session on Monday. Polisario Front) rights are fulfilled.” He also expressed ap- Ayala-Lasso, a former Ecuadoran diplo- The Conference will be open to all inter- preciation for the formation of the National mat who took up the new post two years ested persons. It is intended and expected Commission on Human Rights and the ex- ago, said he would appeal for more regular that many government- and NGO represen- emplary job it has done. funding in a report to the Commission next tatives attending the UN Commission on Regarding the Commission’s wish to ap- week. Human Rights will take part in the confer- point a program officer to Indonesia, Alatas “I will propose in my report...that with a ence said such an office could be in Jakarta. (regular) fund of roughly $25 million we Working languages: French and English The seventh round of the U.N. spon- could finance operations not only in For more information, please contact: sored tri-partite talks to find an internation- Rwanda, Burundi and Yugoslavia, but above Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organi- ally acceptable solution to East Timor is all be prepared to react efficiently and pro- zation (UNPO) scheduled for January in London between mote preventive action to contribute to the Javastraat 40A 2585 AP The Hague The Foreign Minister Ali Alatas and his Portu- better protection of human rights in the Netherlands guese counterpart under the continuing guid- world,” he told a news conference. Tel: (3170)3603318 Fax:(3170)360 3346 ance of U.N. Secretary-General Boutros He said the financial situation of his Ge- Boutros-Ghali. neva-based U.N. Centre for Human Rights UN HUMAN RIGHTS had worsened, with its annual budget re- SELF-DETERMINATION PROGRAM IN duced to $22.3 million this year from $25 CONFERENCE IN GENEVA FINANCIAL CRISIS million last year. “We are always financing our operations From UNPO, March 12 By Stephanie Nebehay month-by-month. All of our programmes GENEVA, March 14 (Reuter) - A top are affected by the lack of funding. CONFERENCE ON THE QUESTION United Nations official said on Thursday “For Rwanda, we have barely several OF SELF-DETERMINATION that U.N. human rights programmes were weeks of funding.” COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON EAST suffering a financial crisis and more stable Ayala-Lasso also announced that he TIMOR, TIBET AND WESTERN funding was needed to grapple with new would send an envoy to Moscow on Mon- SAHARA emergency situations. day for talks with Russian authorities aimed Organised by Unrepresented Nations and José Ayala-Lasso, U.N. High Commis- at improving human rights in Chechnya. Peoples Organisation (UNPO) in collabora- sioner for Human Rights, also said he hoped The envoy, Fausto Pocar, dean of the law tion with National Council of Maubere Re- the annual U.N. Human Rights Commission faculty at the University of Milan, would sistance of East Timor, the Tibetan Gov- would approve fewer condemnatory resolu- seek approval to open a U.N. office in the ernment-in-Exile and Polisario Front. tions in “ritualistic fashion.” rebel region to monitor human rights viola- The distinct movements for self- He was speaking days before the 53- tions. determination of the three nations are rela- member forum opens a six-week session in The Commission last year issued a tively well-known. By organising a joint Geneva on Monday to examine allegations chairman’s statement expressing concern conference with leading international experts of executions, torture and arbitrary deten- over the “disproportionate use of force” by and looking at the similarities and differ- tions worldwide. the Russian military and deploring grave ences of the three cases, the conference or- Page 114 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. violations of human rights during the con- AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL low the recommendations of its own ex- flict, launched in December 1994. perts,” the human rights organization said. It urged Ayala-Lasso to open a dialogue REMARKS TO UNHRC The Special Rapporteur on torture and with the Russian government with a view to From [email protected], 15 the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, securing respect for human rights in Chech- March 1996. News Service 56\96 summary or arbitrary executions, after visit- nya. Thousands of civilians, Russian ser- ing Colombia in 1994, recommended the vicemen and rebels have been killed in the 1996 UN Commission on Human Rights: appointment of a special rapporteur, unless nearly 15 months of bloodshed. Amnesty International calls on the the situation improved radically. These Copyright 1996 Reuters Ltd. All rights Commission to take action on human special rapporteurs agree, in their reports to reserved. The following news report may rights violations in China, Colombia, the Commission this year, that there has not be republished or redistributed, in whole Indonesia and East Timor, Nigeria and been no improvement in the human rights or in part, without the prior written consent Turkey. situation. Amnesty International joins these of Reuters Ltd. Amnesty International challenges the experts in calling for the appointment of a Commission to act to stop human rights special rapporteur. BOUTROS GHALI violations. “There is no shortage of informa- The Commission itself adopted a resolu- CONFIDENT OF tion. Year after year, the Commission is tion on East Timor in 1993 which included a confronted with well-attested information set of concrete recommendations to the SETTLEMENT FOR from its own Special Rapporteurs and Indonesian Government. Reports on Indo- EAST TIMOR Working Groups, treaty bodies, govern- nesia indicate that the human rights viola- ments and from non-governmental organiza- tions that take place in East Timor are a Capital, 15 March 1996. Translated from tions. Yet the Commission still fails to take reflection of a pattern of violations through- Portuguese, Abridged effective action,” the human rights organiza- out Indonesia. Lisbon – UN Secretary General, Mr. tion said. The government’s failure to implement Boutros Boutros Ghali, said he felt “encour- “Amnesty International refuses to give most of the recommendations in the Com- aged” by the determination shown by both up on the Commission, which remains the mission’s resolution was met only by Portugal and Indonesia to reach a negotiated international community’s main human statements from the Chairman of the Com- settlement for East Timor. In a report sent rights body charged with the protection of mission during its last two sessions. This to the 52nd annual meeting of the UN human rights.” Amnesty International said year, Amnesty International challenges the Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), today. “We call on the Commission to re- Commission to examine whether the gov- to commence on 18 March, Boutros spond immediately to the flagrant violations ernment has fully implemented the recom- Boutros Ghali summarised the initiatives of human rights in China, Colombia, Indone- mendations made in the resolution and taken over the past year, which included the sia and East Timor, Nigeria and Turkey. The Chairman’s statements and to take effective holding of two further rounds of bilateral suffering of the victim demands nothing action. negotiations between the Foreign Ministers less.” The executions of Ken Saro-Wiwa and of Portugal and Indonesia, and also the first “Governments, whose votes are weighted eight other Ogoni prisoners are a dramatic inter-Timorese meeting under UN auspices. in favour of political and economic consid- example of the long-lasting and widespread The report, made public yesterday in erations, have ignored widespread impris- pattern of disregard for human rights in Geneva, is to be one of the working docu- onment of people brave enough to exercise Nigeria. The Nigerian Government is now ments for the UNCHR which has East their fundamental freedoms. They have particularly targeting human rights defend- Timor on its agenda for discussion. The UN remained silent in the face of endemic tor- ers. Secretary General states in his report that ture and ill-treatment of detainees by secu- Following the public outcry over the Ken the confidence building measures agreed by rity forces, and extrajudicial and mass execu- Saro-Wiwa case, the international commu- the two parties had “created a favourable tions, “ Amnesty International said. nity was finally moved to act. In December atmosphere for the talks.” The concrete The Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, 1995 the UN General Assembly adopted a issues which the two parties have agreed to summary or arbitrary executions has voiced resolution on Nigeria and invited the Com- discuss at the next round of negotiations, his concerns about violations of the right to mission to give urgent attention to the situa- scheduled for 27 June in Geneva, include the life in China; in 1993, the Committee against tion in this country. Amnesty International defence of Timorese cultural identity and Torture reported patterns of torture in calls for the appointment of a special rap- bilateral relations between Portugal and China and the Working Group on Arbitrary porteur to monitor the situation and to re- Indonesia. Detention has concluded that people in port to the 1996 UN General Assembly. According to the report, the Secretary China have been arbitrarily detained in viola- In Turkey violations of fundamental hu- General will continue his efforts to find a tion of international human rights standards. man rights has been a serious problem for just and internationally acceptable settle- “Rather than again abdicating its respon- many years. The Working Group on En- ment to the question of East Timor, and sibility through “motions to take no action,” forced or Involuntary Disappearances de- feels encouraged by the desire expressed by the Commission must examine China’s hu- clared in 1994 that it had received more the two parties to reach a negotiated solu- man rights record, adopt a resolution, and allegations of “disappearances” from Tur- tion. call on the Chinese Government to ratify key than from any other country for that In an appendix to his report, the Secre- and respect human rights treaties and allow year. The Committee against Torture re- tary General states that over the past 12 the UN human rights protection experts ported in 1993 that torture was systemic in months numerous reports and appeals have access to the country,” Amnesty Interna- Turkey. been received by the UN from NGOs from tional said. “The Turkish Government has given all over the world concerning human rights “This year the Commission has a re- publicity to a series of cosmetic legal violations in East Timor. Appeals for a sponsibility to take action on the human changes which have produced almost no permanent UN presence in the territory rights situation in Colombia. It should fol- improvement of the situation,” according to have also been received. Amnesty International. “The Commission East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 115 should, as a minimum, urge Turkey to take chairman for the next year, according to pices, with the Indonesian government, immediate steps to address systematic vio- U.N. sources. without any pre-conditions. lations of human rights.” Boutros-Ghali said the Commission’s “Inaction by the Commission must stop. work reflected a wider commitment to hu- UN RIGHTS BOSS CITES The Commission must send a clear message man rights throughout the United Nations, GRAVE VIOLATIONS IN to all states that no country, big or small, ranging from peacekeeping missions to pro- can avoid international scrutiny,” said Am- motion of global economic development and EAST TIMOR nesty International. democratisation. By Stephanie Nebehay Finally, Amnesty International urges the “In defending human rights, violations Commission to take decisive action on the must be denounced on a case-by-case basis GENEVA, March 22 (Reuter) - The draft of the Declaration on Human Rights wherever they occur,” he said. United Nations High Commissioner for Defenders. Progress in the Commission’s The U.N. chief also noted that the budget Human Rights José Ayala-Lasso on Friday Working Group, which is drafting the decla- of the Geneva-based U.N. Centre for Hu- cited allegations of “very grave” violations ration, has been blocked by Cuba, Nigeria, man Rights, which finances stationing of of human rights in East Timor and called for Iran and China; they have used the consen- monitors in countries including Bosnia and the situation there to improve. sus rule as a veto power. These countries Rwanda, had been reduced as part of sys- But, in a report, he also expressed hope are more interested in protecting govern- tem-wide cuts. that his mission to Indonesia and East ments against the threat of human rights “I am also profoundly concerned by the Timor last December could be a significant defenders than in protecting the rights of grave financial crisis which the organisation step towards cooperation between the In- citizens and of those who work for them. is experiencing and which directly affects donesian government and the U.N. on hu- the institutions, missions and programmes man rights’ matters in East Timor. U.N. CHIEF SAYS ETHNIC of the United Nations in the field of human The world body is negotiating the open- ing of a human rights office in Jakarta, ac- WARS THREATEN rights,” he said. “But we all have a duty to continue our cording to Ayala-Lasso. He said he wanted HUMAN RIGHTS work,” he added. his team to be able to go to East Timor “as often as necessary” and report back to him GENEVA, March 18 (Reuter) – U.N. NGOS RAISE EAST on human rights matters there. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali “The situation of human rights in East warned on Monday that the world’s ethnic TIMOR AT UNHRC Timor could and should improve: such an and civil wars posed a greater danger to translated from the Portuguese, abridged improvement must be an end in itself,” he human rights than conflicts between states. wrote in a report to the U.N. Commission He also said United Nations human Geneva, March 21 (LUSA) - Two on Human Rights. “At the same time, it rights’ programmes were being hurt by the NGOs, France Liberté and Pax Christi, at could influence positively the political dia- world body’s wider budget problems caused the 52nd session of the UN Human Rights logue,” Ayala-Lasso added. by some member countries not paying their Commission, today, defended the right of The United Nations still regards Portugal, annual dues. the East Timorese people to self- East Timor’s former colonial power, as the Boutros-Ghali, addressing the U.N. Hu- determination, and criticized Indonesia for administering power in East Timor. Indone- man Rights Commission, said internal con- maintaining the occupation of the territory. sia invaded East Timor in 1975 and annexed flicts in the post-Cold War were being The spokesperson for France Liberté, it in 1976. Secretary-General Boutros fought by irregular forces rather than organ- founded by Danielle Mitterrand, asked In- Boutros-Ghali is sponsoring a new round of ised armies, making cease-fires and truces donesia to respect the territorial integrity of tripartite meetings on East Timor’s future precarious and uncertain. East Timor and to withdraw its troops. She status with Indonesian and Portuguese For- “Every day the United Nations has to reminded the session that East Timor has eign Ministers in Geneva in June. Ayala- confront internal conflicts, civil wars, parti- already suffered twenty years of human Lasso, who met President Suharto and For- tions, secessions, ethnic clashes and tribal rights abuses. She demanded that Indonesia eign Minister Ali Alatas, said he had held wars,” he told the 53-member forum which respect the consensual declarations of 1992 “very frank talks” with Indonesian authori- on Monday began its annual six-week meet- and 1994, and that the political prisoners be ties. ing to investigate rights violations world- freed, that arbitrary executions stop, and He met jailed East Timorese guerrilla wide. that prisoners receive adequate legal assis- leader Xanana Gusmão at a Jakarta prison. “These new conflicts are also the most tance. At the end of her intervention, the After a controversial trial in 1993, Gusmão damaging to the rights of the human person, delegate preconized a boycott to arms sales was jailed for life but Suharto later cut the since it is often the populations themselves to Indonesia and appealed to the Interna- term to 20 years. “Mr. Gusmão looked in which are targeted, bombarded, tortured and tional community to share with Portugal the good health and told the High Commissioner subject to violence,” Boutros-Ghali said. task of receiving the Timorese refugees. that he was as well as a person without The Commission will consider resolu- In an intervention on point seven, on the freedom could be...He said that he would tions criticising a number of states, including topic of peoples right to determine their support any action that could be taken in Russia for its military intervention in own future, Pax Christi International con- order to improve the situation in East Chechnya and Indonesia for its occupation sidered extremely serious the situation in Timor.” of East Timor. East Timor, stating that the Indonesian oc- In East Timor, authorities including the China, Burundi, Cuba, Rwanda, Nigeria, cupation has created a “regime of terror” in Governor described the situation as normal. and the countries of former Yugoslavia will the territory. The spokesperson for Pax Tensions were “created by criminals, also come under scrutiny. Christi, Alexandra Aula, stated that the mostly in Dili, not without outside interfer- Delegates on Monday were due to elect a Timorese have always manifested willing- ence,” they said. Latin American chairman, probably from ness for initiating dialogue, under UN aus- “Others felt that the situation was dete- Brazil, to succeed the outgoing Malaysian riorating, and that on the surface only there Page 116 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. appeared to be normal conditions of life. In bility of meeting anyone he wished to meet. Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treat- their opinion, while the main problem was The present report is submitted pursuant to ment or Punishment, the International political, there were very grave violations of the request contained in the above- Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural human rights in East Timor,” Ayala-Lasso’s mentioned statement. Rights and the International Covenant on report added. It did not identify the sources. Visit to Indonesia and East Timor Civil and Political Rights. Furthermore, the Amnesty International, the London- High Commissioner asked the Government 2. During his visit, the High Commis- based international human rights group, has of Indonesia to give international human sioner met representatives of the Govern- listed the Indonesia/East Timor situation as rights NGOs full access to Indonesia and ment, including the President of Indonesia, among its five areas for priority action at the East Timor. the Minister for Foreign Affairs, the De- U.N. Commission. “For more than 30 years 6. With respect to the incident that oc- fence Minister, the Attorney-General, the the Government of Indonesia has impris- curred in Dili on 12 November 1991, the Minister for Women’s Affairs and the Sec- oned its peaceful critics,” Amnesty said last High Commissioner asked the Government retary of the Minister for Welfare, as well as week. of Indonesia to pay compensation to the the President and the members of the Na- “Dozens have been imprisoned after un- families of the victims. He stressed the need tional Human Rights Commission, and rep- fair trials during 1995 both in Indonesia and to continue the search for the disappeared resentatives of academic and research cen- East Timor...Disappearances continue to be and dead. Renewed efforts should be made tres, non-governmental organizations and reported and there are numerous accounts of in order to locate the graves and to return the media. The High Commissioner also met extrajudicial executions of political and the remains to the families concerned, in Mr. Xanana Gusmão, the jailed East criminal suspects...The Indonesian Govern- cooperation with representatives of the East Timorese leader of FRETILIN, at the Cipi- ment continues to ignore recommendations Timorese church and the local community. nang Correctional Centre in Jakarta. made by the Commission,” Amnesty said. Finally, there should be a continuing investi- 3. In his meeting with the Minister for On Monday, the 53-member body gation of the incident, as new elements Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ali Alatas, on 3 De- opened its annual six-week session to inves- emerged. cember 1995, the High Commissioner recog- tigate rights violations worldwide. 7. The High Commissioner requested the nized the steps that the Government has Last year it adopted a chairman’s state- Government to consider the following addi- already taken with respect to the promotion ment welcoming Indonesia’s invitation to tional measures, inter alia: (a) the transfer of and protection of human rights: first and Ayala-Lasso but urging Jakarta to further a number of Timorese prisoners (Gregorio foremost the establishment of the National investigate a November 1991 incident in da Cunha Saldanha, Francisco Miranda Human Rights Commission. He praised the Dili, in which up to 200 East Timorese Branco, Saturnino da Costa Belo, Jacinto cooperation of the Government of Indonesia demonstrators were killed by Indonesian Alves, Filomeno da Silva Pereira, Juvencio with mechanisms of the Commission on troops. Jakarta acknowledges only about 50 de Jesus Martins) from the Semarang prison Human Rights, such as the invitations to the people were killed. in central Java to the Dili prison; (b) the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, sum- Ayala Lasso said in his report Indonesian repeal of the anti-subversion law; (c) an end mary or arbitrary executions in 1994 and to authorities had agreed to search for people to the transmigration of Indonesians to East the Special Rapporteur on the question of missing since the incident and make available Timor; (d) the reduction of troops in East torture in 1991. any new information to the U.N. rights Timor; (e) clemency for all those civilians 4. The High Commissioner handed over chief. convicted for publicly expressing political to the Minister a memorandum containing a dissent or revealing facts relating to the inci- list of issues that have been raised by the- FULL REPORT OF THE HIGH dent in Dili and other more recent demon- matic special rapporteurs and other mecha- COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN strations. The High Commissioner also nisms of the Commission and by relevant RIGHTS ON HIS VISIT stressed the importance of enacting legisla- human rights treaty bodies. The High Com- tion that would ensure respect for the reli- TO INDONESIA AND EAST missioner said that he was not on a fact- gious, cultural and historical heritage of the TIMOR, 3-7 DECEMBER 1995 finding mission but that part of his dialogue East Timorese population and would pro- UNITED NATIONS – ECONOMIC AND with Member States was to follow up on tect the use of the Portuguese language in SOCIAL COUNCIL the recommendations made by United Na- schools. tions human rights mechanisms and bodies. E/CN.4/1996/112, 14 March 1996 Origi- 8. The Minister for Foreign Affairs said He stressed the importance for Indonesia of nal: English that he was looking forward very much to ensuring full cooperation with all the in- Commission on Human Rights, Fifty- developing a cooperative relationship with struments and mechanisms of the United Second Session; Items 3 and 21 of the pro- the Office of the High Commissioner for Nations human rights programme. He indi- visional agenda Human Rights further to the Memorandum cated his willingness to cooperate with the 1. In a statement read out by the Chair- of Intent signed in 1994. The Minister re- Government of Indonesia with respect to man of the fifty-first session of the Com- called the steps taken by Indonesia since the the realization of a national action plan for mission on Human Rights on 1 March 1995, 1993 World Conference on Human Rights human rights, as well as the further promo- the Commission welcomed the undertaking held in Vienna, such as the holding of re- tion and protection of human rights in Indo- of the Government of Indonesia to invite the gional and national workshops on human nesia and East Timor. High Commissioner for Human Rights to rights and the establishment of the national 5. The High Commissioner requested that visit East Timor in 1995 and to submit his human rights action plan, focusing mostly positive consideration be given by the Gov- report to the Commission on Human Rights on education and the dissemination of in- ernment of Indonesia to a number of con- at its fifty-second session. The High Com- formation. Mr. Alatas welcomed the High crete human rights and related issues. He missioner visited Indonesia and East Timor Commissioner’s expression of support for made reference to the importance of ratify- form 3 to 7 December 1995. He expresses the national action plan. He indicated that ing international human rights instruments his deep appreciation to the Government of the High Commissioner’s visit would be the and emphasized the need for Indonesia to Indonesia for the invitation, for the facilities beginning of a dialogue at the highest level ratify the Convention against Torture and provided during his stay and for the possi- on human rights matters, in keeping with the East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 117

Charter of the United Nations, the Vienna 13. In his meeting with the National Hu- a representative of the Evangelical Church. Declaration and Programme of Action and man Rights Commission, the High Commis- He also met the leader of the boat people relevant resolutions of the General Assem- sioner stressed the importance nationally who had tried to go to Australia, Mrs. bly. and internationally of the work of the Maria F. Pereira, at the Police Centre. In 9. The Minister appreciated the recogni- Commission. He encouraged the members of addition, the High Commissioner met with tion of the efforts undertaken by his Gov- the Commission to continue their efforts for the head and former head of the Dili office ernment, particularly in terms of human the promotion and protection of human of the International Committee of the Red rights education. He pointed out that the rights and to urge the Government to take Cross. He visited a community development National Commission had proved to be measures in order to avoid or redress viola- project at Ailieu and the Polytechnic Insti- active and independent. It had gone beyond tions of human rights. The High Commis- tute at Hera, in East Timor. the accusatory stage to help resolve specific sioner pointed out that the Commission 18. The High Commissioner received op- problems, such as land disputes. Mr. Alatas should be based on law, should have suffi- posite views with respect to the human stated: “Our advances in the field of human cient resources to act independently and rights situation in East Timor. rights may be perceived as slow but they are should ensure that its recommendations 19. The authorities, including the Gover- certainly deliberate and will continue.” were faithfully implemented by the Gov- nor, the military and police officials, stated 10. The Minister indicated that he was ernment. that the situation was normal and that con- rather disappointed by certain reports of 14. Members of the Indonesian Commis- tinuing efforts were being made for eco- mechanisms of the Commission, which sion mentioned that Indonesia was taking nomic and social development. Tension in could be considered as being unbalanced and important steps in the field of human rights, East Timor was created by criminals, lacking in objectivity, as well as by the atti- which often were not recognized by the mostly in Dili, not without outside interfer- tude of some NGOs, which would appear to Commission on Human Rights. According ence. East Timorese who wanted to leave be waging a political campaign against Indo- to them, torture was being established as a Dili or East Timor could do so. The boat nesia. As far as the ratification of human crime in Indonesian law. The High Commis- people who had attempted to sail to Austra- rights conventions was concerned, he said sioner was informed of the Commission’s lia had been rescued in order to avoid a dis- that the national human rights action plan plans to open an office in Dili to promote aster because of doubts about the seawor- would contain a timetable for ratification, and protect human rights. thiness of the boat. Of the group of about starting with the Convention against Tor- 15. The High Commissioner pointed out 30 persons involved, only 5 were still being ture. Indonesia had certain difficulties with that the National Commission should con- detained pending action by a judge. The the two International Covenants, particu- sider the possibility of investigating past Chairman of the local Assembly said how larly the International Covenant on Civil and events, like the 1991 Dili incident. In that much the situation had improved in the past Political Rights. connection, the High Commissioner noted few years, particularly with respect to edu- 11. The Minister stressed that East that, in the Chairman’s statements on East cation and economic and social develop- Timor was mainly a political problem which Timor, the Commission on Human Rights ment. In his opinion, the Dili incident had influenced human rights issues. As far as the had clearly emphasized the issue of continu- been thoroughly and satisfactorily investi- incident in Dili was concerned, the Govern- ing investigation and that those statements gated by the Government. Similar views ment had recognized its responsibility and had received the support of the Government were expressed by a number of NGOs. had investigated and punished those found of Indonesia also. The Chairman of the In- 20. Others felt that the situation was de- guilty of crimes. In particular, two generals donesian Commission assured the High teriorating, and that on the surface only had been dismissed and eight military per- Commissioner that there was no rule which there appeared to be normal conditions of sonnel had been punished. Responding to would prevent the Commission from inves- life. In their opinion, while the main prob- the High Commissioner’s proposal to estab- tigating past violations; it would be ready to lem was political, there were very grave lish a United Nations human rights presence do so. violations of human rights in East Timor. in East Timor, he pointed out that there 16. In his meeting with them, the Minis- Four years after the incident in Dili, many were problems with the opening of a United ter of Defence and the Attorney-General, of the families of the victims did not know Nations office in East Timor, but that a expressed to the High Commissioner their the fate of their loved ones. If those missing human rights presence could be established support for the promotion and protection of had been killed, then relatives should be told in Jakarta. The High Commissioner indi- human rights. The Minister for Women’s where they were buried and those responsi- cated that the staff concerned should not Affairs and the secretary of the Minister for ble should be prosecuted and condemned. only work on technical cooperation pro- Social Welfare mentioned the progress made Even Indonesian human rights NGOs had grammes but should also be able to go to by Indonesia in the areas of health, educa- limited access to East Timor. The detained East Timor as often as necessary and report tion, development and the fight against pov- East Timorese were allegedly tortured. They directly to the High Commissioner on hu- erty; the 60 per cent of the population pre- felt that the military authorities would or- man rights matters. viously living in poverty had been reduced ganize everything, including required dis- 12. According to the Minister, the search to 16 per cent. Members of the Parliament sent, and would be responsible for creating a for the persons missing after the 12 Novem- confirmed that they were studying the rati- climate of fear and repression. ber 1991 incident was continuing. The pay- fication of human rights instruments, start- 21. Maria Fatima Pereira, the leader of ment of compensation to the families of the ing with the Convention against Torture. the 33 boat people who had attempted to victims had been assumed by charitable 17. While in Dili, East Timor, the High reach Australia, confirmed to the High organizations. While the transmigration Commissioner had meetings with the Gov- Commissioner at the Police Centre in Dili programme would not apply to East Timor, ernor, the local Military Commander, the that only 5 individuals remained in detention there was nevertheless and influx of Indone- Police Chief, members of the local Assem- and that they had not been mistreated. sians into East Timor for three main rea- bly, Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, the rector Asked about the reasons for her attempt to sons: (i) as local officials of the central Gov- of the University of Dili, human rights ac- leave, she said that she wanted a better life ernment; (ii) as experts in engineering, health tivists, the head of the Protestant Church, for herself and her daughter. and education; and (iii) as traders. members of the so-called “Group of 1959,” Page 118 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

22. The High Commissioner met Xanana memorandum of understanding. In this con- ternational fora,” Bin Hitam told a news Gusmão at the Cipinang Correctional Centre text, a human rights presence would be es- conference. in Jakarta on 7 December. Mr. Gusmão tablished in Jakarta within the United Na- “We see double standards again and looked in good health and told the High tions office there. The mandate of this hu- again. The word is...that if you want to Commissioner that he was as well as a per- man rights presence is currently under nego- abuse human rights make sure that you are son without freedom could be. Mr. Gusmão tiation between the Office of the High the best of friends of the big powers that asked the High Commissioner to convey a Commissioner for Human Rights and the matter, then you can get away with it,” he political message to the Secretary-General. Government of Indonesia. added. He said that he would support any action 28. The situation of human rights in East Most delegations draw up a “hit-list” of that could be taken in order to improve the Timor could and should improve: such an countries for scrutiny at the Commission, situation in East Timor in view of the fact improvement must be an end in itself. At the main U.N. human rights forum, accord- that he was very concerned about the future the same time, it could influence positively ing to diplomats. Resolutions are often wa- of his people. the political dialogue. In this connection, the tered down in horse-trading during behind- Conclusions visit of the High Commissioner could repre- the-scenes negotiations. sent a significant positive step in terms of Madeleine Albright, U.S. ambassador to 23. The High Commissioner had very cooperation between the Government of the United Nations, is expected to at least frank talks with the Government of Indone- Indonesia and the United Nations on human take a swipe at Cuba when she addresses sia on key human rights issues and consid- rights matters. the forum Tuesday. ered that his visit was an important step for 29. The High Commissioner is currently Geraldine Ferraro, head of the U.S. dele- the promotion and protection of human carrying out discussions with the Govern- gation, will submit a draft resolution ex- rights in Indonesia and East Timor. The ment of Indonesia on a memorandum of pressing concern about human rights abuses High Commissioner recognized that pro- understanding. He will continue to do all he in Cuba and Sudan later in the session, ac- gress has been made in the field of human can for the better promotion and protection cording to a U.S. source who asked not to be rights in Indonesia, most notably through of human rights in Indonesia and East identified. the establishment of the National Human Timor. He will support to the extent possi- Russia is set to come under fire for its Rights Commission. Furthermore, the Gov- ble the realization of a national human rights military intervention in Chechnya, while ernment of Indonesia expressed its determi- action plan, as well as its implementation in Indonesia will be blasted for its occupation nation to further the cooperation with the cooperation with the various agencies in- of East Timor. mechanisms of the Commission on Human volved. He will recognize progress where Burundi, Rwanda, Nigeria, and the coun- Rights and to continue to implement their progress is achieved and will continue to tries of former Yugoslavia will also come recommendations. The Government pub- address the problems of human rights in the under scrutiny. licly indicated that it would extend invita- most constructive and objective manner, in Amnesty International has announced it tions to United Nations human rights rap- keeping with his mandate and the effective will call on the Commission to take action porteurs and working groups “in due time.” realization of all human rights. “as a priority” on five areas: China, Colom- 24. The Government of Indonesia in- bia, Indonesia/East Timor, Nigeria and Tur- formed the High Commissioner that it had key. adopted a policy, to be elaborated in its UN RIGHTS CHAIRMAN “These countries with abysmal human national action plan, of acceding to United SLAMS WESTERN rights records blatantly continue to escape Nations human rights instruments on a pri- HYPOCRISY scrutiny by the Commission,” the London- ority basis. Ratification of the Convention based group said in a statement issued against Torture had been set as the first By Stephanie Nebehay Thursday. priority. GENEVA (Reuter) - The outgoing Ma- “Often their peers shy away from action 25. While the High Commissioner took laysian chairman of the U.N. Human Rights because of their own perceived economic, note of the accomplishments of Indonesia in Commission slammed Western powers Fri- military and political interests,” it added. the field of economic, social and cultural day for condemning abuses in some states “The Commission is losing its credibil- rights, he publicly stated that there were while letting political or economic allies ity.” violations of human rights which had to be “literally get away with murder.” corrected. This was particularly true with Musa Bin Hitam also criticized wide- UN HUMAN RIGHTS respect to East Timor. spread stereotyped prejudice in the West 26. With respect to the 12 November toward “all things Islam and Muslim in this MONITORING OFFICE 1991 incident in Dili, the Government of world.” Such insensitivity had carried over IN JAKARTA Indonesia agreed to continue the search for into the main U.N. human rights forum. the missing. The Government would make He delivered the unusually stinging attack Publico, 6 April 1996. By Joaquim Trigo de available to the High Commissioner any new days before the 53-nation body opens its Negreiros. Translated from Portuguese, information on the Dili incident and the annual six-week session Monday. Abridged persons who were unaccounted for. The China – which last year foiled a Western Lisbon – Indonesia has already agreed to National Human Rights Commission of attempt to censure its human rights record the setting up of a UN human rights moni- Indonesia for its part might decide to inves- for the fifth successive year – as well as toring office in Jakarta. The EU’s draft con- tigate the Dili incident if “new elements Iran, Iraq and Sudan are expected to be sensual statement, to be submitted to the emerge.” among the main targets of Western criticism. UN Commission on Human Rights, refers to 27. It was agreed that the Memorandum “The biggest obstacle to achieving under- this agreement and to free access to East of Intent between the Government of Indo- standing in the field of human rights is the Timor by UN officials. If Jakarta disagrees, nesia and the Commissioner for Human political factor that is injected into discus- the Timor issue could again go back to Ge- Rights/Centre for Human Rights (signed on sions almost every time it arises at the in- neva and be put to the vote. 24 October 1994) would be upgraded to a East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 119

Confirmation of the green light from In- being done to the regime’s international AMNESTY REFUSES TO donesia for installing an office in Jakarta for image. SPEAK AT UNHRC MEETING the UN High Commissioner for Human Two Alternatives Rights, and the guarantee that UN officials Faced with Indonesia’s expected resis- summarized could go to East Timor whenever they wish, tance, the EU (the official originator of the without the need for Indonesian governmen- Geneva, April 16 (LUSA) - Amnesty In- proposed consensual statement) will have tal authorisation, are the strong points in the ternational created an incident today at the two alternatives. It could either tone down draft statement which the EU will be pre- UN Human Rights Commission meeting in the text in order to secure Jakarta’s agree- senting at the UN Commission on Human Geneva, by refusing to speak on human ment, or toughen its position and abandon Rights (UNCHR), meeting in Geneva. rights violations. the proposed statement, substituting it with It is a proposed consensual statement, AI’s permanent UN representative, Isa- a proposed resolution, which would put the co-ordinated by the EU’s Italian presidency belle Scherer, said AI decided “for the first Timor issue to the vote at the Commission’s with the active participation of Portuguese time in its history not to make its oral pres- plenary session. diplomacy which, in turn, closely liaised entation on human rights” by country, as a The last time that happened was in 1993. with the Timorese resistance while the protest against the “prevalence of political Given the impossibility of reaching a con- document was being drawn up. It is not yet and economic interests of humanitarian is- sensual solution (rejected by Jakarta), a a final text, and can only become so once the sues.” Scherer considered that the time limit resolution was adopted, with the decisive agreement of the party it refers to (Indone- of five minutes imposed by the commission support of the US. The result was: 23 votes sia) has been obtained. Therefore, Indonesia to the NGOs is insufficient and does not for, 12 against. This was a crushing defeat (who will have a place on the UNCHR this allow justice to the suffering of human rights for Indonesia, which it would not like to see year) would first have to agree to the terms victims. repeated this year. of the European proposal, and only then Scherer justified AI’s position by that could the Commission’s presidency take up despite AI’s former denunciation of human the document as its own and present it in UN TO DISCUSS rights violations in China, Colombia, Indo- the form of a consensual statement. SITUATION IN TIMOR nesia and East Timor, Nigeria, and Turkey, This year’s UNCHR meeting will end on and despite “clear testimonies of serious 26 April and, as in previous years, negotia- Diario de Noticias, 10 April 1996. Trans- violations there,” the commission has not tions on the statement on East Timor could lated from Portuguese, abridged “taken effective measures regarding these well last until almost the end of the ses- Lisbon – According to a UN spokesper- countries.” sions. In what is always a difficult and intri- son, the human rights situation in East cate negotiating process, Jakarta’s interests Timor is to be reviewed on Monday 15th NEGOTIATIONS AT HUMAN will be defended by the Indonesian Foreign April, at the annual meeting of the UN’s RIGHTS COMMISSION Ministry’s Director of Political Affairs, Commission on Human Rights (UNCHR), expected to arrive in Geneva early next being held in Geneva until the end of this Publico, 16 April 1996. By Joaquim Trigo de week. Then, ‘battle’ will commence. month. Negreiros. Translated from Portuguese, It should not be difficult for Indonesia to East Timor will be discussed under Abridged agree to a statement that mentions the in- Agenda Item 10 which deals with violation The clock’s ticking away in Geneva: In- stallation of a UN office in Jakarta. Verbal of human rights and fundamental freedoms. donesian diplomats and Italians (represent- assurances to this effect were already given Four young Timorese as well as Ambassa- ing the Presidency of the EU) have just 72 by Minister Ali Alatas last year when he dor Goncalo Santa Clara, head of the Portu- hours in which to reach an understanding. met the UN High Commissioner for Human guese delegation, will address the meeting. They have been meeting since yesterday to Rights himself, Ayala Lasso. At that time, (...) Allegations made by NGOs of hu- negotiate a consensus declaration on East however, the response on the question of man rights abuses on the part of Indonesia, Timor at the UN Commission on Human the UN representatives in Jakarta having which are referred to in the UN Secretary Rights (UNCHR). free access to East Timor was not quite so General’s report sent to the Commission in The short space of time for negotiations clear. March, and other accusations, such as those has annoyed the Timorese Resistance. Ra- Nevertheless, the EU, spurred on by Lis- contained in Amnesty International’s latest mos Horta, in Geneva to closely follow the bon and the Timorese resistance, will be report, will be reviewed during this session. Commission’s sessions, would have liked trying to go even further. Their aim is to get Amnesty International’s 1995 Report in- the process to have started earlier. The the statement to include an invitation to cludes reference to thirteen executions of problem is that the deadline for presentation other high-placed UN officials - for example, civilians in East Timor by the Indonesian of draft resolutions - the possible alternative the special rapporteur on torture, or the army, and about 200 politically motivated if they fail to reach an agreed text for the working group on arbitrary arrests - to visit arrests in the territory. The AI Report also declaration - is Thursday. This leaves very the territory. criticises the UNCHR for its passivity in little time for the European Union, the offi- As they still try to digest the heavy after the face of the persisting situation in East cial “mother” of the draft consensus declara- effects of the recent visit of the UN High Timor, suggesting that the Commission tion, to find the necessary co-sponsors for a Commissioner on Human Rights, and with ignored “serious violations committed by document to be put to the vote at the Com- the impact of the visit of the special rappor- Indonesia.” mission’s plenary. teur on summary executions still fresh in The Becora prison riot in early February, This scenario would appear to be favour their memories (both were invited to visit and the subsequent police operations will Jakarta. Sensing that a draft resolution Timor as a result of statements agreed with also be discussed during the Geneva meet- reaching the plenary would be weak, the Indonesia in Geneva) Jakarta’s diplomats ing. Indonesian diplomats would be in a position are going to resist any further invitations to impose a very watered down consensus being made, so as to avoid greater damage declaration. Page 120 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

All this, which serves to complicate the screen of domestic jurisdiction or national concern. During 1995, 17 prisoners of con- handling of the Timor issue at the UNCHR, sovereignty could prevent the international science had been brought to trial and sen- has resulted from the procedure being in- community from identifying human rights tenced to prison terms for organizing and verted in 1993, the last year in which Timor violations and demanding that governments participating in peaceful demonstrations. At was voted on in Geneva. (...) Because some remedy acts that offended the conscience least 35 Timorese prisoners were currently of Portugal’s partners in the EU did not like and values of humankind. ... serving sentences of up to life imprisonment the idea of having to vote on a resolution The European Union remained deeply for their peaceful opposition to Indonesian against Indonesia, and having no choice but concerned at the human rights situation in rule in East Timor. According to practically to do so, they had the procedure changed: Myanmar, he said. The Union urged the all evidence available, the increasing pres- from 1993 onwards, the base text would no State Law and Order Restoration Council to ence of military forces strongly contributed longer be a draft resolution but a consensus release immediately and unconditionally all to the tension prevailing in East Timor. The declaration. This new procedure puts Ja- detained political prisoners. The release of United States Department of State human karta’s negotiators in a more comfortable Daw Aung San Suu Kyi was an important rights report stated that the use of torture position, as they no longer have hanging first step, but she and her National League continued in detention facilities run by mili- over them the threat of a draft resolution for Democracy colleagues continued to be tary intelligence in Indonesia. Military au- already fully equipped with its influential excluded from the political process in thorities continued the practice of detaining co-sponsors in the Commission. Myanmar. The Union also continued to people without warrants, charges or court follow with serious concern the situation in proceedings. Dialogue was the only route to EAST TIMOR CAUSES East Timor, where, according to reports, peace and justice in East Timor. IMPASSE IN GENEVA violations of human rights continued to take PER HAUGESTAD (Norway) said the place. The Union welcomed the cooperation implementation of the peace agreement in Diario de Noticias, 17 April 1996. Trans- the Government had extended to the High former Yugoslavia required a determined lated from Portuguese, Abridged Commissioner for Human Rights. The Un- effort by the parties to the conflict, as well ion urged the Government to implement the as the support of the international commu- The negotiations between the EU and In- High Commissioner’s recommendations. ... nity. Norway would provide economic as- donesia in Geneva on the text of a consensus HOWARD BAMSEY (Australia) said sistance to a number of human rights organi- declaration on East Timor made hardly any the Commission’s ability to scrutinize (hu- zations in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia progress at yesterday’s session. The nego- man rights issues was a crucial test of its and Serbia. Meanwhile, the gross violations tiations are taking place during the 52nd credibility. International activity on human of human rights by the parties in the Che- session of the UN Commission on Human rights had led to the realization and accep- chen Republic, as well as the plight of inno- Rights, and involve the Portuguese, Indone- tance that international scrutiny of human cent civilians, had given rise to growing con- sian and Italian delegations. rights abuses around the world was appro- cern. Although the head of the Portuguese priate and desirable. Australia regretted that Turning to the situation in Africa, he said delegation, Ambassador Goncalo Santa Clara some governments – notably those of Cuba, democratic institutions and human rights Gomes, refused to comment on what went Sudan and Iraq – had not cooperated with seemed to be gaining a firm footing in most on at the meeting, LUSA learned that “little the Commission’s mechanisms. Australia of the countries of southern Africa, includ- or no” headway had been made as the talks had also been distressed at the failure of the ing South Africa. Regarding Nigeria, how- had come to a stumbling block - the defini- Nigerian military regime to observe interna- ever, Norway had been horrified by the tion of the form and mandate of the Human tionally accepted human rights standards. brutal execution of author Ken Saro-Wiwa Rights Centre in Jakarta, and the way in Turning to the situation in countries in and eight others by the authorities. In which such a centre would monitor the the Asian and Pacific region, Mr. Bamsey Kenya, harassment and arbitrary detention situation in East Timor. said Australia was concerned about the of opposition politicians continued. In Asia, Ambassador Santa Clara met with one of situation in Myanmar, While Daw Aung San the human rights situation in East Timor the Resistance representatives present in Suu Kyi and some other political prisoners continued to give cause for concern. In Geneva, José Ramos Horta, who told LUSA had been freed, much remained to be done. Myanmar, although Aung San Suu Kyi had that progress had not, in fact, been made due In China, the observance of human rights been released, the authorities had been un- to Indonesia’s “intransigence.” Ramos Horta was important for the strengthening of sta- willing to enter into a dialogue with her. was in favour a draft resolution being put to bility and continued economic growth. Norway welcomed the steps taken by the the vote and seemed confident that the out- China had made considerable progress in Government of China to strengthen the come would be favourable. economic and social areas but Australia human rights of the individual. However, remained concern about the fundamental there were reports of human rights viola- UNHRC EXCERPTS rights there, including the freedoms of tions in the country, including in Tibet. In speech and assembly, the right to a fair trial Latin America, the situation in Colombia The following are excerpts from UN Press and religious liberty, especially within Ti- continued to be a matter of concern. Nor- Releases (which are themselves para- bet. As for the situation in East Timor, the way was also concerned over the human phrases) from testimony given at the UN Indonesian Government had made consider- rights situations in Iran, Iraq and Guatemala. Human Rights Commission in Geneva, as it able efforts to improve the economy of the MASAKI KONISHI (Japan) said viola- relates to East Timor: island. Nevertheless, Australia remained tions of human rights in Afghanistan were HR/CN/741 18 April 1996 concerned about human rights problems widespread, as reported by the Special there. Australia had also registered with the Rapporteur on the situation in the country. Government representative statements Papua New Guinea Government concern at All States and warring factions must rally P. TORELLA DI ROMAGNANO (It- the situation on Bougainville. behind United Nations efforts to restore aly), speaking on behalf of the European GONCALO DE SANTA CLARA peace and stability in the country. In Co- Union, said governments should be held GOMES (Portugal) said the deteriorating lombia, the situation unfortunately had not accountable when violations took place. No situation in East Timor justified the gravest improved in any significant manner, and East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 121 while Japan appreciated the Colombian INDONESIA ACCUSED AT THE UN nothing contained in the earlier Statements Government’s efforts to date, the authori- COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS has been implemented. ties should go further. Japan also called once again upon Cuba to permit the Special Rap- Diario de Noticias, 18 April 1996. Trans- CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT ON lated from Portuguese, Abridged porteur to carry out his mandate in full, EAST TIMOR particularly by allowing him to visit. The The leader of the Portuguese delegation Following consultations, I would like to situation there remained of matter of con- to the 52nd session of the UN Commission make a statement announcing what has been cern. A solution to the problems in Cyprus on Human Rights delivered a fairly strong agreed by consensus by the Commission on was still necessary, and Japan sincerely speech against Indonesia, accusing it of con- the situation of human rights in East Timor. hoped that negotiations would be resumed tinuing to violate fundamental rights in 1. The Commission on Human Rights between the two sides under the auspices of Timor. During his intervention, the Ambas- discussed the human rights situation in East the Secretary-General. Japan also remained sador Santa Clara Gomes stressed the fact Timor. concerned about human rights problems in that “serious human rights violations” con- 2. The Commission continues to follow Iran, Iraq, Myanmar, Nigeria, Rwanda, Su- tinue in Timor, namely in the form of mas- with deep concern the reports on violations dan, East Timor, the former Yugoslavia and sive emigration to the territory (from other of human rights in East Timor. Zaire. parts of Indonesia) and heavy (Indonesian) 3. The Commission recalls the undertak- NGO Statements military presence. ings by the Government of Indonesia to He went on to say that Indonesia was the promote human rights in East Timor and JOSÉ RAMOS HARTA (sic), of the source of the “general atmosphere of fear, Movement against Racism and for Friend- those contained in Chairman’s Statement at mistrust and intimidation” in Timor. Be- previous sessions on the matter. The Com- ship among Peoples, said the Indonesian tween January and December 1995, 17 pris- authorities had subjected him to various mission stressed the need to take further oners of conscience had been brought to trial steps towards their implementation, includ- kinds of torture during his illegal detention. and sentenced to imprisonment for organis- He had been able to leave the country only ing the early release of East Timorese de- ing peaceful demonstrations, and there were tained or convicted and the further clarifica- with the help of the International Commit- now 35 Timorese serving sentences of up to tee of the Red Cross and the Embassy of tion of the circumstances surrounding the life imprisonment because they had ex- Dili incident of 1991. Japan in Jakarta, where he had sought ref- pressed, in a non-violent manner, their op- uge. Many of his countrymen from East 4. The Commission notes with satisfac- position to Indonesia’s occupation of the tion the greater access recently granted by Timor continued to suffer from repression territory. by the authorities. the Indonesian authorities to international Quoting reports from “reliable wit- media and humanitarian organisations and From UN press release paraphrases, nesses,” the diplomat said that Indonesia’s trusts that it will be expanded further to April 18: HR/CN/743 strong military presence in the territory was human rights organisations. AGUS TARMIDZI (Indonesia) said prolonging the atmosphere of tension, which 5. The Commission welcomes the visit to pontification, pressure, and condemnatory had been recognised by the former Austra- East Timor of the High Commissioner for resolutions did not succeed in fostering hu- lian Foreign Minister, Gareth Evans. Human Rights, Mr. José Ayala Lasso, on 6 man rights. Yet, in deliberation of item 10, December 1995, and stressed the impor- some countries had made misleading and UNHRC CHAIRMAN’S tance of this visit in the context of last unsubstantiated references to the situation CONSENSUS STATEMENT year’s Chairman’s Statement. The Commis- of human rights in East Timor, alleging, sion notes with satisfaction the understand- vaguely and selectively, that there were Tapol report, 23 April. ing reached between the Indonesian authori- cases of torture, disappearances, arbitrary The following Consensus Statement was ties and the High Commissioner concerning detentions, and summary executions. There adopted at the UN Human Rights Commis- the upgrading of the current MOI (Memo- had been riots, it was true, but those were sion in Geneva on 22 April. It is difficult to randum of Intention) on the technical coop- not “peaceful,” as claimed – and contrary to see how they could have produced a more eration in the field of human rights, signed in allegations, not 300 people but 96 had been minimalist statement than this. The Commis- Jakarta on 26 October 1994, into an MOU detained, with most immediately released; sion has surpassed itself in doing nothing (Memorandum of Understanding). In this only 20 remained in custody. for East Timor. context, it was also provisionally agreed to Indonesia had reduced military forces sta- look into the possibility (sic, the wording tioned in East Timor, and the remaining five For those unfamiliar with the Commission’s could hardly be vaguer) of the High Com- battalions were involved in civic missions procedures, a resolution condemning the missioner assigning a programme officer and in helping to rebuild infrastructure, he human rights situation could have been within the office of UNDP (UN Develop- continued. Stern measures had always been adopted but would have need support from ment Programme) in Jakarta in order to fol- taken to eliminate improper conduct by sufficient countries to ensure its passage. In low-up the implementation of the technical security forces. Indonesia, as a sovereign theory, a Consensus Statement is considered cooperation agreement. This officer would State, reserved the right to refuse access to to have advantages over a resolution be- also have regular access to East Timor. organizations advancing human rights cause it is adopted with the agreement of 6. The Commission welcomes the inten- Indonesia and is supposed to be binding. claims, but whose real purposes were politi- tion of the Government of Indonesia to cal. Any attempt to link the human rights Since the Santa Cruz Massacre in 1991, continue to cooperate with the Commission situation with resolution of the political there have been three Consensus Statements on Human Rights and its mechanisms as question of East Timor was indefensible, - in 1992, 1994 and 1995 - to which we now well as its intention to invite a thematic and the Government rejected it. add the 1996 Statement. (In 1993, a strongly rapporteur in 1997. worded resolution was adopted.) Apart from 7. The Commission welcomes the result allowing the Special Rapporteur on Extraju- of the seventh round of the tripartite dia- dicial Killings and the UN High Commis- logue between the Foreign Ministers of sioner for Human Rights to visit East Timor, Page 122 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Indonesia and Portugal under the auspices of gations of “very grave violations” of human Commissioner asked the Government of the United National Secretary-General on rights there and called for improvement. Indonesia to pay compensation to the fami- the question of East Timor, held in London lies of the victims. He stressed the need to on 16 January 1996 and encourages the COMMISSION ON HUMAN continue the search for the disappeared and Secretary-General to continue his good of- RIGHTS CONCLUDES dead. fices for achieving a just, comprehensive and The High Commissioner recognized that internationally acceptable solution to the ANNUAL GENERAL DEBAT E progress has been made in the field of hu- question of East Timor. man rights in Indonesia, most notably UN News Release HR/CN/748, 24 April 8. The Commission welcomes the infor- through the establishment of the National 1996 [excerpts] mal bilateral meeting between President Human Rights Commission. Furthermore, Soeharto and Prime Minister Guterres dur- GENEVA, 24 April (UN Information the Government of Indonesia expressed its ing the ASEM in Bangkok on 29 February Service) – With a flurry of final pleas for determination to further the cooperation 1996 and expresses the hope that it will greater respect for the human rights of chil- with the mechanisms of the Commission contribute positively to the ongoing tripar- dren, the Commission on Human Rights this and continue to implement their recommen- tite dialogue. The Commission also wel- evening concluded five weeks of general dations. The Government publicly indicated comes the holding of the All-Inclusive intra- debate. It will spend the remainder of the that it would extend invitations to United East Timorese dialogue in Burg Schlaining, week voting on draft resolutions and review- Nations human rights rapporteurs and Austria, from 19 to 22 March 1996. ing and adopting its report. working groups “in due time.” 9. The Commission requests the Secre- At the marathon meeting, the Commis- The Government also informed the High tary-General to keep it informed on the sion also elected 13 experts and several al- Commissioner that it had adopted a policy situation of human rights in East Timor and ternate members to its principal subsidiary of acceding to United Nations human rights will consider it at its fifty-third session. body, the Subcommission on Prevention of instruments on a priority basis. Ratification Discrimination and Protection of Minorities. of the Convention against Torture had been UN RIGHTS BODY EXPRESSES Reports before Commission set as the first priority. CONCERN ABOUT EAST TIMOR The Commission had before it the report With respect to the 12 November 1991 Geneva, April 23 Reuter – The United of the High Commissioner for Human incident in Dili, the Government of Indone- Nations Human Rights Commission ex- Rights, José Ayala-Lasso, entitled, “Making sia agreed to continue the search for the pressed “deep concern” on Tuesday over Human Rights a Reality"; and a report on missing. The Government would make reports of violations of human rights in East the High Commissioner’s visit to Indonesia available to the High Commissioner any new Timor. and East Timor last December. information on the Dili incident and the In a statement from the chairman of the ... persons who were unaccounted for. The 53-member body, adopted by consensus, it The report of the High Commissioner on National Human Rights Commission of also called on Indonesia to fully investigate a his visit to Indonesia and East Timor recalls Indonesia, for its part, might decide to in- November 1991 incident in which up to 200 that Mr. Ayala-Lasso met, among others, vestigate the Dili incident if “new elements East Timorese demonstrators were killed by the President of Indonesia, the Minister for emerge.” Indonesian troops. Foreign Affairs and the Defence Minister. It was agreed that the Memorandum of Jakarta acknowledges only about 50 The High Commissioner also met Xanana Intent between the Government of Indone- people were killed. The statement by the Gusmão, the jailed East Timorese leader of sia and the High Commissioner for Human U.N.’s main human rights body urged Secre- the Revolutionary Front for the Independ- Rights/Centre for Human Rights (signed on tary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali to ence of East Timor (FRETILIN). 24 October 1994) would be upgraded to a continue his efforts toward “achieving a According to the report, the High Com- memorandum of understanding. In that con- just, comprehensive and internationally missioner had very frank talks with the text, a human rights presence would be es- acceptable solution to the question of the Government of Indonesia on key human tablished in Jakarta within the United Na- East Timor.” rights issues and considered that his visit tions office there. The United Nations still regards Portugal, was an important step for the promotion East Timor’s former colonial power, as the and protection of human rights in Indonesia JAKARTA’S administering power in East Timor. Indone- and East Timor. During his visit, the High sia invaded East Timor in 1975 and annexed INTERPRETATION OF Commissioner gave the Government a UNHRC STATEMENT it a year later. memorandum containing a list of issues that “The Commission continues to follow have been raised by thematic special rappor- Jakarta Post, 29 April. Abridged with deep concern the reports on violations teurs and other mechanisms of the Commis- Indonesia says a statement by the UN of human rights in East Timor,” it said. sion and by relevant human rights treaty Human Rights Commission acknowledged The statement recalled Indonesia’s bodies. He stressed the importance for In- progress made by Jakarta in the territory, pledges to promote human rights in East donesia of ensuring full cooperation with all though it expressed some concerns. A senior Timor and stressed the need to take further the instruments and mechanisms of the official of the Foreign Ministry said the steps toward their implementation, “includ- United Nations human rights programme. ing the early release of the East Timorese statement issued at the end of the commis- He made reference to the importance of sion meeting last Wednesday was ‘accept- detained or convicted and the further clarifi- ratifying international human rights instru- able.’ cation of the circumstances surrounding the ments and asked the Government of Indone- Hasan Wirayuda who was part of the Dili incident of 1991.” sia to give international human rights non- delegation at the Geneva meeting, said most The Commission welcomed the visit last governmental organizations full access to points expressed either ‘satisfaction’ or December to East Timor by U.N. Human Indonesia and East Timor. ‘welcome’ towards various developments in Rights Commissioner José Ayala Lasso. In With respect to the incident that occurred East Timor. The ‘deep concern’ expressed his report published in March, he cited alle- in Dili on 12 November 1991, the High in the statement was over alleged reports of East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 123 violations, he said. ‘It did not make judg- ing, as the Committee opened its 1996 ses- that the Special Committee maintain the ments on the situation itself.’ sion. working group as a steering committee, as On the question of ‘future presence of In a statement read out on his behalf by well as the Subcommittee on Small Territo- human rights organisations,’ in East Timor, Under-Secretary-General Chinmaya R. ries, Petitions, Information and Assistance. Hasan said this actually pointed to a techni- Gharekhan, the Secretary-General praised Annexed to the note is a list of matters cal cooperation programme in the field of the Committee and said that its successes pending for consideration by the Special human rights. The possibility of assigning a since 1961 had changed the international Committee. They include East Timor, Falk- programme officer at the UN office in Ja- landscape. In view of the recent aggravation land Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, New karta is a follow-up to the Memorandum of of the financial crisis, he stressed the impor- Caledonia, and Western Sahara. The Com- Intent on technical cooperation in human tance of cooperation between the Special mittee may also consider items on: Puerto rights signed last year and not meant to Committee and the administering Powers Rico; American Samoa; the activities of assume a monitoring role of human rights and of regular contacts between the Com- foreign economic and other interests which practices. mittee and the representatives of the Non- impede implementation of the Declaration; Hasan said Indonesia has agreed to invite Self-Governing Territories. military activities and arrangements by co- a ‘thematic rapporteur’ instead of ‘special The Committee decided to maintain the lonial Powers in Territories under their ad- rapporteur’ from the UN to visit the coun- working group and the Subcommittee on ministration; and implementation of the try in 1997. Small Territories, Petitions, Information and Declaration by the specialized agencies and The ‘thematic rapporteur’ is issue- Assistance. It also decided that the working the international institutions. oriented and not designated to investigate a group should continue to study ways and At its forty-third session in 1988, the specific country, while the term ‘special means of expediting the Committee’s man- General Assembly declared the period 1990- rapporteur’ can imply a person who is as- date. It decided to postpone for further 2000 the International Decade for the Eradi- signed towards a specific country for gross consideration when the Committee as a cation of Colonialism. In 1991, the Assem- human rights violations. whole and the working group would hold bly adopted as a Plan of Action for the In- With regard to earlier reports suggestions their meetings. ternational Decade for the Eradication of that the chairman’s statement called on In- The Committee elected Alimany Pallo Colonialism the proposals contained in the donesia to fully investigate the 1991 Dili Bangura (Sierra Leone) as Chairman, Bruno annex to the report of the Secretary-General, incident, Hasan said the statement merely E. Rodriguez Parrilla (Cuba) and Utula dated 13 December 1991 (document stated the need for further clarifications on Utuoc Samana (Papua New Guinea) as Vice- A/46/634/Rev.1). The Plan, among other the circumstances surrounding the incident. Chairmen, and Farouk Al-Attar (Syria) as things, provided that the Sp ecial Committee ‘This means that they (the commission Rapporteur. Mr. Samana was appointed should: prepare periodic analyses of the members) have accepted our report, and just Chairman of the Subcommittee. Pending progress and extent of the implementation want further clarifications,’ he said. final approval from the Government of of the Declaration; review the impact of the Trinidad and Tobago, it postponed appoint- economic and social situation on the consti- ing Rosyln Lauren Khan-Cummings as Vice- tutional and political advancement of Non- OTHER UN ACTIVITIES Chairman/Rapporteur of the Subcommittee. Self-Governing Territories; and, in order to On the subject of East Timor, the repre- review progress, organize during the Decade sentative of Indonesia said that for many seminars in the Caribbean and Pacific re- DECOLONIZATION years the Committee had been dealing with a gions, alternately, as well as at United Na- SUCCESSES HAVE non-issue that should never have been be- tions Headquarters. CHANGED INTERNATIONAL fore the Committee in the first place. Con- During its fiftieth session, the Assembly sideration of that item could undermine the requested the Special Committee to continue LANDSCAPE ongoing talks being held under the auspices to seek the immediate and full implementa- of the Secretary-General. tion of the Declaration and to carry out the SAYS SECRETARY-GENERAL TO The representative of Portugal said the actions approved by the Assembly regard- SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON situation created by Indonesia in East Timor ing the International Decade. In particular, DECOLONIZATION had not been recognized by the United Na- the Special Committee was asked to: make U.N. Press Release GA/COL/2954, 16 Feb. tions. The Committee had a very clear man- proposals for the elimination of the remain- Excerpts date on the matter, and it should continue to ing manifestations of colonialism; continue Special Committee on decolonization, 1996 fulfil that mandate until the situation was to examine the implementation by Member 1454th Meeting (AM) successfully resolved. States of resolutions on decolonization; Committee Work Programme continue to pay special attention to the Statement Delivered by Under- small Territories, in particular through the The Special Committee on the Situation Secretary-General Chinmaya R. dispatch of regular visiting missions; rec- with regard to the Implementation of the Gharekhan; Committee Opens 1996 ommend steps to enable those Territories to Declaration on the Granting of Independ- Session, Discusses East Timor’s Inclu- exercise their right to self-determination and ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples met sion on Agenda independence; and enlist world-wide sup- this morning to elect its officers and con- port for the achievement of the objectives of “You may rely on my complete coopera- sider its organization of work. the Declaration. tion in your efforts to achieve the goals set The Committee had before it a note from As at 1 January 1996, the Special Com- for you by the General Assembly,” Secre- its Chairman (document A/AC.109/L.1841) mittee was composed of the following 23 tary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali told which takes up subsidiary bodies, the allo- members: Afghanistan, Chile, China, Congo, the Special Committee on the Situation with cation of items, the order of priority, rec- Côte d’Ivoire, Cuba, Ethiopia, Fiji, Grenada, regard to the Implementation of the Declara- ommendations of the Committee to the India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Mali, Papua tion on the Granting of Independence to Assembly, and utilization of conference- New Guinea, Russian Federation, Sierra Colonial Countries and Peoples this morn- servicing resources. The Chairman suggests Leone, Syria, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Page 124 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

United Republic of Tanzania, Venezuela and administering Powers in a spirit of coopera- continued. Accordingly, there should be an Yugoslavia. (The Government of Bulgaria tion to achieve the goal of eradicating coloni- increase of resources made available to the decided to withdraw from the membership alism by the year 2000. He urged all con- Committee. He would prefer to keep the in the Special Committee as from 1 August cerned, including the specialized agencies sessions to hear petitioners in August. The 1995.) and institutions of the United Nations and Committee should keep intact the number of Statement by Secretary-General various regional organizations, to provide all meetings, as well as the resources provided necessary assistance to those Territories. He by the Secretariat. CHINMAYA R. GHAREKHAN, Sp e- called particular attention to the need for the ANTONIO NORONHA GAMITO cial Political Adviser to Secretary-General support from all concerned for the United (Portugal) said East Timor was a Non-Self- Boutros Boutros-Ghali, speaking on behalf Nations Mission for the Referendum in Governing Territory established by the of the Secretary-General, declared open the Western Sahara (MINURSO) in the execu- General Assembly and had always been 1996 session of the Special Committee on tion of its mandate with regard to Western inscribed on the Committee’s agenda. Each decolonization, and said that in the wake of Sahara, the largest territory that remained on year, the Secretary-General requested Por- the fiftieth anniversary of the United Na- the Special Committee’s agenda. Such sup- tugal to supply information on that Terri- tions and the thirty-fifth anniversary since port would be essential in order to overcome tory, a request that Portugal complied with the inception of the Special Committee, the existing obstacles to the holding of a free and as administering Power, despite the fact that Committee’s endeavours served as a re- fair referendum in the territory. it was hampered in fulfilling that obligation. minder that the task of decolonization was He noted that, in 1995, the Special The Assembly had not taken any decision not yet at an end. Committee had demonstrated a practical and that would lead the Committee not to in- Due to its untiring efforts, its successes flexible approach to its work. He regretted scribe the item on its agenda. had changed the international landscape, he that the recent aggravation of the financial The decolonization of East Timor had continued. It was due to the Special Com- crisis obliged him to urge the members of the not been completed, he said. He did not mittee that many Member States had joined Special Committee to exercise maximum support altering the framework in which the the United Nations. The unswerving devo- restraint and economy in use of its re- question would be considered. His Govern- tion and relentless efforts of the Committee sources. In conclusion, he assured the ment was committed to the ongoing efforts to ensure that the peoples of the Non-Self- Committee that he attached great impor- of the Special Committee in that matter, as Governing Territories exercised their right to tance to its work. “You may rely on my well as those of the Secretary-General. self-determination stood as a beacon of hope complete cooperation in your efforts to UTULA UTUOC SAMANA (Papua for the peoples of those Territories. achieve the goals set for you by the General New Guinea) said that, given the mounting He said despite the immense and daunt- Assembly,” he said. financial pressures on the United Nations, ing task embodied in Chapter XI of the the work of the Committee was particularly Charter and in General Assembly resolu- Statements crucial. In the interest of economizing and tions 1514 (XV) and 1541 (XV), the Sp ecial REZLAN ISHAR JENIE (Indonesia) reorganizing, the United Nations must not Committee, at a time of increasing difficulty said that, for many years, the Committee undermine the integrity of its mandate and for the United Nations, had made an impor- had been dealing with a non-issue that its responsibility to redeem the sacred trust tant contribution to the field of decoloniza- should never have been before the Commit- of the peoples who looked to the Organiza- tion. There remained some 17 Non-Self- tee in the first place. Consideration of that tion to serve their interests and their rights. Governing Territories, all of which enjoyed item – the question of East Timor – did not To economize, the Committee could con- the right to self-determination, with options contribute to the ongoing tripartite dialogue sider the possibility of integrating the work that included independence, free association being held under the auspices of the Secre- of the Committee and the Subcommittee on with another State or integrating with an- tary-General, and such consideration could Small Territories. In addition, it should look other State. undermine those talks. Among the items at the list of the Territories under considera- Not all were in the same category, he under consideration were the preservation of tion and seriously consider whether it was said. The great majority were small island the cultural identity of the East Timor peo- going to be possible to meet the targets of Territories which suffered from various ple and bilateral relations between Indonesia the Declaration by the year 2000. handicaps, including limited size, remote- and Portugal. Indonesia objected to the in- Mr. JENIE (Indonesia) said the represen- ness, vulnerability to natural disasters, lack clusion of the item on the agenda. tative of Portugal had failed to take note of of natural resources, as well as migration of IVAN RAUL NUÑEZ LOPEZ (Cuba) the history surrounding East Timor. Portu- skilled personnel. In recognition of that fact, said the work of the Committee must con- gal had abandoned East Timor, thereby ut- the General Assembly had asked the Special tinue. In recent times, there had been an terly mishandling the decolonization process Committee to pay particular attention to the emergence of ideas, in terms of restructuring and relinquishing its responsibility as ad- small Territories in order to promote politi- the United Nations, that would strip away ministering Power. The people of East cal, economic and social conditions condu- some of the importance of the Committee, Timor had achieved independence through cive to the exercise of their right to self- despite the fact that a great deal of work still integration with the people of Indonesia. determination. needed to be done. There were territories Mr. GAMITO (Portugal) said now was It was of vital importance, he continued, where the feeling for independence was still not the place or time to get into polemics on that there be constructive cooperation be- alive, as in the case of Puerto Rico. The the question of East Timor. He thanked the tween the Special Committee and the admin- establishment of military bases and military representative of Indonesia for teaching him istering Powers and regular contacts be- activities there by the administering Power history. The situation created by Indonesia tween the Sp ecial Committee and the repre- should continue to be examined. in East Timor had not been recognized by sentatives of the Non-Self-Governing Terri- So long as there were people calling for the United Nations. The Committee had a tories in order to accelerate the process of the exercise of their right to independence very clear mandate on the matter, as did the self-determination. In that way, the Special and as long as there was one petitioner that Secretary-General, which was why the ne- Committee could keep itself informed of the wanted to be heard by the Committee, there gotiations were ongoing. The Committee situation in the Territories and work with was a need for the Committee to exist, he East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 125 should continue to fulfil its mandate until GUINEA-BISSAU PRESIDES ing, especially in light of the United Na- the situation was successfully resolved. tions’ financial troubles. FAROUK AL-ATTAR (Syria) said the UNSC NON-ALIGNED GROUP On Tuesday, the organization ran out of work of the Committee must continue until translated money from its regular operating budget, it attained the goal of complete decoloniza- mostly because of delays by the United tion, an event which would be a great Bissau, April 2 (LUSA) - One day after States, Germany and Japan in paying their achievement for the United Nations. He Guinea-Bissau took presidency of the UN arrears. hoped that the Committee would make im- Security Council Non-Aligned Group, for- Chief U.N. financial officer Joseph Con- portant strides forward. eign minister Delfim da Silva states that the nor said he would borrow $50 million from Mr. JENIE (Indonesia) said the last time East Timorese National liberation movement the separate peacekeeping fund to pay the the General Assembly had voted on the is an unfinished process that must be re- bills. The United Nations already owes question of East Timor was in 1982. Pro- sumed. Da Silva says it is desirable that about $1 billion to the fund, which reim- posed by Portugal, the resolution had not progress on the matter be made “for the burses member states participating in its 16 been supported by 90 members of the As- benefit of uncluttering international coopera- peacekeeping missions. sembly. The issue had first been brought tion with the countries in that region.” Member nations concerned about the fi- before the Assembly in 1975, at which time “Guinea-Bissau is the product of a Na- nancial problems have often cited the de- the Assembly had adopted a resolution tional liberation movement and it’s in this colonization conference as an example of the critical of Indonesia. The change in voting perspective that we view the East Timorese waste – and of the difficulty of pruning showed the increased understanding of the National liberation movement as an unfin- operations that may have outlived their Member States regarding the question of ished process that must be resumed,” said usefulness. East Timor. Delfim da Silva. The decolonization committee was estab- Mr. GAMITO (Portugal) said the Com- Guinea-Bissau maintains diplomatic and lished soon after World War II, and emerged mittee should remain aware of the fact that economic relations with Indonesia. In 1994, as a champion of peoples seeking independ- there were several resolutions relevant to the then foreign minister Bernardino Cardoso ence from colonial powers. question of East Timor. The Committee and defended that Guinea has always separated But dozens of former colonies and terri- the Secretary-General had specific mandates the political and humanitarian issues from tories are now independent, and many U.N. regarding East Timor. the economic and diplomatic ones, consid- members ask whether the committee is still ered “distinct.” needed. U.N. GENERAL ASSEMBLY In 1993, Guinea-Bissau offered to host Nonetheless, U.N. officials say they have Xanana Gusmão who was at the time sen- PRESIDENT IN MACAU no authority to abolish or curtail the work tence to life in prison, later commuted to a of the committee unless the 185-member 20-year sentence. [abridged] U.N. General Assembly authorizes them to do so. MACAU, March 2 (UPI) – U.N. Gen- UN DECOLONIZATION The General Assembly, where every eral Assembly President Diogo Freitas Do MEETING ATTACKED U.N. member has an equal vote, continues Amaral arrived in Macau Saturday, touting to finance the committee over the objections his native Portugal’s initiative on settling the By Robert H. Reid of the United States, Britain and France. conflict in the troubled Indonesian province On Tuesday, the day the United Nations of East Timor. UNITED NATIONS (AP, April 30) – With the United Nations officially broke, officially went broke, the undersecretary- The proposal, which was introduced at general for political affairs, Marrack Gould- the Asia-Europe Meeting held in Bangkok the organization is spending $150,000 on a meeting in far-away Papua New Guinea to ing, said officials had asked the committee on Friday and Saturday, calls for compro- whether the Papua New Guinea meeting mises from Jakarta and Lisbon and hinges on discuss decolonization in a region where few see a problem. made sense. international relations and the fate of dissi- Goulding said members of the committee dent Timorese leaders. The U.N. Decolonization Committee will hold the seminar in Port Moresby on June responded that funds for the meeting had Calling the plan by Portuguese Prime already been allocated, and questioned Minister Antonio Guterres “very positive,” 12-14 to discuss the problems of decoloni- zation in the Pacific islands, most of which whether the U.N. Secretariat had the author- Freitas Do Amaral said it could solve some ity even to suggest “that they should not of East Timor’s woes. He made the remarks don’t want full independence. The United States administers Guam and carry out mandated activities because of the after meeting with Macau Governor General financial crisis.” Vasco Rocha Vieira. American Samoa, New Zealand administers Freitas Do Amaral arrived in Macau early Tokelau, Britain governs Pitcairn and the St. UN QUESTIONS Helena islands and France is responsible for Saturday for a day-long visit, coming from DECOLONISATION COMMITTEE’S New Caledonia. New York via stopovers in Tokyo and SEMINAR Hong Kong. The U.N. General Assembly But only East Timor is agitating for in- president is a former leader of Portugal’s dependence. Indonesia seized the former By Evelyn Leopold right-wing Social-Democratic Center (CDS) Portuguese colony in 1976 and annexed it UNITED NATIONS, May 1 (Reuter) - Party. In 1986, Freitas Do Amaral launched the following year. In addition, rebels on the With the United Nations teetering on the a failed bid for the Portuguese presidency. island of Bougainville have fought a seven- verge of bankruptcy, anger is rising against Freitas Do Amaral, who reportedly met year insurgency for independence from diplomats on a decolonization committee with Macau leaders to discuss the enclave’s Papua New Guinea. spending money to send officials to a semi- reversion to Chinese rule in 1999, was on Given the lack of interest in the region for nar in Papua New Guinea in the Pacific. his way to Beijing. full independence, many nations are ques- Once a champion of national independ- tioning the need for the decolonization meet- ence from colonial powers, the committee has had little to do in the past decade but is Page 126 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. regularly allocated funds by the General by Indonesia, and Western Sahara, a former Saskia Mulder, Manly, NSW Assembly. The seminar, scheduled to take Spanish colony run by Morocco. place in Port Moresby from June 12 to 14, The Security Council is currently coping DARWIN: OZ MILITARY is expected to cost about $150,000. with Western Sahara. Secretary-General VISIT CONSULATE And there is little Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali has conducted nego- Boutros Boutros-Ghali can do about it. tiations on East Timor separately from the From Hugh Ekeberg, Darwin, Feb. 12 Marrack Goulding, his undersecretary- committee. Puerto Rico has also been a fre- general for political affairs, said U.N. offi- quent subject for hearings with separatists A vigil was held outside the Indonesian cials had asked “whether in the present sharply criticising the United States. consulate again this morning as part of a financial circumstances it made sense for regular campaign to highlight the on going them to have a meeting in Papua New human rights abuses by ABRI. Guinea.” EVENTS IN AUSTRALIA As usual the consular staff were late for In response, he said that some committee work. members questioned “the legitimacy of the Amongst the visitors to the consulate U.N. secretariat suggesting to them that LETTERS IN THE BULLETIN were Australian army and navy officers. they should not carry out mandated activi- The officers were very shy about their visit ties because of the financial crisis,” The Bulletin (Australian weekly) Dec 26-Jan and attempted to find a side and back en- Committee chairman Alimany Pallo Ban- 2 Letters to the Editor trance to the consulate before opting for the gura, Sierra Leone’s ambassador, defended front gate. the meeting, saying the Papua New Guinea TIMOR: AN ECONOMIC SOLUTION Photos were taken of the military people government “invited the committee to hold Milton Osborne’s article “The all-round who attempted to hide their faces. its seminar and we thought there was no view from Jakarta” (Bulletin, Nov 21) lacks The vigil was ignored by police and reason why we should reject it.” a realistic perspective. It is not the East ended without incident. A similar seminar was held in Trinidad Timorese or their supporters that have and Tobago last year, he said, and this year lacked an appreciation of the point of view AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL the “Pacific territories should have an op- of the Suharto regime itself that rejects a DAY OF SOLIDARITY portunity to communicate in effective solution that is not “creeping genocide” of WITH EAST TIMOR ways.” the East Timorese people. But many diplomats are not so sure. The In reality it is not our empathic under- An appeal for a national day of solidarity United States has not participated in the standing that will drive the occupying re- with East Timor has been issued by the committee for years and Britain and France gime out of East Timor but the cost to Su- Australian based leaders of the three com- have stopped attending meetings. harto and Co outweighing the benefits. And ponents of the East Timorese resistance: One envoy argued that territories were the same goes for our own government’s José Ramos Horta, Special Representative not canvassed to see if their representatives support for the illegal occupation. of Xanana Gusmão; João Carrascalão, Presi- would attend. Another said many of those Stephen Langford, dent of the Timorese Democratic Union; and planning to go were diplomats in New York Secretary, Australia-East Timor Associa- Estanislau da Silva from FRETILIN. and could just as well hold the meeting at tion, The main slogans for the day will be Free U.N. headquarters. Darlinghurst, NSW. East Timor! and No Australian recognition Last year at the meeting in Trinidad in DON’T LEAVE OUT THE GAP of the annexation! The second demand refers the Caribbean, committee members and the to the fact that the Australian government is Re: “The all-round view from Jakarta” U.N. staff assigned to support it were said the only government to give de jure recogni- ...In particular the paragraph that states: to outnumber the representatives of the tion to Indonesia’s take-over of East Timor. “From an Indonesian point of view, East territories. Jakarta’s annexation is still not recognised Timor is pretty small beer (my italics)... “The sun never sets on some U.N. com- by the United Nations. Jakarta’s take-over And its economic importance, even allowing mittees,” said one Western diplomat, adding: was first given de jure recognition by the the army’s exploitation of its coffee produc- “particularly not on this one.” Fraser government in 1978 and then by the tion, is limited in comparison with major Last year, the Russian delegate, Oleg Hawke government on 18 August, 1983. resource developments elsewhere.” Chtcherbak told the New York Times that The national day of solidarity is pro- The conspicuous absence of any com- the committee suffered from “some creative posed for 18 August, 1996 or the weekend ments relating to the East Timor Gap re- stagnation and loss of awareness of contem- of 18 August, 1996. sources prompts a question that I would porary issues.” Initiators of the call are: On the list of territories are the United like to pose the author: 1. José Ramos Horta, Special Representative States Virgin Islands, Guam and American Does the rich Bayu-Undan gas and con- National Council for Maubere Resistance Samoa. The British govern Anguilla, Ber- densate discovery in the Gap, with possible reserves of several hundred million barrels of (CNRM) muda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cay- 2. João Carrascalão, President, Timorese man Islands, the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, liquids and trillions of cubic feet of gas, quoted as “one of the hottest exploration Democratic Union (UDT) Montserrat, Pitcairn, St Helena and the addresses” (Australian Financial Review, 3. Estanislau da Silva, Australian representa- Turks and Caicos Islands. Tokelau in the tive for FRETILIN (Revolutionary Front July 28) ring a bell, perhaps? Pacific is administered by New Zealand and for the Independence of East Timor) New Caledonia by France. Maybe Mr. Osborne could reword “just 4. Gil Scrine, Australia East Timor Associa- Most – but not all – of the territories as any attempt to explain Indonesian policy tion (NSW) have chosen not to be independent. But on Timor in crude materialistic terms does 5. Sister Kath O’Connor, Christians in liberation movements are evident in East not stand up to analysis” to “attempts can Solidarity with East Timor Timor, a former Portuguese colony occupied be made to explain Indonesian and Austra- lian policy on Timor in crude oil terms.”.. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 127

6. Max Lane, National Coordinator, Action add their name to the list of sponsors and In other words we are embarrassed to in Solidarity with Indonesia and East participants and to seek out further spon- stand up for the values and principles in the Timor sors. international arena which enable us to work 7. Wendy Robertson, Resistance East Timor As soon as local open organising commit- for a just and caring society. campaign tees are formed as per the initiating call, Sponsors as of February 7, 1996. participating local groups will publicise COALITION WOULD BE 1. Jim Dunn, author and former Australian meeting times and venues. CONSISTENT ON EAST consul in Dili 2. Rodney Lewis, Dili trials observer for ACADEMICS TARGET EAS T TIMOR: DOWNER International Commission of Jurists and International Bar Association TIMOR AS POLL ISSUE CANBERRA, Feb 10 AAP - A coalition 3. Jenny Munro, Chairperson, Metropolitan government would press Indonesia to grant SYDNEY, Feb 7 AAP - A group of 34 Aboriginal Lands Council East Timor a greater degree of autonomy, 4. Prof. Garth Nettheim, Human Rights senior academics has called on the federal opposition foreign affairs spokesman Alex- Centre, Faculty of Law, University of government and opposition to reverse their ander Downer said today. New South Wales recognition of Indonesian sovereignty over Mr. Downer said Australia had not 5. Shirley Shackleton East Timor cam- East Timor, saying anything less would shown consistency on the issue, with For- paigner; wife of slain journalist, Greg make a mockery of Australian values. eign Minister Gareth Evans describing Indo- Shackleton The University of Melbourne academics nesia’s actions there as oppressive while 6. Bill Tully, Secretary, Committee for an say they are disappointed and frustrated Prime Minister Paul Keating had refused to Independent East Timor (ACT) with Australia’s policy on East Timor. raise the issue with President Suharto in 7. Ellen Whelan,Editor, Pacific News Bulle- An open letter, addressed to Foreign Af- case he retaliated with questions about Abo- tin (published for NFIP) fairs Minister Gareth Evans, who used to 8. Peter Slezak, Snr Lecturer, UNSW riginal human rights. lecture at the university, and his opposition “We’d make it clear to the Indonesians 9. Dr. Keith Suter, author on East Timor counterpart, Alexander Downer, calls for a issues and President, Centre for Peace and that they need to lighten their rule in East re-think of Australia’s policy. Conflict Studies, University of Sydney Timor and grant East Timor a greater degree 10. Moses Havini,Human Rights advocate, It was released by Democrats leader of autonomy,” Mr. Downer said. Bouganville Interim Government Cheryl Kernot and foreign affairs spokes- “The foreign minister has been saying 11. Melbourne University Students Union person Vicki Bourne during the launch of that, but Mr. Keating has taken an erratic 12. Student Supporters of East Timor (SSET), the party’s foreign affairs statement in Sy d- and inconsistent approach to the issue, and Melbourne University ney today. as a consequence of that, naturally enough, 13. Claire Moore, Queensland, Branch Secre- The academics, all from the Law Faculty, the Indonesians have come to the conclusion tary, Community and Public Sector Un- say Australia’s “softly softly” approach to that the Australian government is only half ion(CPSU) the issue has achieved little. concerned about this issue.” 14. Catholic Workers (Queensland) It says that when combined with legal Mr. Downer said East Timor was an ob- 15. Sam Watson, Aboriginal film maker; In- recognition of Indonesian sovereignty over digenous Peoples Party. stacle but the coalition would not tear up the former Portuguese colony, Australia’s Australia’s relationship with Indonesia over 16. José Gusmão, CNRM Representative for approach creates an “uneasy hypocrisy Southeast Asia; East Timor. which robs us of our credibility, and ignores 17. David Scott AO; He said East Timor was a problem for 18. John Maloney, historian; matters of national conscience.” Indonesia in its relationship with Australia, 19. Wendy Lowenstein (writer); Dr. Roger Magnussen, a Post-doctoral European countries and the United States. 20. Building and Construction Division, Con- Research Fellow, who wrote the letter on He gave no guarantees that a coalition struction, Forestry, Mining and Engineer- behalf of his colleagues, said Australia’s government would automatically accept ing Union (CFMEU) (SA); recognition of Indonesian sovereignty was East Timorese asylum seekers currently in 21. Gareth Smith Canberra Program for Peace “immoral.” the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. - CPP); “Not one of our politicians would admit “They will be fully assessed on the basis 22. Barbara Meyer, CPP; to believing in rape and torture and police of their applications for asylum and they 23. Yvonne Francis CPP; harassment,” Dr. Magnussen said in a will be treated in the same way as people 24. Satendra Nandan, writer, Vice-President statement. PEN (ACT); from any other country who make that ap- “However, for 20 years both Labor and plication, but what the result of that as- 25. Sara Dowse, novelist; Liberal governments have recognised a sov- 26. May Mackay, United Nations Association sessment will be remains to be seen,” Mr. ereignty based on killing and repression.” (ACT); Downer said. 27. Chris Warren, Editor, News Extra (Can- COMMENT FROM HUGH EKEBERG, He said the coalition would not attempt berra). to portray the East Timorese as Portuguese FEB. 10: 28. Committee for an Independent East citizens. Timor (South Australia) The Prime Minister Paul Keating has 29. Committee for an Independent East long argued against those in favour of the ET’ESE KIM JONG Timor (ACT) monarchy by saying they suffer a cultural 30. Australia East Timor Association (Victo- cringe. DENIED ASYLUM IN OZ ria) [in principle endorsement at this I believe that the betrayal of our values as stage] a nation so as not to offend those we do translated, edited excerpts 31. Australia West Papua Association (NSW) business with and indeed to participate in Sydney, Feb 13 (LUSA) - The Refugee The appeal issued by East Timor resis- the plunder of people who must endure the Review Tribunal (RRT) today denied refu- tance organisations and the initial support- cruelty of their governments, is a greater gee status to Kim Jong, an East Timorese ers included a call for the broadest sponsor- cultural cringe. man, on the basis that Jong is entitled to ship. We urge all East Timor supporters to Portuguese citizenship. Page 128 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

The RRT’s statement acknowledges that This decision by the Refugee Review law which states that all East Timorese Kim Koe Jong would face possible danger of Board is an insult to us all and must be during this period have Portuguese citizen- persecution if he were to return to ET. fought hard. There are many ordinary peo- ship. What the Portuguese legislation does is However, the Tribunal determined Jong ple ready to go to jail if they are caught recognise that most East Timorese, if they cannot remain in Australia because he is hiding the refugees. do not have a Portuguese father or mother, entitled to Portuguese citizenship, and he This naked display of fear by the Austra- can ask for Portuguese citizenship and gen- may now be deported to Lisbon. This deci- lian government for what the future may erally receive it. But unless individuals like sion could result in the deportation of over hold if Indonesia is further offended by the Mr. Jong voluntarily request it, they are 1,300 Timorese refugees in Australia who refugee issue, is proof that they’ve never not, nor have they ever been, citizens of await a decision regarding their own requests been serious about human rights. Portugal.” for political asylum. The Prime Minister is running election He states that even if for many if not Today’s decision will separate Kim Jong campaign adverts push the image of himself most East Timorese - especially those born from his brother Kim Li who escaped ET as a strong visionary leader. Unfortunately before 1976 - citizenship is almost a cer- with him, and was granted refugee status by he has yet to prove that his showmanship tainty, they still do not have actual citizen- the RRT in 1994. Liz Biok, a Timorese on the Asian stage is anything more than a ship until they voluntarily ask for it. If they lawyer, told LUSA that the decision ignored bluff for the Australian people. are not citizens of Portugal, then Australia the strong attachment already established by has under international law the obligation to both brothers with the Timorese community LEGAL EXPERT CRITICIZES determine if these people are real refugees as in Australia, and the persecution by the REFUGEE DECISION defined by treaties which Australia has Indonesian authorities suffered by Jong in Press release from Fernand de Varennes, 14 signed and ratified. If they are refugees, East Timor, and suffered by his family after Feb. Australia must ensure their protection. If he left. Kim Jong’s father, Fuc Tjo, was they are not, then they should be sent back An expert in international law claims heard at the Tribunal, and revealed that his to Indonesia. Australia will be violating its international own father had taught survival tactics to Dr. de Varennes admits that the Refugee obligations if it sends an East Timorese to Australian soldiers in ET during WW2. Review Board could suspend Mr. Jong’s Portugal against his will. Tjo and other 6 family members are part case in order to give him the opportunity to Dr. Fernand de Varennes, Lecturer of of the 1,350 Timorese whose asylum re- seek Portuguese citizenship if he so wishes. Public International Law at Murdoch Uni- quests are being studied by the Immigration He believes that in all likelihood, Mr. Jong versity, was reacting to a ruling of the Refu- Ministry. Some of these requests have been would have no difficulty in obtaining it. gee Review Tribunal published on February rejected by the Ministry and forwarded to However, he emphasises that Australia 13 which concluded that Mr. Kim Koe Jong, the RRT who should issue decisions on cannot force or pressure him and other refu- an East Timorese, had a right to Portuguese them during the next few months. gee claimants to do so against their will. Mr. nationality and would have to be sent to The Tribunal’s ruling states that the deci- Jong has already indicated he has no inten- Portugal - against his will - instead of being sion regarding Kim Jong was partly based tion of going to Portugal because “I don’t granted refugee status in Australia. The on a recommendation by the Australian know any Portuguese people. They left in tribunal also concluded that Mr. Jong could government regarding the Portuguese citi- 1975 and never came back. I don’t know not be returned to Indonesia because of the zenship law, based on an interpretation of Portugal. I don’t know the language.” threat of persecution by the Indonesian this law by Law professor Rui Moura of the Even if Australia were to approach Por- government. The decision is the first time University of Coimbra. According to the tugal and request it “protect” East Timorese the Refugee Review Tribunal has denied UN Refugee Convention, citizens of a coun- like Mr. Jong, Dr. de Varennes believes that refugee status to a person born in East try with citizenship rights in a second coun- Portugal has no obligation to accept Austra- Timor. try cannot request political asylum in a third lia’s demand. “Portugal can legitimately According to Dr. de Varennes, the Refu- country. insist that it will only consider the case of gee Review Tribunal confused the right to Tribunal Judge Paul Fergus marked that the East Timorese if they voluntarily re- seek Portuguese citizenship with actual Kim Jong was born in East Timor in 1973, quest it. Under international law, Portugal possession of Portuguese nationality, and in at which time Portugal “was still the colo- has no further obligation unless the East the process has put Australia in the position nial power there.” Kim Jong said he will Timorese already hold citizenship. Since of breaching its international treaty obliga- appeal of the Tribunal’s decision, disputing apparently neither Mr. Jong nor any of the tions. the nationality ruling. “I am a Timorese, not more than 1300 East Timorese currently He points out that under the present an Indonesian. I haven’t met a single Portu- seeking permission to stay in Australia hold Civil Code and other statutes of Portugal, guese person. They left in 1975 and never Portuguese citizenship, until they apply for some East Timorese do hold dual Portu- returned. I don’t know Portugal or the Por- it, it is wrong to claim that international law guese and Indonesian citizenships. This tuguese language” said Kim Jong. permits them to be sent away to Portugal would be the case of individuals who have a A spokesperson of the Immigration Min- even if they are refugees.” Portuguese father or mother. However, Dr. istry said this decision could affect many He describes the whole matter as really de Varennes adds that Mr. Jong does not requests for political asylum by the very basic. “If Mr. Jong was already a citi- have a Portuguese father or mother, which is Timorese refugees in Australia. “It is impor- zen of Portugal, then yes it is true that Aus- also apparently the situation of the more tant to remember, however, that each case is tralia is permitted under international law to than 1300 East Timorese currently seeking analyzed independently” said the spokes- send him to that country. But since East refugee status in Australia. person, but adding that “every time a refu- Timorese such as Mr. Jong do not appear to “The decision is based on the incorrect gee has the right to Portuguese citizenship be citizens of Portugal until they make a assumption that Mr. Jong is a Portuguese we will defend that the refugee is not enti- request, under the United Nations treaties citizen because he was born in 1973, before tled to political asylum.” Australia has signed, it has the obligation to the Indonesian invasion,” says Dr. de Comment from Hugh Ekeberg protect Mr. Jong here, not ship him away Varennes. “In fact, there is no Portuguese on the first available plane to Lisbon, unless East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 129 he voluntarily chooses to go there or applies tugal lacked standing even to bring its action NORTHERN TERRITORIAN S and obtains Portuguese citizenship.” against Australia based on our signing of the Dr. de Varennes is an expert on human Timor Gap Treaty. WANT EAST TIMOR TALKS rights, minorities, indigenous peoples and “Comments such as this underscore the Northern Territory News, 18 Feb 96. By ethnic conflicts. He has written extensively perceived insincerity of government concern Andrea Allen in the area and been published on these sub- over human rights abuses in East Timor.” jects in Europe, North America and Austra- A survey by Community Aid Abroad lia in three languages, French, English and INQUIRY INTO DEATHS found most believe the Australian Govern- Spanish. ment should push for talks between Indone- OF JOURNALISTS sia, Portugal and East Timor without pre- -30- conditions. The following advertisement appeared in For further information: The ballot held at the Parap markets yes- several Australian papers on Feb 16th. Dr. Fernand de Varennes terday asked people their views on overseas School of Law, Murdoch University I have been asked by the Minister of aid, bans on international landmines, East Tel. 09 360 6510, Fax 09 310 6671 Foreign Affairs to gather and evaluate addi- Timor and a code of conduct for Australian Email [email protected] tional information that may now be available companies operating overseas. about the deaths of Australian based jour- Organiser Emma Ignjic said the question- LAWYERS CALL FOR nalists in East Timor in 1975. The journal- naire-style poll showed 82 per cent of the AUSTRALIA ists were Greg Shackleton, Tony Stewart, 80 respondents believed the Australian Malcolm Rennie, Gary Cunningham and RE-THINK EAST TIMOR Government should stop sending military Brian Peters who were killed at Balibo in equipment to Indonesia as aid. “The Guardian,” February 14. October and Roger East who was killed at Most - 88 per cent - believed the top Dili in December. priority for overseas aid should be assisting On February 7, former law colleagues of Any person who has, or is aware of people to meet their basic needs. Senator Evans publicly called for a “re- someone else who has, reliable information International ban: think” on East Timor. relating to these matters is encouraged to Just over 94 per cent thought the Federal Thirty-four legal academics from the Law contact me by writing, as soon as practica- Government should call for an international Faculty in the University of Melbourne ble, to: ban on the production, trade and use of wrote an open letter to Senator Evans and to Mr. Tom Sherman, Locked Bag No 2, landmines. While a similar Alexander Downer stating that “...it’s time Robert Garran Offices, National Circuit, number agreed that Australian companies to ask what have we achieved with our rec- Barton ACT 2600 [Australia] or by fax to: should be bound by a code of conduct when ognition of Indonesian sovereignty in East 06 250 5980 (+61 6 250 5980) operating overseas. Timor. Our recognition undermines our Confidentiality will be respected. Ms Ignjic said the ballot was designed to professed belief in the importance of fun- Tom Sherman. see if the views of candidates in the upcom- damental democratic freedoms: freedom [from reports when this inquiry was estab- ing federal election reflected the views of the from police harassment, freedom from tor- community. She said: “We believe it’s time ture, and freedom of expression... lished, Mr. Sherman is asked to report by some time in May] to put overseas aid and justice issues on the “The constant danger is that, in East electoral agenda. Timor, we are witnessing the creation of a GARETH EVANS UPSTAGED “It’s time politicians listen and act on Northern Ireland on our own doorstep. what the community thinks.” Military suppression will never achieve IN BRISBANE stability within our region. “There may be limits to what Australia ABC Radio National, 17th February 96. PROTEST PLANNED can hope to achieve. However, our current Foreign Minister Gareth Evans was up- IN DARWIN approach is poorly devised, and appears to staged by protesters as he opened the elec- From Hugh Ekeberg, Feb. 20 have achieved nothing. It is unpopular in tion campaign for his colleague, Attorney Australia. It has been safely sidelined by General Michael Lavarche, in Petrie, 30km Human rights workers and members of Indonesia. It makes a mockery of Australian north of Brisbane. the East Timorese community will hold a values. It helps to perpetuate an already The protesters called for a re-think of the vigil at the Australian Department of For- unstable situation in our immediate region. It government’s policies towards East Timor eign Affairs in Darwin on Thursday 22nd of reduces our capacity to play a useful role in and reminded the foreign minister of the February to protest the disgusting treatment the resolution of the East Timor issue in the sacrifice of the East Timorese who gave of the nine East Timorese seeking asylum in future. sanctuary to Australian commandos during Jakarta. “For these reasons we would urge a re- W.W.II. We intend distributing news of their consideration of the government’s policy of The Greens candidate for the senate, An- treatment at the hands of the Australian recognising Indonesia’s sovereignty over gela Jones challenged Gareth Evans on East embassy, throughout the city on that day. East Timor,” says the letter. Timor and asked him if he was going to We invite the recipients of reg.easttimor Regarding the proposed deportation of provide sanctuary for the nine East to join us and protest at your local Austra- East Timorese refugees, the 34 lawyers say Timorese in the Australian embassy in Ja- lian embassies and consulates throughout in their letter: “the comment that East karta. the world. The submissive and servile nature Timorese refugee applicants enjoy the citi- Gareth Evans answered that the matter of the Australian government’s relationship zenship of Portugal and should be thus dis- must precede through the proper channels. to Indonesia is an embarrassment to us all. qualified from applying for refugee status in Australia, is glaringly inconsistent with our argument before the World Court that Por- Page 130 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

INDONESIA & AUSTRALIA nity that Indonesia has never and will never iour is extremely unbecoming and unprofes- be a threat to Australia’s security.” sional as consul to Darwin and proves that TO CO-DEVELOP MILITARY we have to be sceptical of his diplomatic HARDWARE - ACADEMIC NEW INDONESIAN credentials. AMBASSADOR By Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia INTERNATIONAL Correspondent DUE MARCH 10 CONFERENCE IN SYDNEY, JAKARTA, Feb 25 AAP - An Indone- CANBERRA, Feb 22 AAP - Indonesia’s sian academic believes that in the wake of JUNE 1996 new Ambassador to Australia is due to ar- the recent Australia-Indonesia security rive in Canberra shortly after the federal agreement it’s “highly likely” the two coun- election. PUBLIC EDUCATION CONFERENCE tries will jointly develop military hardware Wiryono Sastrohandoyo was appointed EAST TIMOR: ITS FUTURE IN THE in the near future. last December to fill the ambassadorial post ASIA PACIFIC The academic, Dr. Ikrara Nusa Bhakti, which has been vacant since July when In- Information, Perspectives, Debates and also said in today’s Jakarta Post that Indo- donesia withdrew its first choice General Future Scenarios. nesia would look to Australian diplomatic Herman Mantiri. JUNE 21-24, 1996 SYDNEY efforts “to reduce anti-Indonesian senti- An Indonesian Embassy spokesman here AUSTRALIA. ments” over issues like East Timor. said today Mr. Wiryono was expected to Indonesia and Australia signed the secu- A conference convened by: take up his post on March 10. rity agreement in Jakarta last December, School of Asian Studies, University of Mr. Wiryono has been Indonesia’s Am- requiring – among other things – each coun- Sydney bassador to France for the past two years. try to consult the other in the event of “ad- Institute for International Studies, Uni- He had been expected to start his Can- verse challenges.” versity of Technology, Sydney berra posting early in the New Year. In a comment article, Dr. Ikrar, researcher Human Rights Centre, Faculty of Law, The embassy spokesman said the posting at the Centre for Political and Regional Stud- University of New South Wales had not been delayed because of the election ies, Indonesian Institute of Sciences in Ja- Oporto University, Portugal but because of the month-long Muslim fast- karta, said the treaty was “very important” A public education conference to inform ing period of Ramadan, which only finished for both countries. the Australian community regarding devel- this week. He said Indonesia “wants some benefits opments in East Timor and to foster debate A career diplomat, Mr. Wiryono worked from Australia’s advanced defence indus- between different and conflicting perspec- closely with Australian representatives on try.” tives on the future of East Timor in the Asia the Cambodian peace process. “It is highly likely that in the near future Pacific. General Mantiri’s nomination was with- Indonesia and Australia will co-develop drawn after criticism here of his comment on Important perspectives from: such military hardware as frigates and sub- the 1991 Dili massacre in East Timor. · Australian government (an invitation will marines which are very important for Indo- The senior military figure was supposed be sent to the Minister of Foreign Affairs nesia as an archipelagic state,” Dr. Ikrar said. to have told the Indonesian magazine Editor after the elections.) He said another key factor for Indonesia · East Timorese political and social figures in July 1992 the conduct of Indonesian se- flowing from the security agreement was the · East Timorese youth and refugees curity forces over the massacre was “quite prospect of Australian diplomatic help in · several Indonesians outspoken on the East proper.” countering anti-Indonesian sentiment. Timor issue “ ... Indonesia needs Australia’s diplo- · intellectuals and community figures from matic support to reduce anti-Indonesian SPY IN DARWIN? the Asia Pacific region sentiment both in Australia and in the inter- · European and US parliamentarians From: Hugh Ekeberg, Feb. 24 · Australian community and government national forum regarding East Timor, Irian There was a demonstration last Monday representatives Jaya and other human rights issues,” he said. · provisional speakers and topics In the article, Dr. Ikrar pointed to an in- in Darwin by Australians for a Free East creasing number of Indonesian military offi- Timor where an army flag was partially TOPICS INCLUDE: cers visiting Australia as evidence of the burned and a letter of protest delivered to · modern history of East Timor closer military ties. the consulate. · East Timorese political organisations “ ... Australia is perceived as a friendly Later that afternoon the regular Monday · East Timor - Indonesian relations developed country, particularly for military vigil was also held. · the East Timor issue in Indonesia · political change in Indonesia and East training and technical cooperation. With have learned from two completely Timor “Since the early 1990s, Indonesia has different sources close to the Indonesian consular staff, that the Indonesian consul to · East Timorese perspectives for the future faced difficulties in sending its military offi- · Asia Pacific perspectives on East Timor Darwin, Colonel Widodo, was watching last cers to the US, especially since the US gov- · East Timor and international law ernment stopped its International Military Monday’s demonstration from the back of a · East Timor in the UN Education and Training program for Indone- ‘pool maintenance’ van parked just inside · Australia foreign policy and East Timor sia in 1992. the consular gates. · East Timor and the Australian community “Since then, more and more Indonesian After being told of this, we could clearly · the Indonesia-Australia-East Timor triangle military officers have been sent to Austra- recall the van being there and wondered it if · diplomatic initiatives for the future lia,” he said. it was on business connected to the consul’s · conflict resolution and East Timor Dr. Ikrar said a key aspect of the agree- residence. · Portugal and East Timor ment was that “it emphasises to the gov- The consul remains very shy and has · US foreign policy, Indonesia and East ernment and the wider Australian commu- been seen driving different cars to maintain Timor his anonymity. Never-the-less, his behav- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 131

· East Timor as an international human # Indicated in principle willingness to attend The takeover was meant to highlight “the rights issue * confirmed inconsistency of the prime minister’s atti- SPECIALIST SPEAKERS INCLUDE: tude to East Timor,” the Australian East There will also be a range of participants Timor Association said in a statement. · Dr. George Aditjondro, writer, researcher from: and analyst of East Timorese and Indone- The group also objected to Australia’s re- sian affairs. · the Philippines fusal to grant asylum to four East Timorese · Prof. John Taylor, South Bank University, · Malaysia now camped in the Australian Embassy in UK, Author: “Indonesia’s Forgotten War” · India Jakarta. · Prof. Peter Carey, Oxford University, UK, · Africa About seven people occupied Keating’s Author: “East Timor at the cross-roads.” Conference convenors: headquarters for the March 2 national elec- · Dr. Michael Salla, Australia Dr. Michael Van Langenberg, Head, De- tions, and more demonstrated downstairs, · Prof. Barbedo Magalhaës, Portugal protester Stephen Langford said. · Prof. Garth Nettheim, Australia partment of Southeast Asian Studies, Uni- · Dr. Michael van Langenberg, Australia versity of Sydney. · Pat Walsh, Australian Council for Overseas Professor David Goodman, Director, In- EVANS HECKLED AGAIN Aid stitute for International Studies, University Northern Territory News, Darwin. 1 March · David Scott AO, currently writing a book of Technology, Sydney on East Timor and Australia Professor Garth Nettheim, Human Rights SYDNEY: A jostling crowd of demon- · Jim Dunn, Australia Centre, Faculty of Law, University of New strators scuffled with police outside a public · Max Lane, Australia South Wales. forum attended by foreign Affairs Minister and many others Professor A. Barbedo Magalhães, Uni- Evans and Opposition spokesman Alexan- (all above speakers are confirmed) versity of Oporto, Portugal. der Downer yesterday. EAST TIMORESE SPEAKERS: Max Lane, Conference co-ordinator: Shouting “Evans: A Butcher,” the crowd José Ramos Horta, Special Representa- REGISTRATION FORM of 30 East Timor and Tamil attempted to tive for CNRM force their way into the Teachers federation José Luis Guterres, President, EAST TIMOR: ITS FUTURE IN THE building in Sydney but were ejected by po- FRETILIN ASIA PACIFIC lice. Mari Alkatiri, FRETILIN Public Education Conference The reception for Senator Evans was not Roque Rodrigues, FRETILIN JUNE 21-24, 1996 much warmer inside, with his speech Zaccariah de Costa, UDT Venue: University of Sydney and Uni- drowned out by repeated shouts. Senator José Amaral, CNRM versity of Technology, Sydney campuses. Evans struggled to speak over the crowd of and many others, including East Name ...... hecklers, angrily accusing one woman of Timorese direct from East Timor. Address ...... letting her raging hormones get out of con- ...... Telephone ...... trol. PROVISIONAL LIST OF INDONESIAN I enclose $10 (concessional) $25 for reg- He told some members of the audience SPEAKERS/ ORGANISATIONS: istration they were obsessed with East Timor and Invitations are being sent to the Indone- Please note: Registrations after May 1 Bougainville issues. sian Ambassador as well as a range of Indo- will increase to: $15 concessional and $30 DOWNER, EVANS FACE A nesian organisations with different views on for waged people. the East Timor issue. These include: Registrations are already coming in. VOLATILE AUDIENCE · National Human Rights Commission Please register now to ensure a place. The Australian, 1 March 1996. By Greg (KOMNAS HAM) Sheridan, Sydney. Abridged. · Centre for Information and Development Send this form to: Studies (CIDES)# EAST TIMOR CONFERENCE, “CONTROL your racing hormones!” · Indonesian Moslem Scholars Association Max Lane, Conference co-ordinator Thus did Gareth Evans, Foreign Minister, (ICMI) Institute for International Studies, respond to the first of the many interjectors · Institute for Strategic and Defence Studies University of Technology, Sydney, in his address to the Australian Council for (LEMHAMNAS) P.O. Box 123, Broadway Overseas Aid foreign policy forum yester- · Centre for Strategic and International Stud- day. ies (CSIS) Perhaps he mistook himself, like the · Legal Aid Institute (LBH) KEATING CAMPAIGN Prime Minister, for a “fading rock star,” · United Development Party (PDI) HQ OCCUPIED although it did not seem to be purely adula- · Indonesian Democrat Party (PDI) tion that was sending the crowd’s hormones · Functional Groups Organization SYDNEY, Australia Feb 27(AP) – Pro- into spin. (GOLKAR) testers briefly occupied the campaign head- Nor did the interjectors have all the worst · Nahdatul Ulama (Moslem scholars associa- quarters of Prime Minister Paul Keating tion) of the exchanges. Much of the interjecting, today, accusing Australia of ignoring human as usual, concerned East Timor. · Indonesian Council of Churches rights abuses in nearby East Timor. · Indonesian Prosperous Workers Union Said Evans: “While I’m always given ad- Police arrested four demonstrators at vice to be more confrontational with Indo- (SBSI)* Keating’s headquarters at the Sydney sub- · Indonesian Democratic Union (PRD)* nesia, I’m rarely given any advice about how urb of Bankstown, and the rest left when · Indonesian Centre for Labour Struggles to advance the situation effectively.” (PPBI)* officers arrived. Came the reply: “Resign!,” followed by · Students in Solidarity with Democracy in Protesters accused Australia of overlook- much laughter. Indonesia (SMID)* ing Indonesian human rights abuses in sign- Comment from Hugh Ekeberg: · Indonesian People in Solidarity with the ing a military treaty with the country last Maubere People (SPRIM)* year. Readers might be interested to know that Gareth Evans has become more angry and Page 132 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. biting in his replies to criticism of the gov- DARWIN COUNCIL The Democrats hold the balance of ernment’s foreign policy, especially East power in the senate and they are outspoken Timor. ATTEMPTS INTIMIDATION in their support for East Timor. There is no doubt that the East Timor I’ve sent this little news item to demonstrate The Liberals have never really said much groups have become more well organised the dangers of protesting alone in Darwin. – on East Timor, seeing it as a problem too and have taken the initiative to attack the Hugh Ekeberg hot to handle, however the National party government hard where ever opportunities who are in coalition with the Liberals have arise. March 3, 1996 many East Timor supporters including their The East Timor issue is nearly always Mr. Stuart Highway was harassed by leader and soon to be deputy Prime Minis- raised in media interviews with Gareth Ev- Darwin City Council inspectors today for ter, Tim Fisher. ans and his anger is quite evident. He now refusing to take down a Xanana T-shirt he Though the labour party ran for re- rarely smiles and his delivery has noticeably had tied to a light pole in front of the Indo- election on a great vision for Australia, hardened. nesian consulate. many analysts believe it was corporate vi- Mr. Highway had arrived early for the sion and not one the ordinary people could DARWIN MAN FINED weekly vigil outside the consulate to high- participate in. FOR FLAG BURNING light human rights abuses in Indonesia and it’s colonies. EAST TIMOR, THE Northern Territory News, Darwin, 1 March After Mr. Highway tied the shirt to the AUSTRALIAN MEDIA (IN pole, inspectors from the council chambers A pro-Timor independence demonstrator nearby, came across the street and ordered SYDNEY) AND THE MARCH claimed last night his prosecution for burn- Mr. Highway to remove the shirt or he 1996 FEDERAL ELECTION ing an Indonesia flag had been politically would be charged with placing a hand bill on motivated. the pole without a permit. The following article was published by Welder and boilermaker Peter McVean Mr. Highway refused the order after be- Matebian News, March issue, Number 10, 40, a member of Australians for a Free East ing warned the penalty was $50 per hand 1996). If you want to receive MN regularly, Timor, was fined A$750 by Darwin Magis- bill, up to a maximum of $3500. One inspec- please write to Ines Almeida, Co-ordinator, trates Court this week for setting fire to the tor left to get his charge book while a second MN, PO Box 481, FAIRFIELD, NSW - petrol-soaked flag during a demonstration inspector remained to guard Mr. Highway. AUSTRALIA 2165. Or you can telephone outside the Indonesian Consulate last year. I arrived when the first inspector re- (61.02) 8915861 and/or fax to (61.02) He was charged with committing a dan- turned with his charge book and another 8912876. Subscriptions are accepted from gerous act which carries a maximum penalty book with the relevant legislation. The in- overseas as well. of five years jail - after a policeman claimed spector read out the passages relating to the fire singed hair on his arm. By Jeff Lee hand bills and again ordered the T-shirt off Magistrate Bruce McCormack said: “It is Overall, the Federal election was fought the pole. I warned the inspector I was re- not the burning of the flag that is dangerous on “domestic” issues. The media focused on cording the incident on a micro cassette -- it is the circumstances of lighting it.” the Keating-Howard leadership issue. For- recorder for evidence. McVean claimed police had been under eign affairs remained largely a non-issue Mr. Highway invited the inspector to political pressure to “make an example” of during the elections. Liberal spokesperson test his interpretation of the law in court. the protesters. on foreign affairs (now Foreign Minister) The inspector told me to cease recording He claimed the pressure had come from Alexander Downer did not identify any because he hadn’t consented to the re- the Government, which may have been major areas of disagreement with the Evans cording. “leant on” by the Foreign Affairs Depart- position. His differences were only on the I again warned the inspector I would con- ment. need to refine certain ALP regional postures, tinue to record the incident as evidence for McVean said: “The court case was po- coupled with homilies like the need to not court. The inspectors then quickly left the litical, I’ve got no doubt about that.” ignore existing ties with Europe and the US scene with some face saving abuse but with- SUMMONSED in our new economic and strategic engage- out laying any charges. ment with Asia. As the Australian’s foreign Three other pro-Timor campaigners, Rob The lesson here is that if people protest editor Greg Sheridan spelt this out in an Wesley-Smith, Vaughan Williams and Sally- alone, they are viewed as a target for intimi- article headed, “Foreign policy reveals a rare Ann Watson, have been summonsed for dation by the authorities. coalition of interests - Bipartisanship is the allegedly burning Indonesian army flags new world order for Australia’s politicians” outside the consulate on December 7th. LABOUR DEFEATED (Australian, 14.3.96,p.9). The only real Chief Minister, Shane Stone said: “It’s IN AUSTRALIA breach was the Democrats and their foreign ridiculous to blame me for the actions taken policy launch which made East Timor and by police and a magistrate because of the From Hugh Ekeberg, March 2 reversal of ‘de jure’ recognition the central irresponsible activities of some demonstra- issue. Their media release received added tors. And it’s nonsense to suggest I would The Keating-led Labour government has suffered its fourth worst election defeat in spice with the inclusion of the statement by try to influence the police and judiciary.” history. 30 legal academics from Melbourne Uni Law There will be a new Liberal government School opposing ‘de jure’ recognition. ABC and it will be interesting to see how their Radio featured both events prominently. foreign policy develops. Especially interest- For the whole duration of the election ing will be their position on the Defence campaign neither Howard nor Downer Treaty with Indonesia. would speak up for the Timorese refugees seeking political asylum in the Australian Embassy in Jakarta. Courting the ‘red-neck’ East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 133 vote in Queensland was obviously more policy address by both Downer and Evans (RIAP) address Liberal foreign affairs man important. AETA and other groups held and a foreign affairs forum organised by the Alexander Downer, (now the Minister), vocal pickets over this issue during the elec- Australian Institute of International Affairs side-stepped the issues of military exports tion period which the media studiously (AIIA). Media coverage was parochial ap- to Indonesia and Australian training of the ignored. One activist, Mr. Geoff McKee, pearing on Brisbane editions of evening elite corps of the Indonesian defence forces relayed a continuous barrage of faxes, up- news and local press. Inside the meeting, (Kostrad, Kopassus, etc.). He also invoked dates down loaded from the internet. he Evans used a mildly supportive statement the Dutch NGO example used by Evans. He targeted the foreign editor desks of the daily on Australia’s UN diplomacy, made by criticised the signing of the Indonesian De- papers and ABC. He rang them to complain CNRM’s Ramos-Horta, to deceive his audi- fence Treaty, but only because it had not about the media silence on the Jakarta Em- ence and deflect all criticism of the ALP been subjected to Parliamentary debate prior bassy issue, the Kim Jong case, the police East Timor record. (The Horta statement, to signing. He rejected any demands to re- attack during Cardinal Etchegaray’s visit to 11.12.95, at the launching of the verse ‘de jure’ recognition of Indonesia’s Dili, etc. Those contacted included Greg ETRA/Keith Suter booklet on the Timor claim to East Timor, claiming with a naive Sheridan & Desmond Fregon (Australian), Gap, claimed that Evans had improved his smugness, that it was a Liberal Fraser Gov- Chris Henning (Herald), Richard Dinnen UN diplomacy on the peace negotiations). ernment initiative that the subsequent ALP (ABC). In frustration at this apparent media During the elections Evans, and the journal- Governments had merely maintained. The black-out on the Timor refugee crisis, a sit- ists covering his speeches, avoided any ref- Age newspaper coverage of this meeting in on Paul Keating’s electoral office in erence to the CNRM press release (19.2.96) (Age 21.2.96) referred to Downer being Bankstown was staged as a media event. which clearly criticised both major parties heckled by the audience over East Timor. There were four arrests. Media coverage of for failing to support East Timorese self- Not surprisingly, José Ramos Horta is- the sit-in included a Reuters television re- determination. sued a press release on behalf of CNRM port being shown on Portuguese television. At the Evatt Foundation Breakfast criticising both the ALP Govt. and the Lib- Most news coverage did not clearly identity (7.2.96) Evans argued the two women de- eral Opposition for their failure to support the issue. Refugees were not a popular issue ported from the Australian Embassy in an act of self-determination for East Timor. in an election fought out on parochial racism Jakarta had not been mistreated in a crude The Horta statement had little impact on and economic rationalism, (the latter dressed attempt to slur CNRM’s account of the what was clearly a pre-set and contrive up as “the big picture” or “globalism”). incident. (Note: the following day an article media agenda for the elections. (See David In major article in the Weekend Austra- appeared in The Australian quoting the Red Bowman in 24 Hours February ‘96 on the lian in late January, based on a detailed in- Cross denying the two were mistreated). He media’s failure to represent or mirror de- terview of Keating by Sheridan, Keating continued the “Portuguese citizenship” line mocratic opinion in Australia). The Daily stressed the “big picture” of global and re- on Australian refugee determination. Evans Telegraph Mirror letters page was instruc- gional initiatives where “national leaders” also opposed the suspension of Australian tional. AETA letters bagging Evans ap- are of fundamental importance in the “mod- military aid to Indonesia by arguing that peared regularly to help undermine the ern, borderless world.” This “big picture” when the Dutch had suspended NGO aid, ALP’s lack of credibility. By the day of the was perceived by Keating, and endorsed by following the Dili massacre, the Indonesian election pro-East Timor letters are rejected. Sheridan, as one where the political leaders reaction was to end all aid from The Nether- Now we find detailed letters supporting the of nations are of primary importance. Hence lands to Indonesian NGO’s. Thus Evans, by Suharto anti-Timor solidarity line. By con- the APEC leaders forum and Indonesia wrongly drawing direct analogy, claimed he trast, Sheridan in The Australian appeared Treaty (where Keating’s personal relations didn’t want a repeat of the Dutch suspen- to back the ALP. Yet “bipartisanship” gave with Suharto were prominent) were identi- sion. Evans side-stepped the issue of the him a win-win position for his pro-big busi- fied by Keating as the Government’s two difference between military aid and NGO ness line. best achievements in foreign policy. It was humanitarian aid. Following his ‘in-depth’ interview with here that Sheridan, Keating and Suharto are The journalists covering the Evatt talk ig- Keating with headings like “Keating takes one. Sheridan argued, “Keating believes, nored the whole issue anyway. They fo- cue astride world stage” and photos of crucially, that he has won broad public sup- cused on the key Evans’ theme - the Inter- Keating and Suharto almost arm-in-arm, port and acceptance of the treaty with In- national Commission for a Total Ban on (Weekend Australian, 27-28.1.96), Sheridan donesia: “I was exceptionally happy with it Nuclear Testing. Thus, a Keating think tank interviewed Evans. Under the heading, “The (public reaction to the treaty)...I got those of retired politicians and generals, estab- Foreign Affairs Minister we had to have,” polls a few months ago saying that 60% of lished as a propaganda tool for the ALP’s so (Australian, 21.2.96, p.11), Sheridan main- people thought we should have a good rela- called “anti-nuclear” credentials in the lead tained, “Evans has a serious claim to being tionship with Indonesia. I showed it to up to the election, was deemed by the media ranked as perhaps Australia’s mot impor- President Suharto. He’s very happy about more “newsworthy” than immediate human tant and effective Foreign Minister of all that, because for him, he wants to see a level rights violations that Australian defence (times).” In this feature article Sheridan of public trust and commitment. He’s long exports contribute to in East Timor, West listed at the top of the Evans overall term player, he’s strategic thinker.” The fact Papua and Bougainville. achievement list as Foreign Minister, “the that Sheridan could run this bombastic tripe At the Liberal Party campaign launch early work in restoring the Australian- uncritically in The Australian demonstrates (Ryde Civic Centre, 18.2.96) a demonstra- Indonesia relationship from its 1986 nadir, that his lame attempt at humour during the tion by AETA members received lots of the negotiation of the Timor Gap Treaty.... Evans RIAP public meeting, (28.2.96), attention but only scant mention the follow- and lots of others Sheridan then claimed that where he described himself (and fellow jour- ing day (ABC-TV News). The protest was in 1995 Evans had “mismanaged” the Man- nalists) as “objective” and “even-handed,” filmed by a number of overseas TV net- tiri affair but, this faux pas was later over- without even a touch of sarcasm, was a case works. Howard’s policy speech says noth- shadowed with, “the Government’s greatest of hollow self-delusion or farce. ing on East Timor and the camera focus was foreign policy achievement of the year, the In early February demonstrations were on superficialities. Two days later (20.2.96), Australia-Indonesia Security Treaty.” Sheri- held at Uni of Qld. during a joint foreign at a Research Institute for Asia & Pacific dan notes this was “primarily the work of Page 134 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Keating,” although, “Evans was involved.” Australia went on a media offensive. On (ACFOA) Mtg. 29.3.96) that should be He concluded that Evans was “one of the Monday 4th March SBS-TV ran interviews acted upon, there is more than a little evi- most effective and consequential foreign with Ramos-Horta (CNRM) Carrascalão dence that they will be just a toady with minister’s Australia has had.” Devoid from (UDT) and da Silva (Fretilin) on their joint Jakarta as their ALP predecessors. We are the whole piece was any mention of human approach to the new Liberal Government to risking another spineless foreign policy rights. Indeed, where Sheridan hinted at the seek a change in policy on East Timor. SBS- based on profits and cash without due re- issue, he was critical - for example, his refer- TV filmed the three leaders being inter- gards for human rights. The Australian me- ence to Australia’s “fruitless policy on viewed in Sydney by the Portuguese Lan- dia proved again that it lacks the depth of Burma,” a case where Canberra was criti- guage Program on SBS Radio, hosted Bea- knowledge, political priorities or tenacity to cised for not embracing a more open-slather trice Miranda. This TV report also showed place human rights concerns ahead of nar- policy for Australian investors in Burma. footage of the solidarity picket outside the row economism in any electoral coverage. When faced directly with the issue of ACFOA Teachers Federation meeting the human rights, such as on Friday 23 Febru- previous Thursday. HOWARD WIN SEEN ary in Melbourne at the Community Aid Meanwhile former Indonesian Ambassa- AFFECTING INDONESIAN Abroad “Taking Australia into Asia: Trade dor to Australia, Sabam Siagian, issued two Investment & Human Rights” Conference, statements in the Indonesian press warning PERSONAL TIES Gareth Evans slid around like only a politi- that the incoming Howard Govt. may prove By Jim Della-Giacoma cian could by arguing that their have been to be “inwardly looking” and fail to com- thousands of occasions where he has “pri- plete the Keating Government’s “Asian JAKARTA, March 3 (Reuter) - Indone- vately” raised individual case of abuse with vision.” This verdict was premature. Indeed, sia on Sunday predicted that warm relations overseas leaders. The militant picket at the the Siagian view was strategically placed in with Australia would remain under its new entrance to the conference and the hostile the Indonesian media to goad the new How- conservative leadership but some analysts questions from the floor indicated that belief ard-Downer team into prostrating them- said the end of the Keating-Suharto special in the Evans sincerity line had worn thin. selves before reactionary Asian leaders relationship could set back ties. While media coverage for the East Timor (such as Suharto), so as to re-establish their “The improvement in bilateral relations issue ensued, nobody turned up to oppose “Asia-literate” credentials and avoid the in the last couple of years has really de- the Downer rejoinder which had been embarrassment of being shunned by regional pended on personal relations,” Dewi For- switched, luckily for him, to the Saturday dictators. José Ramos Horta pointed out to tuna Anwar, a political scientist from the morning and away from the from the flare of a recent AETA Meeting that former Liberal Indonesian academy of sciences (LIPI), told protesters. FM Peacock was outspoken in support of Reuters. The Australian Council for Overseas Aid East Timor in 1974 but sucked up to Indo- “There has been some institutionalisation (ACFOA) sponsored a foreign policy forum nesia as soon as it was clear that Fraser with the signing of a security treaty and with a panel of Downer, Evans, the Democ- would win the 1975 election. Will Downer increasing trade ties, but all of these im- rats and Greens at the NSW Teachers Fed- repeat the process? provements centred on the great personal eration hall (29.2.95). A well attended pro- The first sign of this occurring was the rapport between President Suharto and test received coverage on SBS-TV, and lim- gloating by Downer (Radio Aust. 14.3.96) Prime Minister Paul Keating,” she said. ited exposure on Channel 7 and 10 televi- that Malaysia’s Mahathir’s was conde- “The overall framework will not change sion. After being verbally challenged by the scending to offer brief chats at airport that much but it will take some more per- audience on two previous occasions for his lounges with Downer (in Darwin) and How- sonal spadework, especially from the new pro-Jakarta bias Greg Sheridan finally con- ard (in Brisbane on the return leg) during leader (John Howard). ceded in his column the following day that refuelling for his official visit to New Zea- “But maybe it will never achieve the East Timor had become an election issue land. To make matters worse, Downer same personal warmth achieved by Keating following the general hostility shown to bragged how he sent Richard “pragmatist” with Suharto as it took a number of years as both Evans and Downer on the issue. But Woolcott to Kuala Lumpur to secure this Keating has been involved in much regional coverage of this meeting was overshadowed grovelling “coup” for Australian diplomacy. networking such as the Asia-Pacific Eco- by Liberal leader’s Howard’s address to the Indonesia received the same treatment from nomic Cooperation (APEC) forum,” she National Press Club the previous day where new Liberal Minister Parer the next day said. a “bipartisan” and “Asia first” (read invest- (ABC Radio 15.3.96). In a separate state- Sabam Siagian, Jakarta’s ambassador in ment not human rights) policy was stressed. ment attacking the 12 peak environmental Canberra from 1991-1995, was quoted by On Saturday 2 March, election day itself, bodies who condemned the new Liberal the Jakarta Post on Sunday as saying con- the most “domestic” of elections had run its Government’s proposal to sell Australian servative coalition leader Howard, winner of course. The international news pages, ABC uranium to Indonesia, (because the pro- Saturday’s election, would strive to main- Radio and ATVI News referred to the Por- posed nuclear power station is to be built in tain good ties. tuguese Prime Minister’s offer to restore an earthquake zone with potential fall-out “The new government under Prime Min- full diplomatic relations with Indonesia, (at over Northern Australia), Parer claimed that ister Howard will share the same strategic the EU-ASIA Summit in Bangkok), in ex- Australia had no right to tell Indonesia view of his predecessor in the sense that change for releasing Xanana Gusmão to where they could or couldn’t build their Indonesia and Southeast Asia is an impor- participate in the peace talks. In a press nuclear plant. Parer included the usual cop- tant area for Australia,” Siagian said. conference in Bangkok (reported on Radio out (remember the French nuclear test any- Australia’s foreign minister-apparent Australia 2.3.96) Indonesia’s Ali Alatas one?) that if we don’t sell the Indonesians Alexander Downer said on Sunday the na- took a hard line arguing that Xanana Gus- our uranium “someone else will.” tion would not turn its back on Asia but mão was “a common criminal” and would One can summarise from this trend that a discarded Australia’s claim to be part of the not be released. In the wash-up of the elec- Howard-Downer Government, despite Asian region. tion and spurred on by events in Bangkok sympathetic statements in favour of politi- Keating had been criticised by some con- the Timorese Resistance representatives in cal asylum for Timorese in Australia servatives for bending over backwards to East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 135 foster relations with Jakarta. He said no embassy in Jakarta - after 26 days - of four The paper quoted the deputy governor of country was more important to Australia East Timorese asylum-seekers. the National Defence Institute, Professor and paid five visits. Embassy spokeswoman Joanne Eyre said Juwono Sudarsono, as saying he thought In December last year he witnessed the today a decision last month that the East Mr. Howard would probably not form the signing of a historic security treaty between Timorese did not qualify to have their asy- same close links with Mr. Suharto as his the two countries. lum claims considered resulted from advice predecessor. Siagian forecast a decline in the intensity from Canberra. of the relationship. “For one thing, the Indonesia’s former ambassador to Aus- TIMORESE URGE HOWARD problem of the new government will be the tralia, Sabam Siagian, told the Jakarta Post TO BE FIRM WITH lack of talented people so most probably newspaper yesterday that the last Austra- the intensity of the relationship will suffer,” lian conservative government, under Prime INDONESIA he said. Minister Malcolm Fraser, had supported Abridged He said some adjustment would be nec- Indonesia on East Timor. essary as both countries had been heavily He said it was Mr. Fraser’s government JAKARTA, March 4 (Reuter) - East dependent on the close personal relation- which gave Australian recognition to Indo- Timorese on Monday said they did not ships between Keating and Suharto and nesia’s sovereignty over the former Portu- envisage Prime Minister-elect John Howard Foreign Minister Gareth Evans and his In- guese colony in the late 1970s. making significant changes in Australia’s donesian counterpart, Ali Alatas. Mr. Ghaffar said he did not expect the policy on Indonesian-ruled East Timor but But he said he did not see East Timor new government to significantly change the urged him not to be subservient to Jakarta. causing a problem since it was the last con- nation’s links with Indonesia or its push “It’s all right to be good neighbours but servative government of Malcolm Fraser into Asia. John Howard does not have to be subservi- that recognised East Timor as a province of Mr. Ghaffar said while the coalition gov- ent to Indonesia as was Paul Keating,” said Indonesia. ernment might look to strengthen ties with Armindo Maia, acting rector of the East “Evans tended to be somewhat lenient to Europe, that did not mean a downgrading of Timor University. “Australia can play a activist groups on Indonesian human rights the relationship with Indonesia and Asia. more active role in resolving the problems in and East Timor issues,” Siagian said. Aus- “Nowadays, as we see from the Asia- East Timor...without sacrificing Australian tralia says it recognises Indonesian sover- Europe meeting in Bangkok, countries in interests,” he told Reuters by telephone eignty over the territory that Jakarta in- Europe are getting closer to Asia, so natu- from the Timor capital Dili. vaded in 1975 and annexed the following rally we expect Australia, as a good neigh- Maia said he was sceptical if Howard, year in an act not recognised by the United bour, would grasp the moment,” he said. whose Liberal-National Coalition swept to Nations. power in Saturday’s general election ending Analysts have said the rapport between Mr. Ghaffar said the Indonesian govern- 13 years of Labor rule, would be brave Evans and Alatas was an important factor in ment hoped “past good relations” between enough to make substantial changes to Aus- the 1989 Timor Gap treaty to allow joint oil Indonesia and Australia would be “contin- tralian policy on East Timor. exploration in the waters between Australia ued and further enhanced” under the new The close personal relations between and East Timor. Australian regime. Keating and Indonesia’s President Suharto He said the Indonesian government did have underpinned the warm ties between the DON’T LET E TIMOR ISSUE not expect any significant change from the two nations, which signed a landmark secu- rity treaty last December. MAR RELATIONSHIP - John Howard-led government in terms of the bilateral relationship, or Australia’s “Suharto and Keating were like father and INDONESIA push into Asia. son. Australia’s relationship with Indonesia “I don’t think there will be a very sub- under Howard does not have to be like By Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia stantial change as such.” Mr. Ghaffar said he that,” Maia said. Correspondent hoped that the long-standing issue of East East Timor lawmaker Manuel Carras- JAKARTA, March 4 AAP - The Indo- Timor would not dominate the bilateral calão said he did not expect any major nesian government said today it hoped the relationship. changes in Australian policy on East Timor. issue of East Timor would not dominate the “It should not become the single issue in “I don’t think there will be fundamental Australia-Indonesia relationship under the the relationship,” he said. changes,” he said by telephone from Dili. “I newly-elected federal coalition government. “It (the relationship) should cover the think Australia needs Indonesia more than “It should not become the single issue in whole spectrum.” Meanwhile, Indonesia’s Indonesia needs Australia.” the relationship,” foreign ministry spokes- main newspapers have given front-page But he said East Timorese living in Aus- man Ghaffar Fadyl told AAP. prominence to the Australian federal elec- tralia could pressure the new government to “It (the relationship) should cover the tion after relatively low-key coverage of the deal with the territory’s problems. whole spectrum,” Mr. Ghaffar said, but election campaign. added that Indonesia expected the issue The coalition’s landslide victory hit the SUHARTO SAYS would inevitably be raised on occasions by front pages of several papers yesterday, and COMMITTED TO INDONESIA- the new government. stayed there today, with two newspapers - The coalition’s likely choice as foreign the leading daily, Kompas, and the business- AUSTRALIA TIES minister, Alexander Downer, has stated that oriented Bisnis Indonesia - running editorials JAKARTA, March 5 (Reuter) - Indone- a coalition government would take a tougher on the subject. sian President Suharto has reaffirmed his line on human rights in Asia than the previ- One newspaper, Media Indonesia, carried commitment to ties with Australia after the ous Keating government. One of the early a front-page story suggesting Mr. Howard conservative coalition’s victory in Austra- foreign policy issues facing the coalition is would not form a relationship with Presi- lia’s general election, the official Antara the continued presence in the Australian dent Suharto as close as former Prime Min- news agency said on Tuesday. ister Paul Keating. Page 136 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Antara quoted Suharto as saying on Dr. Wiryono said a presidential visit to freedom banners which were used in the Monday that Indonesia was committed to Australia would have to be well-prepared to demonstration. relations with Australia on the grounds that avoid a possible “debacle” dominated by He then went travelling in Indonesia the two countries needed each other. anti-Indonesian protests. where 3 weeks later he met an untimely “Indonesia will strengthen its ties with “We have to think about it, and prepare death as the reputed sole victim of a traffic Australia even though the latter will soon for it. I don’t like to be too definite about it, accident, but his parents have been unable to undergo a change of government based on but it is definitely one of the things I would get a copy to this day of the hospital report. the results of recent general elections,” Su- like to promote,” he said. Efforts to follow up with Australia’s Dept. harto was quoted as saying by the ambassa- “I think a presidential visit should be of Foreign Affairs have enhanced its reputa- dor to Canberra, Wiryono Sastrohandoyo. prepared well, and in preparing the visit, tion as far as helping Australians abroad as Indonesia was waiting for an official you have to take into account what would the “do FA Dept.” statement from Prime Minister-elect John happen on the ground. Jason’s feisty Mum Rae Porter, well Howard on Australia’s future policy to- “If it only would become a visit that known worker at Port Pirie Tourism and wards Indonesia, Wiryono said. would become a debacle, I think we Arts Centre, will attend the Darwin seminar, Wiryono said Howard’s conservative shouldn’t do it.” and we hope tell us more about Jason and coalition was in power during the late 1970s Dr. Wiryono, 61, a widely-respected ca- also Foreign Affairs. She may be able to tell when Canberra recognised East Timor as reer diplomat, said he hoped the newly- us how to deal with the South Australian being part of Indonesia. elected coalition government would work to reps in the new Howard government, Alex- Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas maintain and enhance the strong ties be- ander Downer and Robert Hill, to make said on Tuesday that Australia’s strengthen- tween the two countries. some progress towards reversing Australia’s ing relations with Indonesia were expected “Well I realise that when a new govern- immoral de jure recognition of Indonesia’s to continue growing under the new conser- ment is established, we go into a situation of brutal invasion and occupation of East vative government. uncertainty,” he said. Timor and the resulting carnage of 40 per Alatas said the relationship, which has at “But I think what has been established, is cent of the nation killed (over 300,000 peo- times been rocky, had been “institutional- established. They are there (and) there is no ple). ised” in the past few years by the defeated use to destroy it. So highly was Jason Porter regarded by Labor government of Prime Minister Paul “We of course would understand there the SA Community Aid Abroad group and Keating. are going to be some changes, but not I sup- the SA Campaign for an Independent East “We certainly hope that the very close pose in the basic sense.” Timor that they will be inaugurating on relationship that has been developed ... by “So at this point I can only express hope April 13th the Jason Porter Memorial Ora- (outgoing) Prime Minister Keating and his that what has been established will continue tion, which may be given by the famous team will be continued and strengthened in to be strengthened.” Indonesian exiled academic Dr. George Adit- the future ...” Alatas told Australian Broad- Dr. Wiryono said he believed the wounds jondro. Contact: Rob Wesley-Smith, Aus- casting Corp. radio in Jakarta. of the “Mantiri affair” had healed. tralians for a Free East Timor, ph832113 The new Liberal-National government “I think the affair was quite well handled. has said Australia’s push for a greater role in It was not damaging. I think the state of the INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S Asia would not suffer under its leadership. relationship was strong enough to withstand DAY FOCUSSED ON In the run-up to Saturday’s poll, Labor this kind of unfortunate incident.” warned Asian leaders would not deal seri- TIMOR WOMAN ously with a conservative government. A TRIBUTE TO Matebian News, Feb/March 1996 Alatas said there was little difference in JASON PORTER the foreign policies of the new government Ines Almeida from ETRA was invited to and its predecessor. OF CRYSTAL BROOK speak at an International Women’s Day breakfast on Saturday 9 March at Sydney Press release from AFFET, March 17 INDONESIA’S NEW Town Hall, Australia, organised by the In- The Australians for a Free East Timor ternational Women’s Development AMBASSADOR HOPES group in Darwin, N.T., are holding a seminar Agency(IWDA). SUHARTO TO VISIT on Wed 20th March to update the appalling ETRA shared the speaking platform with state of human rights abuses and the efforts Olfat Mahmud, a Palestinian woman who by Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia to remedy this in relation to our immediate spoke about women’s experiences of life Correspondent neighbour East Timor. inside refugee camps in Lebanon, and Gwen JAKARTA, March 5 AAP - Indonesia’s The seminar will be dedicated in part to Lansbury from IWDA who talked about an new ambassador to Australia Wiryono Sas- the memory of an idealistic young Crystal IWDA project to end female genital mutila- trohandoyo said today he was hopeful that Brook (S.A.) development economist Jason tion in Tanzania. President Suharto would make his first visit Porter, who was well known to us as a dedi- Ceu Brites also represented ETRA at the to Australia in the near future. cated worker to eliminate poverty and injus- event. “That would be the highlight of my post- tice. Despite the 8.30am start, 600 people at- ing in Australia,” Dr. Wiryono told AAP in Jason visited Darwin twice during events tended the breakfast and heard Ines Al- Jakarta today, as he prepared to take up the marking the 19th and 20th anniversaries of meida, speak about the situation on East Canberra post next week. the Indonesian invasion of East Timor. On Timorese women both inside and outside The post has been vacant since mid- that first occasion he was arrested with 7 East Timor. 1995, after Jakarta withdrew the candidacy others of us, but his charges were later Ines’ speech “Celebrating Women’s of General Herman Mantiri in the wake of dropped. On the more recent occasion Dec Achievements - The Case of East Timor an East Timor related row. 7th 1995 he helped paint military flags and Women” - was warmly received. The audi- ence was obviously moved as Ines outlined East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 137 the tortured and abuse women in East Timor lives by informing the resistance about the all levels of the struggle on our own rights experience on a daily basis under the Indo- actions the Indonesian military was prepar- and terms. We suffered the consequences of nesian occupiers. On a more positive note, ing to undertake. our patriotism but we refused to sell our Ines spoke about the involvement of East These are some examples of how soul. Because in these 20 years of resistance Timorese women in the political process of Timorese women have been active in the and struggle for self-determination, we achieving independence and what this meant resistance to put an end to the Indonesian women of Timor have stood up to be for a free East Timor. military occupation and achieve peace and counted.” ETRA also had a stall at the breakfast freedom. and sold videos, books and posters as well As Timorese women in East Timor, our INDONESIAN ACADEMIC as handing out information about ETRA and aim in the context of the Indonesian occupa- TO SPEAK ON Matebian News. Below are extracts from tion and barbarities, is to stay alive and be Ines Almeida International Women’s Day active within these constraints. DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS speech. Outside East Timor, in the Timorese By Max Lane, Green Left, March 17 “Women’s emancipation must necessar- communities the reality is obviously differ- ily operate in all forms precisely because ent. The difference in realities relates to the Dr. George Aditjondro was the first In- woman, due to her nature and capability, fact that we are so spread around the world donesian senior academic to speak out has been an active player in all aspects of that each group will also exhibit different against the Indonesian occupation of East the society. Be it in the farms or in the pub- attitudes and views about political issues, Timor. He has also been an outspoken ad- lic service, be it in education or health, be in including the issue of the emancipation of vocate of democratic reform and environ- the armed liberation struggles or at the nego- women. mental policy in Indonesia. As a result, he tiation tables,... in many ways, women are As far as (party) policy is concerned, came under much harassment from the re- always present. And being present, inevita- based upon-resolutions passed in the last gime, which climaxed in charges being laid bly, contributes to change. few years and based upon the reality, one against him. In exile, he now teaches at the In this century alone, Timorese women can argue that there is no priority and pro- University of Newcastle. have suffered a number of wars that have gram to enhance women’s participation in On March 22, Aditjondro will be speak- shook our society as a whole, and the cur- the (Timorese) struggle abroad. Having said ing at a public meeting and dinner organised rent Indonesian military occupation and that, it is also true that, in general, there is by ASIET (Action in Solidarity with Indo- colonialism makes it even worst for the no obvious nervousness towards women’s nesia and East Timor) on the theme “Aus- people of East Timor to determine our own activism in the international arena. tralia-Indonesia-East Timor: Triangle of future. As activists around the world become Oppression.” The invasion of 7 December 1975 began more aware of the need to enhance the Speaking to Green Left Weekly, Aditjon- with looting, indiscriminate killings. rape of struggle for the emancipation of women, dro said, “We know how Gough Whitlam thousands of women, and illegal imprison- more demands are exerted upon the gave the green light to Suharto’s invasion of ment of thousands of people. Our people Timorese women abroad to become knowl- East Timor, and how the Labor government today live with constant fear and oppres- edgeable and outspoken. arranged the Timor Gap Treaty. During sion. A number of Timorese women have re- Labor’s period in office, some ALP left Like every war, women not only become sponded to this call but, in my view, more figures got into business arrangements with victims in the sense of losing their loved as a result of individual determination. Our Indonesian businessman leeches from East ones - close friends, husbands, brothers and politics like most of the Third World is still Timor. sisters, sons and daughters - but they are excessively male-dominated. The condi- “The question now is whether under the also subjected to inhuman treatment includ- tions...to break this cycle are yet to exist new Coalition government there is going to ing rape and other kinds of humiliation...” because we are fighting primarily a war of be a change. The NT County Liberal Party Ines spoke about particular women who survival. government has invited many of Suharto’s have become heroines to the resistance and We are also conscious of what lies ahead business cronies to invest. Will this be the are an example to all East Timorese in our of us. Our population statistics suggests model for Australia now?” struggle for freedom. that 53% of the Timorese people are Aditjondro is also concerned about Indo- “Maria Gorete was only 15 when the In- women. Independence is a political process. nesia’s plans for nuclear power. “With In- donesian military invaded East Timor. She Over the last 20 years alone, we have donesia going nuclear, will the Coalition’s was a senior member of the OPMT(the worked extremely hard to keep alive the ending of the three mines policy mean that Popular Organisation of the Timor women) flame of independence. It is brighter now Australian business will be looking more to and active in the clandestine network. She than in the last decade. The involvement of Indonesia as a market for uranium? Will the was captured, raped by an entire garrison of the female population in the struggle for Coalition be siding with the Suharto gov- Indonesian troops and killed. Yet...she never self-determination and independence is cru- ernment or supporting the environmental disclosed any information about her com- cial. movement in its campaign against this mad rades in the network. She died with pride We have seen around the world many ex- scheme?” and dignity, a dignity built upon the fact amples of liberation movements coming to Aditjondro is also concerned that the that she never betrayed her people and na- power and, soon afterwards, the women Australian defence industry will see Indone- tion. Felismina dos Santos, is another were sent back to the kitchen. But this is the sia’s repression as a bonus. “Is it just going Timorese woman currently serving 5 years future struggle. to be more profits for Australian business and 8 months in Becora (Dili) prison be- In a way of evaluation, looking back to flowing from Suharto’s war against the East cause of her activities in the clandestine the Portuguese colonial rule and taking into Timorese?” front. She was working for the (Indonesian) account the barbaric occupation of the Indo- The dinner and public meeting will take military intelligence and was found to be a nesian government of East Timor, we have place at 6.30pm, Friday, March 22, at Glebe member of the resistance network. Before indeed reasons to celebrate women’s Town Hall, St Johns Road, Glebe. Space is she was captured, she saved many Timorese achievements. We women have taken part in Page 138 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. limited, so bookings on (02) 690 1977 are It also applauded the fledgling National offices to have Australia’s de jure recogni- advisable. Human Rights Commission on its independ- tion of the Indonesian annexation reversed. ence, and willingness to criticise the gov- Contacts: Christine Faithful (09) 350 5549 AUSTRALIA ENDORSES U.S. ernment. The report said a number of court (Perth, Western Australia) REPORT ON INDONESIAN rulings in 1995 against government interests John & Pat Gandini (09) 361 4678 (Perth, “may be a sign of nascent judicial independ- HUMAN RIGHTS Western Australia) ence.” Rob Wesley-Smith (089) 832 113 (Darwin, These included the overturning of a con- by Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia Northern Territory) viction against labour leader, Muchtar Pak- Correspondent pahan, and the overturning of a government NATIONAL WITHDRAW The full text of the U.S. State Department ban on the news magazine Tempo (now report is in the U.S. section of this edition of under appeal by the government). The re- RECOGNITION DAY East Timor Documents. port said while Indonesia withdrew two Jakarta, March 11 AAP - Australian offi- army battalions from East Timor in Sep- August 25, 1996 tember, there had been “no noticeable de- cials have broadly endorsed a new toughly- WITHDRAW AUSTRALIAN worded United States’ report which said crease in military activity” and “troop levels accounts of extrajudicial killings, torture and remained unjustifiably high.” RECOGNITION OF INDONESIA’S disappearances in Indonesia increased during ANNEXATION OF EAST TIMOR! 1995. SUHARTO’S VISIT TO The Australian government is the only A reliable source said today Australian EAST TIMOR IN JULY government to give de jure recognition to embassy officials in Jakarta had reviewed - Indonesia’s take-over of East Timor. Ja- and concurred with - the US embassy’s Release from: The Australian Coalition for a karta’s annexation is still not recognised by “Country report for human rights practices free East Timor (ACET), March 19 the United Nations. Jakarta’s take-over was first given de jure recognition by the Fraser in Indonesia” for 1995. The Australian Coalition for a free East government in 1978 and then by the Hawke “Australian officials believe the report is Timor (ACET), comprising East Timor government on 18 August, 1985. The na- balanced, and makes its points firmly, but support groups from around Australia, in a tional day of solidarity will be held on 25 based on the available facts,” the source told phone conference on Monday issued a call August, 1996. AAP. for a nation-wide day of protest on July 17. “In the cold, hard light of day, there is This day is the 20th anniversary of the date Initiators of the call are: very little to suggest an improvement in in 1976 when the Indonesian military regime human rights overall,” he said. EAST TIMORESE RESISTANCE formally incorporated East Timor into In- LEADERSHIP However he said the US report also gave donesia as its 27th province. Press reports JOSÉ RAMOS HORTA, Special Repre- “credit where it’s due,” including signs of a indicate that President Suharto will visit sentative National Council for Maubere more independent judiciary, and greater East Timor on that day to officiate at the Resistance (CNRM); restraint by the military in dealing with large unveiling of the large statue of Christ which JOÃO CARRASCALÃO, Coordinator, demonstrations. The source said Australia is being constructed near Dili, East Timor’s Committee of the Resistance Diplomatic had produced similar reports on human capital. Those reports also say that East Front: President, Timorese Democratic Un- rights, but only for internal government use Timorese civil servants have been levied for ion (UDT); and not for public release. the cost of the statue as funds have run ESTANISLAU DA SILVA, Australian The US report, released last Friday, said short. representative for FRETILIN (Revolution- Indonesia continued to be ruled by an au- ACET has called for the widest commu- ary Front for the Independence of East thoritarian government “despite a surface nity support for this day to especially fea- Timor); adherence to democratic forms,” with no ture the continuing denial to the East chance for the people to change its govern- Timorese people of an act of self- Plus: ment. determination to freely decide their future. Gil Scrine, Australia East Timor Associa- It said the most serious human rights’ In over 20 years of brutal Indonesian mili- tion (NSW); Sister Kath O’Connor, Chris- abuses occurred over the “harsh repression” tary occupation, one-third of the population tians in Solidarity with East Timor; Max of dissident movements in the remote re- has died and as the Roman Catholic Bishop, Lane, National Coordinator, Action in Soli- gions of Irian Jaya, East Timor and Aceh. Carlos Belo in Dili, frequently points out, darity with Indonesia and East Timor; “The government continues to commit this repression continues. Wendy Robertson, Resistance East Timor serious human rights abuses. “Reports of The shame for Australia is that our gov- campaign extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and ernments, both Labor and the Coalition, Initial Sponsors Update torture of those in custody by security have recognised the Indonesian annexation Leah Anderson, activist (Australia Ser- forces increased,” the report said. “Reports and constantly excused the actions of the vices Union); Australian Aid to Ireland of arbitrary arrests and detentions and the Indonesian military. This is a clear betrayal (S.A); Australia West Papua Association use of excessive violence (including deadly of the East Timorese people who gave us (NSW); Senator Vikki Bourne, Foreign Af- force) in dealing with suspected criminals or such unstinting support when Australia was fairs spokesperson, Australian Democrats; perceived troublemakers continued,” it said. threatened by invasion in the Second World Bob Brown, National spokesperson, Aus- On the positive side, the US embassy said War. tralian Greens; All Burma Federation of the economic standard of living had im- ACET sees this day as a ‘National Day Students; Building and Construction Divi- proved markedly under the New Order Su- in Support of Self-Determination for East sion, Construction, Forestry, Manufacturing harto government, with significant economic Timor’ and calls upon the new Foreign Min- and Engineering Union [CFMEU] (SA); growth. ister, Alexander Downer, to use his good Catholic Workers (Queensland); Claire Moore, Queensland, Branch Secretary, East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 139

Community and Public Sector Union INDONESIANS SUPPORT deportations, particularly for those who (CPSU); Senator Christabel Chamorette, NATIONAL EAST TIMOR DAY have already been rejected by the Immigra- W.A Greens; Campaign for an Independent By Max Lane, Green Left, March 17 tion Department or Refugee Review Tribu- East Timor (CIET) (ACT); Campaign for an nal. Time is short. While such deportations Independent East Timor (SA); Joan Cox- SPRIM (Indonesian People in Solidarity would no doubt create massive publicity, sedge, ex-member of Legislative Council, with the Struggle of the Maubere People), especially with the likely resistance from Victoria (ALP); John da SIlva, Sara Dowse, has added its name to those supporting the East Timorese and their supporters (espe- novelist; Jim Dunn, author and former Aus- national day of solidarity for East Timor. cially in this case the Christian Sanctuary tralian consul in Dili; Bill Ethel, Secretary, The action has been called to focus attention Network), the cost both in terms of human WA Branch, Construction, Forestry, Manu- on the Australian government’s legal recog- suffering and of resources of the East Timor facturing and Engineering Union [CFMEU]; nition of Indonesia’s annexation of East network in Australia would be immense. Yvonne Francis, Canberra Programme for Timor. This issue can and should be resolved Peace; José Gusmão; CNRM Representa- The Fraser Liberal government gave de very quickly, so that we can get on with tive for Southeast Asia; Graham Haynes, jure recognition to Indonesia’s take over on bringing pressure to bear on the Government (organiser - Meatworkers Union, WA); December 22, 1978. This was reaffirmed on on the more substantive and deeply-rooted Moses Havini, Human Rights advocate, August 18, 1985, by the Hawke Labor gov- problems of recognition of the occupation Bouganville Interim Government; Tim ernment. and provision of military and diplomatic Kucera, Industrial officer, Meatworkers SPRIM participated in the joint East support to the Suharto regime. Union (WA); Hobart East Timor Commit- Timorese-Indonesian protest actions at the Australian (and other) groups and indi- tee; Rodney Lewis, Dili trials observer for Dutch and Russian embassies in December viduals should send urgent appeals to the International Commission of Jurists and 1995. The actions were carried out on the new Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Alex- International Bar Association; Wendy 20th anniversary of Jakarta’s invasion of ander Downer MP; the new Minister for Lowenstein, writer; Humphrey McQueen, East Timor. Immigration and Multicultural Affairs (note historian and writer; May Mackay, United In a message sent to Action in Solidarity the change in portfolio name from the previ- Nations Association (ACT); John Malony, with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET), ous Immig. & Ethnic Affairs), Mr. Philip historian; Melbourne University Students one of the groups participating in the Au- Ruddock MP; and to the new Prime Minis- Union; Barbara Meyer, Canberra Pro- gust 25 protests, SPRIM stated that its ter, The Hon. John Howard MP. If it’s any gramme for Peace (CPP); Jenny Munro, support was part of reinforcing solidarity help, feel free to use the attached letter (be- Chairperson, Metropolitan Aboriginal between Indonesians, Australians and East low) FOET sent to each of these people. Lands Council; Satendra Nandan, writer, Timorese. Note that while we will be promptly taking former Minister in Fiji government; Vice- The national day of solidarity was origi- each of these people to task on East Timor President PEN (ACT); Prof. Garth Net- nally proposed for August 18. However, more broadly, we felt it important with theim, Human Rights Centre, Faculty of after the March 2 federal elections, a new these initial letters to concentrate exclu- Law, University of New South Wales; call was issued by José Ramos Horta, spe- sively on the refugee issue, so as not to Domingos de Oliveira, Secretary-General, cial representative of CNRM, Estanislau da allow them opportunity to avoid this issue Timorese Democratic Union (UDT), Aus- Silva from Fretilin, João Carrascalão from in their replies in favour of any others raised tralian Representative, Resistance Diplo- the Timorese Democratic Union, representa- in correspondence. matic Front; John Pilger, writer and journal- tives of Australia East Timor Association Regards, Rob South for Friends of East ist; Dr. Stuart Russell, Faculty of Law, (NSW), Christians in Solidarity with East Timor (Western Australia) Timor (CISET) and ASIET for the actions Macquarie University. David Scott AO; ******* Shirley Shackleton, East Timor campaigner, to be moved to August 25. Some solidarity activists had earlier ex- FOET Letterhead wife of slain journalist, Greg Shackleton; 18 March 1996 Peter Slezak, Snr Lecturer, UNSW; Gareth pressed concern that ALP supporters, who may be rethinking their party’s record and Mr. Alexander Downer MP Smith, Canberra Program for Peace - CPP); Minister for Foreign Affairs Parliament SPRIM - Indonesian People in Solidarity wish to join a campaign to reverse its posi- tion, might find it difficult to support an House with the Maubere People (Jakarta); Dr. CANBERRA ACT 2601 Keith Suter, author on East Timor issues action on the anniversary of Labor’s deci- and President, Centre for Peace and Conflict sion to reaffirm de jure recognition. Re: Immediate Action needed on 1350 East Studies, University of Sydney; John Timorese applying for refugee status in Tomlinson, East Timor activist (Qld.); Will NEW AUSTRALIAN Australia Tracey, Industrial Officer, CFMEU (WA); GOVERNMENT AND Dear Mr. Downer, Bill Tully, Secretary, Committee for an REFUGEES Firstly, please accept our congratulations Independent East Timor (ACT); University on the election of the Coalition to Govern- Student Supporters of East Timor (USSET), Friends of East Timor WA, March 24 ment, and your appointment as Minister for Melbourne University; Chris Warren, Edi- Foreign Affairs. We would also like to take tor, News Extra (Canberra); Sam Watson, As earlier postings on reg.et indicated, the new Australian Government made com- this opportunity to formally thank you for Aboriginal film maker; Indigenous Peoples mitments while in Opposition not to send meeting with members of Friends of East Party; Ellen Whelan, Editor, Pacific News Timor (WA) on 21 February 1996 at the Bulletin (published for NFIP). any of the East Timorese in Australia to Portugal, including a direct commitment Perth campaign office of LPA candidate Dee given by the now Foreign Affairs Minister, Kelly. Alexander Downer MP to Friends of East As you would remember, one of the im- Timor (Western Australia) in February. portant issues raised at that meeting was in Urgent pressure is needed to ensure that regard to the approximately 1350 East promises are honoured and there are no Timorese currently seeking refugee status in Page 140 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Australia. You were at pains to point out know, a result of advice given to the RRT cc: Prime Minister the Hon John Howard that the Coalition’s intentions in this par- by the previous Government. Kim Koe Jong MP ticular matter were contrary to those of the is currently appealing the decision to the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural previous Government’s, in what was oth- Federal Court. An Immigration Department Affairs Mr. Philip Ruddock MP erwise an area of broadly similar policy in spokesperson announced publicly prior to relation to East Timor generally. You stated the election that the decision could affect categorically that under a Coalition Gov- many of the East Timorese applications for STONE TO HELP NEW GOVT. ernment, Australian authorities, in assessing refugee status being considered by the de- IMPROVE INDONESIA TIES the claims of East Timorese for refugee partment, stating “Where we find a person status, would consider these claims solely is Portuguese as well as Indonesian national By Gordon Feeney & Rohan Sullivan against Indonesia, without reference to the then we will argue that person is not eligible JAKARTA, March 24 AAP - Northern dubious issue of Portuguese citizenship, an for a protection visa (refugee status).” (The Territory Chief Minister Shane Stone - due approach that would thus be in line with Australian, 13/2/96). We therefore urge you to meet Indonesia’s President Suharto this successive Australian Governments’ stated to immediately intervene in this case and week - will offer the new federal government views since 1979 that East Timorese are any others which may have arisen since NT expertise in dealing with Asia. Indonesian citizens. You would remember then, in order to ensure that these East Mr. Stone is due to meet Prime Minister that our members at that meeting sought Timorese, if they meet refugee criteria solely John Howard in Sydney tomorrow, ahead of clarification on this point to ensure that this in relation to Indonesia/East Timor, are al- Mr. Stone’s scheduled meeting with Mr. was your intention. lowed to remain in Australia as refugees. We Suharto in Jakarta on Wednesday, a We acknowledge of course that you have are unclear as to what precise steps the spokesman for the Chief Minister said. been consistent on this point since it first Government will need to take to ensure this, “We’ve got the expertise in dealing with arose last year. We were heartened to read, i.e. whether this will require specific legisla- countries like Indonesia, so we can offer that for example, your strident criticism of the tion or legislative amendments, but we are expertise to them (the federal government),” Keating Government’s double-standard in confident that your Government will be able the spokesman told AAP yesterday. this matter, in The Australian of October 12 to ascertain precisely and promptly what is Mr. Stone would be glad to pass on to 1995, excerpted below: required to ensure the promised outcome in Mr. Suharto any message from Mr. How- “Portugal yesterday denied that the 1300 this critical matter. ard, such as a reassurance of the federal East Timorese seeking refugee status in As you would be aware, Friends of East government’s commitment to the bilateral Australia are automatically Portuguese na- Timor (WA) campaigns consistently in a relationship, he said. tionals. Portuguese Ambassador Dr. Rui de number of areas, and we will undoubtedly “He (Mr. Stone) would pass it on if Mr. Avila said the East Timorese could only be writing to you again in regard to other Howard asked.” qualify for citizenship if they expressed a aspects of Australian Government policy on After the coalition election win, Indone- desire to be Portuguese and met certain spe- East Timor. We hope that we will be able to sian commentators, including former ambas- cific criteria. ‘ ... It is not an automatic um- meet with you again in the future to discuss sador to Australia, Sabam Siagian, suggested brella that is there for them to be considered these issues further. However, our immedi- bilateral ties would be less strong under the Portuguese since the moment they were ate concern remains the plight of those East new government. born,’ he said. ... He disputed the argument Timorese seeking asylum in Australia. We The message has taken hold widely in In- that East Timorese had dual nationality. believe that prompt Coalition action in line donesia, despite the new federal govern- Opposition spokesman on foreign affairs, with your pre-election commitments in this ment’s repeated assurances that Asia re- Alexander Downer, ... said: ‘The Govern- matter would go a long way to ensure mained a key priority for Australia. ment had been given this information by the goodwill and continuing constructive en- Last week, for example, a contestant in a Portuguese Government and has chosen to gagement between your Government and television beauty pageant said she preferred ignore it. ... The fact is Australia has never those many Australians who support a just former prime minister Paul Keating because considered the people of East Timor as settlement for the long-suffering East he was more friendly to Indonesia. anything but Indonesian since 1979 - the Timorese people. Mr. Keating visited Indonesia six times latest claim by Mr. Keating that they are As this matter obviously concerns policy as prime minister, and has a relatively high Portuguese is simply absurd and hypocriti- in a number of portfolios, most notably profile here. cal.’” Foreign Affairs and Immigration and Multi- Indonesian commentators have high- We hope that you will therefore be able cultural Affairs, we are writing also to the lighted the coalition’s traditional links with to act quickly to honour the commitment Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Europe and the United States, including its given by you on behalf of the Coalition, and Affairs, Mr. Philip Ruddock MP, and to the support for the monarchy. ensure that no East Timorese currently in Prime Minister, the Hon John Howard MP Several other reports gave prominence to Australia or who arrive in Australia in the (copies enclosed). allegedly racist election campaign comments future should be deported to Portugal. Can you please advise Friends of East by coalition members. However, the reprehensible policy of the Timor (WA) in writing as soon as possible If Mr. Stone did act to smooth the way previous Government on this matter has of your intended action concerning the East for Mr. Howard, he would carry with him already been underway for some time. In Timorese asylum-seekers. We reiterate that, the NT ruling Country Liberal Party’s long- particular, we wish to raise with you the given the progress of some of these cases, standing credentials in Indonesia. case of East Timorese Mr. Kim Koe Jong, immediate action is required. Friends of East Mr. Stone himself had met Mr. Suharto whose application for refugee status was Timor can also be contacted on (09) 361 several times as an NT government minister rejected by the Refugee Review Tribunal on 4678 or (09) 350 5549. before taking over the NT leadership mid February 13 1996, despite the RRT ac- Yours sincerely, last year, the spokesman said. knowledging he faced ‘a real chance of per- Rob South Among a range of portfolios, Mr. Stone secution’ if he was to return to Indone- for Friends of East Timor (Western Aus- was NT Asian Relations and Trade Minis- sia/East Timor. This decision was, as you tralia) ter, before becoming leader. That role - East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 141 unique in Australia - has gone to Eric Poole, Square Massacre, as an act of grace, com- Sydney 02 5605563, 3104510, 7166354 also due to meet Mr. Suharto. monsense, decency and economic prudence ETRA 8912876 Melbourne 03 94897661 Mr. Stone is probably Australia’s only by the new Australian government, now be political leader with any competence in the granted permanent residency in Australia.” AUSTRALIAN FOREIGN Indonesian language. He’s also well-known 2. A Calendar of significant Days of Soli- MINISTER MEETS WITH in the NT for his enthusiasm in wearing darity with East Timor has been agreed, as Indonesian batik shirts. follows. This is an attempt to encourage FRETILIN GROUP IN DARWIN The NT has long claimed to lead Austra- coordination and unity, one of the main aims Canberra, 3/26 (ANTARA) - Australian lia in forging links with the Asian region, of ACET, and does not exclude any actions Foreign Minister Alexander Downer in his especially Indonesia - citing its geographical by groups supporting East Timor either visit to Darwin, North Australia, on Mon- proximity as a key advantage. planned or ad hoc. However we appeal to day (3/25) has met with the Fretilin Group, But in terms of trade, transport from solidarity and funding groups and individu- who are fighting for the independence of Darwin to the far-distant Australian popula- als to support our efforts. East Timor, based in Darwin – one hour tion centres has remained a problem, with ACET National Days of Solidarity for before seeing the Malaysian Prime Minister repeated NT calls for the Alice Springs to East Timor Dr. Mahathir Mohammad. This was re- Darwin rail link to be built. 23rd March “Ceasefire Day,” the day ported by the daily newspaper “The Can- At times, though, the NT’s edge has been Xanana Gusmão negotiated a ceasefire in berra Times” on Tuesday. notable - though attributed by some to a 1983 with Indonesian Col. Purwanto. This daily quoted the spokesperson of very soft line on issues like East Timor. Shows it can be done. the group, who are involved in “The Na- In 1991, the NT was able to arrange a tional Council of Maubere Resistance” meeting with Mr. Suharto at a time when “Peace - Let East Timor Speak” (CNRM), José Gusmão, as saying that the Hawke Labor government was unable to 17th May “National Day of Solidarity Downer in the said meeting stressed that he do the same. with East Timor and Xanana,” the day has ordered the Australian Ambassador in A 1991 memorandum of understanding Xanana Gusmão delivered (part of) his Jakarta to visit East Timor to observe the (MOU) between Indonesia and the NT was speech at his showcase trial in 1993. (1996 situation and the latest developments in the designed to enhance economic and other ETRA launches Xanana’s speech as a book- area. links, focusing on Indonesia’s less devel- let, there is a Xanana CD too) “Free East According to Gusmão, CNRM appreci- oped eastern provinces. Timor - Free Xanana and all Political Pris- ates Alexander Downer because he was Announcing the trip last week, Mr. Stone oners” willing to accept the delegation in the early said his talks with Mr. Suharto would centre 17th July “National Day of Solidarity in stages of his leadership as the new Austra- on the $300 million of trade between the NT Support of Self-Determination for East lian Foreign Minister. and Indonesia, mostly with the eastern Timor,” the day Suharto signed the Act However, he said, CNRM will continue provinces. ‘annexing’ East Timor as Indonesia’s 27th to campaign in humiliating Australia and “I have not had an opportunity to meet province. (1996 Suharto to visit Dili and Indonesia if there is no ending to the -what with President Suharto since I became chief unveil statue of Christ) he calls- human rights violations in East minister. It has been suggested to me that Aims: “Reverse Indonesian ‘Annexation’ Timor, and the decrease in the number of now would be an appropriate time,” Mr. of East Timor” “All Indonesian troops out military personnel in East Timor. Stone said in Darwin. of East Timor Now” “Reverse Australia’s He said, during the meeting his party has The leaders would also discuss the future de jure recognition of Indonesia’s illegal requested the ruling Coalition Government of the 1991 MOU, Mr. Stone said. ‘Annexation’ of East Timor” to grant residency status to all the East The spokesman for Mr. Stone said the 17th August “Indonesia’s Independence Timorese, either those who are just entering meeting with Mr. Suharto was expected to day - What about East Timor?” 17/8/45 or those already in Australia. last about 30 minutes. declaration of independence read, but true “We (CNRM) will give a chance to Mr. independence and freedom is not achieved Downer to write down his policies concern- whilst Indonesia enslaves colonies and de- APPEAL TO COALITION - ing East Timor,” said Gusmão. nies its own people freedom. “Free East AMNESTY FOR EAST TIMOR Meanwhile, the head of CNRM, Rob Timor - Freedom for Indonesia” Wesley-Smith also said his party will grant ASYLUM SEEKERS 16th October “Death at Balibo - Day of amnesty to the new coalition government, to Commemoration” 16/10/75 at Balibo East Australian Coalition for a free East Timor issue their policies concerning East Timor in Timor 5 Aussie journos murdered by Indo- Media Release, 24 March 96 six months to one year before any protest nesian forces continue. “Tell the Truth” Calendar of East Timor Solidarity Days In the meeting, Downer said, his govern- 12th November “Dili Massacre - East Released ment supports the United Nations initiative Timor National Day of Mourning” 12/11/91 1. The Australian Coalition for a free in sponsoring the meeting in Austria to dis- Dili Massacre captured by world TV and East Timor, The main coordinating body of cuss the matter of East Timor and helped media the East Timor Solidarity groups across funded the meeting in the amount of 26,000 “Stop the Killings - Stop the Genocide” Australia, at a telephone hookup last Mon- Australian Dollars (20,000 US dollars) for 7th December “East Timor Invasion - day passed the following Request to the the plane tickets of the delegation from Aus- National Day of Action” 7/12/95 Full scale new Coalition government of Australia: tralia. invasion of East Timor by Indonesian armed “That all East Timorese refugees and Downer also said, the government sup- forces asylum seekers in Australia now, plus the ports the international efforts that are aimed “Indonesian troops Out of East Timor” few in Macau, totalling around 2,000 and in solving the problem of East Timor by bearing in mind the generosity of a previous Further info: Perth 09 3505549, 3614678 ways that are acceptable to all parties in- government at the time of the Tiananmen Adelaide 08 3710480 Darwin 089 832113 volved. Page 142 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

RESPONSE FROM AGIO PEREIRA, REPORT ON DARWIN MEETING an update from one of our delegation in due SYDNEY: WITH NEW FOREIGN MINISTER course. ALEXANDER DOWNER Refugees. The resolution of the Austra- Points of Clarification lian Coalition for a Free East Timor on The above article shows how incompe- some notes by Rob Wesley-Smith 28/3/96 18/3/96 to ask the new government for an tent and unprofessional (corrupt?) many A delegation of East Timor solidarity and amnesty for East Timorese seeking resi- Indonesian journalists are. The article con- East Timorese activists had a 40 minute dency in Australia, thought to be about tains gross distortions which must be ex- meeting with new Foreign Affairs Minister 2,000, was presented, but although its not posed. Following points for the time being: Alexander Downer on Mon 25th March his portfolio responsibility, Mr. Downer 1. Rob Wesley-Smith is NOT “the Head 1996 when he came to Darwin to meet Dr. predicted a firm denial of this idea. Louisa of CNRM.” Rob Wesley-Smith is the long Mahathir. This was a surprise to many that presented her case, and Mr. Downer read time ET activist living in Darwin, he is the he saw us so soon and at short notice, and the details of her horror in the Dili Massacre secretary of the Australian Council for East the meeting was extremely friendly. My an after, and was moved (but not enough it Timor (ACET) and Australians for a Free assessment is that he is keenkeen to make an seems). José Gusmão presented (the late) East Timor (AFFET). impact on improving the political and hu- Michele Turner’s book Telling East Timor, 2. The meeting was NOT of Fretilin at man rights scene in East Timor and reduce it and Mr. Downer quickly looked at his story all. In fact, the leader of Fretilin was not as a ‘problem’ between Australia and Indo- and promised to read. Maria gave an account part of the Delegation; nesia, but I doubt that this will extend to of her experiences of the war and needs, and 3. Mr. José Gusmão is the Southeast risking our friendly relationship with Su- pointed out its been going on for 20 years. Asian Representative of CNRM and work harto. The policies of the ALP in govern- Mr. Downer said East Timor was an im- closely with the solidarity in Australia, ment and the new Liberal/National Party pediment to relations with Suharto e.g. specially those based in the Northern Terri- Coalition government are almost identical, Mantiri affair and flag-burning and please tory of Australia. except the Coalition says clearly that all give him a year and half to see marked pro- 4. Mr. Alexander Downer did meet a East Timorese are Indonesian, (no sugges- gress before turning nasty. We said that was delegation including José Gusmão and Rob tion they may be treated as Portuguese). Of too long, but we’d be nice for 6 months or Wesley-Smith to discuss a number of hu- course we stated up front that was an illegal so, and we do not care about Mantiri etc., manitarian issues, high in the agenda the and immoral position. we cared about the ongoing human rights situation of Timorese refugees in Australia. Delegation members were violations happening every day in East Hope to be able to receive full report about Timor, with no Australian government for the meeting by José Gusmão and/or Rob Rob Wesley-Smith representing Austra- 20 years caring very much. We said that Wesley-Smith very soon; lian for a Free East Timor AFFET PhFx 61 even dealing with Suharto on this matter 5. If you take not of the UN Media Re- 89 832113 PO B0x 2155 Darwin NT Aus- was not really appropriate as his rule was lease reference SG/2021, dated 22 March tralia 0801, or email at present maybe c/ illegal, and Australia supporting it was ille- 1996, in the two very last sentences, the [email protected] and the Australian gal and immoral, and the new government UN Secretary-General’s office stated that Coalition for a free East Timor ACET should look at that as a priority. “The Government of Austria provided (c/member solidarity groups in each state, Supporting letters on this to the new meeting facilities and accommodation for all myself or secretariat in Perth Ph 61 9 government (c/ Parliament House Canberra participants. A number of other govern- 3614678 or 3505549); ACT Australia) would be helpful I feel. ments also extended financial support to José Gusmão CNRM Darwin; and July 17th will be an ACET national and this initiative.” Louisa Ferreira one of the 18 boat people we hope international focus in support of The contribution by Australia was not who arrived in Darwin May 1995, were sent self-determination for East Timor (20th for those from Australia which were only to Curtin airbase holding centre and in July anniversary of Suharto signing the annexa- two. In any case, two tickets from Australia released into the community on Bridging tion into Indonesian law). There are lots of could not have cost AUS$20,000, unless it visas, with very restrictive conditions, other things he can do without just dealing is around the world ticket in business class. which is their present status. with Suharto, e.g. funding activities. Mr. Two business class ticket to Austria and Downer has already given US$20,000 to return only cost around AUS$10,000. It is We met Alexander Downer, staffer law- assist the recent (useless) UN sponsored obvious that the contribution by Australian yer Greg Hunt, Foreign Affairs John Dauth intra-Timorese talks in Austria, a promising government and all other governments as visitor and local Brendan Doran. sign I guess. He also intervened to help mentioned in the UN Media Release, was A letter was presented to Mr. Downer, mother of Jason Porter killed in Java to get a for the overall budget needed for this meet- see below. He had briefly seen this, and was medical report, and has raised with Malay- ing. conscious of many of the points in it. He sian officials the outrageous case of Jacque- The Indonesian journalist obviously cautioned that he was new in the portfolio, line Gillespie where her two children were wrote this article without an inch profes- was concerned, he had heard many problem kidnapped by a Malaysian prince and she sional integrity, because the author did not reports about East Timor and never heard a has been denied all access since. By the even take into account the usual commu- comforting one, he was sending the Austra- way, this kidnapping was done with the lian Ambassador immediately to East Timor niqué by the UN which is the normal prac- active help of the Indonesian military, some- tice of UN in issuing Media Releases after for a thorough update. We said he had more thing the Australian government officials official and public meetings of this nature. expertise facing him, would the Ambassador seem quite unwilling to deal with. However Every journalist (specially those writing on have his own interpreters and media etc. and it is clear Mr. Downer will not take this international affairs) should be acquainted that we did not necessarily share his confi- matter far if officials cannot make progress. with this culture. dence given that Alan Taylor was the same In summary, a good start, but the record person who made a whitewash report into over the last 20 years is poor and it will take the deaths of the 5 Australian journalists at a sea change for much progress, and we Balibo 16/10/75. He was prepared to accept want to see early action and results. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 143

By Robert Wesley-Smith huge need for support of orphans, which aid to Indonesia in 1978, did reverse Australia’s Letter presented to Mr. Downer can be delivered through us. There are also de jure recognition of the Russian occupa- needs for educational support, communica- tion of the Baltic states over 30 years after Darwin East Timorese and Supporters of tions, access by all manner of NGO’s and the event, so why can’t that be a precedent! a Free East Timor UN Agencies, and proper visits with their If Indonesia remains totally hardline, then Box 2155 Darwin own interpreters and media by politicians of announce by midyear a review of the posi- NT 0801 all persuasions. tion of Australia at the UN over the ques- PhFx 089 832113 089 275478 An Australian government office should tion of East Timor (and please also West Mon 25th March 1996 be established in Dili, it is hard for us to Papua), given that our recent voting and Mr. Alexander Downer advocate a Consulate with its overtones of rhetoric is in breach of the UN Charter, its Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade acknowledging the legitimacy of the regime. Human Rights Declarations and Interna- Dear Mr. Downer, Tell the truth, the whole truth. We tional Law. We argue of course that really Thankyou for seeing us at short notice so want the Australian government to be much not for a day longer should Australia con- soon into your Ministership. We have noted more forthcoming in telling the truth about tinue to recognise de jure the violent brutal your expressions of concerns over Human what it knows of the invasion and brutal illegal military invasion and occupation of Rights issues in the region and in East Timor military occupation of East Timor in the last East Timor. In general terms in the world of particular, and we hope and urge you to 20 years. Why is it that most information realpolitik then support for the holding of a make a difference to a situation that could has to come from activist groups at their valid act of self determination for East hardly be worse. We have also noted deci- own expense? Open up government records, Timor might well follow along the conserva- sions already that have been welcomed, such including the radio intercepts dealing with tive lines of the CNRM Peace Plan which is as more support for Mrs. Rae Porter and the slaughter of 6 Australian-based journal- attached. Note that ACET has set 17th July Dr. John Flynn, and some other support. ists in East Timor. Support a full Judicial as a major date for campaigning against Aus- The first basic human right denied the Enquiry into their deaths. Counter Suharto’s tralia’s de jure recognition of the Indonesian East Timorese has been and is the right to denial of freedom by censorship to protect occupation. self-determination. This was stated at the his regime, e.g. he has just banned the Read- Refugees/Asylum seekers. The Austra- recent International Court hearing in The ers Digest!! lian Coalition for a free East Timor (ACET), Hague, leading to Gareth Evans saying Aus- Provide some monetary support for Aus- the main coordinating body for the solidar- tralia admitted that, but then sort-of rede- tralian solidarity support groups such as ity groups, passed a request to your gov- fined self determination as something that ACET/AFFET/ETRA, allow tax deductibil- ernment to grant Residency Status to all could happen under the present brutal and ity for ETRA and other groups, support those East Timorese presently in Australia illegal Indonesian rule, which is clearly not East Timorese National Council (CNRM) or in hardship in some other SEAsian coun- possible. Do you agree?. And do you agree work and the utterly necessary international tries. Louisa here has been in limbo for that the East Timorese have an as yet not attendance at international fora by Horta nearly a year, and it is surely unconscion- exercised right to self determination? If so, and others, or for the fund raising for East able to send her back to the Indonesian mili- what are the legal and moral bases for your Timor (e.g. AFFET 1975-95, 20 years of tary thugs for their brand of abuse. The party/government arguing that clearly all Shame Appeal), or provide a telecommuni- ACET Press Release on this matter is at- East Timorese are Indonesian? Will you cations allowance (myself and many col- tached. The attitude of the Australian Em- actively support a genuine act of self- leagues are going broke over such needs). bassy recently has been an utter disgrace determination for the East Timorese? What etc. We are carrying the shared responsibil- and shame, and must change. Asylum seek- to do about this given the recalcitrance of ity. Be far more generous to refugees, and ers from the Dutch and Russian Embassies the Indonesian Military government is a offer training here and overseas. were tortured on their forced return to the matter for suggestion and debate, we know The governments of Australia during the Jakarta military. its not easy, but we will make some sugges- last 20 years have followed the Woolcott Political Prisoners of Indonesia. Please tions. line of putting ‘Pragmatism ahead of Princi- upgrade Australian Embassy concern and But the most immediate issue is to stop ple’; this line should be rejected in line with action for the well-being of such people, of the current human rights abuses going on our UN obligations. We suggest you express course including Xanana Gusmão, without right now in East Timor, to get the Indone- views privately to Indonesia and publicly whose active participation in the process it sian military out (to stop using East Timor that Australia and West Papua are also Aus- is hard to see a peaceful and decent out- as its Canungra), and to get relief of all kinds tralia’s immediate neighbours, we have a come. Of course his trial was a farce and direct to the East Timorese people in East legitimate interest and obligation re their illegal anyway, see attachment by Greg Timor. welfare, (they might even have been our Jones. Please also upgrade support for Aus- We suggest you offer several Australian legal responsibility if we’d stood up to In- tralian travellers overseas or their families military field medical units to work immedi- donesian nationalistic bullying in the 60s when accidents happen, particularly in ately for an initial period of months in rural and 70s). Gorton and McMahon gave sup- those first few days, with many lessons to East Timor. Also provide medical supplies port to the1971 UN Declaration re coopera- be learned from the experience of Rae Porter and expertise to the Catholic run clinics. tion between nations, yet we don’t see it and family, friends of ours, and other exam- Such services must be supplied direct, as if supported in practice. Evatt obviously ples including many thrown out of East offered through the Indonesian military played an honourable role in setting up the Timor. rulers then very little will get to the needy UN, yet Whitlam abused it in by supporting Military training of Indonesian sol- people, and the services will not be trusted. in 1975 and 1982 the naked aggression diers here, we understand you do not intend The need is huge and not being filled at all against East Timor, and it could be argued so to stop this. However at the least a compul- to many, with TB and Malaria rife, many have Keating/Evans. And even Malcolm sory and lengthy component of due process other diseases, and a growing AIDS problem Fraser who turned a blind eye to the East and international human rights delivered also caused by rapes by Indonesian military and Timor invasion, denied medical supplies to by non-military and to be confronted with their imported friends. Similarly there is a East Timorese, and gave de jure recognition Page 144 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

East Timorese and West Papuans should be Rob Wesley-Smith, (AFFET & ACET), met with several East Timor activists in regarded as a minimum. Maria Soares (CNRM) Darwin. Military who have committed human José Gusmão (CNRM) The activists said later they were pleased rights abuses in East Timor should be tried and Louisa Ferreira with Mr. Downer’s statements of concern as War Criminals. We want such a Tribunal Attachments: Telling East Timor by the over East Timor. in place. late Michele Turner including the story of These things can be done safely by your José and Fatima Gusmão; CNRM Peace ASIET ACTION REPORT - government without jeopardising Australia’s Plan; Darwin Media Releases about torture FEBRUARY-MARCH own self-interest we believe. There are details and news from October 1995; Recent many other matters that could be touched news from East Timor 1996; Paper by Greg Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East on, but we would like to leave some papers Jones on the Xanana Gusmão case; ACET Timor (ASIET) action reports: February- and a book, and a copy of the aims of the Media Release 24/3/96 re Appeal for Am- March, 1996 ACET and of AFFET, which indicate a nesty, and Calendar of Dates; Poem by broad range of principles and aspects of Bono and U2; Summary of ET Refugee Protest against security treaty concern. These aims follow. cases, NSW AETA March 1996 Newsletter; ADELAIDE – A protest of 50 people The aims of ACET and AFFET: Readers Digest article about Bishop Belo was held on February 3 outside the Indone- 1. Support genuine self-determination for March 1996; AFFET 1975-95, 20 years of sian consulate, in opposition to the Indone- East Timor, and the right of the East Shame Appeal sia-Australia Agreement on Maintaining Timorese to Independence. Security. The action was organised by AUST AMBASSADOR TO ASIET (Action in Solidarity with Indonesia 2. Campaign to end all Human Rights viola- VISIT EAST TIMOR and East Timor) and the socialist youth tions of East Timorese people. organisation Resistance. 3. Support the immediate and complete By Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia Speakers highlighted the fact that this withdrawal of all Indonesian troops from correspondent treaty has little to do with maintaining - security - in the region, but rather is in- East Timor and the release of all East JAKARTA, March 26, AAP - Austra- tended to ensure greater stability for in- Timorese political prisoners. lian ambassador to Indonesia, Allan Taylor, vestment by Australian companies in Indo- would visit East Timor to update the new 4. Promote the CNRM Peace Plan and any nesia and East Timor. The action concluded Australian government on events in the initiative for peace in East Timor that al- with an appeal for all who attended to sup- troubled territory, a spokesman for Foreign lows for genuine and early self- port an August 18 national day of action Affairs Minister Alexander Downer said determination. which has been proposed by CNRM (Na- today. tional Council of Maubere Resistance), Fre- 5. Coordinate with East Timor solidarity “It seemed sensible for the new govern- tilin, Timorese Democratic Union and a groups in Australia and elsewhere, in- ment to get the ambassador, before he range of East Timor and Indonesian solidar- cluding membership of APCET (Asia- leaves, to take a look and give a reconnoi- ity groups. Pacific Coalition for East Timor). ter,” the spokesman said. 6. Inform and educate the Australian people The East-Timor visit is set to be one of Call for East Timor asylum on the political situation in East Timor, Mr. Taylor’s last official duties in Indone- BRISBANE – Some 40 people protested and in particular to reverse the Australian sia, as he is due to end his posting in the outside Garuda Airlines here on February 9, government’s policy of recognition of In- next few weeks. No replacement has been calling on the Australian government to donesian sovereignty over East Timor. announced. grant political asylum to nine East Timorese Mr. Taylor last visited East Timor in who occupied the Australian embassy in 7. Facilitate national and international cam- March last year when he called on Indone- Jakarta the previous night. The action, sup- paigns against Australia’s military, eco- sian authorities to reduce the heavy troop ported by ASIET in Brisbane demanded nomic, and diplomatic support for the presence in the territory. that the Australian government withdraw Indonesian occupation of East Timor. Since then, East Timor has been hit by recognition of the Indonesian occupation of 8. Support social, cultural, political and serious rioting, inter-ethnic and religious East Timor and cancel the security pact development projects in East Timor disputes and an increased number in reports with Indonesia,” Begg explained. which advance the well -being and human of human rights violations. The protesters marched from Garuda to rights of the East Timorese people. The date of Mr. Taylor’s visit had yet to the City Mall, where police threatened to In closing, we feel a dramatic change in confirmed, sources at the Australian Em- arrest Begg and other demonstrators when attitude and performance on many fronts by bassy in Jakarta said today. It was not clear they occupied the centre of the mall to carry the Australian government is required, as we whether reporters would be allowed to the message to passers-by. have genocide going on in East Timor, and travel with Mr. Taylor. Mr. Taylor was ASIET emergency picket today touring Central Java promoting Indo- also West Papua. We need to hope that you MELBOURNE – Action in Solidarity nesia-Australia trade, and had been informed have the vision and courage to pursue this with Indonesia and East Timor staged an of the new government’s request, the for the benefit of the people of our immedi- emergency picket in support of nine East sources said. ate region and SE Asia, for whom human Timorese asylum seekers currently occupy- Other Australian Embassy officials have rights are just as important as for the leaders ing Jakarta’s Australian embassy. The made regular routine visits to East Timor and elites of these countries, or the people picket at the GPO in Bourke Street on Feb- over human rights issues and several major of the West. ruary 9 attracted around 25 people in pour- aid projects funded by Australia. Thankyou for your concern and time to ing rain, to hear speakers including Ben Reid Mr. Downer announced Mr. Taylor’s meet us, from ASIET, Chantal Wynter of Resistance planned East Timor visit yesterday when he Yours sincerely, and Democratic Socialist candidate for Mel- Darwin delegation bourne Di Quin. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 145

Evans confronted at NGO conference ASIET organises picket against Evans killed by the Indonesian military. They were MELBOURNE – More than 80 people and Downer appealing for an end to Australia’s role in gathered outside a Community Aid Abroad SYDNEY - On February 29, ASIET or- training Indonesian soldiers. Conference on Asia on February 23, at ganised a picket against Evans and Downer O’Reilly also received a three-month sen- which foreign minister Gareth Evans was who were speaking at a forum organised by tence, but had it reduced to two days on giving an opening address, to protest against the Australian Council for Overseas Aid. appeal. Sr. McPadden received a good be- the Australian government’s record on East Over 100 people attended the picket outside haviour bond. Timor. Members of the East Timorese the Teachers Federation, including represen- “We were all shocked by the sentence,” community, progressive candidates in the tatives from FRETILIN, Bougainville Free- Dowling said. “We were expecting the election and solidarity activists joined the dom Movement, the Tamil community, maximum fine, which was only $100. We picket, which was organised by University Australia East Timor Association (NSW), had never heard of anyone getting a straight Students for East Timor, Action in Solidar- and a range of other groups. Members of jail sentence for such a simple non-violent ity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET) ASIET also participated in the questioning sit-in. and Fretilin. Speakers included Irene Bolger, inside the forum. “The Indonesian military have been re- questing the Australian government to deal independent candidate for Batman, Sarah Indonesians and East Timorese dialogue more harshly with people protesting against Nicholson from the Greens, Richard Grum- at ASIET Melbourne meeting. mett from the Democrats, who called for “a their brutal military dictatorship. It appears MELBOURNE – On Friday March 15, free East Timor by the year 2000,” Susan the Queensland legal system is complying 40 people attended an ASIET meeting in Price from the Democratic Socialists, who with their requests.” Melbourne to hear an eyewitness report by pointed to the need to build a strong solidar- ASIET activist Vanessa Tanaja on the De- ity movement, Alana Kerr from Resistance, AUSTRALIAN FEDERAL cember 1996 joint -East Timorese- Jo Brown from ASIET and John Sinnott Indonesian sit-ins at the Dutch and Russian POLICE OVERACTING? from AETA. Embassies in Jakarta. An exciting and dy- 8 Scrivener Street Brisbane speakers demand freedom for namic dialogue ensued between the East O’Connor East Timor Timorese and Indonesian ASIET supporters ACT 2602 BRISBANE – ASIET (Action in Solidar- about future tactics of working together. Friday, March 29, 1996 ity with Indonesia and East Timor) hosted a Future ASIET activities for Melbourne were forum at the Resistance Centre on February discussed as well as preparations for the The Editor, The Canberra Times 29 on “East Timor and Australian foreign National Withdraw Recognition Day (Au- The Australian Federal Police[ AFP]- policy.” The forum included speakers from gust 25). Indonesia Connection: A Case for the the Australian Democrats, Democratic So- George Aditjondro speaks at 1996 ASIET Australian Security & Intelligence Or- cialists, Australian Greens and Community Sydney launch. ganisation [ASIO]? Aid Abroad. More than 140 people attended a dinner ASIET spokesperson Nick Everett high- Dear Madam, and public meeting organised by ASIET at lighted the role of successive Australian The cultivation of an AFP officer by In- Glebe Town Hall with Dr. George Aditjon- governments in aiding the Indonesian re- donesian Government officials raises issues dro as speaker. His topic was “Australia- gime’s campaign of terror against the East of national security and the future of free Indonesia-East Timor: Triangle of Oppres- Timorese people. speech and political protest in this country sion,” and he outlined the growing business Australian Democrat Brisbane candidate [CT, March 29, p1]. The investigative focus connections between Indonesia and Austra- and state president Andrew Bartlett gave an should not be on a police officer who “had lia and their impact on Australian and Indo- account from journalist Dan Peterson, who displayed a serious error of judgment in nesian recently visited East Timor, and described accepting a gratuity,” but on the Indonesians ASIET NATIONAL SECRETARIAT: efforts by the Democrats to provide a voice themselves, including one of Suharto’s sons. PO Box 458, Broadway, NSW 2007, for East Timor’s struggle within the parlia- Clearly, this was a top level Indonesian Australia ment. operation reminiscent of the ASIO penetra- Phone: 02 690 1230. Fax: 02 690 1381. Democratic Socialist candidate Zanny tion of New Zealand police HQ, “to obtain E-Mail: [email protected] Begg described the importance of using an files on top police officers” [CT, December election campaign to aid solidarity. Begg 6, 1993]. What were the Indonesians after stated that support for self-determination is TIMOR PROTESTER JAILED when they visited the officer working with fundamental to a just foreign policy, which By Bill Mason, Greenleft, April 14 sensitive files in the Legal Services branch? she described as “putting people before When Sean Kenan and I protested inside profits” BRISBANE - Jim Dowling, a long-time the Indonesian Embassy grounds on June Australian Greens spokesperson Lou peace activist and member of the Catholic 12, 1994 we were threatened with murder Gugenberger outlined the Greens’ policy on Worker group, was jailed for three months by one diplomat who screamed that we East Timor, which calls for an “urgent refer- on March 22, for a peaceful protest with were in Indonesia now and called on AFP endum to decide East Timorese independ- other Christian demonstrators at the De- officers to shoot us. Later, he returned with ence from Indonesia.” All three speakers fence Force Headquarters in the city here an armful of rocks and threatened to stone pledged the support of their parties for a last year. us from our perches [decorative columns National Day of Solidarity with East Timor, Dowling had been charged along with Ci- which we had climbed to the top of]. Finally planned for August 25, which calls for the aron O’Reilly and Josephite nun Sr. Kay he drew a commando dagger on us. When we reversal of the Australian government de McPadden with “illegally remaining on a later complained to the AFP about the jure recognition of Indonesia’s annexation of premise” under the Vagrancy Act. threat of murder the Australian Government East Timor. The three dressed in black and lay on the ordered the offender out of Australia. When office floor with the names of East Timorese Foreign Minister Ali Alatas visited Austra- Page 146 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. lia later that year he complained bitterly Police said six people had been arrested in brother has “disappeared.” He has known about Australian dissidents who were dam- the past week for poster offences. The crack no life other than life under the weight of the aging the Indonesia/Australia relationship. down is believed to be the result of pressure Indonesian occupation. He called on Gareth Evans to institute tough from the Chief Minister Shane Stone who is It is twenty years since Indonesia in- repressive measures against East Timor also police minister. vaded East Timor and his experience is re- protesters like us. Shane Stone returned from Jakarta last peated thousands of times over. How many other police and government week after talks with President Suharto. The Another generation of Timorese will also officials have been similarly “cultivated” and Chief Minister made it clear he did not raise see their youth destroyed. They too will be how many other investigations have at- the East Timor issue with Suharto. Earlier witnesses to the torture, detention and pos- tempted to keep everything under wraps this year Shane Stone praised Suharto and sibly the killings of those close to them. like the AFP? Independent Member of the the new order regime at a Federal Court They may well find themselves degraded Legislative Assembly, Michael Moore is Judges Conference. and humiliated, spending long years in jail right to call for a Royal Commission but this for simply speaking out or joining their should be at the Federal level and ASIO, AMNESTY (AUSTRALIA) peers in peaceful demonstrations. Young desperately trying to justify its post Cold TIMOR LETTER women will live under the additional threat War existence, should give this matter top of sexual abuse, rape and ill-treatment at the priority. Or is it itself, part of a joint Aus- From: Friends of East Timor WA, April 6 hands of the Indonesian military and secu- tralia/Indonesia intelligence operation to rity officials. stifle the East Timor protest movement? FOET recently received a copy of a letter This will be their future, unless we about East Timor sent by Amnesty Interna- Yours sincerely, help do something about it. tional Australia in March to all its members The Dili massacre is for many of us Gareth W R Smith [Tel: 247 7429] here, and we thought it worthwhile to post firmly imprinted in our memories. Who the text up onto reg.et, as the case is power- could forget those scenes filmed in Santa DARWIN: CONSUL fully and simply put, and may inspire those Cruz cemetery? Yet the situation remains CHALLENGED of us looking for new ways to write about unresolved. The human rights abuses con- the issue. We were also glad to see that Am- tinue unabated. From: Hugh Ekeberg, April 3 nesty continue to highlight the case of José Among the hundreds of “incidents” and Belo and the UNTIM group, as this has also Three Darwin activists were joined by a the thousands of individual cases, I will been a particular campaign focus for FOET. survivor of the Dili massacre for their recount only one. The letter is evidently an appeal for funds weekly vigil outside the Indonesian consu- In January 1995 tensions in East Timor to further assist Amnesty’s excellent work late today. The survivor was able to engage were ignited once again. On New Year’s on East Timor. Unfortunately, we only staff members as they arrived at work on a Day riots erupted. From Baucau independ- received a copy of the text, not the dona- one to one basis on matters regarding Indo- ent reports emerged that the military killed tions page which must have been attached to nesia’s occupation of East Timor and West at least two and wounded another fifteen the original. Those who want to donate to Papua. people. On 9 January, students had AI can of course contact their local AI office The survivor who studies English with mounted a peaceful demonstration at the for more details. AI here in Perth said they five of the consular staff was able to name a University of East Timor in Dili. Five had no problem with us posting the letter quarter of the twenty odd staffers. young people arrested by the military after (below) up to this conference. The letter is a At 10am the activists noticed a mini bus the event, subsequently “disappeared.” couple of pages - hope people think it’s being driven by consul Colonel Widodo with Their fate remains unknown. worth the bandwidth. three other staff. The bus was driven Twenty-four others were arrested at the Rob South through a property separate from the consu- demonstration itself. José Antonio Belo was for Friends of East Timor (WA) late. As the colonel entered the consulate one of them. through a side entrance, the activists were FOETWA is the Western Australia affiliate to José was taken - with another detainee, able to forcefully challenge him on human the Australian Coalition for a free East José Pinto - to SGI, the military intelligence. rights abuses and the activities of ABRI Timor (ACET) There they were both beaten, reportedly to which he is a member. *************************** the point of losing consciousness, before The colonel was visibly upset after hav- The text was printed over powerful images being transferred to the District Police office ing been discovered and his anger was dem- of Indonesian security forces beating protes- in Comoro. onstrated by the quick response of two tors outside Hotel Turismo during the 1990 José Belo did not remain at Comoro. He additional cars of Federal Protection Offi- US Ambassador’s visit to East Timor was taken back to SGI. During the four days cers and a visit by city detectives. he was kept there, he was denied food and One of the activists was interviewed ear- Amnesty International Australia his arms and legs were tied. He was hung lier in the morning on talk back radio con- “I grew up in tears, upside down overnight and, when taken demning his unlawful detention by police on I live in tears, down, he was beaten with sticks and wires. Tuesday evening after they stopped and I’ll die in tears.” Further reports indicate he was also sub- searched him in the street looking for East Dear Friend, jected to electric shocks. Timor posters. He was put in a paddy How did you feel at nineteen? At the very same time this was happen- wagon and driven around Darwin for an For most of us our youth remains a time ing Major Laedon Simbolon, East Timor hour for no reason and he refused repeated when care is distant and the future beckons, military spokesperson, denied that there requests by the police who wanted to search flush with hope and promise. was any reason to be concerned for the his unit without a warrant. At nineteen, the young Timorese man group’s well-being: “We take good care of This incident follows a one thousand dol- whose words I quote above has had hope them and feed them, just to let them tell us lar payout for an assault by police last year wrung from him. His mother was raped by the truth about why they did the demon- when he needed six stitches to the head. Indonesian soldiers, his father killed. His East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 147 stration and who stood behind them.” The commitment of the East Timorese is Yours sincerely [Reuters 12.1.95] captured in the words of one returned air- /s/ There is no polite way to put it. The man, Rex Lipman: Ced Simpson Campaigning Director Indonesian military torture and kill, “They looked after us; hid us in their leavi ng broken people in their wake and oomahs; they lied for us and they died WIRYONO: WHAT then they cover their tracks. They lie. for us; and they were tortured for us.” AUSTRALIANS José Antonio Belo was tortured because It is hard to imagine any other single is- he was apparently believed to have “mas- sue on which the gap between Australian NEED TO KNOW terminded” what was only a peaceful dem- Government action and the will of the Aus- Indonesia Media Network, 8 Apr 96 onstration. The “cooperation” of the Indo- tralian people is greater than on the policy nesian government with the International of accommodation with respect to East Indonesian Ambassador Wiryono: Seven Committee of the Red Cross was not Timor. East Timor Historical Facts Need to be enough to protect him. According to infor- Many East Timorese have sought asylum Known by Australia mation Amnesty received, he was pressured on our shores and in spite of the seemingly SYDNEY – There are seven historical to tell the Red Cross that he was not being cold shoulder being given by successive facts on East Timor which need to be trans- tortured or even ill-treated. governments, there has always been a wel- formed to the Australian people. There are, Amnesty uncovered other details includ- come and warmth from the Australian com- according to Indonesian Ambassador for ing reports that on 1 April, José was tor- munity. Australia Wiryono S, tend to be obscured tured again - this time by officials at Becora Its election to office offers the new Gov- by the Fretilin group and its sympathizers. prison. They meted out this treatment (re- ernment under Mr. Howard the opportunity “The tendency of obscuring the facts sulting in him vomiting blood and sustaining to explore new approaches. An effective benefits Portugal and vilifies Indonesia,” a neck wound) saying José had “behaved policy will see the human rights of the East said Wiryono to the participants of the badly” in the jail. Subsequent investigations Timorese people given full weight in Aus- Australian ICMI District Conference at the suggest José was tortured further prior to tralia’s evolving relationship with the Gov- campus of New South Wales University, his trial. ernment of Indonesia. Sydney, Saturday. The trial itself started in May. It was bla- For Amnesty International, as for many The seven historical facts, according to tantly unfair. José was sentenced to 18 many Australians, the ongoing violation of Wiryono, are: months imprisonment. At least nine of the human rights in East Timor is both real and * The background of the East Timor his- others arrested with him have now also been symbolic. Failure to mount an effective tory is different from Indonesia because sentenced to terms of 18 months to two and response puts in question the credibility of East Timor was a colony of Portugal, while a half years. All are prisoners of conscience. Australian human rights policy in its en- Indonesia from Aceh to Irian Jaya is for- Suffering and despair are the chil- tirety. merly the colony of Netherlands. dren of oppression. No organisation Amnesty International knows that much * On August 1975, Timor Timur was knows this better than Amnesty Interna- can be achieved. The most fundamental abandoned by Portugal after a political tur- tional. rights of all people must be protected. Aus- moil among its people. For this reason, we must work to ensure tralia does have a key role to play. On November 1975, Wiryono continued, that every single effort counts. Every time We also know that we cannot maintain Indonesian Foreign Minister Adam Malik we initiate an appeal or send our researchers our work - whether it be on East Timor or visited Rome and asked Portugal to return to in to investigate, or confront heads of gov- elsewhere - without your support. In the East Timor to restore the local area. Indone- ernment face to face, another flicker of light end, my appeal is that simple. sia along with Australia and Malaysia, back penetrates the gloom. There are two crucial ways in which then, is willing to assist the Portugal force in For young people in East Timor as else- you can help right away. order to uphold Portugal’s authority in East where Amnesty is as much a source of hope Firstly, and most importantly, we re- Timor, but it turned out that Portugal did as it is an unerring advocate. main in urgent need of your financial not wish to return to East Timor. Our work is urgent and demanding. A support. It is essential to our task. * When leaving East Timor, Portugal moment lost can mean the difference be- With a new Parliament about to begin, transferred all its military equipment and tween unleashing or restraining the tor- this is a critical time. Your donation is one weapons to Fretilin. With such power, Fre- turer’s hand, between locating a detainee or way to help Amnesty ensure human rights tilin unilaterally proclaimed the independ- adding her name to the “disappeared,” be- feature in future Government policy. ence of East Timor, with that support it tween holding a family intact or abandoning Equally critical is the need to remind means Fretilin is the Portugal colonial another child to despair. the incoming Government directly of the henchman. In Australia Amnesty International community’s expectations. * The vote comparison of the East Timor knows that no time can be lost in taking Do please seize this opportunity by matter in the last voting in the UN in 1982, the challenge to the newly elected Coali- writing immediately to both the Prime Min- 50 supported Portugal and 48 supported the tion Government. ister, Mr. Howard and his Foreign Minister. integration to Indonesia. Because of the East Timor is closer to the Australian The note attached here outlines key issues almost comparable support, the UN General coast than Sydney is to Brisbane. you might raise. Assembly issued a Resolution number 32/30 For many older Australians there is a Whatever your contribution might be, which asked Indonesia-Portugal to discuss close emotional bond to the East Timorese please do not wait to think it over. Don’t on the East Timor matter on a conference going back to World War II. For eleven delay in completing the enclosed coupon table. months from the Japanese occupation on 19 and returning it to us. * The UN General Secretary, in 1987 February 1942, the East Timorese people We may not be able to change the past, sent an envoy to witness the implementa- gave our soldiers food, water and shelter. but we can, we must do everything possible tion of the Indonesian election in East They carried wounded soldiers over long to ensure every young person can look with Timor, apparently the local people partici- distances to safety. hope to the future. Page 148 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. pated in the election. After the UN envoy first to their interlocutor, whereas in the affective on East Timor than the previous made a report which the essence was that Western culture those words reflects weak- Keating government. the local people were a part of the Indone- ness,” he said. It’s becoming clear that Downer has gone sian nation. The Australian ICMI leader Amin Hadi to Jakarta in an attempt to extract significant The report of the UN’s envoy was said, the District Conference which will take favours for Australia. planned to be brought up in the UN General place until April 8, 1996 is participated by Downer has requested that Indonesia al- Assembly meeting and both Indonesia and seven unit organizations in Australia, be- low a relaxation of shipping route restric- Portugal had lobbied their friends to vote. sides selecting a new board, also aims to tions so that Australian exports can pass But approaching the meeting, Portugal uni- formulate a central point of the working more freely through Indonesian waters. laterally threatened not to attend the meet- program in the development of human re- Downer has also asked for and got Indo- ing with an excuse of having pressures from sources as well as increasing the quality of nesian support for Australia’s admittance to its parliament members. the relation of Indonesia-Australia. the next Asia - European summit. Australia Once again Indonesia gave in and then re- was excluded from the last summit after ceived again Portugal’s proposal, which DOWNER VISIT objections from France and Malaysia. would sent its parliament member to East TO INDONESIA One has to conclude that the Australian Timor. The result of the parliament’s obser- government needs Indonesia on side and the vation will complete the report of the UN’s ABC National Television News, 16 April Downer’s protests over East Timor are no envoy which will be debated in the UN 1996. Transcript significant departure from the softly - softly General Assembly meeting. approach of the previous government. * The sending of the Portugal parliament Foreign Minister Alexander Downer is As an East Timor activist, I would have delegation, both sides agreed to join each six putting Australia’s case for greater access to to conclude that the noises I’m hearing neutral reporters who will be selected to- Indonesian sea lanes during his current visit Downer make on East Timor are nothing but gether by both countries. Indonesia ap- to Jakarta, but he says he won’t be lecturing the usual whispers specifically designed for pointed six reporters from western coun- Indonesia on human-rights, from Jakarta, domestic consumption. tries, among others were ABC-Australia, Michael Mahar reports: BBC-London, and Far Eastern Economic “The Indonesian government has become DOWNER VISIT REFLECTS Review Magazine, on the contrary the list accustom to receiving Australian ministers, AUSTRALIAN REAL STANDING but for the past thirteen years, they’ve been of reporters suggested by Portugal consisted Indonesia Media Network, 16 Apr 96 of Australian reporter, Jill Jolliffe whose of a labour variety. Dili, 4/15 (ANTARA) - One of the articles all this time had been hostile toward Alexander Downer was the first minister young intellectuals from the East Timor Indonesia. from the new coalition government to visit province said that the visit of the Australian Indonesia asked for Jill Jolliffe to be re- the Indonesian capital and his trip has gen- Foreign Minister Alexander Downer to In- placed by a more objective reporter, instead erated more than the usual amount of curios- donesia this week reflects and is also a Portugal accused Indonesia of being disre- ity. prove of the actual policy of the country. spectful toward the freedom of press, there- Following two hours of discussions, Mr. “I consider the visit of the Australian fore Portugal unilaterally “redone” the East Downer emerge with his Indonesian Foreign Minister to Indonesia and several Timor matter. counter-part, Ali Alatas to declare they’ve other Asian countries as a reflection of the According to Wiryono, even though In- made a good beginning.” actual policy of Australia which still consid- donesia was faced to that fact, but the effort Downer: “This relationship is one that ers the Asian area very important,” said in settling the matter was continued by the will get strong, broader, deeper as the years Domingos M.P. dos Reis, SE, in Dili, on Indonesian and Portugal Foreign Ministers. wear on.” Monday. * One of the result of the effort was the Alatas: “We had a good conversation, a The matter was mentioned to ANTARA implementation of the All Inclusive East discussion, very constructive one, but also a when asked the comment on Downer’s visit Timor Dialogue (AETD) in Austria and very pleasant one, and a very friendly one I to Indonesia for four days which was until now has been held twice. think.” scheduled starting April 15, 1996. After explaining the seven historical Michael Mahar: “The Issue of East In the press conference with the “Foreign facts, Wiryono then asked the Indonesian Timor took up much of these initial discus- Correspondence Association” (AFC) in people in Australia – especially the ICMI sions, though Mr. Downer said Australia’s Sydney, last week, Downer said that the members – to explain the chronology of the new government wouldn’t be lecturing In- strategic plan of the Coalition Administra- seven facts to anyone in Australia who donesia, he emphasised to Mr. Alatas that tion in its foreign political policy direction wants to know about the East Timor matter. Australians want to see an improvement in toward the Asian region and its environs is According to the former Political General the troubled former Portuguese colony. principally maintaining and increasing its Director of the Department of Foreign Af- Downer: “Clearly it is an issue of con- relations with Indonesia. fairs, there are still several people in Austra- cern in Australia and I think it’s well recog- Based on that fact, Downer made a deci- lia who are taken in by the campaign of nised in Indonesia, that it’s an issue of con- sion to fulfill his trip abroad for the first several Australian mass media which are cern. time as a foreign minister to Indonesia and against toward Indonesia and often twist the INITIAL OBSERVATIONS OF to Singapore and Thailand afterwards. history of the East Timor integration. DOWNER-ALATAS TALKS He also explained that to begin the coop- “To those who are still against Indonesia, eration stage of the two governments, we respect them, but they too should accept From: Hugh Ekeberg, April 16 around September-October 1996 there will the historical facts,” said Wiryono. My initial observations of the Downer - be an Australian-Indonesian Ministerial He suggested that in explaining the mat- Alatas talks, for what they are worth, give Forum in Jakarta. ter, never begin with apologetic words. me reasons to doubt that the new Australian The forum is a mean for the two govern- “There is a habit of some Indonesian people government will attempt to be any more ments which is held every two years and is in beginning a speech, always apologizes East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 149 aimed to discuss on important and strategic PM: What that does mean, is the new gov- PM: Do think that’s also true of sections of matters, improving the trade relations and ernment soft peddling on human right in Australian opinion? tightening the existing relations. general, not just in East Timor but Irian AA: Yes unfortunately I must be very frank According to Reis who is also Secretary Jaya, Aceh? with you, there are in Australia certain of the East Timor Integration Upholder AA: No, I would not want to characterise it groups of people starting with those who Young Guards (Gada Paksi), although there that way, I think this is a re-confirmation of left East Timor, East Timorese who have has been changes in the power of the parties what we believe is the right approach to this left East Timor and who are some of them, in Australia, the country will still consider kind of thing namely, in the words again of the remnant of ah the so-called Fretilin the Asian region including Indonesia impor- minister Downer, not to hector or lecture, party. Then there are also some NGOs who tant. not not hectoring or engaging in public de- are active who always, we feel, are depicting “Especially regarding to the economical nunciations, but to talk quietly, government the situation in East Timor an a very exag- interest, then Australia will think twice to to government and person to person when gerated fashion and some times, not really shift its attention from the Asian region to ever a problem arises. reflecting the real facts. another,” said the Economy Faculty of the University of Indonesia-Jakarta graduate. PM: Can you see, in the time of president PM: I suppose foreign minister, the funda- Suharto and indeed, you as foreign minis- mental, in the relationship between our ter any change in your policy to East two countries, is you say you don’t want ALATAS INTERVIEW Timor which might include some sort of to be lectured by Australia, and in fact WITH DATELINE autonomy? even if we do lecture you, you don’t have to listen do you, you don’t have to act? Dateline, SBS Television, 20 April 1996 AA: Well the situation in East Timor has evolved continuously over the years both in AA:(Alatas gets flustered) Well we listen to Paul Murphy: Foreign minister, thanks very East Timor itself and within the context of our friends we value the genuine views, the much for talking to Dateline, now you’ve our efforts to find a solution to it in the genuine and the friendly suggestions of met own new foreign minister, Alexander United Nations where the problem still friends, we are open minded to that. Ours is Downer, what was discussed, how did resides. Ah as to autonomy as you refer, not a government that closes itself off, espe- you get on? already now, the province of East Timor cially not to our friends. Ali Alatas: Well we had two sessions of enjoys a wide autonomy, wider in fact in PM: You can listen but you don’t have to act wide ranging talks, a lot of issues, both bi- some aspects as compared to other prov- do you? lateral issues, regional issues and issue of inces and we are willing to see whether again there are some further measures we can take AA: When we think it is inappropriate, of common concern and common interest. The course we don’t act. wide range of items discussed indeed show and that we should take..... how deep and how wide Indonesian - Aus- PM: What would they be? PM: Foreign minister this program Date- line, recently ran a story on Freeport, the tralian relations of co-operation have be- AA: In order to ensure that.. in order to come. giant mine in Irian Jaya and allegations meet the clear fact that there are certain of human rights abuses by Indonesian PM: So you don’t expect any fundamental situations in East Timor which is different troops including torture and murder, now change at all with the new Australian from other provinces, for one thing, they (do) you condemn that, can you change government even though your personal joined Indonesia much later than the other that? relationship with Gareth Evans was so provinces. AA: Well there were two things there, one is close and of course president Suharto PM: Would you withdraw troops? with Paul Keating? the role of Freeport, you know this huge AA: It’s not a question of withdrawing of mining company, ah, involved there in Irian AA: No I don’t think there will be any troops, I want to tell you that ahh, they are and the other is allegations of Indonesian change, and I think and I’m confident that part of Indonesia and through out Indonesia troops being involved in human rights viola- our relations will further strengthen and troops are stationed as in any sovereign tions... deepen on the basis what we have already country so the terminology with draw achieved at a time when the Labor govern- PM: One of the problems is the policy of troops conveys something, ah wrong per- transmigration, transmigrasi. Now how ment was the government of Australia and ception. A reduction of troops has been one when my counter part was Gareth Evans. can you placate the locals who feel they of the things discussed yet. There has been a are being ridden over? PM: Now human rights particularly in East perception as if there are too many troops Timor. Now Mr. Downer has made it in East Timor as compared to other prov- AA: We don’t placate the (get flustered quite clear that he wants to be construc- inces, now there is a reason for that, there again) the locals only, we involve them, so tive, does that mean that the new Austra- has been some fighting in the past... for example when ever we move people lian government is going softer on that from Java to a certain location, before we PM: Is the situation improving do you even start, we negotiate with the local peo- whole question of human rights in East think? Timor? ple, we ask for their own input, we ask AA: Definitely, definitely continuously them to join. We have a quota for the local AA: Let me first say that I appreciated that improving. The trouble is I think with East people. If there are one hundred people minister Downer conveyed with us namely Timor is that from time to time there is an being moved to a certain location, say in that ahh, on East Timor, he did not want the incident, something that, that can occur in Kalimantan, Sumatra including Irian Jaya, issue to overwhelm, these were his words, any place, but because it occurs in East then out of every one hundred for example, the entire relationship between Indonesia Timor, it immediately gets the attention of twenty five are local population, local so and Australia as I characterised, (is) wide the press because there is a very dedicated, a they are not being outside this program, and multi faceted. And secondly ahh, he very devoted, zealous anti - Indonesian they are being part of the program. wanted to have a constructive approach on campaign going on waged be a small group But like in any program anywhere around what ever would come up in that ahh... of people. the world there are always, ah, groups, ah, Page 150 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. splinter groups, smaller groups who are not power plant, that’s why if ever we’re going because that would serve no body’s pur- satisfied, they start talking, some of their to take that step we’re going to make sure pose, that would serve neither of us. complaints, their gripes are legitimate, we that we get the best technology, the most PM: Foreign minister thankyou very much listen to them, we solve them..... sure fire combination of technology. ... indeed. PM: And what about some of the excesses on PM: What do you mean by that? the part of your troops? AA: Well we will go around the world and AUSTRALIA TO FUND RED AA: We take very strong measures, ah, the shop from the best. After all, nuclear power CROSS WORK IN E. TIMOR latest incident that involved the shooting the centres are every where in the developed alleged shooting of fifteen, yes something to world so one should not start a prejudicial JAKARTA, April 17 (Reuter) - Austra- that effect, we immediately the ah court- position that only developing countries lia will give money to the International martial the troops involved. should not have it. Developed countries Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to help PM: Is that an indication of the tension in have it, in France there are fifty, they can fund its work in East Timor, visiting Foreign and around Freeport? also break down, why should it only break Minister Alexander Downer said on down in developing countries? And a final Wednesday AA: Let us not forget that there are still the point, please when it breaks down, we Downer, in a statement on the last day of remnant of, they call themselves the OPM, should think of the millions of Javanese who his three-day visit to Indonesia, said Organisasi Papua Merdeka, Free Papua are going to die, before theoretically the AUSAID, the Australian government’s aid Movement. From time to time they rape fumes of the clouds would reach Australia. programme, would give A$300,000 villages you know they agitate the people to (US$234,000) to the ICRC for its humani- do certain things and then the armed forces, PM: Sure, you don’t want a Chernobyl here, do you? tarian work in the former Portuguese col- the armed troops there they react they chase ony. them and sometimes there is a fire contact AA: No! “The funding will support the ICRC Ja- and so on. This is a continuing thing, but at PM: And neither does Australia! karta regional delegation, whose crucial work a very low level, very low level. AA: Exactly, so I would ask Australian involves monitoring the humanitarian situa- PM: Foreign minister, why has Indonesia friends, again don’t exaggerate and don’t tion in East Timor,” Downer said. wanted nuclear power, you don’t need it think Indonesia is oblivious to this. The one “I am committed to pursuing human do you, you’ve got plenty of fossil fuels, who would be victims would be Indonesians rights issues internationally and AUSAID’s plenty of oil, natural gas, geo-thermal, first and foremost. support of the ICRC’s work is part of this why do you want to go nuclear? PM: Our new prime minister Mr. How- ongoing commitment.” AA: It’s precisely the case that we are still ard’s, says he’d love to come here and Downer is the first senior member of debating, whether we need nuclear power Mr. Keating came here many times, do Australia’s new Liberal-National govern- the debate is not final, no final decision has you think president Suharto will visit Aus- ment to visit neighbouring Indonesia. been taken. There are those who argue as tralia? After meeting Indonesian Foreign Minis- you just mentioned we have enough other ter Ali Alatas on Monday, Downer said the sources, why don’t we exhaust them, ah, AA: When minister Downer called on the East Timor issue should not overwhelm you know we have not fully exploited them, president he did convey the hope that Australia’s relations with Indonesia and why do we move to nuclear power...... president Suharto would visit Australia. advocated a constructive approach towards President Suharto, of course accepted the PM: But why is that being considered? the issue. invitation, but he repeated what I think has But he said it was an issue Australians AA: There is another view, that says, you always been his basic position, it should be felt strongly about. Indonesia has been ac- know on the basis also of research and on well understood. He means it when he says, cused of humans rights violations in enforc- the basis of calculations of prognosis, that look a state visit between two countries two ing its rule in East Timor. even if we were to use what ever sources, friendly countries, ought to be a sign to Australia’s former Labor government, we would at a given moment say in the year further consolidate, further strengthen, so- which lost last month’s general elections, 2000 and beyond, reach a point where our lidify the bonds of friendship, and not, and recognised Indonesia’s rule over East Timor, consumption still out strips our sky for not cause these bonds of friendship in any which Jakarta invaded in 1975 and took over electricity, for power, for our energy, for way to be put to the risk of put ah ah nega- the following year. our industrialisation. This group argues that tively, how you say... The United Nations has refused to accept it is better from now on to plan, because it PM: Security worries, demonstrations? Jakarta’s sovereignty over the territory. takes a long loop time. AA: Something like that. So he said if such a PM: But is minister Habibi belong... risk exists then we should be wise enough POSITIVE, AUSTRALIA’ S AA: Yes to the second group of course. and ah, wait for such a visit. It will not in INTENTION TO HELP FIGHT PM: Yes indeed, if you do go down the nu- any way affect the friendship relationship, POVERTY IN EAST TIMOR clear road, would you buy Australian but without a state visit, our friendship uranium? continues to flourish. Indonesia Media Network, 19 Apr 96 AA: Well we will make that decision when The president also said to minister Downer, Dili, 4/18 (ANTARA) - The Australian we reach it, and let me also address some of look I personally don’t mind ah demon- Government intention to help the program the fears that have been expressed in Aus- strated against, I have before. But I’m repre- in fighting poverty in Indonesia especially in tralia about the possibility that Indonesia sentative of Indonesian people and if some- the East Timor province is considered by a would have a nuclear power plant in Java thing happens in a foreign country, the In- local social matters observer as a right effort island and if it were to break down, what its donesian people don’t like, they might react and a good step. impact would be in Australia. Of course and such a way which may adversely affect “If there is such effort from the Austra- we’re aware of all the risks of a nuclear the relationship between that country and lian government, it is a right and great step Indonesia and that’s what I try to avoid East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 151 because as the youngest province in Indone- “If not, obviously Indonesia will not be International Institute for Strategic Studies sia, this region still needs many assistance,” visited for the first time by Downer, espe- said in its 1995-96 survey. said Drs. Antonio Castro da Silva in Dili, on cially that there is a special connection to Moreover, old-fashioned American gun- Thursday. help East Timor with its program in fighting boat diplomacy had proved more effective The Executive Director of the “Duc In the poverty,” said da Silva. than emerging regional bodies like the Altum” Foundation East Timor Develop- ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in defusing ment Studies Center expressed that to RESISTANCE CAMPAIGNS crises. ANTARA when asked about his comment FOR EAST TIMOR “Although Australia had long supported on the intention and interest of the Austra- multilateral approaches to security, the lian government to help fight the poverty in By Joshua Wilson and Emma Webb. agreement made very good geopolitical sense East Timor. Greenleft, April 21 in Canberra, even though it affronted liberal The Australian government interest was opponents of Indonesia’s brutal occupation expressed by the State Minister for National ADELAIDE - As part of its campaign of East Timor,” the survey said. Development Planning/Head of National for freedom in East Timor and an end to the “Australia’s irritation at ASEAN’s claim Development Planning Agency, Ginandjar Indonesian occupation, the socialist youth to a primary driving role within the ARF Kartasasmita after signing the development organisation Resistance held a speak-out in may also have played a part in its decision.” cooperation script of the Government Sec- Gawler Place on April 12. The survey said Indonesia’s action was tor Connection Program (GSLP) with the Passers-by stopped to listen to activists even more astonishing because of its impor- Australian Foreign Minister, Alexander read out poems by imprisoned Fretilin tance in the Non-Aligned Movement. Downer in Jakarta, on Tuesday (4/16). leader Xanana Gusmão and a copy of a 1995 “Yet, although one of the founders of According to Kartasasmita, for Indonesia speech by young East Timorese activist ASEAN, Indonesia had from time to time the intention goes in accordance with the Nunu Santos. been frustrated with its limited scope and effort in fighting the poverty through the The speak-out helped to attract people constraining consensus,” it said. Left-behind Villages Presidential Directive to a public meeting on East Timor which “It also felt uncomfortable within the Program (IDT). was held later that evening, jointly organised ARF because of the evident greater impor- To da Silva, the interest of the Australian by Resistance and ASIET (Action in Soli- tance of the US, China and Japan. government to help fight poverty in East darity with Indonesia and East Timor). “...Although Indonesia took great pains Timor which borders on the “Continent Guest speaker Harold Moucho, the NSW to assert that the basic principles of its for- Nation” can be understood in several con- Fretilin representative, gave an update on eign policy had not been compromised, text. the struggle focusing on the leading role there can be no doubt the agreement, if not a Besides because of the geographic close- being played by women and young people. full-blown alliance, represents a turning- ness, said the graduate from the Social and He stressed that while individuals in the point in the foreign relations of the republic Politics Faculty of the Gajah Mada Univer- Labor and Liberal parties claim to be friends which has never before entered into a formal sity-Yogyakarta, from the historical point, of the Timorese, the policies of both sup- security arrangement.” he assumed that Australia has a “moral port the Indonesian occupation. The remarks about the agreement were in duty” to help the youngest province in In- He urged people not to rely on politi- the context of a wider and generally critical donesia. cians, but to continue to build the East survey of the Asia Pacific region. Referring to the Second World War his- Timorese solidarity movement in Australia It said alarm bells rang loudly after China tory, when the Japan occupation soldiers by publicising and participating in the Na- seized new territory in the South China Sea were in the Timor island (west and east), the tional Day of Action on August 25 to end and then tried to intimidate Taiwan. Even East Timorese helped all the necessities of Australia’s de jure recognition of Indone- Japan and South Korea revived an old terri- the Australian soldiers including giving secu- sia’s occupation of East Timor. torial dispute. rity protection. Moucho also addressed students at Re- “If any still dreamt that economic inter- “In a historical context like that, I guess sistance’s annual general meeting at Flinders dependence in East Asia was sufficient for the Australian government intention to help University on April 11. He described the peace and stability, they awoke from their fight the poverty in East Timor is right and daily life of East Timorese students in their reverie to find that only a robust demonstra- very great because at present the natives struggle against the Indonesian occupation tion of US naval power could keep a stable still need to be assisted both socially an and urged students to join the solidarity balance,” it said. economically in order to be more prosper- campaign. “Where were the much-vaunted APEC, ous,” he said. ASEAN and ARF when it was time to keep AUST-INDON TREATY Right Target the peace?” It was also a year of economic anxiety According to da Silva, if Australia’s in- REFLECTS REGIONAL through the region. Stock markets in emerg- tention is realized, what need to be consid- CONCERNS - INSTITUTE ing countries slowed, Japan’s economy ered is how the assistance program for the continued to stagnate and China and Viet- poor people in this region can reach the right By Don Woolford of AAP nam’s economic reforms lost momentum. target. LONDON, April 24 AAP - The “aston- Concern about succession politics in “It means, the assistance really reach into ishing” security agreement between Austra- China, North Korea, Indonesia and even the hands of the poor people who need it,” lia and Indonesia may reflect the two coun- Singapore was accompanied by political he said. tries’ irritation and frustration with scandals in South Korea and leadership He also assumed, the Australian govern- ASEAN, an authoritative strategic survey struggles in Japan. ment intention proves that any party which said today. “Somehow, Asia appeared a less miracu- hold power in Australia still consider Indo- The agreement was made as the Asia Pa- lous, and far more vulnerable, region in nesia as an important nation to the kangaroo cific region started to look less miraculous 1995-96 than had [rest of article missing]. land. and more vulnerable, the London-based Page 152 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

AUST AMBASSADOR Ongoing United Nations sponsored talks due to return to Jakarta after visiting East between Indonesia and Portugal are attempt- Timor, where he found no improvements on TO VISIT EAST TIMOR ing to find an internationally acceptable issues like human rights. By Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia solution to the 20-year-old dispute. Ending a five-and-a-half day fact-finding Correspondent mission, Mr. Taylor will now start to pre- AUSTRALIAN AMBASSADOR TO pare a report on East Timor for the new JAKARTA, April 26 AAP - Australian MEET EAST TIMOR GOVERNOR Foreign Affairs Minister Alexander Downer. ambassador to Indonesia, Allan Taylor, was By Gordon Feeney, South-East Asia Corre- Mr. Taylor’s visit was made amid tomorrow due to start a five day fact-finding spondent heightened tensions caused by the alleged mission to East Timor at the request of new shooting by Indonesian soldiers of two East DILI, May 1 AAP - Australian ambassa- Foreign Minister Alexander Downer. Timorese youths in separate incidents over dor to Jakarta Allan Taylor was due to meet Mr. Taylor was due to visit Australian the past week. East Timor’s Governor Abilio Soares today aid projects, meet with political, religious Last Sunday, he was forced to cancel at- amid continuing high tensions in the former and military leaders and visit outlying areas, tendance at a major Roman catholic church Portuguese colony. an embassy spokesman said today. ceremony due to fears his presence could Mr. Taylor, on a five day fact-finding A meeting with the outspoken head of provoke an angry outburst over recent mission, has been told of the alleged shoot- the Roman Catholic church in predomi- events. ing of two East Timorese youths by Indo- nantly Catholic East Timor, Bishop Carlos Speaking to reporters yesterday Mr. nesian soldiers in separate incidents over the Felipe Ximenes Belo was among those Taylor - on his third visit as ambassador - past week. scheduled, he said. said the situation here had not changed. The unrest, which saw a major street The trip was the third visit by Mr. Tay- “I think the basic issues related to all demonstration in the coastal city of Baucau lor to the troubled territory. In March last those situations (political, security and hu- on Sunday, forced Mr. Taylor to cancel his year, Mr. Taylor called on the Indonesian man rights) are the same as they have been plans to attend a large Roman Catholic regime to cut the number of troops stationed for a number of years,” Mr. Taylor said. church festival held the same day. there. “They don’t seem to be getting any bet- Mr. Taylor yesterday raised the two al- Over the past year, allegations of human ter at the moment, but they are being ad- leged killings with East Timor’s military rights’ abuses have continued in the former dressed,” he said. commander Colonel Mahidin Simbolon. Portuguese colony, with outbreaks of street Mr. Taylor said East Timor’s problems Last Thursday, Paulo Dosreis, aged violence attributed to inter-ethnic and inter- were complex, and caused by factors like about 20 years, was allegedly shot by a religious hostilities. rapid development, the change from Portu- soldier in an outlying area and on Sunday Although Mr. Downer requested the visit guese to Indonesian rule and the unresolved Andre de Sousa was also allegedly shot dead to update the new Coalition government on political issues. by a soldier on Dili’s outskirts. developments in East Timor, Mr. Taylor “There’s no doubt in my mind that the During two-and-a-half hours of talks was due to make a routine visit at about this issue of East Timor is one that’s being ad- Colonel Simbolon told Mr. Taylor that time. dressed by officials both in the civilian side “human rights abuses are not our policy” “The ambassador goes roughly every of the government and in the military.” and that any offender would be dealt with year,” The spokesman said. Mr. Taylor said he raised the issue of the according to Indonesian law. “As with the previous occasions he’ll be heavy troop presence in East Timor in his Mr. Taylor also raised the issue of pos- making official calls in Dili, but he’ll also be talks. sible political autonomy for East Timor, an going out to look at some of the projects “It’s certainly one of the issues that option that has been raised repeatedly over that have received (Australian) aid funding,” we’ve talked about, particularly with the recent years as a possible solution to the He said. military commander. He explained that there conflict. During a visit last week to Jakarta, Mr. were five territorial battalions here and that The visit is Mr. Taylor’s third to East Downer signalled that the new government troop reductions were on the cards. Timor and, although routine, was requested would take a low-key approach to the issue “But he didn’t go into any further de- by the new Foreign Affairs Minister Alex- of East Timor. tails.” ander Downer so Mr. Taylor could update Mr. Downer said the Australian govern- “I’m sure there’s a political will to try the new government. ment wanted “constructive engagement” and make the integration of East Timor Mr. Downer said in a visit to Jakarta last With Indonesia on the issue, and did not work. I think there are people who are look- month that the new government did not intend to “hector or lecture” over human ing for ways in which the situation can be want to “hector or lecture” Indonesia over rights’ abuses. improved.” Mr. Taylor had been travelling in Indone- East Timor. sia’s eastern provinces, and spent ANZAC Mr. Taylor has visited several church Day on island of Ambon, site of a war schools which have received ongoing Aus- EVENTS IN NEW cemetery containing the graves of Austra- tralian embassy financial support. lians who died in World War ll. He was due to visit some Australian aid- ZEALAND Early today it was not clear whether for- funded projects today before returning to eign reporters would be permitted by Indo- Jakarta tomorrow. CULTUS GROUP TO SEAR CH nesian authorities to cover all or part of Mr. AUST AMBASSADOR ENDS EAST Taylor’s visit. IN TIMOR SEA OIL FIELD Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975, TIMOR VISIT and annexed the former Portuguese colony By Gordon Feeney, AAP South-East Asia The New Zealand Herald, 10 Feb. 1996 the following year in a move recognised by Correspondent A Cultus Petroleum-operated consortium Australia but not the United Nations. DILI, May 2 AAP - Australian ambassa- has been offered an exploration block, dor to Indonesia, Allan Taylor, was today AC95-3, in the Timor Sea, off Northern East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 153

Australia near the Jabiru oilfield. Cultus NZ EMBASSY five East Timorese sought asylum in our owns 18.75 per cent of Jabiru. Embassy in Jakarta expose our representa- The managing director, Mr. Don Beard, WARNED GUARDS tives as more concerned to protect them- said the consortium would benefit from New Zealand Herald, 7 March 1996. by selves and the relationship with Indonesia expertise developed by Cultus in the Jabiru Audrey Young than to assist the victims of persecution. and Challis producing fields. Careful efforts were made to ensure that Winning the block involved a commit- WELLINGTON - The New Zealand Indonesian Department of Foreign Affairs ment to drill two wells and undertake seis- Embassy in Jakarta warned armed Indone- accepted the ‘send them off to Portugal mic acquisition and reprocessing during the sian guards at the gate that East Timorese solution.’ The common understanding that first three-year period of the six-year permit youths were about to seek asylum. the compound of an Embassy has an invio- term, for an indicative expenditure of This has been disclosed in censored pa- late status is not referred to - instead the $A11.2 million. pers that detail the January incident in Government suggests that the Embassy which Indonesian forces broke into the forms part of host country territory. EMBASSY OCCUPIERS ‘NOT compound and a Timorese man’s arm was ‘I see from the newly released documents broken. AUTOMATICALLY BANNED’ that the Embassy staff had some prior The papers, obtained by the Alliance un- warning that the asylum seekers were com- der the Official Information Act, showed The New Zealand Herald 31 January 1996. ing and that they took steps to inform the that the embassy had put lives at risk, said by Audrey Young guards - including a uniformed Indonesian the party’s foreign affairs spokesman, Mr. army officer,’ said Maire Leadbeater speak- WELLINGTON - The Alliance says the Keith Locke. ing for the Auckland East Timor Independ- Government gave it assurances yesterday In a summary of the occupation, the em- ence Committee. ‘This is a bit like the that people seeking asylum by occupying bassy reported to the Ministry of Foreign European Governments during the war who New Zealand embassies are not automati- Affairs that it had been warned on the morn- would not accept Jewish refugees from Nazi cally refused. ing of January 12 that five East Timorese Germany. If the young men had been deliv- The leader, Mr. Jim Anderton, said the might be on their way to the embassy. ered into the hands of the Indonesian mili- Alliance would support applications by five It had received previous warnings and as tary they would have experienced the same East Timorese refugees who occupied the part of standard procedure it alerted Wel- fate as others who have failed an asylum New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta to come to lington embassy guards and staff and the attempt - ‘interrogation,’ arrest, torture or New Zealand if they still wanted to. Indonesian soldiers in front of the embassy. worse. Surely this is not what New Zea- The men were flown to Portugal. One of Two hours later, the five East Timorese landers want for those who turn to us in them said embassy staff told them that New rushed the embassy, three forcing them- desperation?’ Zealand could not give them political refuge, selves over the barbed wire fence and two ‘We remain in touch with the five young but he said they still wanted to come. over a gate railing. men who continue to emphasise that they Foreign Affairs officials later said no one Embassy staff learned from the five that want to come to New Zealand. Since recent seeking asylum through occupation of em- 11 people had intended to invade the em- comments made by Mr. McKinnon indi- bassies was granted asylum. bassy, but the two groups had become sepa- cated that the door was not totally closed, Mr. Anderton and the Alliance immigra- rated. The five carried a written request for they are working through the complex proc- tion spokesman, Mr. Matt Robson, met the asylum, saying they would rather die in the ess of making an application to come to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. McKinnon embassy compound than be handed back to New Zealand as migrants on humanitarian yesterday. Indonesia. grounds. There is no New Zealand diplo- Afterwards, Mr. Anderton said he had New Zealand officials have maintained matic representation in Portugal. The group been assured there was no absolute view that the five did not press for asylum in continue to have faith in New Zealand’s that the embassy occupiers could not come New Zealand, and readily agreed to go to good will and support for human rights.’ to New Zealand. Had they pressed their Portugal. ‘We stand ready to sponsor the young case and refused to go to Portugal they Mr. Locke said the documents showed men and to arrange their accommodation in would have had to be considered. that the embassy had a cynical attitude to- New Zealand with the help of other human The Alliance wanted to get a written re- wards asylum seekers, who it clearly did not rights groups.’ cord of New Zealand’s rules and conven- want. “Our committee is a signatory to an in- tions on granting asylum. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. ternational statement which calls on gov- Mr. McKinnon said New Zealand was McKinnon, is overseas. The acting head of ernment with Embassies in Jakarta to accept one of a number of countries that did not the South-east Asia division of the Ministry their international responsibilities to the acknowledge any general right of asylum of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Peter Bennett, could growing numbers of asylum seekers, to en- under international law and that was upheld provide no information on how the embassy sure in the event of future occupations that by the International Court of Justice. was forewarned. the asylum seekers are not coerced but in- But he indicated that other East Timorese He said it could not be assumed that stead have access to independent lawyers wanting asylum here would stand a better someone who intended climbing the fence of from the embassy’s home country.’ chance if they persisted with their claim. an embassy was an asylum seeker. A public meeting to air these and other “We will go through exactly the same SHOCK AT TREATMENT OF EAST problems with the Government’s asylum process, in other words, we will give them seeker and refugee policies is to be held in TIMOR ASYLUM SEEKERS protection, we will discuss with them what Auckland on March 27, 7.30, Methodist they want to do. ETIC Auckland Press Release, 7 March Mission. “If they are absolutely adamant that they 1996 (For further information: Maire Lead- don’t want to go to Portugal, well it’s going beater: +64 9 849-3890, day: 828-5109.) to take some time to resolve that kind of an The documents obtained under the Offi- issue but it is not beyond us.” cial Information Act about the episode when Page 154 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

JAKARTA STAFF CRITICISED She earlier rejected a defence appeal for The page two article in bold type was ac- the case to be dismissed under the Bill of companied by a photo of Manu holding a The New Zealand Herald, 13 March 1996 Rights provisions as an abuse of due proc- Fretilin flag! WELLINGTON, NZPA - The East ess: the defence had alleged that the real Timor Independence Committee says offi- intent of the three arresting officers, from NZ REFUGEE cials at the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta the Police (Editorial error - should have been MEETING REPORT are more concerned with protecting them- Diplomatic) Protection Squad, had been to selves and New Zealand’s relationship with investigate activities of the action group. Media Information from the East Timor Indonesia than helping victims of persecu- Caddie was arrested for the theft of the Independence Committee AA sign - marked Manu Road - near Tai- tion. Public Meeting on Refugees and Asylum A committee spokeswoman, Maire hape in 1993, where he and three compan- ions said they found it broken on the ground Seekers, 27 March 1996, Auckland, New Leadbeater, said Ministry of Foreign Affairs Zealand papers about five East Timorese who near its pole. climbed the embassy fence in January to The sign was seen by Diplomatic Squad “That this meeting condemns the seek political asylum showed that their member Bradley Adamson last September current treatment of refugees, refugee coming was known about two hours in ad- when he went to the house to interview applicants and asylum seekers in New vance and guards and an Indonesian soldier Caddie about a protest action where an In- Zealand, especially the flouting of were told. donesian flag had been burned. The next relevant United Nations Conventions She compared this to actions of European day, at 8am, three members of the squad to which New Zealand is signatory. Governments during the Second World War arrived, questioned him, then arrested him We are especially concerned about who would not accept Jewish refugees from for theft. the delays which refugee applicants Nazi Germany. After Caddie later made a statement at experience before their status is de- “If the young men had been delivered the police station, the constable told him termined and we regard this treatment into the hands of the Indonesian military that he no longer had to stay, but began as a form of torture. they would have experienced the same fate questioning him about the flag burning “and We are appalled that the New Zea- as others who failed an asylum attempt - the defendant didn’t feel he could properly land Human Rights Commission does interrogation, arrest, torture or worse,” she leave.” not take an active role in refugee and said. According to the defendant, the police asylum seeker issues and urge that its also asked detailed questions about the East mandate be changed to include an ac- Timor Action Group (and who was its tive role in defence of the human rights TRIAL OF MANU CADDIE ‘leader’ - added), though this was denied. of refugees and asylum seekers.” From ETIC, March 24 During the trial, defence lawyer, Victoria The above resolution was passed by ac- University lecturer John Miller, asked that clamation at a well attended meeting organ- Backgrounder: the case be dismissed for breaches of the Bill ised by the East Timor Independence Com- Manu Caddie was photographed late last of Rights, saying that the sign had clearly mittee. year burning an Indonesian flag outside the been “immaterial” in a police enquiry into There was lively debate about current New Zealand Defence headquarters in pro- the action group and the flag burning. practice and policy with respect to those test against the NZ Airforce’s involvement There had been unreasonable search and who seek refuge in New Zealand in their in military exercises with Indonesian forces. seizure and arbitrary arrest and detention, he fight from persecution. Although numbers Manu was visited by members of the said, each illegal under the Bill. of those seeking refuge status is gradually Diplomatic Protection Squad and asked to Countering, prosecuting police sergeant increasing at this time, there has been a go with them to the Police Station to answer Jeff Agnew said there was no evidence that striking fall-off in numbers over the past questions about the flag burning episode. any police action had been illegal. few years as New Zealand has put in place a On visiting his house whilst trying to Judge Gaskell then ruled that neither the stricter policy which includes measures to find him they noticed a broken road sign seizure nor any other aspect of police be- discourage potential refugees from seeking over the entrance to his room with the name haviour had been unlawful and the case pro- help at their point of arrival. Manu Road. They returned early the next ceeded. Dismissing the charge, she said that There was general feeling that New Zea- day with a warrant to arrest him, but once at most Caddie had been party to an of- land is evading its international responsibili- down at the police station he was interro- fense. “If he had been charged as a party, ties by making it almost impossible for gated about his involvement with the East the result might have been different. those without comprehensive documenta- Timor protest organisation. But the prosecution and the police must tion to come here. Moreover, asylum seek- The following report appeared in The take “this warning” from the case: “that in ers like those who entered the NZ Embassy Dominion newspaper for 21 March 1996: some circumstances their actions may be in Jakarta have been informed that New seen to have an element of over-reaction or Police warned against ‘overkill’ Zealand does not have a policy of accepting overkill” when the matter could be dealt asylum seekers who seek help in this way. The police were given a stern warning by with differently. For further information or to contact any the judiciary yesterday not to over-react or This was particularly so, she said, where of the speakers: Maire Leadbeater, +64 9 use ‘overkill’ tactics, especially if the issue they wanted to talk to someone in relation 849-3890 or 828-5109 day. was political. to a political issue and “might be well ad- Wellington District Court Judge Anne vised to take a lighter-handed approach.” Gaskell gave her warning after finding East Declaring himself happy with the out- Timor Action group member Manu Caddie, come yesterday, Mr. Caddie said that he 23,not guilty of the theft of a road sign had already taken steps towards a civil ac- worth $55. tion against the police. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 155

ASEAN CAUGHT UP IN GUESSING zation (UMNO), to victory in a general EVENTS IN ASIA GAME election last year. The Daily Yomiuri, Wednesday February 21, Yet, some unusual things happened within UMNO last autumn to disturb Ma- “HYPOCRISY BETTER” 1996, page 6. Column: “Eyeing ASEAN” By Kiichiro Harano, Yomiuri Shimbun Corre- hathir. In races for the leadership of local UMNO chapters, a large number of pro- Today, Manila, February 1996 reprinted in spondent Mahathir candidates were defeated by those Daily Yomiuri (Tokyo), 12 February 1996, BANGKOK - “Who will be next?” That supporting Deputy Premier Anwar Ibrahim. “excerpts of selected editorials carried by is what is being whispered within the Asso- Anwar, who has been regarded as Ma- Asia-Pacific newspapers” from Kyodo News ciation of Southeast Asian Nations, a re- hathir’s likely successor, thus emerged a What’s this s–- in yesterday’s newspa- gional group that has gained the world’s winner. The development was viewed as a per that “the Philippines, as a member of attention as an economic growth center. sign of political fluidity and sparked drops ASEAN, will have to support Indonesia on The question is prompted by the advanc- in stock prices. East Timor....” ing age of ASEAN leaders. Naturally, specu- UMNO reacted quickly. At its conven- Indeed, Indonesia has been a close friend lation is rife as to who will succeed them. tion in November, UMNO called off a party of the Philippines, Indonesia has protected The current leaders made ASEAN what it is presidential election scheduled for 1997 and our sovereignty by refusing to allow insur- today - a major force in international poli- pushed it back to 1999. Since the UMNO rectionists to stage operations from its tics. In fact, it is the driving force behind a president holds the premiership, Mahathir shores-unlike Malaysia, which armed and summit to be held in March among leaders was thus assured of staying in power until funded them. And the Philippines has been of the 15 nations of the European Union, 1999. ever supportive of Indonesia’s international ASEAN, Japan, China and South Korea. The party apparently made the decision initiatives. But in East Timor the problem is Attention is focused on Indonesia, a lead- to patch up internal rifts, but it is widely genocide and tyranny. It is the problem of a ing power in ASEAN, and Malaysia, which believed that the race to pick Mahathir’s friend, but it is not a problem in whose Final has pushed for an “Asian” approach in deal- successor has already begun. Solution we should play a part. ings with Europe and the United States. Mahathir indicated last November that he On the East Timor question, we should President Suharto, who has led Indonesia might be thinking of retiring before 1999 be like the English during the gassing of the since 1965, is 74, while Malaysian Prime when he said, “Certainly the time will come Jews in World War II. We can maintain a Minister Mahathir Mohamad is 70. for someone new to lead the party. How respectful silence rather than add fuel to the The two leaders have given no indication soon, I don’t know, but it will happen.” fire, so to speak, by applauding outside the that they wish to retire, nor has anyone The succession issue raises the question ovens. emerged to challenge them. But it cannot be of whether long-standing political systems denied that it is time for them to think about will be able to continue unaffected by social DAILY YOMIURI who will succeed them. The issue is cause change due to economic development. for concern in the future, as it is generally DISTORTIONS Suharto has been at the helm for more felt that the “ASEAN economy” will func- than 30 years. His high-handed approach to This article is posted on reg.et on the specific tion smoothly only if it maintains its pre- leadership has resulted in the country being request of a friend in Japan, who faxed it to sent pace. called “Suharto’s Indonesia.” Only three us. East Timor is a powder keg for Indone- opposition parties have been officially rec- sia, posing the threat of civil war. The fact Our friend states: “This article is the sec- ognized, and that is just one of many pro- of the matter is that there is no guarantee tective mechanisms for the Suharto admini- ond in what looks like some kind of series, that a post-Suharto government could con- and is quite disturbing, not only for the stration. tain it. On the other hand, economic growth has outrageous perspective on East Timor Some U.S. experts have cited Indonesia (analysis, ha!), but also for the general over- brought improvements in the standard of as one place where the succession issue will living and created groups in urban areas that simplifications and lack of critical evaluation have a great impact on the future of Asia as (i.e. extremely poor journalism). *Please seek the right to speak out on politics. a whole. They also point to China after the Indonesia stands out among the countries note this is the same newspaper which death of Deng Xiaoping and North Korea, stated that 4 (four) people died in the Santa of Southeast Asia, where the tendency is to where the succession process after Kim Il contain critical elements for the sake of de- Cruz massacre.” Sung’s death has yet to be completed. What appears to be particularly offensive velopment and economic growth, although There is no rush in Indonesia’s case. Par- the extent and methods may differ. is the equation of East Timor with “civil liamentary elections will be held next year, war.” Our friend advises that any responses Southeast Asian nations contend that followed by a presidential election and an such steps are necessary to unify their peo- to this piece could be faxed to the newspa- election for the presidency of the ruling per responsible (Daily Yomiuri - English ple and raise living standards, and that they Golkar party in 1998, when Suharto’s cur- are based on “Asian values.” They also language paper in Japan) on +81 3 3279 rent term expires. Suharto has not made it 6324. argue that the advances that Southeast Asia clear whether he will seek a seventh term. has made stand as proof of the validity of - Christine Faithful, Friends of East However, names of possible successors Timor (Western Australia) those measures. have popped up and there is growing specu- Europe and the United States are critical, lation concerning Suharto’s strategy. It is however, saying it is all aimed at helping certain that politics will take center stage in governments maintain power. Indonesia in 1998. History has shown that when economic Mahathir demonstrated the stability of development expands the middle class, po- his administration by again leading his litical reform is sure to follow. Thus, history party, the United Malays National Organi- poses a challenge to the leaders of Southeast Asia - will they be able to handle it? Page 156 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

COMMENT FROM GEOFFREY C. no way does Indonesian style development In addition, Mr. Alatas when comment- GUNN, NAGASAKI: inside East Timor - which in any case pri- ing on the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) The notion that “East Timor is a powder marily services the Indonesian military oc- said: keg for Indonesia, posing the threat of civil cupation and recolonization of the territory “The summit should not bring up con- war (in Indonesia)” (Kiichiro Harano, The - atone or compensate for this major tragedy troversial issues which are ‘irrelevant’ such Daily Yomiuri, 21 February 1996) is possi- of the late twentieth century. Even more as child labour and East Timor but he hoped bly not as far out as Friends of East Timor egregious is the claim by Irawan that only issues such as UN reforms, nuclear ban and (Daily Yomiuri East Timor Distortions, four people died in the 12 November 1991 trade would dominate the summit.” 27/2/96) would have us believe. That Indo- “incident,” facts even controverted by an As a response to that, PIYF backed by nesian democrats would one day slug it out official Indonesian “investigation.” This is a the Melanesian Solidarity (MELSOL) group with enemies of democracy and militariza- brazen travesty of the truth and an insult to said: “It is insane for Mr. Alatas to exclude tion over the issue of the illegal military the memory of the more than 260 East East Timor and child labour in Indonesia to occupation of East Timor, is not the remot- Timorese youth, women and children in- be discussed as ‘issues of relevance’ when est of scenarios. Still, poor journalism is cluded, killed by Indonesian troops in this British Hawk fighters have been purchased poor journalism. first massacre inside East Timor to be re- to terrorise an entire East Timorese nation But if it was only the minuscule distribu- corded on video and shown on television and when children are forced to work in tion Daily Yomiuri that offends! To wit, networks around the world. It is also an factories all across Indonesia especially with read the current issue of the prestigious US insult to a truth-seeking media and public larger concentration of them (children) journal Foreign Affairs where intellectual inside Indonesia. You write on Iraq that the working in factories in Java.” guru Paul Kennedy (Rise and Fall of the international community must not succumb PIYF Wewak representative, Daniel Great Powers/Preparing for the Twenty- to the threats of a dictator in subverting Bona Holonga is requesting Mr. Alatas to be First Century), and collaborators, dismiss Kuwait’s sovereignty, so the international realistic and matured in his comments on the East Timor case as that of a “separatist” community-Japan included- should be urged East Timor and West Papua. issue. to work help the UN, next holding talks on Mr. Holonga has further invited Mr. While ambiguity and randomness seem to East Timor in Geneva on 10 January (1995), Alatas to talk directly with the OPM and characterize the style of the Daily Yomiuri, to seek an internationally acceptable solu- Fretilin on the future of West Papua and the publication of Irawan Abidin’s “What tion for the territory and a solution accept- East Timor. you don’t know about East Timor, but able to the East Timorese people. Indonesia PIYF is a grouping of indigenous youth should” in this newspaper (13 October must also be bound to observe various UN in the Pacific and Asian region formed at the 1994) - as Friends of East Timor remind us - resolutions calling for respect of human 2nd World Indigenous Youth Conference in is a matter that cannot be forgotten, indeed a rights in East Timor which, as UN Secre- Darwin, Australia in 1993. dark day in Japanese journalism. tary-General Dr. Boutros Boutros Ghali has termed, is the sin qua non to finding a peace- Attached is my albeit unpublished letter- RECALL INDONESIAN ful solution. As they say, truth is the first AMBASSADOR TO INDIA to-the-editor (as faxed same day): casualty of war. There is much irony in the juxtaposition From George Aditjondro, March 20 of your 13 October (1994) editorial on Iraq PIYF TAKES and the op ed article in the same edition on The following is a letter sent recently by East Timor by Irawan Abidin, Director for ALATAS TO TASK a fellow lecturer at Newcastle University Information at the Department of Foreign (NSW, Oz) and a fellow social-justice activ- From Pacific Indigenous Youth Forum, ist in Oz to a major newspaper in India, Affairs, Republic of Indonesia. You write March 10 “Saddam insists that Kuwait is territory of appealing for a recall of the Indonesian am- Iraq” just as Irawan and Indonesia insists A regional youth body has challenged In- bassador to India, General Sahala Rajaguk- the former Portuguese colony of East Timor donesia’s Ali Alatas recent statements on guk, an ‘old acquaintance’ of many East is a “province” of Indonesia. But just as the East Timor and West Papua. Timorese. – GJA UN Security Council defends the sover- The Pacific Indigenous Youth Forum eignty and territorial integrity of Kuwait (PIYF) corrected Alatas saying that: “Alatas THE UNIVERSITY OF NEWCASTLE against Iraqi claims and military blusters, so will have to talk directly with the OPM in Michael Madhusudhan Furtado in defiance of ten UN resolutions Indonesia order to release the hostages who are being Lecturer (Social Ethics) continues its armed occupation of East held in captive by the OPM rebels inside Faculty of Education Timor since invading in 1975. While Irawan West Papua. You can not talk to the Inter- Box 5 & 6 chooses to ignore the detail, it is a fact that national Red Cross and the European Union University Drive until today the UN neither recognizes Indo- to free the hostages because they not held as CALLAGHAN NSW 2308 nesia’s claims to sovereignty over East hostages by these two organisations. You 6th March, 1996 Timor nor the processes by which Indonesia can not deny the truth that the hostage Mr. C.R. Irani, “integrated” its small neighbor. While Ira- drama is continuingly embarrassing for your Editor-in-Chief, THE STATESMAN. wan deplores the casualties of the short civil government. Do not expect the International Statesman House, war of October 1975 otherwise provoked Red Cross team which in Papua New Connaught Circus, by Indonesia, he nevertheless chooses to Guinea now to seek advise to release the New Delhi 110001, INDIA ignore the horrific consequences of Indone- hostages. Indonesia will have to talk to Dear Sir; OPM. And by simply saying: “Indonesia sia’s armed annexation and occupation of I write to alert the readership of your es- does not recognise the OPM simply mean - East Timor, leading to widespread human teemed paper to a matter that has been Indonesia RECOGNISES the OPM.” Your displacement, starvation, eradication of brought to my attention by a colleague of statement of non recognition is simply a lie. indigenous culture and population loss that mine, Dr. George Aditjondro, whose resi- many observers place at near one third. In dential status in Australia has been a cause East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 157 celebre, on account of his exposure of anti- powerless as to jettison any ethicism in its Timor and Tibet), has appeared reluctant to democratic, human rights abuses in his na- dealings with its gigantic neighbour. Austra- subscribe to criticism of the Jakarta regime. tive Indonesia. lia is too busy atoning for the sins of its I further write in fond recall of a news- racist past as well as far too interested in CHINA AND EAST TIMOR paper, representative of a people and a cul- benefiting from entry to an unrestricted From Geoffrey C. Gunn, April 3 ture that helped shape my earliest moral and Asian market to allow minor matters of Friends of East Timor might take heart political sensibilities particularly in regard to political morality to intrude upon her rela- that at least one member of the Security questions and issues of social justice and tionship with Indonesia. The casualties of Council, namely China, remains categorical equality. My expectation, therefore, in pen- this realpolitik are the many hundreds of as to its position on East Timor (just as it ning this letter is that The Statesman has Timorese refugees who regularly make it to remains categorical on Taiwan, Hong Kong lost none of its verve in supporting and our shores and who deserve our solidarity and Macau). From the Administrative Divi- assisting with the development of a quality and our support. sion Atlas of the World, China Geographical of political literacy in one of the world’s I hope there is something that your read- Services Press, Beijing, 1993, East Timor is great polities that is rarely to be found else- ership can do about this. listed as one of 101 administrative entities where. AD MULTOS ANNOS! of Asia. The Republic of Indonesia is also My concern, as but one of the immense Your sincerely, listed as a country of 1,904,569 square diaspora of Indians around the globe, is to Michael Maddhusudhan Furtado kilometres comprising twenty-six (26) ad- alert my former compatriots to the dubious Lecturer (Social Ethics) ministrative divisions. In other words, ac- nature of some overseas emissaries that are email address: [email protected] cording to this publication, China does not foisted upon you, and who for pragmatic recognise Indonesia’s claim to a 27th prov- foreign policy reasons you may sometimes For further comments about this idea, please ince. East Timor is not included in this pub- be forced to parley with. In similar circum- address yourself directly to the Editor-in- lication as part of the Republic of Indonesia. stances in Australia, public opinion has Chief of The Statesman, or to the author of There should be no doubt as to the official responded with the rejection of such ap- this letter. GJA status of this publication as nothing passes pointees. for publication in China that is not official. I refer particularly to the Indonesian CHINESE ATLAS Thus the atlas includes Taiwan, Hong Kong, Ambassador to India, His Excellency Gen- “SEPARATES” TIMOR and Macau as administrative regions of eral Sahala Radjagukguk. General Radjaguk- China. Goa, for example, is recognised as guk is widely known in Australia as the Publico, 11 April 1996. By Joaquim T. de part of India, Sikkim is not. Neither is the ‘Butcher of East Timor.’ For many years he Negreiros, Translated from Portuguese Turkish occupation of northern Cyprus was in command of the penerbad [Pener- recognised, nor the Moroccan occupation of An official atlas recently published in bang TNI/AD] Corps, the Indonesian Western Sahara. China is also consistent in Peking includes East Timor on a list of 101 Army’s Helicopter Corps, whose task it its cartographic representation of East autonomous administrative territories in was to “burn out the rats in their holes” in Timor’s separate administrative status. All Asia. On the Chinese map, Indonesia is East Timor. Between 100,000 and 200,000 Chinese maps and globes recently inspected described as a country with an area of persons were killed in East Timor as a result by this correspondent do not falsify on this 1,904,569 sq. kms., consisting of 26 regions. of operations directed by him. Furthermore question, but offer a correct delineation of According to the area and number of regions he is known to have profited immensely East Timor right down to tennis-ball sized stated in the atlas, autonomous status has through the exercise of business patronage in globes. been attributed to East Timor, which Jakarta East Timor and at great expense to the natu- From Administrative Division Atlas of considers as being its 27th Province. ral environment (Ref. G. Aditjondro, [In The the World, East Timor is an administrative In addition, the same map does not rec- Shadow of Mount Ramelau] The Impact of entity of 18,899 square kilometres with a ognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western the Occupation of E. Timor, Indoc, Leiden, population of 707,0000 (1989). The popu- Sahara, Turkish occupation of Northern 1994). lation of the capital Dilly/Dili is given at Cyprus, or Indian authority over Sikkim. In an imperfect world it ill-behooves one 60,000. East Timor comprises thirteen ad- On the other hand, however, the territories to bring to the public eyes issues too minor ministrative sub-divisions. Aileu, Ainaro, of Macao and Hong Kong are presented as to warrant attention. However, in spite of Baucau, Bobonaro, Cova Lima, Dilly, Er- administrative regions directly subordinate her many problems and the contradictions mera, Lautem (Lauten), Liquiça, Manatuto, to Peking, and Formosa also appears as an and compromises that inevitably must be Ocussi (Oecusse), Same, Vikeke (Viqueque). integral part of the People’s Republic of made, India is still the world’s largest de- All place names come supplied with Chi- China. mocracy, and in many senses an exemplar as nese character equivalents. such in the Third World. The atlas (...) should not be seen as a Secondly, a false comparison is fre- statement reflecting the Peking authorities’ Comment from David Webster quently drawn between the situation of Goa support for the Timorese cause. Since the Personally, I’d be happier if the govern- and that of East Timor. As an Indian of last UN General Assembly vote (in 1982, ment of China didn’t consider East Timor as Goan extraction I exult in the liberation of when China’s vote helped to get a resolution a separate country, given its own genocidal that colony from the Portuguese. To heed adopted, against the wishes of Indonesia) it occupation of Tibet and its apparent inten- the plight of the [East] Timorese is not to has been the question of human rights that tion to use force against a small island find a justification for Portuguese imperial- has brought East Timor into the limelight at neighbour (Taiwan). The governments of ism but to challenge the tacky and deceitful various international forums. On that very Indonesia and China have more in common way in which the Indonesian military dicta- issue China (which shares with Indonesia an than either would like to admit! torship tramples on the rights of its uncomfortably high position on the list of Comment from John Clark countries accused of serious violations, and neighbour. David Webster is certainly right. We which is often confronted with frequent Finally I speak as a nomad within an should never invoke the authority of a geno- Australian culture, which is so numerically comparisons between the cases of East Page 158 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. cidal regime like China’s on behalf of the couped in the international arena their claims quered by China under the Ming dynasty, recognition of East Timor’s independence. for both human and political rights. Fortu- but broke away. It was also part of the Our task is to oblige all nation-states to nately, Boutros Ghali has not pronounced Manchu empire, and the Mongol empire – accept what is just, though we must recog- East Timor an internal problem of Indone- both of which also conquered China. The nize that they usually do so only when they sia. Quite the reverse. association of Tibet and China as part of a perceive it as in their own narrow interest. It may also be misleading to infer from single empire, however, did not make them The fight for justice for East Timor is in- the Administrative Division Atlas of the the same country any more than Australia separable from the fight for justice for Tibet World that China considers East Timor a and New Zealand are the same country be- and all other victims of oppression and separate country much less recognises East cause they were both colonized by Britain. genocide. Timor’s independence. It is more the case Under these various foreign rulers, Tibet Reply From Geoffrey C. Gunn that as a member of the UN Security Coun- maintained its own forms of government. cil China speaks the language of the UN Following the fall of the Qing dynasty Gratified that my post on China and East Fourth Committee on Decolonization and early this century, Tibet again regained its Timor has provoked some healthy lateral treats East Timor accordingly. How politi- independence, with its diplomatic represen- thinking on China’s own behaviour towards cally correct are maps on East Timor in tatives travelling on Tibetan passports the peoples it claims to be under Chinese France, Russia, UK and the US? around the world. China’s invasion in 1950 administration. I suspect, however, the The notion that that China should be was clearly illegal under international law. irony of the matter was carried in the origi- dismissed because it is this or that regime The only reason Tibet did not make it on to nal post and needed no amplification; wit- does not one that occurs in UN councils. the UN agenda then or in 1959 with the ness Boutros Ghali in Beijing last week Neither is it a view shared by Portugal. In flight of the Dalai Lama was that it had no dismissing Taiwan as an “internal problem the context of the complex ongoing dialogue UN member governments willing to plead of China.” But, let us not conflate questions between Portugal and China over Macau, its case. of internal colonialism and fourth worldism Portuguese Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Taiwan has a similar history, being in- with a classic third world question like East Foreign Ministers are unfailing in their so- corporated into China only during the Ming Timor, which, as one of the last cases of licitations to China on the East Timor ques- dynasty, then ruled by a local king, and aborted self-determination on the UN log- tion at the highest levels. Rhetorically, at finally becoming a Japanese colony before book, begs instrumental solutions. This is least, Chinese leaders have reciprocated being handed to China in 1945. It was ruled not to say that our concerns for so-called concerns over East Timor to their Portu- from the mainland for just four years at this internationally unrecognised states and peo- guese interlocutors. [after all China and In- time. Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui ples should be less (West Irian), but that the donesia have a tiff over overlapping territo- speaks better Japanese than Mandarin, and East Timor case is delicately poised at a rial waters in the Natuna islands. Remember Taiwanese have their own language as well. crucial juncture in the process of UN media- Exxon’s multi-billion investment in the The legal fiction perpetrated by its KMT tion towards an “internationally acceptable Natuna oil deal is at stake here]. It would government exp lains why Taiwan has not solution.” While many of our concerns for not be too far out to assert that some quid asserted its own strong claim to independ- East Timor such as human rights abuses, pro quo has been worked out between Por- ence. status of women, militarisation, etc. are tugal and China over East Timor in the Both Tibet and Taiwan can boast distinc- fourth world questions by definition and course of the Portuguese-Chinese dialogue tive cultures with an awareness of them- therefore link with our broader moral con- on Macau. On China, Macau (and Timor), selves as separate entities from China, cerns for, say, the people of Tibet, etc., at read my book, or rather, get your local li- common linguistic and historical traditions, the same time we should not dismiss the brary to order; Encountering Macau: A Por- and defined territories. key question of East Timor’s political tuguese City-State on the Periphery of The difference between these two cases status. China, 1557-1999, Westview Press, Boul- and East Timor is lies solely in their status As Paula Escarameia has written in her der, 1996 ISBN 0-8133-8970-4 (US54.95) at the UN – which is of course a significant aptly titled Harvard dissertation/ mono- strength for those campaigning in support of graph, Formation of Concepts in Interna- Reply from David Webster East Timor. However, supporters of East tional Law: Subsumption under self- Geoff Gunn’s comments are much ap- Timor do themselves no favours by isolating determination in the case of East Timor preciated. I should add that I don’t intend themselves from those campaigning for self- (Fundação Oriente, Lisboa, 1993), “By any disrespect by disagreeing with one determination and human rights in other reversing the causality [of the East Timor point in those comments. As before, I’m colonized nations. In this context, I was case] Indonesia managed to imply the dis- making my own comments personally, not very happy to see José Ramos Horta re- missal of the political instances from dealing presuming to tell the East Timorese what cently appeared on a joint platform in Ge- with it and to allocate the issues to humani- their strategy should be. neva with advocates for Tibet and Western tarian organizations” (p.144). And so Es- The international legal status of Tibet and Sahara, and that East Timor holds member- carameia shows how over the years the East Taiwan, it could be argued, is precisely the ship in the “Fourth World” association Timor question was shuffled between vari- same as that of East Timor, despite what UNPO. Let’s use the UN advantage East ous UN committees to the point where the the UN says. That’s why I mentioned those Timor possesses, by all means, but never self-determination question was virtually cases, and not any of China’s multitudinous forget that its struggle and that of Tibet are relegated to the status of a human right, not violations of the human rights of people it in fact one and the same. a political right. This was undoubtedly a has colonized. small triumph of Indonesian (and probably Tibet has functioned as an independent Australian) diplomacy in the 1980s, but, to country for most of its history, even sacking JAPAN AND EAST TIMOR use Escarameia’s language, it owes to the the Chinese capital on occasion. With the From Geoffrey C. Gunn, April 20. courage of the East Timor people in incredi- coming of Buddhism, it stopped its warlike ble adversity that they have once again re- policy and retreated into isolation, but was Further to my posts this month on map versed the causality of the case and re- no less independent for that. It was con- representations of East Timor in an official East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 159

Chinese atlas, I offer up the following from in embassies in Jakarta, were sent to Portu- Japan. No great surprise, given the plethora EVENTS IN EUROPE gal the next day, Jan 30, according to France of publishing houses and political interests Presse, cited by LUSA.] in Japan, to note from a five minute perusal The Portuguese foreign minister, Jaime of atlases and guidebooks in my local book- CONFUSION OVER E.U. Gama, offered a different explanation: that store, that a variety of representations of TIMOR STATEMENT the “hold” is dictated by humanitarian rea- East Timor exist, running from a popular sons related to the European hostages tour guide to eastern Indonesia which treats Brussels, Jan 29 (LUSA) - The foreign (Dutch, British, and German) in West the boundary between west and East Timor ministers of the European Union today Papua. Gama explained that the juridic ap- as seamless, to a commercial world atlas that vouched to condition their respective foreign proval of the “common position” depends allows the reader to chose between Timor policies to a juridic EU text containing criti- on its publication in the Union Official Timur and Higashi Chimoru (East Timor). cism of Indonesia due to the situation in Journal. No such ambiguity exists or should exist East Timor. In turn, the Dutch minister stated that in school atlases in Japan today, however, The text was approved by the fifteen the release of the “common position” was as anyone who knows anything about The member countries, therefore takes on the put in “stand by” so as not to affect the Great Japanese School Textbook crises of form of a “common position,” only the first EU-ASEAN summit taking place the 1980s, would realise. Basically this con- twentieth such common positions approved March 1 and 2 in Bangkok. The Dutch min- cerned the struggle between individual au- since the writing of the Maastricht treaty. ister said this position was shared also by thors supported by the militant Japanese Jaime Gama revealed only that the text of a the UK, Germany, and the European com- Teachers Union (Nikkyoso), versus the page and a half is “constructive, positive, missarian (?) Leon Brittan. Japanese Ministry of Education (Mon- and advanced.” busho), over official Chinese and Korean However, “juridically, it is as if it didn’t DISCREET VICTORY objections, to see that school textbooks exist,” the spokesperson of one delegation FOR TIMOR offered fair representations of modern his- explained. It will remain in “stand by.” The tory. So while some major victories for truth stand by is due to requests by the UK, The EU CONDEMNS JAKARTA BUT were won in this affair, so the need for vigi- Netherlands, and Germany, for the council KEEPS DECISION QUIET lance should not be relaxed. to delay a position of condemnation of the Diario de Noticias, 30 Jan. By Fernando de Friends of East Timor can take solace Indonesian annexation of East Timor until Sousa. Translated from Portuguese, that the Monbusho-approved and therefore the British, Dutch and German refugees held Abridged “officialized” atlases currently in usage in all by rebels in West Papua are released. The “common position” will be ap- Brussels, 30 Jan. – The 15 have con- primary schools and all junior high schools demned Indonesia because of Timor, but the in Japan (sorry, I have not been able to proved juridically when the case of the European refugees is solved, said Gama. EU has kept officially silent about its deci- check the standard “officialized” senior high sion until now. As far as is known, how- school atlas) offer accurate, if minuscule, “We understand and accept this fully,” he said, adding that “the fundamental has been ever, the EU has never before gone so far representations of East Timor’s separate with regard its position on East Timor. It is status. Thus in Tei Koku Shoin Atlas 402, achieved,” which was to have the common position approved by the EU. especially surprisingly given the proximity first published by this company in 1991, of the forthcoming important EU-Asia and the single sanctioned atlas for use by By definition, the “common position” is superior to a simple political declaration meeting. Japanese pupils in year 4, 5, and 6 of pri- Yesterday in Brussels, the EU’s Council mary school, East Timor, including the en- because, once released, it binds the member states to attach their foreign policy deci- of General Affairs approved a common clave of Oecusse, appears well delineated on position document supporting the efforts a map of the Asia-Pacific. Different colour sions to the principles of the position. The text proposed for the “common po- being made to find a political solution for codes enhance the political separation of East Timor and the re-establishment of re- East Timor from Indonesia. The same ap- sition,” that was submitted to the general affair council of the EU, included condemna- spect for human rights in the territory. Ac- plies for Tei Koku Shoin Atlas 702, first cording to a Portuguese source, however, the published in 1992 for use in Japanese Mid- tion of the Indonesian occupation of East Timor, and denounced the human rights document will only be officially made public dle Schools (Junior High Schools), except when the current crisis in Irian Jaya (West that on one map East Timor (Higashi Chi- situation in the territory. It also recom- mended a political solution to the Timorese Papua) is over. (A separatist group which muru) is identified as such using the kanji or opposes the Jakarta regime is presently Chinese character for East and the katakana problem, supervised by the UN, that should be acceptable to the international commu- holding several people hostage, including for Timor. The same map also offers the some Europeans.) maritime boundary between Australia and nity and to the Timorese people. Meanwhile, there are other versions of Indonesia as broken at a point which we the reasons behind the secrecy. A French could identify as the “Timor Gap.” For the Brussels, Jan 29 (LUSA) - [...] The rea- son for the hold on the public release of the Government spokesperson said that the record, atlas 702 endorses the separate Council decided to wait until the problems status of Western Sahara from Morocco. EU “common position” varied among spokespersons for the various member being caused by the Timorese asylum seek- From other clues and other inferences, I ers in Jakarta embassies were resolved. The think it is fair to suggest that the Mon- countries’ delegations to the EU council of general affairs that met in Brussels today. Dutch minister stated that the “common busho-sanctioned representation of East position” would have to be held on stand-by Timor in these atlases cannot depart from According to a spokesperson from the French delegation and another from the Ital- so as not to jeopardise the first EU-Asia that of Gaimusho (Japanese Ministry of summit, to be held in March in Bangkok. Foreign Affairs). ian delegation was that the hold awaited the outcome of the cases of refugees in western Portuguese Foreign Minister, Jaime embassies in Jakarta. [comment: the refugees Gama, expressed satisfaction with the EU’s at the French embassy, the only remaining position, and added that the document was Page 160 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

“quite positive and constructive.” He was FRENCH MINISTER TO Rummelhardt said Indonesia, the world’s also understanding about the reasons which most populous Moslem country and the led to the delay in the document becoming CHINA, HONG KONG, current president of the ASEAN group, was officially known, i.e. British and Dutch INDONESIA taking off as an economic power. governments’ fears that its immediate publi- Trade between France and Indonesia was cation could put the hostages lives at risk. By Jean Jolly roughly balanced at over four billion francs The common position carries more po- PARIS, Feb 6 (Reuter) - French Foreign ($800 million) in each direction annually. litical weight than the statements adopted Minister Herve de Charette leaves Paris on Indonesia’s main political problem was until now by the EU on East Timor. It has Tuesday for visits to China, Hong Kong and the annexation of formerly Portuguese greater bearing on all the member-states, Indonesia focused mainly on promoting Timor, a move Paris has not recognised, who it is supposed to serve as a guideline in trade. Rummelhardt said. foreign contacts and in positions they may Aides said de Charette will be in China De Charette will be accompanied in his adopt within the framework of international from February 7 to 11, make a brief stop- travels by a large delegation of French busi- organisations. Even though the common over in Hong Kong on February 11 before nessmen. position has not been officially made public, heading for a visit to Indonesia until Febru- Before returning home, he will chair a it is known that it includes former guide- ary 13. meeting of French ambassadors to the region lines, such as support for the efforts being De Charette has described the region as in Jakarta to plan strategy ahead of an Asia- made under the auspices of the UN to find a “the new frontier of French diplomacy,” and Europe summit in Bangkok on March 1-2. just, comprehensive and internationally said he wanted “to give a new boost to rela- Further information on the Bangkok Summit acceptable solution for East Timor. The tions in all fields,” ministry spokesman is in its own section of this issue of East insistence on re-establishing respect for Jacques Rummelhardt told reporters. Timor Documents. human rights in the territory constitutes one Rummelhardt said France had a trade of the constant fundamental elements of the deficit of 10.8 billion francs ($2.16 billion) RECENT COVERAGE Portuguese authorities’ political position. with China “and this does not correspond at The adoption of this common position all to France’s commercial ambitions.” IN IRELAND follows the inclusion, for the first time, in France has been involved in several major The Irish Times. 26 Feb 1996. the Conclusions of the Madrid European projects in China, including the Daya Bay II Council meeting, last December, of a refer- nuclear power station. MINISTERS HOPES OF TIMOR ence to East Timor, reiterating support for But there are fewer small and medium SOLUTION the efforts to find a settlement. This docu- sized firms from France in China than from DUBLIN. Portugal’s Foreign minister, ment will also carry considerable political Germany and Italy, and both countries had Mr. Jaime José Matos da Gama, has as- weight at the Bangkok summit between the more overall trade with China, he said. serted the need to apply the same principles EU and ASEAN, China and Japan. Among projects de Charette would dis- of democracy and human rights to East The position will serve to show at the cuss with Chinese officials are construction Timor as those being applied in Bosnia, summit, which is to be attended by Indone- of an underground railway system at Dalian, writes David Shanks. Expressing optimism sia, that the(Portuguese) Prime Minister has sale of several dozen European Airbus pas- yesterday during his visit to Ireland that a the backing of the whole EU on the question senger planes, an airport in Shanghai and a solution would be found in East Timor, of East Timor. joint project to build a 100-seater aircraft Portugal’s former colony invaded in 1975 together with Chinese and South Korean by Indonesia he pointed to a joint EU posi- PORTUGAL SATISFIED WITH firms, he said. EU’S COMMON POSITION ON tion on the issue, which had been agreed but The possible construction next century not formally adopted. TIMOR of a high-speed railway line between Beijing The Minister met the Taoiseach (Prime Diario de Noticias, 31 January 1996. Trans- and Shanghai would also be discussed, Minister) Mr. Bruton, and the Tanaiste lated from Portuguese, Abridged. Rummelhardt said. (Deputy Prime Minister) Mr. Spring with Rummelhardt was cautious when ques- Yesterday, a European Commission whom he discussed EU enlargement among tioned about the sensitive issue of human other issues. spokesperson in Brussels told LUSA that rights in China, saying merely: “France con- the question of East Timor could be brought siders human rights have a universal value.” HUMAN RIGHTS TO BE THE GHOST to the EU-Asia summit, scheduled for 1-2 He was also careful about nuclear tests. AT EU-ASIAN FEAST March in Bangkok. However, the initiative France completed a final series of six nuclear An article by Paddy Smith, Brussels cor- ought to be taken by Portugal. “The Portu- tests in the South Pacific last week, leaving respondent, of the Irish Times in today’s guese PM or his Foreign Minister could China as the only country still testing issues lists East Timor as one of the issues raise the Timorese question,” said Manuel atomic weapons. that the Asian nations don’t want discussed; Marin’s spokesperson. Rummelhardt said Paris believed a Com- the taboo subjects are human rights, child Meanwhile, Marin believes that both the prehensive Test Ban Treaty should be labour, child prostitution, democracy, Indo- EU and the Asian countries present “will signed by the end of 1996. nesia’s occupation of East Timor and Asian avoid casting any shadows over the sum- Asked about tensions between China and territorial disputes. mit,” which should pave the way for a new Taiwan, he said Paris hoped that differences economic and political EU-Asia partnership. would be solved peacefully. Emily O’Reilly wrote a long piece in last France has uneasily navigated between week’s edition of the Sunday Business Post China and Taiwan for decades. Paris was on the Irish Peace process and the Scott one of the first major Western powers to report, he reference to Timor was as fol- offer recognition to Beijing in the early lows. 1960s but it then found Taiwan a prime “The British export arms to some of the market for arms sales. most barbaric regimes in the world. They East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 161 have sold Hawk fighter aircraft to Indonesia, IRISH UNION CONDEMNS Both sides have underlined that the PM whose campaign of near-genocide against the OCCUPATION Cimoszewicz did not want to sign concrete East Timorese. Many of those people The following motion was passed at the MSF deals during his visit but to ‘make our part- would still be alive today if it were not for (Manufacturing, Science and Finance Un- ners aware of opportunities for co- the actions of the British government.” ion) annual conference, 23 March 1996 operation.’ The current visit of the Polish PM is the first official visit of such impor- PROTEST LETTERS TO THE This conference condemns the govern- tance since almost 30 years. ment of Indonesia for its illegal occupation FINNISH GOVERNMENT ON So far, the Polish-Indonesian economic of East Timor and calls on the Irish and relations are limited to trade exchange, worth ARMS TRADE British governments to actively pursue a US$140 million a year. policy of sanctions against Indonesia at March 8, 1996 European and United Nations level. THE PM CIMOSZEWICZ IN Received from: INDONESIA The Committee of 100 INDONESIA: THE VISIT The Timorese and Polish interests Peace Station OF THE POLISH PM 00520 Helsinki, Finland Trybuna, 20 March Page 6. Translated. tel:358 0 141336 fax:358 0 147297 Timorese were granted asylum The PM Cimoszewicz arrived in the In- The Finnish Government decided yester- donesian capital Jakarta on Monday morn- day (7 Match) to give an export license for Gazeta Wyborcza. (Warsaw). 19 March 96. Translated from Polish ing where he was cordially welcomed by the company Sisu to export 60 armoured president Suharto. In the afternoon local troop-carriers to Indonesia. The deal is not The PM Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz has time, the PM met with Polish and Indone- confirmed yet, but it is an option when the begun his visit to Indonesia yesterday with sian entrepreneurs. company get permission from the govern- a meeting with president Suharto. A few According to Reuters, the Polish em- ment. Only three Ministers out of eighteen hours earlier two refugees from East Timor bassy in Jakarta was invaded by two East voted against (1 green and 2 left wing). The broke into the Polish embassy in Jakarta and Timorese on Monday. The incident coin- main government parties, socialist and con- asked for asylum. cided with the visit of PM Wlodzierz Ci- servative voted in favour. The government Yesterday morning the Timorese scaled moszewicz in the Indonesian capital, who mentioned that for other European countries the fence and got inside. The embassy staff was scheduled to conduct talks with the military exports to Indonesia are not a prob- refused to comment to journalists on the president of Indonesia Suharto on Tuesday. lem. But this not true, because Sweden, matter. It is known, however, that Portugal According to Reuters, the Polish embassy Portugal and Ireland do not accept this type granted asylum to the Timorese. refused to comment on the incident. Reuters of exports to Indonesia. Occupations of embassies from different reminds that it is the second incident of that We want to ask for a worldwide protest countries in Jakarta are a daily occurrence kind at the Polish embassy since January. It against the Finnish Governments decision. and yesterday’s incident has probably noth- is not clear yet whether the Timorese asked Please send your protest to the following ing to do with the visit of the Polish PM. for asylum. According to PAP (the Polish fax numbers: Despite that, the Polish Foreign Office pro- Press Agency) the Polish Foreign Office The Finnish Broadcasting Company, TV- tested to the Indonesian authorities for not protested to the Indonesian authorities for News fax: + 358 0 1461476 having guaranteed safety measures - at the not having guaranteed safety measures dur- The Commercial TV, TV-News fax: + time of the Timorese break-in the Polish ing the visit of the PM Cimoszewicz. The 358 0 140160 PM could have been there. The Foreign spokesman of the Foreign Office, Pawel Helsinki Sanomat (the Main daily news- Office spokesman Pawel Dobrowolski said, Dobrowolski said that the Polish side has paper), fax: + 358 0 605709 the charge d’affaires of the Indonesian em- agreed to host the two refugees and the The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. bassy in Warsaw was summoned to the chargé d’affaires of the Indonesian embassy Tarja Halonen fax: + 358 0 13415002 ministry yesterday. was requested to come to the ministry. The Minister of Defence, Mrs. Anneli A first group of 12 Timorese got into the Polish diplomats pointed out that the last Taina Fax + 358 0 1613985 embassy in January. The refugees behaved official visit on such a high level between /s/ themselves with calm and asked for asylum. Poland and Indonesia occurred at the begin- Kalle Sysikaski After a stay of several days in the embassy ning of the 1960s, that means, over 30 years Helsinki 8.3.1996 premises, they left for Portugal. ago. Only within the last few years a few East Timor was invaded by Indonesia 20 diplomatic talks took place, a visit of the IRISH CALL FOR years ago. The authorities there make use of Foreign Affairs secretary Ali Alatas in Po- ARMS EMBARGO drastic repression against the ethnic popula- land in 1993 and a conversation between tion, who offer active resistance to the in- Jozef Oleksy and Suharto during a UN ses- From ETISC, March 10 vaders. sion last year. In the meantime, after a Sunday’s rest on The Polish-Indonesian economic relations The main party in the coalition which the island of Bali, one of the most famous makes up the Irish government, Fine Gael, are limited to simple trade exchange worth resorts in that part of the world, the PM US$140 million a year (Polish exports: has called for an arms embargo against Indo- Cimoszewicz has begun a series of official nesian at its annual conference over Indone- US$50 million a year, Indonesian imports: talks with the representatives of the Indone- US$90 million a year). Poland exports sia’s ‘rape, torture and murder’ of the peo- sian government. The Indonesian secretary ple of East Timor. mainly machinery, chemicals, steel, powder of state Murdiono said, Cimoszewicz in- milk and paper, while coffee and textiles are tends to widen economic co-operation be- imported. Trade with the countries of that tween Poland and Indonesia, above all in region is worth US$1.5 billion a year alto- technological fields, in particular, in ship- gether. building. Page 162 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

On the schedule of Monday’s visit of the export legislation not only in Italy but in a More then half of the CMI-order is fi- PM was also a visit to the National Mu- lot of other countries as well. nanced by Belgium money. In 1991 Minis- seum, a monument for the heroes of the ter of Foreign Trade, Robert Urbain (Party struggle for liberty and an official banquet. BELGIUM ARMS FOR AID Socialiste) was granting Indonesia a loan During the ceremonial banquet the Indo- from state to state of 465 Bf. ABOS is add- nesian president expressed the hope that the Translation from De Morgen, 5 Apr 1996 ing on this amount between 1991 and 1993, visit of the Polish PM will foster a closer In the Flemish daily paper De Morgen ap- in the framework of bilateral aid, 354 mil- friendship between the two nations, which peared a series of articles on Belgium devel- lion. Of this amount 150 million (1991) is will aid beneficial co-operation in the areas opment aid. The last one was about aid to given to Tractebel for ‘studies.’ 100 million of trade and economy. The Polish PM said Indonesia. journalist Douglas De Coninnck (1992) is given to CMI for ‘additional deliv- that his stay in Indonesia allows to assess found out that Belgium arms companies erances’ and 104 million (1993) again to what has impeded such co-operation in the Cockerill and FN Herstal entered the market CMI for again ‘additional deliverances.’ As past. Cimoszewicz pointed out that Polish after active participation in these aid pro- a result 820 million Bf of development businessmen are interested in exports of grams. funds were flowing to the Grespik project. machinery and equipment in the mining, And is Indonesia not fulfilling its commit- energy, shipbuilding, fishing, rail and air ALSO THE ARMS INDUSTRY IS ments according to a few additional Belgium transport, agriculture and chemical sectors. GOING HUMANITARIAN loans, than it is possible that several hun- Earlier, during talks with entrepreneurs, the dreds of millions are added by the Delcre- PM invited the Indonesian businessmen to In our last edition of ‘wasted billions’ we dere [look like a credit service of the Bel- attend the Economic Forum ‘Poland - South look today at two development projects gium government] service. East Asia’ to be organised in Poland in Sep- which did result in useful factories and The Belgium delegation has its doubts on tember. tools. The Walonian companies who were the relevance of the project for the devel- delivering them, were aloud afterwards to opment of Indonesia. The amazement is Comments from Translator, George sell arms and munitions. Frynas. changed in disconcert when it is becoming By Douglas de Coninck clear that the biggest part of the excavation The visit of the Polish PM to Indonesia In 1993 secretary of development Erik is done by .... a Japanese builder. Tractebel was widely covered in Poland, also on TV. Derycke (Socialist Party) visited Indonesia, and CMI are just sub-contractors of the The Timorese asylum seekers were not accompanied by a big delegation. He was Japanese group. Around Asia Japan is for always mentioned though. Here are two showed around by the local ABOS (Belgium years the most active donor country in the most recent articles. Development Aid Department) to the development aid sector. Note that Trybuna, the Polish daily clos- showpiece of Belgium development projects That Indonesian companies do not have est to the current left-centre government, in the country. In the past messages from the know-how direct at hand to build a has focused on the beneficial trade relations the ABOS-section Indonesia haven’t been thermodynamic power station and that Bel- between the two countries; while Gazeta always encouraging. There has been the gium is giving a helping hand sounds reason- Wyborcza, the biggest Polish daily and asso- failure of a machine tool company in Cilegon able. But that the Belgium development aid ciated with opposition circles, has elabo- (De Morgen 22/11/95), there has been the in Indonesia is crossing a pure commercial rated on the asylum seekers and the conflict wig plant on Bali (DM 2/4/96) and there has Japanese contract is less evident. “The in East Timor. been the MICD-project (see below). But, Japanese were not that glad with the Bel- the head of the section assured the state gium interference,” one of the delegates of ARMS TRADE OF secretary, to show him something different 1993 is remembering. “We are fitted to do it ITALY TO INDONESIA at this time. The party is brought to Gresik, by ourselves, they told us.” a small town in the eastern part of Java. Derycke, followed by others from the From by IRES Toscana, Firenze Italy via Over there on a remote area, the building of government and ABOS-officials are going to [email protected] (Martin an enormous thermodynamic power station search in vain for forms ‘of education of Broek), 27 March. started to provide the island cheap(er) elec- local workers.’ The motive ABOS joint the Although it is reported that Italy has an tricity. The Belgium delegation didn’t notice project. arms embargo against Indonesia (by the till then much about a lack of electrical The more than 350 million Bf which flew Amnesty International book POWER AND power in East-Java. The industrialisation from ABOS to CMI and Tractebel are IMPUNITY; Human Rights under the new process is running full steam and nothing is granted by Minister of Development Andre’ order, page 11) according to the politics of showing that the needs of Indonesia are Geens (VU). One of his assistants is Johan not selling arms to a country which violates electrical energy. Smets. Till his job as assistant on the de- the international conventions on human Aid to Japanese partment of Development Smets worked at rights it has sold arms to Indonesia. The excavation from which in 1994 an Tractebel, more detailed for a department Next figures are given by the Italian au- electricity power station must rise looks working on the prospects of projects in thorization on arms exports 1991-1994: impressive. Belgium companies are manag- Asia. After the government period Smets 1991 (1) 1992 (4) 1993 (1) 1994 (55), ing the work, said the head of the section. returned to Tractebel. CMI is using in the Total for Indonesia (60 total is too low in Those companies are Tractebel Engineering ‘80’s the services of Vital Lenaerts via the original), International (TEI) and Cockerill Mechani- office of GIA. Vital Lenaerts is the son of In 1994 Italy sold naval craft and tor- cal Industries (CMI). Tractebel is acting as the administrative-general Roger Lenaerts, pedo’s to Indonesia which can not be used consultant and is conducting a number of expelled of office in October by the first according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs engineer studies. Also CMI has a supervis- chamber. He is also a former worker of be used in repressive activities or against ing task, but is also aloud to sell steam- Tractebel. East Timor. The argument is becoming clas- boilers worth 875 million Bf. sical and giving a license to evade the arms East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 163

Cannons tion to tighten the gap between light and arms - that’s the last straw - no arms, but The Gresik-contract was very profitable heavy industry and the acceleration of the machines. for CMI. In August 1994 the firm got the industrialisation process in small metal in- Without somebody caring about it the contract to deliver Indonesia another three dustries in Indonesia who’s existence are MICD contract was continuing till 1992. steam-boilers, this time for the power sta- threatened. Over more than 20 years the workshop has tion of Grati. This deal was worth 1.6 bil- Indonesia has always been a specific case used more than 1 billion of development aid lion Bf. in Belgium foreign aid projects. For years funds. The concrete results are not clear. Just after this followed an Indonesian or- the country was used as guinea-pig by per- After an interpolation in the early eighties in der of a totally different kind. CMI isn’t sons on the governments of Development Belgium parliament on the MICD affaire, just building steam-boilers and locomotives Aid and Foreign Affairs during the seven- ABOS had been doing a research after (see also issue about Malawi and Zambia in ties. They constructed complicated methods MICD. The research was positive in gen- DM of last Saturday), but also cannons. to bring the interests of Development Aid eral: the money was well used. The research Since the late eighties CMI is in vain trying and the Belgium industry in line. MICD is was done by a daughter company of FN to enter the Indonesian arms market. A very almost the first project in which this policy Herstal. profitable market, because the fight between is used. Indonesia is the ideal country for the Indonesian army and the separatist this. Under the regime of General Soeharto movement [?] on the island East-Timor the country escaped its international isola- EVENTS IN GERMANY doesn’t look to come soon to an end. Espe- tion, to play the card of free-market policies cially the 90mm cannons are well known without restrain. worldwide by people skilled on arms. This The first stage of the MICD project was TANJUNG INTERVIEW: cannon is made to fit it on light armoured from 1970 till 1975. ABOS was donating INDONESIA DEPLOYS EX- vehicles and is in this way very useful 66.2 million Bf for this. It was seen as “a NVA-SHIPS AGAINST weapon for small internal conflicts, like this success on a small scale.” In Bandung two on East Timor. Belgium engineers were working. Their plant “INTERNAL DISTURBANCES” was seen by the Indonesians as a clinic for End 1994 CMI made several contracts Tagezeitung (German daily paper), 12 Dec. ill machines. They did go there with all their with the Indonesian army for the delivering 1995. Translation from German. of 90mm cannons. [I only know about those problems. The project was prolonged by to be fitted on Scorpions from England] In four years en ABOS was donating a new Jakarta/Genf (taz/epd/AFP) - Yesterday announcements made by CMI and/or the amount of 133.8 million Bf. The number of Human Rights groups demanded for a arms Ministry of Foreign Trade on the cannon- Belgium personnel is expanded with eleven embargo against Indonesia on the day of 20 contract they have been saying that without people, some of the private sector. MICD, years occupation of East Timor. Since the doubt the contract would never have been so is argumented has got a lot of “goodwill” invading on December the 7th 1975 about fixed without the showed “goodwill in other from the Indonesian authorities towards 200.000 in the former Portuguese colony sectors,” by the Belgium Government. To Belgium companies. In 1980 MICD started died, one quarter of the population. This put it different: the power station of Gresik with the third stage. For another three years was no reason for the Government to stop was meant above all to clear the way for ABOS was donating 202.6 million Bf. the selling of arms equipment. arms trade. The cannon-contracts of CMI More than one billion The armed Forces commander of Indone- sia, General Feisal Tanjung, has recently are worth of more than 300 million Bf. At In silence ABOS was retreating from the the moment negotiations are going on for the said in a interview with the Asian Defence project just before the third stage. ABOS Journal that the NVA-ships from Germany deliverance of more cannons. doesn’t stopped financing the project and To end: A positive sound. The Thermo- should be used by naval troops which will was still sending co-workers, but was giving be deployed “against disturbances from dynamic power plant of Gresik is just fin- the co-ordination of MICD to a sub- ished. It works. within.” contractor. Called: de Tijdelijke Vereniging In Göttingen the Gesellschaft fur Bedro- MICD, or how the ABOS was used by FN Bandung 3 [Temporary Foundation Band- hte Volker critised the government in Bonn When last week came to light that the ung 3]. which has always justified the controversial arms company FN Herstal is building an Behind Bandung 3 was a mixed group of deal with the argument that the NVA- gigantic munitions plant in Eldoret, Kenya, Belgium industries who were badly needing vessels only will be used for defence of we were saying that this contract had be- new export orders, like: Mercantile Beliard, coastal waters. The Human Rights reporter come possible by the helping hand of the Picart & Beer, Vinotte International, LVD of the Evangelic Church in Germany, Tim Belgium ambassador in Nairobi. She Company and - last but not least - Fabrique Kuschnerus, demanded stronger pressure on searched since 1988 for Belgium financial National Herstal (FN). The biggest arms the government of Indonesia to negotiate support and knocked - in vain - on the door exporter of Belgium was taking control of with the East Timorese independent move- of ABOS. How absurd it may sound it the consortium and send most personnel to ment. In fact Jakarta is not so willing to shouldn’t have been the first time that Indonesia, 14 experts. lessen the repressive politics in the occupied ABOS was used for the business of FN. Indonesia is ruled by Generals. FN has East-Timor (...)” tried in vain to enter the Indonesian arms Clinic for ill machines. I think Tanjung has made a mistake to market in the past. This was changing after On the 3rd of February 1970 a project put his statement forward in the interview the take-over of the MICD-project. FN got and the German government should not have started on Java called Metal Industries de- immediately an arms contract worth 270 velopment (MICD). In the Indonesian high- welcomed his remarks on the NVA-ships. million Bf. More big contracts followed But his statement makes clear Western gov- lands near Bandung, a small workshop was after the first. At ABOS it is denied that being build. In this shop tools for light metal ernments are just hiding behind formal there is any direct connection between words and fail - if they wish - to make clear industry will be maintained, repaired and MICD and the arms transfers of FN to the overhauled. The project has the noble ambi- what they think of the repressive character Soeharto regime. MICD wasn’t producing of the Indonesian military policy and, more Page 164 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. important put an effective ban on the use of council said. This is the reason the Minister second thoughts - what a miracle, - because weapons by the Indonesian military for of Foreign Affairs is invited to Kiel. In front the human rights situation in East Timor, what they see as their main task the repress- of the representatives of the Industrial the export should have slipped through ing of the population of both Indonesia and Group of Defence Industry in Schleswig- without problems. The conference organised East-Timor as well as other trouble spots, Holstein (“Arbeitskreises Wehrtechnik der by BUKO was co-organised by the Com- like West Papua. Industry in Schleswig-Holstein] he is mak- munity for democracy and human rights, The only answer is an international arms ing propaganda - in connection with the Watch Indonesia!, IMBAS, Timor und Kein embargo against Indonesia because of this elections for the government of Schleswig- Trupp, the campaign “Producieren fur das policy. Not only to a specific kind of arms Holstein - for more or less unrestricted Leben,” the Friedens werkstatt Kiel, der but all types of arms, because that is the Arms exports: “In [German-Indonesian] Bundnis entwicklungspolitischer Initiativen second hiding wall used by governments, relations this deal is what is just behind the Schleswig-Holstein (B.E.I.), dem Dritten ‘our kind of weapons could not be used limit.” “There are some limits, but we al- Welt-Laden Kiel, AVANTI und Gegenwind. against the population.’ But aircraft were ready worked on it.” (Weser Koerier 13-02- (...) used in Lampung February 1989 (Power and 96) and if there are any problems they can 30-40 committed persons attended the Impunity, AI, 1994), military trucks to call him. conference. (...) At the start of the demon- override demonstrators in Tanjung Priok The Wiesel-armoured vehicles, flexible stration Andrea Kolling of the BUKO- September 1984 (Indonesia; Muslims on for internal use, are very useful for counter Campaign “Stoppt den Rustungsexport!” Trial, TAPOL, 1987) and naval vessels to insurgency activities in jungle and streets. told about the growing tension in Southeast make it impossible for refugees to escape The combat weight of the light version of Asia. Particularly mentioned was the strive East Timor by sea in 1995. the armoured vehicle is four tons and it is of several Southeast Asian nations to be- Martin Broek Pesthuislaan 39, 1054 RH surely useful for mountain terrain as well as come regional powers, the control of islands Amsterdam deserts. It is not amphibious that is all. The to win the rich oil and gas reserves and Porsche design of the vehicle is fitted to be about sea lines across the South China Sea GERMAN ARMOURED dropped with a parachute from a helicopter. which are leading to an arms race. Andrea In Indonesia it can be transported with Kolling took the deliverance of 39 NVA- VEHICLES TO INDONESIA Transall-Transportairplanes or with the ships to the Indonesian navy as an example NVA-ships both exported by Germany. to show the close connection between Ger- From the BUKO-Rundbrief Nr. 50, page 19 In 1970 the new social democratic gov- man export interests and the support for In the last BUKO Rundbrief are two articles ernment launched the start of the develop- dictatorial governments. on the export of Wiesel light armoured air ment of a light armoured vehicle to be trans- The peace researcher Martin Grundmann transportable vehicles. Some photographs ported by aircraft. In 1986 the first proto- of the Institute for Peace Research from Kiel are illustrating the possibilities of this vehi- types were delivered to the German army made clear that arms production in Germany cle for transport to remote area’s. Even an and since 1992 343 vehicles were sold to the was the first step to arms trade. He was outsider can see the vehicle is very useful for German army. pleading for more engagement in the area of internal repression. As it is fitted for street It is possible to transport two Wiesels in conversion. The arms industry can only be fights and fights in rough terrain it can eas- a German army transport helicopter. The stopped when social and environmental ily be used for human rights violations in first ones were already tested in Somalia. alternatives are offered. Alexander Flor of Indonesia, Aceh, West Papua and East The Wiesels are very useful for out of area Watch Indonesia! spoke about the results of Timor. operations and are an important part of the the military coup of 1965, which was the rapid reaction forces. The German army start of 30 years of military dictatorship, INDONESIA: GREEN LIGHT TO already has a rapid reaction force, the Indo- and the human rights situation in Indonesia. “WIESEL"-EXPORT nesian army might just build one up. The military occupation of East Timor, the Andrea Kolling A broad platform of human rights and hatred against communists, he oppression of peace movement NGO’s ranging from the the press and the violent exploitation of The Defence commission of Germany “Community of Evangelian Youth” till workers were the main themes of his approved the export of the airborne ar- “Watch Indonesia!” were protesting against speech. moured vehicle ‘Wiesel’ to Indonesia, de- the export. As reaction on the EU-ASEAN (...) We did not succeed to stop the ex- spite heavy protests from a great number of meeting they were asking in an open letter port of Wiesels, but the demonstration or- German NGO’s. According to “Kieler directed to the German government not to ganised by so many groups provided us Nachrichten” the office of Foreign Affairs approve the order and to stick to the Arms with the courage to organise more pressure stopped the export of the Wiesel Armoured embargo suggested by the Western Euro- on the government. For following actions in vehicles last summer. The story is amazing: pean Union. relation to the Wiesel-samples, waiting on the reason was the human rights violations At this moment the seven armoured vehi- the MaK terrain for transport and - if not in East Timor. The Ministries of Economics cles are still on the company area of MaK stopped - on the following exports are some and Defence have no second thoughts and awaiting their transport to Bandung. groups - among others Timor und Kein against this arms deal. Trupp - thinking about suitable actions. Seven armoured vehicles of MaK Sy s- BUKO-CAMPAIGN IN KIEL For more information: BUKO temgesellshaft from Kiel will be send to From the BUKO-Rundbrief Nr. 50, page 23 Buchstrasse 14-15 Indonesia, as so-called Truppenver- 28195 Bremen, Germany suchsmuster [samples for ABRI]. The seven The discussion about the export of the tel 49 421 326045, fax 49 421 3378177 tanks are only part of a bigger deal. It will be Wiesel to Indonesia by the Kiel company a 100 million Dm order, is said by the com- MaK was the reason for an information pany, 30-40 jobs will be at stake. “The campaign in the city of Kiel up north. reason for these dismissals is Mr. Kinkel Topic of the demonstration was “arms [Minister of Foreign Affairs]” the works exports and human rights in Indonesia.” If the Ministry of Foreign Affairs haven’t had East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 165

In September 1993 the Bofors company to Bofors) or four (according to the tender) EVENTS IN SWEDEN received a go-ahead from the conservative cannons to Indonesia. coalition government, to give a tender con- At the same time the violent disturbances cerning four naval cannons to Indonesia, continued in East Timor. In September 1995 SWEDEN TO SELL NAVY worth 35 million SEK. The government was the European Parliament accepted a new ARTILLERY TO INDONESIA split over the issue. Minister of culture, resolution, which called on all member- Mrs. Birgit Friggebo, opposed the deal. And states “to immediately stop arms-trade” to summary the Social Democrats (in opposition), who Indonesia. Lisbon, LUSA, April 11 – The Swedish had given their approval, were very hesitant. Earlier the same year a number of East government has authorized, in late March, One year later, in October 1994, Mr. Timorese had managed to escape by boat to arms manufacturer “Bofors” to sell navy Mats Hellstrom was appointed new Minis- Australia. Indonesia increased patrolling artillery to Indonesia, Swedish newspaper ter of Trade with responsibility for the around the occupied East Timor, and in “Aftonbladet” announced today. arms-trade (in the new Social Democrat November a new attempt was stopped by Bofors had been granted authorization to government). He pursued a more restrictive Indonesian gun-ships. sell the cannons to Indonesia in 1993 by the policy, something which annoyed the arms- A great deal of the Indonesian ships are conservative government, but sales were industry. equipped with Bofors 40 mm and 57 mm barred by the restrictive arms sales policies At the same time conditions worsened in cannons. That means that Swedish cannons of the succeeding social-democrat govern- occupied East Timor, an occupation de- can be used to stop fleeing boat people. ment, which classified Indonesia’s actions in scribed by the Social Democrats as one of In November 1995, a high executive at East Timor as “the most brutal and insensi- “the most ruthless violations of interna- Bofors was so sure about government ap- tive human-rights violations in the post-war tional law in the post-war era.” During the proval, that he told SPAS that the company period” in East Timor. economical summit (APEC) in Jakarta in already had received an export permit for Bofors applied again in 1995, as a new November 1994, a series of protests was the new cannons. Foreign Minister was elected, and when the made against the Indonesian occupation of But the issue was very sensitive. In De- new government presided by Goran Persson East Timor. When the summit ended, the cember Prime Minister Ingvar Carlsson and started functions last month, with Leif Pa- military and its death-squads started a wave the other heads of government in the EU, grotsky responsible for arms exports, Bo- of terror in East Timor. wrote about “the growing tension in East fors was given authorization to sell the can- “The events are part of a general step- Timor.” And MP Mrs. Eva Zetterberg of nons to Indonesia. ping up of violence and worsening of the the Left Party (Nov. 18), MP Mrs. Eva situation in East Timor,” said Foreign Min- Goes of the Green Party (Nov. 21) and MP STOP THE CANNON ister Lena Hjelm-Wallen in Parliament (14 Mr. Lennart Rhodin of the Liberals (Dec. March 1995). 14) criticized the current cannon deal in DEAL WITH INDONESIA In November 1994 the European Parlia- Parliament. Earlier the Center Party Aftonbladet (Social Democrat evening pa- ment called on its member states to “stop all spokespersons on Foreign Affairs had also per). Opinion-page. 12 April 1996 military aid and arms-trade to Indonesia.” called for a stop of all military aid and arms- And the Center Party and the Social Democ- trade to Indonesia.” By Henrik Westander and Jens Petersson, rats both called on the Swedish Government Minister Mr. Jan Nygren now thought Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society to implement this resolution. (1) Now Swe- that it was politically impossible to approve (SPAS). Full text, Translated from Swedish den was a new member of the European the export of the cannons. When the issue by the Swedish ET Committee Union, and our possibilities to influence the was raised in the Parliament, he brushed it Comment: The report by the LUSA corre- EU was often emphasized. away. “The issue is not at the table of the spondent in Stockholm, mailed to the confer- “Within the European Union we will Government,” as Mr. Nygren said to liberal ence on April 12, was not quite correct. now unite with for instance Portugal ... in MP Mr. Rhodin on December 14. It is not yet confirmed that the Swedish Gov- order to try with united forces to increase But in the end of March, when the new ernment has taken any formal decision to pressure on Indonesia, Minister for Devel- government of Goran Persson had been issue an export-permit for new naval- opment Cooperation (also Deputy Foreign installed, with Mr. Leif Pagrotsky in charge cannons to Indonesia. Here is the full text of Minister) Mr. Pierre Schori, stated in Par- of the arms-trade, the Bofors company was the article quoted in the report. liament on 16 February 1995. notified that the company very soon would “I think it is good that the European Par- get permission to ship the cannons. Jan-Erik liament wants the arms-trade to be The government position is that the In the end of March (the Swedish arms- stopped,” Mr. Mats Hellstrom explained in situation in East Timor makes new arms manufacturer) Bofors was notified that the an interview on 24 March 1995. He also deals with Indonesia impossible, but Bofors company soon would get a permission to promised that Sweden would raise the issue expects the export of the cannons to be export naval cannons to Indonesia. of arms-trade to Indonesia within the EU. approved, because they are said to consti- The cannons has been ready for shipment In June 1995 Hellstrom said he would tute “follow up deliveries” for some time, but the case has been delayed have taken “a clearly restrictive position,” if Is it really reasonable to continue selling by the government. Bofors had applied for permit to export cannons to an army of occupation, with The Social Democrats has supported the cannons. reference to the approval of similar deliver- call of the European Parliament, for a com- One week later Hellstrom handed over ies given by the conservative government 18 plete arms-embargo against Indonesia, who responsibility for the arms-trade to the years ago? is occupying East Timor. But despite a Minister for Coordination Mr. Jan Nygren. The guidelines for arms-trade, issued by worsening of conditions in East Timor, Bo- Probably it was now, in summer or early the Parliament in December 1992, states: fors now expects the government to ap- autumn 1995, that the Bofors company “Permits should be issued for export of prove further sales of cannons to Indonesia. applied for permit to export three (according spare parts /.../ The same should apply to The Government must stop the deal! other deliveries, for instance of munitions, Page 166 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. which have a relation to previous export, or Henrik Westander was recently refused · Niklas Nordstrom, Chairman, Social De- where it otherwise would have been unrea- to take seat in the Council for Arms Trade, mocrat Youth League sonable not to issue a permit.” appointed by the Government. · Berndt Ekholm, Chairman, Christian Social Thus, the guidelines does not rule out ex- Democrats Illustrations: Photos of Mr. Westander and · Kristina Hansson, Chairman, Center Party port-permits for additional arms-systems, Mr. Peterson. but they do not say either that such exports Youth League · Ingbritt Irhammar, Chairman, Center should be approved. Remark: (1) The article mentions that both the Center Party and the Social Democrats Womens Union It is a matter of interpretation and judg- · Birger Schlaug, Spokesperson (party ment. And the government also stated that has called for an implementation of the de- mands in the EU Parliament resolution of leader), The Green Party “the suggested guidelines for follow up de- · Gudrun Schyman, Party leader, The Left liveries does not imply a right of a buyer to November 1994. The Social Democrats did however not submit any parliamentary mo- Party be granted follow up deliveries, but every · Peter Brune, General Secretary, Swedish tion on Indonesia/ ET in January 1995. deal is to be dealt with separately, when the Fellowship of Reconciliation government is to take its decision.” Similar demands was taken up in the Social · Kerstin Greback, General Secretary, WILPF If the government would listen to the So- Democrat motion one year earlier (text be- Sweden low). In 1995, the EP-resolution was sup- cial Democrat Party congress, there would Illustrations: not be any export of cannons to Indonesia. ported in motions from the Left, the Center and the Green Party. Photos of Mr. Jiborn, Mrs. Segelstrom, The 1993 congress said that if a particular Mr. Nordstrom, Ms. Hansson, Mr. Schlaug weapons-system has been delivered, it is THE GOVERNMENT MUST STOP and Mrs. Schyman. also reasonable “that the government issues THE CANNONS Photo of Indonesian riot-police. Text: permits for export of spare parts, munitions TO INDONESIA “Riot police clamping down on East et cetera, needed to make the system work.” Timorese demonstrating for peace and free- Aftonbladet (Social Democrat evening pa- And export of new cannons is not needed to dom. Around the coast of the island, the per). Opinion-page, 21 April 1996. Full text, keep the old ones “working!” army of occupation is patrolling the waters - Translated from Swedish by the Swedish ET When Mr. Mats Hellstrom assumed re- with Swedish cannons.” sponsibility for the arms-trade, he criticized Committee the conservative government for its generous Sweden shall not export arms to Indone- application of the concept of follow up 1994 SOCIAL DEMOCRAT sia, which occupies East Timor, in viola- deliveries. PARLIAMENTARY MOTION tion of international law. In an internal work-paper from early 1995, he stressed that the Government According to Amnesty International, Here follows the full text of the Social should base its concept on the more restric- about 200 000 people has died because of Democrat Parliamentary motion on Indone- tive definition of follow up deliveries, laid the Indonesian occupation. The disturbances sia and East Timor, submitted to the Swed- down by the party-congress. in East Timor continues, and has even got ish Parliament on January 25 1994. In Sep- The position of Hellstrom annoyed the worse during the last two years. In Decem- tember 1994 the SD won the General Elec- Inspection on War Materials (KMI). In a ber 1995 the chiefs of governments in the tion, and formed a government. Two of the secret cipher cable dated 13 February 1995, EU wrote about “the increased tension in MPs who signed the motion are currently the KMI had to admit “that the concept of East Timor.” ministers in the Foreign Office (Mrs. Lena follow up deliveries in the guidelines not Indonesia has stepped up its patrolling Hjelm-Wallen, Foreign Minister and Mr. necessarily will be interpreted in a way that around the occupied East Timor, and in Pierre Schori, Deputy FM and Minister for allows delivery of further similar items.” November an attempt to escape was Development Cooperation) Shall Sweden support the proposal for a stopped by Indonesian gun-ships. Bofors The Swedish Government must now be total EU arms-embargo against Indonesia? has, according to themselves, applied for reminded of its commitments, in case they Or shall we continue to arm the forces of permit to exp ort more naval-cannons to should contemplate an opening up of the occupation? Indonesia. Will further Indonesian ships be arms-trade to Indonesia. The answer would be easy: Stop the can- equipped with Swedish cannons? SOCIAL DEMOCRAT MOTION TO non-deal! In September 1995 the European Parlia- THE SWEDISH PARLIAMENT ON ment approved a resolution, calling on all INDONESIA AND EAST TIMOR Box: member states “to immediately stop the “The issue is not at the table of the Gov- Motion no: 1993/94:227 Submitted on 25 arms-trade” to Indonesia. January 1994 ernment,” Minister of Coordination Mr. Jan The Swedish Government should follow Nygren said in December. the recommendation of the European Par- Peace and development, democratization But in the end of March, when the new liament. and respect for human rights are of vital government of Goran Persson had been We demand that the government stops significance for an improvement of the situa- installed, with Mr. Leif Pagrotsky in charge the plans of Bofors to export cannons to tion in Indonesia. of the arms-trade, the Bofors company was Indonesia. The annexation of East Timor by Indone- notified that the company very soon would sia is, however, unacceptable and in viola- Signed: get permission to export cannons to Indone- tion of international law. A just and lasting sia. · Magnus Jiborn, Chairman, Swedish Peace peaceful solution, regarding East Timor, Is it reasonable to sell cannons, with ref- and Arbitration Society cannot be reached, without the participation · Jan-Erik Forsberg, Chairman, Swedish East erence to the approval of similar deliveries of the representatives of the people of East Timor Committee Timor. It is important, that the UN Secre- given by the conservative government 18 · Thord-Ove Thordsson, General Secretary, years ago?, writes the arms-trade researcher Swedish Christian Council tary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali invites Henrik Westander, and Jens Petersson, se- · Inger Segelstrom, Chairman, Social Democ- independent personalities of the highest curity policy investigator at SPAS. rat Womens League standing, from East Timor, to participate in East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 167 the talks between the representatives of the 1. A more active international position, on Democrat Parliamentary Foreign Af- governments of Indonesia and Portugal. Sweden’s behalf in order to obtain a solu- fairs Committee Group. This motion Indonesia must withdraw its ten military tion of the East Timor question. proposes an increase of this appropria- battalions from East Timor. As a first step, - Sweden should, both in International tion by 45 million SEK. Indonesia should immediately make sub- forums and bilateral contacts, openly - Sweden should, under the appropria- stantial reductions in their military and po- and clearly act for the withdrawal of tion for democracy and human rights, lice presence. Indonesian troops from the territory of support the human rights work carried An arms embargo against Indonesia is East Timor, and support the right of out by the East Timorese liberation called for, as long as East Timor’s right to the people of East Timor to exercise movement CNRM, and its included or- self-determination is not guaranteed, and their right to self-determination. ganizations. serious violations of human rights continues. - Sweden should, within the framework - Sweden should, through its aid under In this context, it is of importance to ob- of the United Nations and its agencies, the appropriation for democracy and serve that the government of the United act in order to guarantee the safety of human rights, support education and States already has taken a sharpened atti- the East Timorese people through a social projects run by the Catholic tude on this matter. permanent presence of the United Na- Church in East Timor. Recommendations of an arms embargo tions in East Timor. - Sweden should, under the appropria- against Indonesia have also been made in - Sweden should make its position clear tion for special programs, support the several resolutions, passed by the parlia- in the UN General Assembly, that cultural work performed by the cultural mentary assembly of the Council of Europe. Sweden firmly supports East Timor’s foundation Fundação Austronesia The Council of Europe has further recom- right to independence, and is set to Borja da Costa and other organizations mended, that member states should apply vote for it; if the question once again is close to the CNRM. The vital role pressure on Indonesia with a view to stop brought up for discussion in the Gen- played by the Catholic Church for the all exploitation of East Timor’s natural re- eral Assembly. cultural survival in East Timor, should sources and assets, and also to initiate hu- - Sweden should actively work for the also be taken into account. manitarian help to the people of East Timor. participation of the Timorese in the - Appropriate channels for aid can be Sweden should comply with these resolu- UN talks. created through Swedish voluntary or- tions, and bring all bilateral accords, con- - Sweden should, like Portugal and ganizations, church aid agencies and la- tracts and understandings currently in force, France, demand the release of Xanana bor unions, all of which currently are into agreement with the resolutions. and that he is allowed to represent the involved in these issues. An immediate improvement of the human people of East Timor at the UN talks. - Sweden should, like the US, work rights situation is urgent, both in Indonesia forcefully for an improvement of labor 2. Stop Swedish arms export to Indonesia and East Timor. Arbitrary arrests and secret rights in Indonesia. The link between detention of arrested persons is widely oc- - The Swedish Government should, be- union-rights and trade agreements, curring, for instance in connection with US cause of the serious and widespread made by the US within the framework Congress visits last year. human rights violations in East Timor of the GSP-system, should be seen as It is vital that all political detainees, as and Indonesia, not issue any permits an example worth following. Sweden well as political prisoners; including opposi- for new arms exports to Indonesia. should; within the framework of its bi- tion leader Xanana Gusmão are released - The Swedish Government is to pay lateral contacts with Indonesia, work through a general amnesty. All types of heed to the Resolutions No 966 and for an strengthening of labor rights in political discrimination must cease. Thus, it 470 of the Parliamentary Assembly of Indonesia. is of importance that all Indonesians and the Council of Europe, regarding an arms embargo against Indonesia. 4. Indonesia, East Timor and economic pol- East Timorese currently in exile are allowed icy to return freely to their home countries. - The Swedish government should, in - The Swedish government should fol- According to Amnesty International, different international forums and low the recommendations in the Coun- there is a large number of prisoners sen- through bilateral contacts, work for the cil of Europe resolution 966 of 28 June tenced to death in Indonesia, who have been implementation of the Council of 1991, to “urge countries which have in death-cells for a very long time; among Europe Resolutions No 966 and 470. economic links with Indonesia to bring them one prisoner who has been in prison 3. Increased aid to independent movements pressure to bear on Indonesia to halt all for 28 years, and whose appeal for clem- for human rights, humanitarian assistance violation of human rights and all ap- ency has not yet been considered. etc., in East Timor. propriation of East Timor’s natural re- It is of the greatest importance that a de- - Sweden should, in accordance with the sources and assets.” mocratization of the society in Indonesia recommendations in the Council of - Since East Timor, according to the UN and East Timor is achieved. This process Europe resolution of 28 June 1991, definition, never has been recognized as must include a guaranteed freedom to form give humanitarian aid to the people of Indonesian territory; and Indonesia political parties, freedom of expression and East Timor through an increased ap- hence does not enjoy the right to sign the press and the right to build a free and propriation of 10 million SEK. This international accords regarding East independent national organization of labor humanitarian aid should be channeled Timor, the Swedish government should unions. through independent channels to bene- immediately demand a re-negotiation of Sweden should spare no efforts, in order fit projects under the aegis of the the Agreement on Promotion and Pro- to press Indonesia to sign and ratify the Catholic Church. The financing of this tection of Investments, between Swe- International convention on human rights. appropriation can be done through the den and Indonesia (dated 17 September There are a number of measures which increase of the Government appropria- 1992), so as to exclude East Timor Sweden should undertake: tion for worldwide democratization, from this agreement. suggested in a motion by the Social Signed (all are SDP): Page 168 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Pierre Schori More information contact 01 6719207 independence movement, the outside world Mats Hellstrom (day) or 6233148 (evening). protested. But despite reports telling about Maj. Britt Theorin a genocide, a conservative Swedish govern- Karl-Erik Svartberg LETTER FROM EAST TIMOR ment in 1978 gave its approval to arms Nils T Svensson IRELAND SOLIDARITY CAMPAIGN trade, and Minister of Trade Mr. Hans Blix Viola Furubjelke TO THE SWEDISH EMBASSY IN (liberal) explained that the Swedish guide- Kristina Svensson lines did not permit arms trade to states at Berndt Ekholm DUBLIN Bengt Silfverstrand The Swedish Ambassador war, or states with internal armed distur- Hans Goran Franck Swedish Embassy bances. But East Timor did not fit in to Lena Bostrom Dawson Street these categories, as it was a “disputed terri- Sonia Karlsson Dublin 2 tory.” Stig Alemyr 26th April 1996 When Social Democracy returned to Alf Eriksson It was with a great deal of sadness that power in 1982, Minister of Trade Mr. Mats Sture Ericsson we have learnt that Swedish government has Hellstrom acted as a restraining factor as far Lena Hjelm-Wallen decided to resume weapons sales to the as arms trade was concerned. Bofors how- Suharto regime in Indonesia. ever kept up its pressure, and scored a suc- SWEDISH GOVERNMENT You are no doubt aware that since Gen- cess when Minister of Finance Mr. Kjell- ARE “BEHAVING LIKE eral Suharto seized power in Indonesia, an Olof Feldt went to Jakarta in 1984 to shake the hand of General Suharto, the man who TURNIPS” estimated 1 million Indonesian citizens have died at the hands of the Indonesian Military. led the slaughter on hundreds of thousands East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign The regime that your government has de- of communist sympathisers in the coup Press Release 25th April cided to arm is described by Amnesty Inter- 1965, and who was holding East Timor in an national as “casual about mass murderer.” iron grip. The East Timor Ireland Solidarity Cam- In 1975, Indonesia invaded the former Portugal has, together with Ireland paign has accused the Swedish Government Portuguese colony of East Timor. Since that pushed for the EU to take a critical position of “acting like turnips” following it’s deci- time proportionately more people have died on Indonesia, and both the Council of sion to resume the sale of weapons to Indo- there than in any other conflict since the Europe and the European Parliament have nesia and has decided to hold a vigil outside Nazis Holocaust. In excess of 200,000 adopted resolutions calling for an arms em- the Swedish Embassy, Dawson Street Dub- souls, a third of the population have died at bargo against Indonesia. These are demands lin on Friday 26th April between 1 pm and the hands of the Indonesian government. which the Social Democrats in opposition, 2 pm to protest over the resumption of The UN has issued ten sanctions resolutions and their spokesman on foreign affairs Mr. arms sales. calling on Indonesia to Withdraw. All have Pierre Schori, have adopted. The co-ordinator of the ETISC, Tom been ignored. “If the cannons are allowed to be ex- Hyland, said : The decision by the Swedish government ported, the last droplet of credibility on this “The Swedish Government continues to defies belief, particularly from a government issue will evaporate from the Social Democ- pay lip service to the plight of the people in that prides itself on its moral stance on hu- rats,” says Jan-Erik Forsberg, outgoing East Timor. On the other hand they express man rights. chairman of the Swedish East Timor Com- their supposed concern for human rights of Our campaign will vigorously oppose the mittee. the East Timorese and yet at the same time sales of weapons from Sweden to Indonesia But it is not Sweden alone who sells have no moral difficulty in supplying weap- and we will continue to focus public atten- arms. Carmel Budiardjo, who received last ons to the very people who are carrying tion here in Ireland on any further weapons years ‘Alternative Nobel Prize,’ talked weapons to the very people who are carry- from your government to the Suharto re- about the responsibility of the British Gov- ing out the human rights violations.” gime. ernment: “In November a British journalist Hyland went on : “If would be safe to Yours sincerely, saw Hawk-planes over the East Timor capi- say that Swedish Government is ‘ behaving Tom Hyland tal Dili. Despite this, twenty-four new like turnips,’ indifferent and their heads planes will be delivered in May.” stuck in the sand. Supplying weapons to the CANNONS TO INDONESIA Many organizations have protested Indonesian Government, a Government that against this, and earlier this year a women’s Amnesty International describes as ‘casual Arbetaren (left-wing/ syndicalist weekly), 26 ploughshare group went into a factory and about mass murderer,’ is highly irresponsi- April 1996, By Ulf B Andersson. Translated destroyed one of the Hawk-planes. Among ble. The resumption of arms sales sends all from Swedish by the Swedish ET Committee, the women of this group was a Swedish the wrong signals to the Indonesian military Full text woman, Ms. Lotta Kronlid. who will interpret this latest development “They are still detained and are threat- Stockholm – “I don’t think it is possible as an indication that the Swedish people are ened by a long prison sentence,” reminded to stop this delivery. Soon Bofors will send behind them in their repression in East Carmel Budiardjo. Timor and indeed in Indonesia itself.” three naval-cannons to the Indonesian navy. This is a so called follow up delivery,” said This week the United Nations Commis- CARMEL BUDIARDJO sion in Geneva expressed it’s concern over arms-trade researcher Henrik Westander at a the continuing human rights violations in seminar in Stockholm on 20 April, arranged VISIT TO SWEDEN East Timor. Hundreds of Timorese have by the Swedish East Timor Committee and From: Jan-Erik Forsberg, Swedish East been engaged in occupying foreign embassies the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society. Timor Committee, April 29 in Indonesia in an attempt to gain political Swedish arms trade to Indonesia is a asylum, while others have fled by boat to tragicomic chapter in history. When the 1995 Right Livelihood Award Winner Australia. military regime in Jakarta 1975 invaded the Mrs. Carmel Budiardjo visited Sweden in Portuguese colony East Timor, to stop the April on the invitation of the prestigious East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 169

Raoul Wallenberg Human Rights Institute in sial, we guess. We (and many with us, in- and the appointing of the Minister in charge Lund (south of Sweden). cluding the congress of the Social Democ- of arms-trade, Mr. Leif Pagrotsky. Lectures on the current situation in Indo- ratic Party, who’s in government now) has APPEAL: nesia, West Papua and East Timor, were several times said that it should be impossi- We are now appealing to all solidarity held at the Raoul Wallenberg Institute and ble to use the label “follow-on-delivery” groups and East Timorese organizations to the Institute for South East Asian Studies, when it really is new cannons that are being protest at your nearest Swedish embassy, or in Lund on 16-17 April. sold! consulate. On 18 April, Mrs. Budiardjo spoke at · On Friday 26 April, SETC and SPAS Stockholm University, invited by the Centre URGENT APPEAL TO ALL (Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society) for Pacific Asian Studies. EAST TIMOR SOLIDARITY organized a protest outside Parliament in On 20 April, the Swedish East Timor Stockholm. Committee, the Swedish Peace and Arbitra- GROUPS AND EAST tion Society, the Swedish Council for Rec- TIMORESE ORGANISATIONS · At the same time a protest was made at onciliation, WILPF Stockholm and the the Swedish embassy in Dublin by Christian Social Democrats in Stockholm Swedish East Timor Committee, May 2. ETISC. arranged a public seminar on Indonesia East The Swedish Government is currently · Peace and anti-arms trade groups in Timor and the International Arms Trade; shifting its policy on arms trade to Indone- Finland issued a sharp protest in Hel- where Mrs. Budiardjo was one of the sia. sinki, which was reported in Swedish na- speakers. Sources/leaks in government offices has tional media. now confirmed that the Government has We are now hoping for your support in URGENT ACTION: STOP SWEDISH- already decided to issue an export-permit to multiplying these initiatives. INDONESIAN DEAL! the arms manufacturer Bofors, for three (or WE SUGGEST: In addition to the message of Jan Erik four) naval cannons to the Indonesian Navy. · Petitions to the Swedish ambassadors/ Forsberg of the Swedish East Timor Com- The decision was taken at the meeting of the consuls. Ask to meet him/her in person. mittee (23 April 96) is this call for action on Government on 18 April. If possible - try to bring supporting the possible export of cannons from Sweden No official confirmation has been given, Members of Parliament, representatives to Indonesia. neither by the Minister in charge, nor Bo- of the Churches, NGO’s etc. NEW ARMS TO INDONESIA FROM fors. SWEDEN This constitutes a major change - in real- · If possible - back this up with a picket/ demo/ meeting outside the embassy The Swedish arms-company Bofors has ity a betrayal - of policy. applied for export of three cannons for the BACKGROUND: · And of course - the media. Indonesian marine. For ten years up to now, no new export Sweden is not used to see protesters at The Swedish Peace and Arbitration Soci- permits for arms-sales to Indonesia were their embassies around the world. Such ety has strongly opposed this deal. Still we issued by Swedish governments - because of events would immediately shake up the fear that the Swedish government within the intense debate on arms-trade in the Foreign Office, and would NOT pass unno- short will (or in fact already has) granted the 1980’s (the sales to Indonesia, the Bofors ticed by the government. Neither will critical company the right to export them. bribery-scandal in India, and the systematic reporting in foreign media. Pressure from the We now ask you to help us! smuggling to countries officially banned outside will also help us to bring the issue to You can: from arms export). the attention of our domestic media here. 1. Send us your name and your organisa- Since 1994 the Swedish Social Democrat SOME POINTS FOR A STATEMENT: tions name and we will put you on the list government has been committed to a policy · Appeal to the Swedish Government to of organizations that are supporting our of support for the cause of East Timor: REVOKE its decision to issue export demand for the deal to be stopped. · No new arms-deals with Indonesia. permits for new Bofors naval cannons to 2. Send an email to the Swedish govern- · Action in international fora, such as the the Indonesian navy. ment yourself. The address is regerin- UN and the EU, for the right to self de- · Stress that the same cannons are likely to [email protected] and you should start the text termination of the ET people, for the re- be used against fleeing Timorese boat- with “to Leif Pagrotsky” who is the one in lease of Xanana and Timorese participa- people, as the Indonesian navy is increas- government in charge of arms-trade. Please tion in the UN-talks process. ing its patrolling around East Timor. let him understand that you are afraid that a · 10 million SEK in aid for the promotion · Appeal to the Swedish Government to decision to export these cannons destroys of Human Rights in East Timor. remain firm on the policies laid down in the hope that Sweden would push for an The implementation of this policy has the Social Democrat policy-motion on embargo on the EU-level. been weak and faint-hearted, but the 1994 Indonesia / ET in the Swedish Parliament, 3. Demonstrate and/or send petitions to motion has still been referred to as the “ba- January 1994. (Full text of this motion the Swedish embassy in your country. We sis” for the policy of the government. If the has been posted on reg.easttimor). will ourselves have a demo in Stockholm government now shifts policy on the arms- · Call on the Swedish Government to link (outside the parliament) on Friday at 1500. trade, nothing remains of this policy. In up with Portugal and Ireland, in support Keep us informed on any action you take practical terms the position of the Swedish for a European arms-embargo to Indone- and thank you for the support! government will hardly be any different sia, in line with the resolutions of the Jens Petersson from the German and the British govern- European Parliament. Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society ments. PS. It might be useful to know that the au- This shift in policy coincides with the re- FAX AND PHONE NUMBERS: thority who has prepared the governmental shuffle of the Social Democrat cabinet by Swedish Foreign Office, Minister of For- decision is calling the deal a “follow-on- the new Prime Minister Mr. Goran Persson, eign Affairs, Mrs. Lena Hjelm-Wallen. delivery” in order to make it less controver- ph:+46-8-405 1000 fax:+46-8-723 1176 Page 170 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

The Prime Minister, Mr. Goran Persson What has Sweden learned from the failure right to auto-determination and your fight Ph:+46-8-405 1000 Fax:+46-723 1171 last time? That it is difficult to be voted in for respect for human rights.” Copies to: on the SC as a fourth West-European coun- He said in the broadcast by the Asiaset 2 The Swedish East Timor Committee try. Western Europe has two permanent satellite: “You can count on my help, within Phone/fax: +46-8-648 3193, or on e-mail at members of the council, Britain and France. my possibilities. All peoples have the right [email protected] Beside that, there are two seats where to be free, to choose their own destiny.” Please send us brief reports on your ac- European countries can be voted in. If these The prime minister said: “To defend the tivities. seats are taken by two countries in Europe, rights of the Timorese people is not just an more than 25 percent of the UNSC is made obligation of all of us, the Timorese and the NEW STRATEGY SHALL up of countries in Europe, despite the fact Portuguese, but it is also a duty of the inter- BRING COVETED POST that only 7-8 percent of the world popula- national community.” tion lives there. That was an important rea- Lisbon is still regarded by the United Na- son why Sweden lost last time. Many coun- tions as the administering power in East The formula of Jan Eliasson on how tries in the UN General Assembly preferred Timor despite Indonesia’s 1975 invasion of Sweden shall regain a seat in the UNSC to see New Zealand on the UNSC, than the territory. Dagens Nyheter. 2 May 1996, By Torbjorn another European country. Portuguese language broadcasts by RTP- Petersson Abridged Translated from Swed- Thus, it is hardly any coincidence that International could be seen for the first time ish Sweden this time has established a sort of on Sunday across Asia, which means its Comment: Here they are. The real-politik cooperation with Australia, one of the other programmes can now be seen around the motives that leads the Swedish Government two candidates, in the hope to be attractive world. to sacrifice ideals, commitments and the as the European alternative before Portugal. RTP-International’s programmes beamed interests of the East Timorese - and also the The two countries are helping each other in by other satellites can already be seen in the Indonesian - peoples. Building an alliance in convincing certain member countries about Americas, Europe and Africa. the United Nations WITH AUSTRALIA, and their merits. This is in order to have them The Portuguese news agency LUSA AGAINST PORTUGAL, it will prove impos- placing their second vote (every country has quoted reactions to the broadcast from resi- sible to “link up with Portugal in pressing two votes) on Sweden or Australia, respec- dents of the Timorese capital Dili. Indonesia” (the promise of Deputy FM Pi- tively. “We’re listening right now to the Portu- erre Schori, March 1995). Anything that “It is not very appreciated by the Portu- guese national anthem with a great deal of could be seen as a support for the Portu- guese, but the cooperation is not as close as emotion,” it quoted one resident, Manuel guese position on East Timor could now risk they are contending. Much are about per- Carrascalão, as saying at the start of the this ‘cooperation’ with Australia. The whole sonal relations, says Jan Eliasson, who de- broadcast. official policy of the Swedish Social Democ- scribes one part of the struggle for votes as a “From now on, we’re closer to Portugal rats on East Timor, laid down in motions in bargaining, where apples are traded for and this is a historic moment full of joy,” he 1991 and 1994, is of course incompatible pears. That can involve agreements on can- said. with this new relationship. So, it has to go. didates to different committees or courts, To keep the de-facto ban on new arms ex- there’s always something to trade for ser- INDONESIA QUERIES port to Indonesia, would not only have vices. PORTUGAL’S SATELLITE TV meant that Sweden had challenged Indone- “These are things I would never have MOTIVES sia, something that could have endangered contemplated making use of, earlier when I JAKARTA, Jan 30 (Reuter) - Indonesia bilateral trade-relations. It should also have worked at the UN. We did not involve in has questioned Portugal’s motives in launch- been interpreted as a support for the Portu- such things before, but now we do, although ing a satellite television service to Asia, guese calls for an EU arms-embargo. So, it we are lagging behind other countries in this including its former colony of East Timor, has to go, too. field. And we try to act in a gentlemanlike the Jakarta Post newspaper reported on Jan-Erik, SETC. way in this campaign, and not to speak Tuesday. badly about our competitors. Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas New York – Three well-formulated was quoted as questioning Portugal’s motive propositions, which can save the future of in launching the service as U.N.-sponsored the UN. EVENTS IN PORTUGAL talks on East Timor, invaded by Indonesia A portion of bitter self-criticism for the in 1975 and annexed the following year, UN to swallow immediately. continue. A tactical cooperation with Australia. PORTUGUESE STATE “I can’t understand why, in the middle of A gentleman’s behaviour, garnished with TELEVISION BEAMED the trilateral talks which are designed to the vast network of contacts possessed by create a better atmosphere for a solution (to cabinet-secretary Jan Eliasson. INTO EAST TIMOR the East Timor question), the Portuguese That’s how Sweden shall recapture a seat LISBON, Jan 28 (Reuter) - Prime Minis- government is in fact continuing an incessant in the UN security Council this fall, when ter Antonio Guterres on Sunday pledged to campaign which is not helping,” Alatas was Australia, Portugal and Sweden will com- support East Timor in its fight for self-rule quoted as saying. pete over the two seats at stake. (....) in the first satellite broadcast by Portuguese Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Three and a half years ago, Sweden failed, state television into the territory. Launching Guterres on Sunday pledged to support when New Zealand instead was voted in on the RTP state channel’s satellite venture East Timor in its supposed fight for self- the SC. This time preparations have been into Asia, Guterres said in a speech in the rule in the first satellite broadcast by Portu- more profound - the campaign has been Timorese language Tetum: “It is necessary guese state television into the territory. going on, in silence, for one and a half year - to support your wish for freedom, your Launching the RTP state channel’s satel- and certain lessons have been drawn from lite venture into Asia, Guterres said in a the setback in 1992. (....) East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 171 speech in the Timorese language Tetum: “It “The exchanges are needed because cer- the best way to act against the violent dicta- is necessary to support your wish for free- tain groups of people continue to try to torship oppressing the people of East dom, your right to auto-determination and damage relations between Indonesia and Timor and of Indonesia.” your fight for respect for human rights.” Portugal, particularly in relation to the East Besides helping to further raise interna- He said in the broadcast by the Asiasat 2 Timor issue,” he said. tional awareness about the plight of the East satellite: “You can count on my help, within “I also hope that PIFA will be able to do Timor nation, illegally occupied by Indone- my possibilities. All peoples have the right its share in helping to solve the East Timor sia in defiance of UN resolutions, and the to be free, to choose their own destiny.” problem,” he said, adding that the associa- ongoing resistance of the East Timorese, this The trilateral talks under the umbrella of tion should strengthen its cooperation and conference is helping to strengthen the U.N. Secretary-General Boutros Boutros- coordination with other agencies in imple- growing links between the Indonesian pro- Ghali were last held between Alatas and his menting its mission. democracy movement, a variety of sectors Portuguese counterpart Jaime Gama in Lon- Meanwhile, PIFA Chairperson Siti of Portuguese society, East Timorese Resis- don on January 16. Hardijanti Rukmana said Indonesia and Por- tance members, and international support- The eighth round of talks is set for June tugal had been having social and cultural ers. 28 in Geneva. relations for a long time. Having experienced long decades of Fas- Lisbon is still regarded by the United Na- She said PIFA was founded to strengthen cist dictatorship and ruinous colonial wars tions as the administering power in East social and cultural cooperation between the in the past, the Portuguese people can well Timor. peoples of the two countries. understand the present Indonesian situation, “PIFA’s task is to promote friendship and the broader context of the East Timor ALATAS CALLS FOR between the two nations through social and conflict. RI-PORTUGAL cultural approaches on the basis of mutual Professor Barbedo de Magalhaës said understanding,” according to Mrs. Rukmana, that “the youth of East Timor and Indonesia INTELLECTUALS’ who is the eldest daughter of President Soe- are working towards a future of freedom, EXCHANGES harto. peace and cooperation, by jointly struggling against the Suharto dictatorship for democ- Jakarta, ANTARA, 31 Jan – Foreign EAST TIMOR-INDONESIA racy in Indonesia and the right of self deter- Minister Ali Alatas Tuesday called for ef- mination for East Timor.” forts to promote Indonesia-Portugal intellec- SOLIDARITY CONFERENCE tuals’ exchanges to strengthen social and OPENS IN LISBON INDONESIA & TIMOR: TWO cultural understanding between the two PEOPLES, ONE STRUGGLE peoples. CNRM National Council of Maubere Resis- “I also spoke of the need to organise In- tance MEDIA RELEASE, 23 Feb. 96 International Conference debates the donesia-Portugal intellectual’ exchanges at A three day international conference on involvement of Indonesians in the the seventh tripartite meeting (between East Timor and the Indonesian pro- Timorese cause. Indonesia, Portugal and the UN Secretary democracy movement was opened on 22 Publico, 23 February 1996. By Filipe Santos General) in London recently,” he said at a February in Lisbon. Participants from Indo- Costa. Translated from Portuguese, function here to mark the second anniver- nesia, Malaysia, Philippines, various Euro- Abridged sary of the Portugal-Indonesian Friendship pean Union member countries, Japan, Bra- Lisbon – “We are neither adversaries of Association (PIFA). zil, Angola, Mozambique, and the US gath- Indonesia nor of the Indonesian people, but A photographic exhibition about East ered with representatives of a broad range of only of Indonesia’s dictatorship which is Timor and the launching of a book about Portuguese organisations and sectors at the violating human rights in both East Timor East Timor’s integration with Indonesian Oporto University organised event. and Indonesia itself, and is standing in the also marked the anniversary celebrations of Among the delegates to the ‘Indonesian way of self-determination that is the right of the association chaired by Mrs. Siti Hardi- Youth Solidarity -- Hope for East Timor’ all peoples.” Although this position, ex- yanti Rukmana. conference are prominent Indonesian inde- pressed yesterday by Portugal’s Prime Present at the function were Mrs. Ruk- pendent trade union leader Dr. Muchtar Minister Antonio Guterres, is not new, it mana, Deputy Governor of Indonesia’s Pakpahan, activist Wilson of the Indonesian sums up perfectly the feelings of those par- National Defence Institute (Lemhanas) Yu- Peoples Solidarity with East Timor move- ticipating in the international conference on wono Sudarsono, Indonesian Ambassador at ment, and Yenni Damayanti. “Indonesian Youth Solidarity, Hope for Large for East Timor Affairs Lopez da The ecumenical character of the interna- East Timor,” organised by the Days for Cruz, legislators and other senior officials. tional support movement for East Timor is Timor, of the University of Oporto. Alatas said the idea of implementing in- underlined by the presence of Moslem lead- For three days, activists from Portugal, tellectuals exchanges between Indonesia and ers from Malaysia and Mozambique who Timor, Indonesia, and from countries as far Portugal were not to replace the cultural will join Catholic religious and Protestant flung as Ireland, Egypt and Colombia are mission exchanges which were also being members in a public session on ‘Muslims meeting in Lisbon to mark what could sig- planned. and Christians in Solidarity with East nify a turning point in the Timor issue - the “We are going ahead with our plan of Timor’ on Friday. involvement of Indonesia’s youth in the sending cultural missions to Portugal al- The conference was opened by organiser struggle for Timor, like in the incident last though we should find the proper time,” Professor Antonio Barbedo de Magalhaës at December when the Dutch Embassy was according to Alatas. a session chaired by Portuguese Prime Min- “invaded,” - it is really a struggle for their According to Alatas, intellectuals’ ex- ister Antonio Guterres with the attendance own liberation from President Suharto’s changes would generate ideas needed to of Foreign Minister Jaime Gama. Prime regime, as the presence in Portugal of Indo- strengthen understanding between the two Minister Guterres said in his address that on nesian student and union activists proved. nations. this important occasion, “Indonesian and Wilson, one of the young men who took Portuguese people can exchange opinions on part in the “assault” on the Dutch Embassy, Page 172 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. admitted yesterday that “Everything in no one better suited (for the job) than they that the former Bishop of Dili, Mnsgr. Indonesian society is changing.” There is a themselves,” remarked the Irish politician. Jaime Goulart, who he was visiting in Ponta new generation that is prepared to fight and Delgada (Azores) would live “to see not just close its eyes, as in the past, to the REFORMS OR REVOLUTION - Timor’s day of freedom.” Speaking after his arrests and oppression.” Jenni Damayanti, a PAKPAHAN meeting with the 88-year-old prelate who is young Indonesian girl, came to Portugal to Indonesian Trade Unionist speaks in bed-ridden, Ramos Horta said he thought say the same thing: “For 30 years we have Lisbon about the evolution of regime in that the next two to three years are going to let the regime (Suharto’s) silence us, perse- Jakarta be “decisive” for the Timorese cause, be- cute us and kill us, without so much as a cause of the international dimension the complaint. Now, it’s time to react.” Publico, 27 February 1996. Translated from problem has taken on, and also due to Indo- Democratisation in Indonesia and self- Portuguese, Abridged nesia’s domestic situation. Ramos Horta determination in East Timor are ending up Lisbon – Indonesian lawyer and trade un- was visiting the former Bishop of Dili, who being two parallel processes. “When we ionist, Mochtar Pakpahan, is sure that the was head of the diocese for over 30 years. started to realise what was happening in our military regime in power in Jakarta will soon country, we discovered that the regime have to agree to implement democratic re- EAST TIMOR ON A which was oppressing us was killing in East forms, or otherwise find itself faced with “a NEW INTERNATIONAL Timor,” said Jenni Damayanti, at the Con- revolution” on its hands. ference’s opening session. She went on to Leader of the SBSI, a key trade union in CATALOGUE OF explain that because “whoever defends Indonesia, Pakpahan went to Lisbon to take PHONE CARDS Timor is imprisoned as a traitor,” there are part in the international seminar on East actually many more people who are sympa- Timor and Indonesia, held last week end. From CDPM, March 15 thetic to the occupied territory’s cause but Yesterday, on the invitation of the commis- The 1996 edition of “Cartoes Telefonicos who are afraid to speak out - unlike in sion for the Rights of the Maubere People de Portugal, Macau, Timor e PALOP,” just Timor. She went on to thank “the Timorese (CDPM), and accompanied by a representa- published, apart from Portugal, Macau and who fought and who have taught, by their tive of the (Portuguese TU) CGTP, Pakpa- the African Portuguese-speaking countries, example, how to fight.” han responded to questions put by report- also includes East Timor. This A5-format, The Indonesian activists taking part in ers.... colour-printed catalogue is a multi-lingual this conference intend to return to their According to the trade unionist, the edition in Portuguese, English, French, Ger- country, and all run the risk of being impris- army’s interference in labour relations was man and Spanish languages, which covers oned. Nevertheless, this possibility did not more in evidence in the past than it is today, the existing public and mobile telephone seem to worry them unduly - “What is most and arrests and torture have also been de- cards in the above mentioned countries. likely to happen is that we will be interro- creasing over recent months. Nevertheless, The author is José Martins, a well- gated, but they probably won’t imprison he pointed out that there is still a very long known expert in philately and cardophily. us,” said Wilson, adding: “And, if we were road ahead in this respect. Orders (30 US$/each, P&P included) can be arrested, it would be a good contribution to Until 1995, 243 trade union activists, in- placed to the editor, APCCT- Associacao the campaign for Timor!” cluding Pakpahan himself, had been impris- Portuguesa de Coleccionadores de Cartoes He was, in fact, already familiar with the oned in Suharto’s jails. (Pakpahan’s most Telefonicos (P.O. Box 21269, 1131 inside of Suharto’s jails as he had been ar- recent term in prison lasted for 10 months.) LISBOA Codex - Portugal; Fax n:: 351-1- rested on 3 occasions. The last time was About five thousand workers had lost their 815 18 44). after the Dutch Embassy action: Wilson, jobs just because they were members of an For the first time “Cartoes Telefonicos like the other Indonesians of the group, was ‘independent’ trade union - i.e. one which de Portugal, Macau, Timor e PALOP” in- arrested but not tortured. Their Timorese did not belong to the Government controlled cludes East Timor, a non-self determined companions, however, were not so lucky. official union. territory, illegally occupied by Indonesia (...) Prime Minister Antonio Guterres He also exemplified anti-democratic prac- since 1975. The catalogue, mostly intended and Foreign Minister Jaime Gama listened tices employed by the Jakarta regime, refer- for the international market has a printout of as the fresh impetus given by their new ring to President Suharto’s prerogative to 2,000 items and an estimated number of Government to the Timor dossier was appoint one hundred MPs... more than 50,000 collectors will be aware of praised... While Mochtar Pakpahan emphasised the its existence world-wide, through specialised Two points were highlighted: the men- link between the trade union movement and press. tion of Timor which Portugal managed to get the democratisation process in Indonesia, included in the final communiqué of the Fernando Loureiro of (Portugal’s) CGTP INDONESIAN FOREIGN EU’s Madrid conference, and the willing- highlighted the link between the evolution of ness of Jaime Gama to go to Jakarta to meet the regime in Indonesia and the “struggle of MINISTER DISPUTES LISBON Xanana Gusmão. The recent wave of the people of East Timor.” JAKARTA, March 25 (UPI) – Indone- Timorese refugees into Portugal was not For more on Pakpahan’s view of East sia’s Foreign Minister denied Monday that forgotten. Lisbon’s doors are open, said Timor, see the “Events in Indonesia” sec- a resumption of diplomatic ties between Guterres, while pointing out that “the issue tion of this issue of East Timor Documents. Indonesia and Portugal awaited Jakarta’s is not the right to become an exile in a de- initiative. mocratic country, but the right (of the RAMOS HORTA HOPEFUL Ali Alatas told reporters that this sugges- Timorese) to live freely in their own coun- tion, made recently by Portuguese Foreign try.” Publico, 12 March 1996. Translated from Minister Jaime Gama “was not quite accu- (...) In the view of Irish MP, David Nor- Portuguese rate.” ris, the Lisbon Government could help the Timorese Resistance leader José Ramos The state-run Antara news agency re- Timorese refugees in Portugal to become cently quoted Gama saying that Portuguese ambassadors of the Timorese cause: “there’s Horta, said yesterday that he was hopeful East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 173

Prime Minister Antonio Guterres and Indo- The integration process however has Timor youth with all their behavior can be nesian President Suharto agreed at the been officially recognized by a number of accepted or not, they still refuse to be Indo- Asian-European leaders summit in Bangkok countries including members of the Associa- nesian citizen. early this month that the next move toward tion of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Different improved relations would be Jakarta’s. and Australia. Macedo stressed that in the condition Alatas disputed that version of events, “Even Araujo now believes that the inte- where the East Timor youth who had been saying the two leaders “agreed only on their gration has stood the test of time. He ac- exploited by Horta experience a horrible life willingness to discuss further ideas.” cordingly rejects the holding of a referendum in Portugal, the life of the anti-integration “What was agreed upon between the In- in East Timor,” said Macedo. figure is in fact in the contrary. donesian President and the Portuguese He also said that in a recent meeting with “Horta recently bought an apartment in Prime Minister is that the foreign ministers Araujo, the former anti-integrationist noted the most expensive and elite location in of the two countries would discuss the issue that the East Timorese in 1975 made the Portugal, called Lapa,” he said. The Lapa further,” Alatas said. “I ought to hear in best choice regarding their future. area, he said, is the place where big and rich detail what and in what context such an idea Macedo further said that Portugal itself Portugal entrepreneurs live. is to be implemented.” underwent an integration process with the Macedo also said that there are none of Portugal severed diplomatic ties with In- European Union. the East Timor youth who were helped by donesia shortly after Jakarta invaded East “And like the East Timorese, we all be- Horta, even the East Timor figures in Portu- Timor, a former Portuguese colony, in 1976. lieve that joining the European Union is gal were not helped. The United Nations still does not recog- their best choice,” he said. “Instead PIFA was the one who helped nize Indonesia’s move and regards Portugal He acknowledged that in his home coun- and gave subsidy to the East Timorese and as the East Timor’s administering power. try, he is known as pro-integrationist. there are some who can already finish their The Portuguese foreign minister told the “Nevertheless, I did not adopt this stance study in law,” he said. news agency that normalization of ties with at once. I had to study the history of East Indonesia should be done in tandem release Timor before making a decision (on which Challenged of jailed East Timor’s resistance leader stance to adopt),” he said. Macedo said, the press is also “chal- Xanana Gusmão. lenged” to see the reality in Portugal. “You MACEDO: HORTA EXPLOITS (the press-red) are challenged to be able to PIFA CHIEF: “IT WON’T BE ASYLUM-SEEKERS see and write the reality which is happening LONG BEFORE RAMOS- Dili, 4/9 (ANTARA) - Manuel Macedo, in Portugal,” he said. Head of the Portugal Indonesia Friendship In Portugal, he said, there are also starves HORTA RECOGNIZES Association (PIFA) stressed that the East and poverty which are unfortunately not INTEGRATION” Timor youth who “leaped over the fence” of published by the Portugal media RTP Inter- several foreign embassies in Jakarta to go to national so that the people in East Timor Dili, E Timor, Apr 8 (ANTARA) - Chief Portugal was only exploited by Ramos can see. of the Portugal-Indonesia Friendship Asso- Horta. Every year, he said, there is one factory ciation (PIFA) Manuel Macedo believes “The East Timor youth who requested which is closed down and there are around that it will not be long before anti- political asylum to Portugal by ‘leaping over one million people who are jobless, there are integrationist José Ramos-Horta finally the fence’ was merely because they wanted even laborers who did not receive their sal- recognizes the integration of East Timor to go for free. They were only exploited by ary for six months. with Indonesia. Ramos Horta,” he said to the press in Dili, Referring to the “1959 Viqueque Move- Macedo told a press conference here last week. ment” fighter case, Evaristo da Costa who Monday that when this time comes, Ramos- According to him, the East Timor youth lived years in Portugal and now is already in Horta will not even ask for a referendum in who only became victims of Horta’s exploi- Indonesia, it was explained that all this time the former Portuguese colony. tation, as soon as they arrived in Portugal there is no attention from the Portugal gov- Ramos-Horta now lives abroad, mostly faced a very heavy social situation. ernment. “They did not get proper housing in Australia and Portugal. “By exploiting their departure situation so that it encouraged da Costa to come back The PIFA Chief referred to Abilio (the East Timor youth-red), Horta obtained to East Timor,” said Macedo. Araujo–formerly known as a staunch anti- some fund,” he said. integration leader– who has openly ac- He said, the life of the East Timor youth BISHOPS FOR TIMOR - knowledged that integration is the best after arriving in Portugal was very bad. The choice for the East Timorese. subsidy given by the Portugal government PORTUGUESE EPISCOPAL East Timor, which occupies half of the for 10 months was actually not enough for CONFERENCE Timor island, was a Portuguese colony for one month. more than 400 years. “They lived together in one room which Publico, 15 April 1996.Translated from It formally integrated with Indonesia in can only accommodate 8 to 10 people and Portuguese, abridged 1976, a year after the majority of its people did not get any job,” he added. Portuguese Catholic Bishops today exercised their self-determination rights by Macedo admitted that there are some of commence their Spring plenary assem- issuing the Balibo Declaration. the East Timor youth who “leaped over the bly... Some people, mostly of the leftist Fre- fence” and are now in Portugal, because of tilin security disturbance group, have al- Publico learned that although no the hard economic and social life situation, Timorese representative will be attending, ways claimed that a proper self- contacted him to help them come back home determination process has not taken place in the current Chairman of the Portuguese to Indonesia (East Timor). Episcopal Conference (PEC), João Alves, East Timor, hence, their demand for a refer- By that request, he said he will discuss it endum. will today be calling for the urgent resolu- with the Indonesian government in Jakarta tion of the problem, without forgetting the because regardless of whether the East Page 174 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

“recognition of the Timorese people’s inal- Economist Eduardo Graça, Co-ordinator The resolution passed today is the result ienable right to self-determination.” of the Inter-Ministerial Committee and cur- of efforts made by the Inter-Ministerial rently chairman of Inatel, told A Capital that Committee, created on 23 November 1995 PRES. SAMPAIO MEETS it was “necessary to have a good reception by Resolution 53/95. The Committee’s EAST TIMORESE YOUTH mechanism for Portuguese emigrants, lacking mandate was to present proposals for de- their own means of support, returning to veloping policies “to improve the reception From Amilcar Dias, [email protected], Portugal - not just Timorese, who are Portu- and integration of the Timorese community Lisbon, April 16. guese too.” in Portugal.” Given the fact that recently Timorese The Council of Ministers also decided This afternoon, Jorge Sampaio, President have been arriving in Portugal every month, “to create a permanent committee to deal of the Portuguese Republic received in audi- after “invading” foreign Embassies in Jakarta with the reception and social integration of ence, at his official residence in Lisbon, a to escape Indonesian repression in Timor, the Timorese community,” to be appointed group of East Timorese youth representing the (Portuguese) Government decided to by the Ministry of Solidarity and Social those recently arrived in Portugal. The create, within two months at most, “tempo- Security. Timorese youth delegation was accompa- rary emergency reception centres,” whose The permanent committee will consist of nied by Luis Cardoso, vice-representative in terms will have to be regulated by the Min- representatives from the Ministries of Soli- Lisbon of the Timorese Resistance, Pascoela istry of Solidarity and Social Security. darity and Social Security (to chair the Barreto from CNRM and Carlos Lopes According to the resolution passed today committee), Foreign Affairs, Internal Ad- from RENETIL. Luisa Teotonio Pereira by the Presidency of the Council of Minis- ministration, Justice, Education, Health, and from the East Timor solidarity group ters, (...) the length of time an individual Employment. CDPM (Committee for the Rights of may stay in a temporary reception centre Within the next 3 months, the permanent Maubere People) was also present. “shall not exceed 12 months.” committee is to present to the Ministry of President Sampaio talked with the delega- One of the greatest difficulties faced by Solidarity and Social Security “a proposal tion for almost an hour and a half. So he had Timorese arriving to Portugal is the lan- for inviting applications to carry out an in- the opportunity to listen details about the guage, as most only speak Tetum, the depth study of the socio-economic situation kind of daily life - school, jobs, food, etc. - Maubere language. of the Timorese community living in Portu- the people have nowadays in their illegally gal.” occupied homeland of East Timor and the Portuguese Language Courses abuses of occupation authorities, namely To facilitate their integration, the Gov- Indonesian military (ABRI) forces. ernment is going to “organise Portuguese FOREIGN MINISTRY language courses for young Timorese” and OFFICIALS PASS ON GOVERNMENT WANTS TO facilitate official recognition of studies they CONFIDENTIAL DOCUMENTS have already completed. IMPROVE ASSISTANCE TO The aim is for the young people arriving TO INDONESIA TIMORESE IN PORTUGAL in Portugal to become fully integrated within Expresso, 27 April 1996. Translated from the education system and to prepare the Portuguese, Abridged Council of Ministers approves new way for admittance and integration of chil- measures dren and youngsters in teaching establish- Lisbon – Portuguese diplomats working A Capital, 18 April 1996. By Carlos Torres. ments. within the (Portuguese) Foreign Ministry, Translated, Abridged The Government hopes this resolution suspected of being involved in passing on information to the Indonesian regime, are Lisbon – Difficulties in social and educa- will enable the Ministry of Qualification and Employment to provide the Timorese with being investigated by the Policia Judiciaria tional integration and in finding employment (PJ). Suspicions about the leak of informa- and housing are the main problems facing “personalised support with regards careers information and guidance, vocational train- tion were substantiated after a search by the the Timorese community in Portugal. How- PJ on 15 April of the house and office of ever, the government is intent on “improv- ing, and with the process of actively seeking employment” Manuel Macedo, Chairman of the Portugal- ing” their “reception and integration” by Indonesia Friendship Association. implementing a series of measures, adopted The Ministry of Employment must, therefore, set up the “necessary links with Manuel Macedo was found to be in pos- by the Council of Ministers this morning. session of various Foreign Office documents The measures will lead to greater assistance job centres and vocational training centres in the area,” and establish “co-operation stamped “secret” or “confidential.” Some of with employment, housing and health. the documents date back to the 1976/77 The Inter-Ministerial Committee which agreements with NGOs regarding suitable vocational training courses.” period. The PJ also confiscated a consider- put forward the proposals argued that, in able amount of correspondence between addition to improving reception mecha- The Ministry of Justice will be responsi- ble for “providing legal assistance to the Foreign Ministry departments and members nisms, it was “essential to develop all the of the Timorese resistance and other sectors various aspects of social integration, par- Timorese who need it” and facilitating ac- cess to relevant government offices and and organisations that oppose the Indone- ticularly with regards health, education, sian regime. professional training, employment, housing registries, so that they may quickly obtain identification documents. Manuel Macedo confirmed that his house and assistance with legalisation procedures.” and office had been searched, but said that Within the next two months, the Com- The Ministry of Health is to “concen- trate the activities of health centres in such a “anything that might have been confidential mittee will also be putting forward “draft is now public knowledge.” legislation on social benefits available to way that any medical assistance necessary is available to the Timorese from the time of The Expresso learned that Manuel Ma- people with Portuguese nationality, who cedo used to put together dossiers and then have come to Portugal either alone, with their arrival and for a maximum period of 12 months.” send them, sometimes with personal mes- families or in groups.” sages attached, to Suharto and other senior regime officials. In one such message, refer- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 175 ring to the information he was enclosing, With regards the recent proposal of Por- GUINEA-BISSAU PRESIDES UNSC Macedo told one of the generals that he was tugal’s Prime Minister on the Timorese NON-ALIGNED GROUP about to receive “the best present of his question, which was put to President Su- life.” It was, presumably, information con- harto in Bangkok, Manuel Macedo had res- See article in UN Section of this East cerning the movement of members of the ervations. Although he agreed with the idea Timor Documents Indonesian opposition, which had been of opening interest sections for Portugal and gathered from information leaked to Macedo Indonesia in the respective capitals, he EAST TIMOR WOULD LIKE from diplomats working within the Foreign thought that the release of Timorese Resis- TO JOIN THE PORTUGUESE Ministry. tance leader Xanana Gusmão, and other Given the extent and importance of the Timorese political prisoners, “ought to be SPEAKING COMMUNITY documents confiscated, the case has been given a lot of thought.” He argued that such Translated from Italian, April 15. An Italian handed over to the PJ’s Anti Corruption, releases would only be justified when full newspaper printed this article from Noticias, Fraud and Economic Crime Department. It diplomatic relations had been restored be- a Mozambican Daily will be early next week before details are tween the two countries. known about the extent and involvement of An East Timorese delegation will partici- Portuguese diplomats in a case which could EAST TIMOR DISCUSSED pate next week in Maputo to a meeting of the foreign affair ministers of the Portuguese turn out to be one of espionage and treason, IN CAPE VERDE - crimes which Manuel Macedo might be speaking countries, namely: Mozambique, Angola, Brazil, Cabo Verde and Guinea involved in. translated from the Portuguese, abridged According to a police source, Macedo’s Bissau, Sao Tomé, Principe, and Portugal. movements were under surveillance for Cidade da Praia [Cape Verde Islands], During the meeting, the Timorese delegation some time but there may now be a basis on March 21 (LUSA) - The president of Foun- will ask to be admitted as observers to the which to start investigating the activities of dation Amilcar Cabral, Corsino Fortes, to- Portuguese speaking community (PSC). The the individual who, in some circles, is be- day invoked East Timor at the opening of news was relayed by the Fretilin secretary lieved to be Indonesia’s pawn inside Portu- the colloquium “What States, what Nations of Foreign Relations, Mari Alkatiri. This gal. are in construction?.” Fortes stated that, confirms what we anticipated yesterday in Strangely enough, it was Manuel Macedo although not among the five participant our newspaper when we stated that Fretilin himself who brought upon himself the in- countries, “East Timor is in our minds.” would ask to join the PSC as an observer. vestigation by the PJ. During an interview “It is urgent that we deepen the concepts Alkatiri explained that, as contemplated by on Portuguese radio, he claimed he was in of Nation, State, Citizenship, Democracy, the accords among all parties of the possession of a large number of documents and the concept of a new African society” Timorese resistance, the ET delegation par- that could be embarrassing for a lot of peo- as a “guarantee of freedom from oppression ticipating to the meeting will be made of ple. Following his statements, the Foreign and poverty,” said Fortes. Fretilin members. Ministry lodged a formal complaint with the Present at the session were Cape Verde’s The accords state that each of the parties Attorney General, who in turn initiated Prime Minister and government members, is allowed to act as a full fledged representa- enquiry proceedings on 27 November last the President of Cape Verde’s National tive of ET in the international arena. This year. The huge amount of documentation Assembly, parliamentarians, diplomats, explains why the delegation will represent found at his home proved that Macedo was, representatives of political parties and in- ET and not just Fretilin. in fact, speaking the truth. ternational organizations, intellectuals, re- searchers, many students, and a few Euro- 105 MPS FOR TIMOR pean invitees. Ana Maria Cabral, wife of the IN BRAZIL THE INTERNATIONAL historic leader Amilcar Cabral, was also present. Publico, 17 April 1996. Translated from PORTUGUESE-SPEAKING This colloquium was suggested, ten years Portuguese COMMUNITY ago, by Angolan sociologist Mario de Andrade, later deceased, and who was hon- Lisbon – Portuguese Prime Minister, An- ored and remembered today. tonio Guterres, had a meeting yesterday INDONESIA WANTS TO Writer Vasco Cabral [from Guinea- with representatives of the Commission for East Timor, which was set up by 105 Bra- INVEST IN GUINEA-BISSAU Bissau] recalled the historical past and the fight by “the five” [African countries for- zilian MPs from all political parties. Aldo Arantes, a member of the Commission, said Capital, 15 March 1996. Translated from merly colonized by Portugal] for liberation after the meeting that they are very deter- Portuguese, Abridged from Portuguese colonialism, invoking Amilcar Cabral, Mario de Andrade, mined to see “that this movement grows.” Businessman Manuel Macedo, President Agostinho Neto, and Samora Machel. The existence of such a commission in of the Portugal-Indonesia Friendship Asso- “Life has proven to us that the seed of Brazil is particularly significant given the ciation, said yesterday that he had met with dreams sometimes blooms and even yields country’s good relations with Indonesia. Guinea-Bissau’s Head of State to discuss fruit,” said Vasco Cabral, adding that the The various initiatives already taken on the possible Indonesian investment in the coun- fight is one of “hope, not utopia,” and that East Timor issue have included a ceremony try. free countries “are the only masters of their at which solidarity with the Timorese peo- Macedo reported that his one-hour meet- own destiny.” ple’s struggle was expressed, and pressure ing with João Bernardo “Nino” Vieira had The Cape-Verdian PM, Carlos Veiga, brought to bear on the Government to take a been “fruitful” and that he would soon be also invoked Amilcar Cabral, and Mario de stronger stand on the question. going to Indonesia to talk about investment Andrade, whom he credited for the introduc- potential in Guinea-Bissau with the Jakarta tion of the multi-party system in Cape authorities. Verde’s Constitution. Page 176 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

PORTUGUESE injunction to stop British Aerospace from or legally, on the grounds that they provide delivering the Hawks. jobs for British people. Yet this is what is “COMMONWEALTH” Meanwhile at St Lytham St Anne’s Mag- underlying the provision of arms to Su- MOVES CLOSER istrates Court three women are facing harto’s regime. The Genocide Act is part of charges - of illegal entry and criminal damage British law and it is time it was used to by Iain Christie - for completely disarming a Hawk yester- prevent our Government and Industry im- Maputo, April 19 (Reuter) - Portugal’s day. The fourth member of the East Timor plicating ordinary British workers in the bid to unite former colonies in an interna- Ploughshares, Angie Zelter, is speaking on horrific killings and repression committed tional brotherhood similar to Britain’s behalf of the Norfolk group and has publicly by the Indonesian state. British people need Commonwealth was boosted on Friday stated her commitment to disarm the Indo- and want jobs but only those that are so- when six of them agreed to push ahead to nesia-bound Hawks - so risking arrest at any cially and ethically justifiable.” create an alliance. time. She further states: “Ploughshares activ- After two days of talks in the Mozambi- For three years people all over the coun- ists are accountable for their acts of disar- can capital Maputo, foreign ministers of the try have been opposing this arms deal be- mament - we want to see a government ac- seven countries agreed on the founding prin- tween the government, British Aerospace countable for their acts of armament and to ciples and aims for a proposed Community and Indonesia in whatever ways they could. take responsibility for their part in geno- of Portuguese-speaking Countries, or CPLP. But now the Hawks are about to fly out at a cide.” Mozambique badly hurt Portugal’s pride rate of two a month for the next year. Only For more information please contact Angie in November last year when it joined the one day after the latest Ploughshares act of Zelter on 01603-631007 or on fax 01603- well-established Commonwealth – the first disarmament, today sees local actions in 666879. Or contact East Timor Plough- state with no historic ties to the British London (outside BAe HQ noon), Lytham shares Support on 0171-249 6949 or tel/fax Empire to do so. (Magistrates court) and Warton (BAe test 0171-923 9511. New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jim Bol- site) - as well as Norwich where 40 co- ger, hosting the summit where Mozambique informants will lay information before the REPORT FROM STOP THE HAWK joined, said it was welcomed as “a unique court. They will show that the Department and special case” because it had helped so of Trade and Industry has conspired with DEAL, JAN. 31 many of its neighbouring Commonwealth the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Three women (Jo, Andrea & Lotta) dis- countries to gain independence. Prime Minister’s Office and with the Direc- armed an Indonesian-bound Hawk fighter at The ministers from Portugal, Brazil and tors of British Aerospace and the Indone- British Aerospace Warton, near Preston five African states – Mozambique, Angola, sian government and military in approving Lancs. UK, in the early hours of Monday Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Sao Tome the sale of 24 Hawk aircraft. 29 January. They have been arrested and and Principe – said in a communiqué their All these politicians, civil servants, and charged with burglary and criminal damage declaration would be approved by their BAe Directors are fully aware that a third of (initial estimates of =A31 million). They heads of states at a summit in Lisbon in the East Timorese population have been used household hammers on the nosecone, July. killed in the last 20 years of Indonesian wing, cockpit, front fuselage and rear fuse- They also said they would continue joint occupation and that Hawk aircraft sold pre- lage of a Hawk bound for Indonesia. They efforts at the United Nations and elsewhere viously have been seen bombing East even used BAe’s phone to inform the Press to defend the right to self-determination of Timorese villages. British made Hawks were Association of their actions! Apparently, East Timor, a former Portuguese colony seen as recently as November 1995 flying BAe security didn’t know anything until the annexed by Indonesia two decades ago. low over Dili (the capital of East Timor). PA rang the factory for comment. All those involved in the Hawk deal are This is the 56th ploughshares action fully aware that there have been 10 UN worldwide, and the 3rd in Britain. Plough- EVENTS IN BRITAIN resolutions calling on the Government of shares actions are inspired by the biblical Indonesia to withdraw all its forces from phrase “to beat swords into ploughshares” - East Timor and calling on all states and they are acts of nonviolent disarmament in PROTESTERS TO HAMMER other parties to co-operate with the UN to which the activists take full responsibility ON DOORS OF ARMS achieve a peaceful solution to the existing for their actions: in this case waiting to hand themselves to BAe security. DEALERS & COURTS situation and to respect the right of the East Timorese to their independence. BAe are due to deliver 24 Hawk jets to Ian Lang, the Minister legally responsible Indonesia during 1996. Indonesia illegally, Norfolk and Lancashire citizens at mag- for the decision to issue a license to BAe to and brutally, invaded East Timor 20 years istrates courts to stop the delivery of export the 24 Hawk aircraft, is the one ulti- ago. Since then over 200,000 East Timorese British Aerospace Hawk war planes to mately responsible for aiding and abetting have died as a direct result of the on-going Indonesia. the genocide in East Timor. The government occupation. It is widely believed that BAe Press Release from Stop the Hawk Deal, 30 are blatantly disregarding their own rules Hawks from previous deals have been used January 1996 and guidelines which seek to ensure that in the suppression of East Timorese citizens On Tuesday 30th January 1996 at 2.20 countries with terrible human rights records who have called for people worldwide to p.m. a group of Norfolk citizens will go to should not receive arms. Ordinary people take whatever action they can to help their Norwich Magistrates Court in an attempt to now feel they have no recourse but to go to struggle for independence. get a summons for the arrest of Ian Lang their courts to see that the judiciary will UPDATE FEBRUARY 1: M.P., the Secretary of State for Trade and control the illegal and unethical conduct of After giving evidence for 2 hours the Industry, for conspiring to aid and abet acts the government and the arms industry - or magistrates refused to issue a summons for of Genocide as defined in the Genocide Act to take disarmament into their own hands. Ian Lang and refused to grant an injunction 1969; they will also be attempting to get an Angie Zelter comments: “Murder and Genocide are not excusable, either morally against British Aerospace. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 177

UPDATE: FEBRUARY 2: security, cut 20 holes in the fences as a stark “What we are saying is that this war on The 3 women who disarmed a Hawk 100 reminder to the 20 years of illegal Indone- Timor could not have been sustained for 20 at British Aerospace on Monday morning sian occupation of East Timor. There were years without western complicity. have been placed in custody for a further 7 no arrests. “Right from the very early days, both Ford and Kissinger were in Jakarta, giving days (i.e. until Thurs. 8 Feb) whilst police EAST TIMOR AND CHRISTIAN attempt to track down a fourth member of their blessing to the invasion a day before it the group. FIGHTERS FOR PEACE occurred. The 3 women are at the following address “The Guardian,” newspaper of the Socialist “It is the selling of arms to Indonesia and and would appreciate letters of support Party of Australia, February 14th, 1996. the training of Indonesian troops in places like Australia and the United States that has (particularly detailing any vigils or actions in On January 29, three women – Lotta sustained the war against the people of East support of the cause) and any of the useful Kronlid, Joanna Wilson and Andrea Need- Timor. items listed below. (Perhaps you should ring ham – were arrested and charged with “In Australia we’ve attempted to engage their support group on [UK] 0171 249 6949 burglary and criminal damage (initial esti- this non-violently by acts of direct action before sending a toothbrush for Andrea COs mates of A$31 million) after they had en- against some of the mining companies that she might end up with hundreds of them!) tered the British Aerospace (BAe) military have been benefiting from this great armed Visits can be arranged by ringing the site at Warton, Lancashire, and used house- robbery of the East Timorese. number given but please check with the hold hammers to completely disable an In- “In Brisbane we’ve been very active support group first if you can visit anytime donesian-bound Hawk warplane. The against the Petros mining company that is - this is to help ensure as many people as women then used BAe’s phone to inform presently headquartered in Brisbane but possible can visit as often as possible. the Press Association of their actions. plans to open offices in Dili soon. HMP Prison Risley 617 Warrington Rd The three women are members of the “We’ve also been active against the train- Risley, Warrington WA3 6BP Tel: 01925- radical Christian peace organisation, Plough- ing of Indonesian troops,” said Mr. 763 871 shares. Inspired by the biblical injunction to O’Reilly. UPDATE FEBRUARY 7, 1996: “beat swords into ploughshares,” they take direct non-violent action against war. The Refugees and sanctuary ANOTHER ARREST! action at Warton is the 56th ploughshares Recently the Department of Immigration The fourth member of the “Seeds of action worldwide and the third in Britain. sought advice from the Federal Government Hope - East Timor” ploughshares group, “The Guardian” spoke to Ciaron on what to do with the 1,200 Timorese who Angie Zelter, was arrested on her way to a O’Reilly, a Ploughshares activist who was had overstayed their visas as well as a small public meeting in Preston on Tuesday gaoled for 15 months in the USA for taking group of people who came by boat last year (6Feb) evening. She has been charged with action against the Gulf War. Ciaron is now seeking refugee status. conspiracy to cause criminal damage and involved in the East Timor campaign here in The advice of Foreign Minister Gareth will appear in Lytham magistrates court Australia. Evans has been that they should all be de- with the other 3 women sometime on Thurs. “We are a radical pacifist Christian group ported to Portugal. 8 Feb. It is expected all 4 will be refused bail and I’ve been involved in non-violent direct Ciaron O’Reilly maintains that this solu- and remanded in Risley prison until the actions against the preparations for war for tion constitutes “a second exile.” He points commital hearing later in the year. over 15 years,” said Ciaron. out that “these people are from this region, PUBLIC MEETING The public meeting, “I spent a year in prison in the United indigenous to this region and to send them called by Preston Coalition for East Timor States during the Gulf war and was deported to Europe would be a double exile from their and the Manchester-based Stop the Hawk back to Australia a couple of years ago. homeland. Deal, went ahead without Angie. Members “When we say ‘radical Christian,’ our “Our response is in the radical traditions of these groups had spent the afternoon understanding of the word ‘radical’ is that it of our church, in the form of a practice preparing for entering into dialogue with the has the Latin origin meaning ‘return to the called ‘sanctuary.’ invited workers. Unfortunately, however, roots.’ “Most recently sanctuary was practiced no British Aerospace workers nor trades “We see Christianity as implicitly paci- in the USA during the wars in Central unions turned up. fist and anarchist. America. Many Guatemalan and Salvador- THE VIDEO The meeting watched a “We attempt to return to those roots ean people fled north during the 1980s, copy of the video left behind by the women when the church was illegal, in confrontation away from the US-sponsored ‘low- in the Hawk hanger. The video includes with the empire. Now it seems to be col- intensity’ conflict in their countries. clips from various television programs, in- laborating – has been for the last 17 centu- “Some of them were deported straight cluding interviews with East Timorese exiles ries – and we attempt to rediscover the radi- back by US Immigration and killed, some giving eye-witness accounts of BAe Hawks cal nature of Christian practice.” virtually just after they’d landed. from previous deals in action in East Timor. Hawk fighter disarmed “Some Christian churches in the United Each of the women also give personal States declared Sanctuaries in defiance of the Ciaron spoke of “the three women in statements, explaining their intentions and government, in defiance of their war policies England last week [who] infleshed the reasons behind them. (Copies of the video in Central America. prophecy of beating swords into plough- are available - tel [UK] 0171 923 9511.) “That was a fairly large movement shares” by disarming a Hawk fighter “al- HAWKS INTO DOVES CAMPAIGN throughout North America and quite an ready marked with Indonesian markings, LAUNCH After the video, a member of the effective one. ready for export to the Suharto dictatorship support group outlined the thinking behind “So we basically said to the government to be used on the people of East Timor.” ploughshares and then launched the “Hawks that you should offer these people sanctu- Hawk fighters flew very low over Dili on into Doves” campaign. This is a campaign of ary and if you fail to do so then we will the anniversary of the Indonesian invasion continuing nonviolent direct at the meeting, break the law and hide these people out. 2 women (and several supporters) went to in December – they are a kind of “glamour” BAe Warton and, in front of police and BAe aircraft for the Indonesian airforce. Page 178 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

“It’s taken off in Australia quite well – a Note: The three arrested women in Brit- tion has proof that these war planes are number of churches in Queensland, NSW, ain would appreciate messages of support. used in military actions by ABRI in East Victoria, WA and South Australia have de- As they are likely to be moved from one Timor. “Because of that, we demand that clared sanctuary. place to another, the following address may the Hawk fighter planes should not be ex- “About four religious orders have also be used for sending messages to them: ported to Indonesia,” said Lotta. declared sanctuary, and a bishop in Western Ploughshares Support Network Jigsaw Box, They admitted that they had to resort to Sydney has also declared sanctuary. 111 Magdalen Road, Oxford, England. damaging (the planes) because the British “We are hoping that other community government has not heeded their protest. groups and trade unions will also make this HOUSE OF COMMONS “The British government is like a deaf per- declaration. MOTION son, even though we often make protests,” “It looks like the government has post- said Joanna Wilson, a friend of Lotta who poned the deportations until after the elec- No.49 Notice of Motions:13 Feb. 1996 1507 works in Kirkby. tion. We expect the crunch to come follow- The local authorities arrested them on ing the election and we are prepared to be 413 ARMS TO INDONESIA charges of criminal damages, but the Seeds civilly disobedient, to break the law and hide Mr. Ken Livingstone of Hope group will not give in. “Even these people out – with the hope and the though we have been arrested, there are demand that the government will reverse its That this House condemns the continued others who will continue our efforts,” said policy. denial of the rights of the people of East Angie Zelter, another member of the Seeds “The Suharto dictatorship has made it Timor by the Indonesian government; notes of Hope. Indeed, on February 6, a number very clear to the Australian Government with concern the fact that, in spite of 10 UN of NGOs supporting human rights and a that they expect East Timorese seeking resolutions over the past 20 years, Her number of MPs had a meeting. The press refuge here to be deported. For Australia to Majesty’s Government continues to sup- were present, having been invited, and at offer them refugee status would be an ad- port the genocidal actions of the Suharto that meeting a declaration was issued, which mission that their human rights had been regime including by the morally and legally among other things demanded that an emer- violated in Indonesia. reprehensible provision of export licences gency debate be called to stop the sale of the allowing British Aerospace to sell Hawk jets Australia’s complicity Hawks. to Indonesia, believes that the Scott Inquiry Apart from that, the declaration also “We see these deportations as just an- team should be asked to investigate the role prohibited the sale of arms to Indonesia and other extension of how Australia has sup- of the British Government in allowing sales formed an internal investigation team in ported the war on the Timorese people. which are contrary to international and na- parliament to investigate why the U.K., “They’ve done it economically through tional guidelines; and finally calls for the which has ratified the International Conven- our mining companies and the Timor Gap immediate cancellation of the delivery of the tion on Genocide, is violating the stipula- Treaty, they’ve done it militarily by training Hawk jets and all other weapons to Indone- tions which prohibit the U.K. from selling Indonesian troops here and offering to sell sia until such inquiry has taken place. arms to countries which are considered to be small arms to the Indonesian Government, oppressive. A group of MPs who attended they’ve done it diplomatically by covering INDONESIAN SEEDS OF also promised that they would raise the up and opposing UN recommendations issue at the House of Commons and the against the annexation of East Timor, and HOPE INTERVIEW House of Lords. now they are doing it in the area of immigra- Forum Keadilan No.23, 26 February 1996 The Hawk which was damaged by the tion. Seeds of Hope isn’t the first Hawk to have “So it’s a kind of total war against these (The women were interviewed by the BBC been bought by Indonesia. In 1978, Indone- people and with the defence pact signed in World Service) sia also bought a number of these fighter December we see that the military are planes. In June 1993, Indonesia signed a stream-lining themselves to be prepared to WAR PLANES contract for another 24 Hawks, at a value of defend these mining corporations whether Hawk jets which will be sold to Indone- 500 million. It appears that those older they be in the Timor Sea, in the highlands of sia were damaged by a group of people. The planes were seen by John Pilger, a British West Papua, in PNG or on the island of reason: they will be used to oppress the journalist, while he was in Dili. Bougainville. people of East Timor. Is this just a joke? John Pilger, it is said, was able to record “It looks like this defence pact is a The incident took place in a military the Santa Cruz Incident for a programme, stream-lining of protecting the exploitation hanger belonging to British Aerospace, on Death of a Nation. Another journalist, Hugh of indigenous people to our north. It’s im- Monday morning 29 January. Some people O’Shaughnessy, from the Independent, says perative that we begin to understand that created a disturbance there. The perpetra- he has seen a number of Hawks in East and to resist it non-violently here in Austra- tors, three women from the organisation Timor. “All of that has been recorded,” said lia.” Seeds of Hope: East Timor Ploughshares. Ricarda Annette Steinbrecher, another activ- Ciaron observed that in WW2, Australian The women didn’t just manage to infiltrate ist opposing the sale of the Hawks to Indo- troops had been offered sanctuary by the the Hawk factory, but - as they conveyed to nesia. According to her, the MPs who is- East Timorese. “The Timorese took a much the media by telephone - they also damaged sued the ‘anti-Indonesia’ declaration, saw larger risk than we’ll probably be asked to the fuselage and several component part Indonesia as being one of the top violators take,” he said. which were to be exported to Indonesia. The of human rights, along side Nigeria amongst “Now is our historic opportunity to re- damage they have caused is estimated to be others. Is that all true? The Indonesian gov- turn that favour. I believe that it’s only somewhere in the region of Rp 3.5 billion. ernment regretted the damage cause. Accord- through non-violent action in the first world “We are satisfied because part of our ing to RI Defence Attaché in London, Colo- that we can slow down these wars in the aims have been achieved,” said Lotta nel Sudrajat, the action represented a the third world, because they’ve been supplied Kronlid, one of the three women. According lack of understanding of the facts. “They and armed from countries like ours.” to this gardener from Oxford, her organisa- have not witnessed this themselves. They East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 179 only obtain information from others,” said a rally outside parliament that she would cence, various groups in the North West are Sudrajat. According to him, Indonesia has disarm a Hawk with the hammer she was organising vigils or demonstrations - we already offered them to visit Indonesia. holding. She was arrested later that day on hope you will join us. Moreover, apart from that, “We have al- the steps of Preston Town Hall where she How can I get involved? ready asked the British Embassy in Indone- was about to address another rally. Angie There are a variety of activities planned sia to have a look for themselves, whether had earlier attempted to obtain a warrant for for the North West. Vigils or demonstra- there are Hawk jets used in East Timor,” he the arrest of Ian Lang MP, the British Secre- tions will be held at each of BAe’s military said. In other words, he wanted to indicated tary of State for Trade and Industry, for sites - see below: that it was all a fraud. “It’s only a joke,” conspiring to aid and abet acts of genocide There will also be the third BAe Warton said Sudrajat to BBC journalist, Arya Gun- as defined in the 1969 British Genocide Act. Peace Camp, from 12 noon on Friday 29 awan, in London. Moreover, he was em- The application was rejected by the magis- March until late afternoon on Sunday 31 phatic that he was prepared to meet with trate but two MPs have vowed to pursue March. The peace camp will include leaflet- John Pilger. Sudrajat explained, Death of a the action with the Attorney General. ting the workers, nonviolent direct action, Nation was engineered. The women have written an extensive tents and lots of camp fires. Everybody is According to Sudrajat, it is easy to see document describing the history of the col- welcome to come along for a day, an hour or proof that Death of a Nation was contrived. lusion between the British government, the for the entire weekend. Please bring every- “It’s obviously contrived. A montage. There weapons manufacturers and Indonesia; ex- thing you need, except food (for which do- is even a British flag on the fuselage of the plaining how international law has been nations will be requested). Contact STHD Hawk. That’s a British Hawk, not an Indo- contravened; and detailing the evidence con- on the number below for more information. nesian one,” he said. Apart from that, he cerning the use of Hawks since 1978. They A sponsored cycle ride from BAe Brough said that the Hawks bought under the first have also made a video explaining their ac- will be arriving at BAe Samlesbury in time contract were two-seaters, which means that tion. These items were placed on the Hawk for the vigil on 29 March. Cyclists are in- they are used as training aircraft, not fighter they disarmed, and so form part of the evi- vited to join in the last leg to Warton. Spon- planes. dence from the “scene of the crime.” It is sorship forms and more details from Stuart The training planes are based in Lanuma hoped this will ensure that the trial they on 0161 226 1122. Iswahyudi, Madiun, East Java. “And those face will be as political as possible. planes can only travel short distances,” he This was an 11th-hour action. The plane HAWKS OFF EAST TIMOR WEEK said. Which means, clearly, that technically was tested, painted and ready to fly. The REPORT there is no way they could reach Dili. Ac- delivery of this particular plane has been cording to Sudrajat, only in the second con- delayed, but there are 23 others ready to go. Press release from: Manchester Area Re- tract are the one-seater planes ordered, The women are appealing for a new “Hawks source Centre, April 3 which are used for ground attack. into Doves” initiative to try to block this PEACE CAMP CLOSES BRITISH Indonesia, said Sudrajat, is leaving the is- weapons deal through the courts and AEROSPACE FACTORY sue entirely in the hands of the U.K. gov- through parliament before it is too late. ernment. “As far as Indonesia is concerned, Actions highlight BAe Bloodbath in East The East Timor Ploughshares Support Timor the order for the Hawks is in order, under a Group can be contacted c/o 55 Queen Mar- legal document. Of course we don’t need garet’s Grove, London N1 4PX. You can Protesters against British Aerospace’s permission from organisation which are not also write to the prisoners c/o this address. sale of Hawk fighters to Indonesia halted happy with it,” said Sudrajat. Copies of the video and document are for production of Hawk aircraft at British sale, and women are available to speak at Aerospace Warton factory this weekend by HAWK IS HAMMERED IN meetings. holding a peace camp and taking several nonviolent direct actions. The peace camp PLOUGHSHARE ACTION was from Friday 29 until Sunday 31 March HAWKS OFF EAST TIMOR by Emily Johns, Peace News, March 1996 outside BAe Warton where the Hawks are WEEK OF ACTION assembled and tested. As a result, British On 29 January, Lotta Kronlid, Jo Wilson Aerospace were on high alert and closed the and Andrea Needham disarmed a Hawk Mon 25 to Sun 31 March runway for the entire weekend [1]. fighter aircraft destined for Indonesia. The CALL TO ACTION The 20 peace protesters from all over the East Timor Ploughshares action took place country had a weekend of fun and actions, What’s it all about? at the British Aerospace (BAe) factory at which included: Warton, Lancashire, where 24 Hawk aircraft Over 200,000 East Timor civilians have · vigil and leafletting workers on Friday are being completed for delivery to the In- died at the hands of the Indonesian military evening donesian airforce sometime this year. who invaded 20 years ago. British Aero- · “die in” outside the factory gates on Sat- The women used ordinary hammers to space (BAe) sold Hawk fighter aircraft to urday: 6 activists “died” and fake blood disarm the control panels in the cockpit, the the Indonesians in the 1980s and these air- was poured onto them in a bloody scene radar transparent nose-cone and the bomb craft have been seen in action in East Timor to represent how the Hawks are used in pylons. They then spent several hours sing- – as recently as last November a respected East Timor [2]. The activists laid in front ing and rejoicing before contacting BAe se- British journalist reported Hawks menacing of the main gates for over 30 minutes. curity via the press. The three are now on civilians in Dili, the capital of East Timor. remand, facing charges of burglary and two BAe are about to export another 24 · fake blood was poured over the large million pounds-worth of criminal damage. Hawks to Indonesia who, it is widely be- “British Aerospace - Warton” sign out- A fourth member of the Women Disarm- lieved, will use them to resolve the “thorn in side the main entrance to signify the East ing for Life and Justice group was arrested their side” (East Timor). To protest about Timorese blood that will be shed by the on 6 February for conspiracy to commit the imminent departure, and to put pressure Hawks. criminal damage. Angie Zelter announced at on the government to cancel the export li- Page 180 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

· despite the high security level, five pro- UK HAWK PROTEST Dear Sir, testers, with banners, entered the factory TRIAL UPDATE The Indonesian Embassy has learnt that at various places on Sunday afternoon. Mr. Ramos Horta is scheduled to speak at They intended to process across the site Manchester Area Resource Centre, April 17 your prestigious institution on 23 April with banners calling for the Hawk deal to 1996. The 4 women charged with criminal dam- be cancelled immediately and to play I am writing to you because, quite age for disarming an Indonesian-bound frisbee on the runway. frankly, we are extremely puzzled as to Hawk aircraft made their first Crown Court · another vigil was held on Sunday evening why, in the leaflet from Chatham House, appearance today to enter their plea (pre- to mark the end of the peace camp. Mr. Ramos Horta is referred to as “Minister sumably NOT GUILTY). They will be back for External Affairs, East Timor, 1974-75.” One of the organisers, Dr. Michael Bane, at Crown Court within a couple of weeks to This title description is factually incorrect said: “A few workers and most of the local set the date of the trial proper. and intellectually indefensible, and can set a residents were completely on our side and The trial has now been moved from Pre- very misleading precedent. It suggest that wanted to know how they could help put ston to Manchester. Dates, and details of you have possible been unwittingly taken in pressure on British Aerospace to stop the support actions/meetings/work-for-people- by Mr. Ramos Horta’s propaganda. Hawk deal before the planes are used to to-volunteer-for will be available soon. commit genocide in East Timor. The week- As you know, in 1974 and throughout the first half of 1975, East Timor was still end was un-natural with BAe’s cleaners INDONESIA AMBASSADOR following us everywhere but we believe that administered by Portugal, the colonial ruler our actions got the point across that British ATTACK’S HORTA’S who had intended to decolonize East Timor Aerospace are getting the blood of innocent CREDENTIALS through a referendum. At that time, the civilians on their hands by selling these authorities directly responsible for East fighters to Indonesia.” Comment on a discussion on East Timor Timor’s foreign affairs were the Portuguese This was the third peace camp at War- held by the Royal Institute of International Foreign Minister (who was definitely not ton. Larger and longer peace camps through- Relations (Chatham House) on 23 April Mr. Ramos Horta) and the Portuguese Min- out the summer are currently being planned. 1996, from Indonesian Foreign Affairs De- ister for Overseas Territories – both of There were no arrests at the peace camp. partment home page (www.dfa- whom were members of the Portuguese The only incident came when British Aero- deplu.go.id/english/editor.htm) Government, and both based in Lisbon. space tried to prevent a protester from driv- Mr. Ramos Horta is scheduled to speak These were the undisputed facts. Mr. Ra- ing by misleading the police by suggesting at the Royal Institute of International Rela- mos Horta was not in Government, be it in that he had been drinking. The protester was tions (Chatham House) on 23 April 1996 Lisbon or in East Timor; he was working as breathalysed and found to be well under the with a speech entitled “East Timor: Moral- journalist for a local paper in East Timor, limit. However, the police refused to arrest ity and Pragmatism in International Rela- and was part of a political group outside the the BAe security for wasting the police’s tions.” In his lecture, Horta will be accom- Government called Fretilin. This was also time. panied by Dr. Peter Carey of Trinity Col- the true state of Affairs. Therefore, any reference to Mr. Ramos Horta as “Minister DONATIONS TO HELP COVER lege, Oxford, an anti-Indonesian English for External Affairs, East Timor, 1974-75” COSTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME: scholar and who recently published a book is quite puzzling and cannot possibly be cheques should be payable to “Stop the entitled “East Timor at the crossroads.” substantiated with factual evidence. Hawk Deal” and sent to our ‘office’ at 6 The lecture is sponsored by Dr. Peter Mr. Ramos Horta might perhaps argue Mount Street, Manchester M2 6NS. Carey, who is also a member of Chatham House. Dr. Carey attended the lecture by that, during the course of the civil war, his Notes to Editors Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs in political group, the Fretilin, did manage to 1) The peace campers were informed by Chatham House last January and had the seize the town of Dili for a few months in various sources that BAe had taken on 100 opportunity to ask tendentious questions mid-1975, and unilaterally declared the “in- Group 4 security and 100 of their own secu- about East Timor. dependence” of East Timor. It was then that rity plus an unknown number of their own The purpose of this Horta-Carey’s lec- the Fretilin set up a “cabinet” in which Mr. cleaners just for the weekend because of the ture is to boost Horta’s public stature in Ramos Horta was designated “Foreign Min- peace camp. An inside source also told the England, and to try to influence intellectual ister.” At this time, a coalition of East campers that the airfield had been closed for groups and ‘thinktank circles’ in London, Timor’s other political parties–UDT, Apo- the weekend. especially in the issue of East Timor. deti, Kota and Trabalhista– also formed 2) Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975. Ramos Horta is described in the leaflet of their own Provisional Government to op- Since then 200,000 people have died as a Chatham House as “Dr. Ramos Horta” and pose the Fretilin. It is important to note that direct result of the ongoing Indonesian oc- was the “Minister for External Affairs, East the so-called “Fretilin government” did not cupation. Indonesia have used BAe Hawks Timor, 1974-75.” This term intends to give have any legal or international legitimacy from an earlier deal to repress the East impression to the public that as if East whatsoever. Portugal, Indonesia (and Timorese and it is very widely believed that Timor was once an independent state. ASEAN as a whole) and Australia did not the 24 Hawks now being assembled and recognize this government. In fact, the Fre- flown to Indonesia will also be used to at- Embassy of Indonesia tilin government was not recognized by the tack East Timor civilians. London, 6 March 1996 UN and the international community in general, and that situation in still the same Professor Sir Lawrence Martin today. Director the Royal Institute of International Thus, while we expect Mr. Ramos Horta, Affairs a very imaginative propagandist, to actively Chatham House propagate his pretentious self-awarded title 10 St. James Square London SWIY 4LE to others, we certainly do not expect your East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 181 respected institution to be taken in by it so Indonesian invaders wish to dispute that, let While the Suharto government still wants easily. them hold a genuine plebiscite in East F-16s to further bolster its military regime, I must also state that Mr. Ramos Horta’s Timor. They won’t because they would it has reportedly asked for a more advanced description of himself as “Minister for Ex- lose! model of the F-16 fighter, rather than the ternal Affairs” I something quite new. To Indonesia attempts to prevent Dr. Ra- older variety that they would get from the date, he has presented himself mainly as a mos-Horta from speaking because he says Pakistan transfer. The Clinton Administra- “special representative of the CNRM” (an what the people of East Timor (those who tion has been publicly silent on this issue organization which he created and a title he have survived the Indonesian invasion, that for some time, perhaps because of diver- also awarded to himself). We enclose writ- is) would say, if they got the chance! gence of opinion within the Administration ings of his interviews with the CNN, the Indonesia’s continued brutal occupation itself. International Herald Tribune, the Far East- of not only East Timor, but also West Now that the sale of ATACMS to Tur- ern Economic Review and a paper which he Papua, Aceh and the South Moluccas dem- key has gone through Congress without a presented in Geneva in 1991–non of which onstrates with increasing clarity that Indo- fight, NOW is the time to begin to pressure described him as former Minister for Exter- nesia, once the victim of a colonial power, Clinton to not transfer the F-16s to Indone- nal Affairs of East Timor. Nor did Mr. has become in turn an imperialist aggressor. sia. U.S. weapons have already been used Ramos Horta use this title of “Minister for The attempt to muzzle Dr. Ramos-Horta by Indonesia in the slaughter of East External Affairs” when he was in the com- will not alter this fact, but with luck, it will Timorese citizens on numerous occasions. pany of prominent East Timorese Dialogue, make people more aware of it. Allowing Indonesia to have these sophisti- held in Austria last year, to be followed up cated fighter aircraft only further solidifies this year in late March. This is because he WARWICK UNIVERSITY Indonesia’s brutal military regime, and fur- knew full well that all the East Timorese CHANGES BAR ther legitimizes both the government, and figures in that forum would simply find their occupation of East Timor, in the eyes such a title amusing. Clearly, what Mr. NAME TO XANANA’S of the international community. Given that Ramos Horta is now trying to do is to en- the Arms Export Control Act has again gage in opportunistic public posturing, and Monday, 6 May, Time: 6pm proved meaningless to prevent arms sales to he is conveniently using your institution to Place: University of Warwick, Xanana’s Bar human-rights abusing nations, we must ap- do so. This is what we would like to caution ASSET (Association of Students in Soli- peal to the President DIRECTLY and tell you about. darity with East Timor) is hosting an eve- him that selling arms to dictators and human I would very much like to hear your re- ning to celebrate the renaming of Warwick rights abusers is unacceptable. Please Con- sponse regarding this matter in very near University’s bar to “Xanana’s” and to re- tact the White House immediately and regis- future. Until then, and thanking you for member Xanana Gusmão who is currently ter your protest to this proposed transfer. your kind attention, I remain, serving a 20 year sentence. Letters to the Editor of your local paper Yours sincerely, ASSET welcomes everyone to attend the on this subject are also recommended. If you (Ambassador) J.E. Habibie opening of Xanana’s bar which will be a have a letter printed, be sure to send it both Copy to: Professor J.E. Spence, Director of ceremony to unveil the sign and a short to the White House, and to the Peace Action Studies series of speeches. Following this there will National Office at 1819 H Street, NW, Suite be a full Students’ Union event (1,000 ca- 420, Washington DC, 20006. ETIC (NEW ZEALAND) RESPONDS pacity) devoted to raising awareness about TO LETTERS East Timor. INDONESIA BACKING AWAY The self-interested nature of Indonesia’s For more info contact Sarah at: FROM EARLIER PLAN TO letter to the Institute of International Affairs [email protected] PURCHASE PAKISTANI F-16S concerning the Peter Carey-sponsored lec- ture featuring José Ramos-Horta should be Inside the Pentagon (a trade publication), obvious to anyone. EVENTS IN THE UNITED January 25, 1996. Full text. When a nation finds it to be in its inter- STATES The Clinton administration is still scram- ests to shut someone up, and devotes con- bling to find a third country willing to buy siderable time and energy in attempting to the 20 F-16s originally purchased by Paki- do that, one has to ask what they are afraid F-16 FIGHTERS TO stan after word that a leading candidate for of. In this case, it is the truth. INDONESIA: the aircraft, Indonesia, now may not be The truth is that Indonesia invaded East ACTION NEEDED willing to accept the older models, according Timor on December 7, 1975. At that time, to congressional and defense industry the Portuguese were not in residence, and an From Peace Action Washington Report, sources tracking the issues. act of self determination in the form of a January 11, 1996 Indonesia is still “exploring the deal,” election had previously taken place. This said Lora Lumpe of the Federation of election gave the mandate of the people to The debate continues within the Clinton Administration regarding the potential sale American Scientists. “There is a stigma Fretilin, Mr. Ramos-Horta’s party, to form attached to the older equipment,” she added. a government. to F-16 fighter jets to the Suharto military government in Indonesia. At first, the Ad- One defense industry official said the Indonesia considers the Fretilin govern- administration is struggling to make the best ment to be illegitimate because it did not ministration was looking to sell Indonesia F- 16s that were first sold to Pakistan, but offer - one that will not only substantially have U.N. recognition. Neither, to this day, cover the $640 million Pakistan paid for the does Indonesia’s brutal regime! The crucial denied to them because of the Pressler amendment. However, a recent sale of Brit- aircraft, but one that will also be low enough difference is that Fretilin had (and still has) so as to not prompt the Indonesians to seek the support of the people of East Timor, ish Hawk fighter jets to Indonesia may have changed Indonesia’s qualitative needs. newer fighters, perhaps from another coun- whereas Indonesia clearly does not. If the try. Page 182 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

In November, the Armed Forces of the sources, it looks like the nation of choice is (914)428-7383, e-mail Republic of Indonesia (ARBI) (sic) estab- Indonesia. This decision is being made de- [email protected]. lished a team to study the purchase of the spite the fact that Indonesia is a military U.S. F-16s. The administration has not been dictatorship, has illegally occupied another F-16S TO INDONESIA: made aware of any decision by the ARBI, nation, and has used U.S. weapons to com- ONE STEP FORWARD, according to sources close to the negotia- mit gross violations of human rights. TWO STEPS BACK tions. If we are to stop this sale, now is the Peace Action Education Fund Briefing Pa- ARBI Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung time to begin to pressure President Clinton. per, Feb. 1996 explained during a Nov. 8 interview on In- U.S. weapons have already been used by donesian radio that his country “ideally Indonesia in the slaughter of Timorese citi- BACKGROUND should have four squadrons of sophisticated zens on numerous occasions. Allowing In- “I did not meet one Timorese person jet fighters.” This amounts to about 64 air- donesia to have these sophisticated fighter who hadn’t had a relative who had been craft. Currently, Tanjung said his country aircraft only further solidifies Indonesia’s tortured, or killed whilst under Indonesian has only 12 “sophisticated” fighters. But brutal military regime, and further legiti- occupation. I didn’t meet one Timorese who money, of course, is the major issue block- mizes both the government, and their occu- could say that their family way intact.” -- ing the sale of more planes from the United pation of East Timor, in the eyes of the Simon de Faux, Australian nurse testifying States to Indonesia. According to Tanjung, international community. before the UN Decolonization Committee, “the promotion of the people’s welfare will In the past, grassroots pressure led by July 11, 1995.1 remain the main priority of the development advocacy groups such as the East Timor Little more has to be said of the Indone- plan although sophisticated armament is Action Network have successfully gotten sian military regime’s 20 year occupation of needed.” Members of Congress to champion the East Timor. In 1975, Indonesia invaded East But another issue making the sale of F- cause of the Timorese people. These efforts Timor with the tacit approval of the United 16s to Indonesia even more difficult is the have led to some progress, such as the ban- States. At that time, the U.S. doubled the United States’ concern about alleged human ning of military training to Indonesia and a Suharto military regime’s military aid, and rights violations in that country. Natalie moratorium on small weapons sales to the made sure that the United Nations resolu- Goldring of the British American Security Suharto military regime. But this action on tions condemning the invasion were not Information Council told Inside the Penta- the part of the President threatens to un- implemented.2 gon on Jan. 22 that Indonesia’s human rights ravel any progress made on this important In 1990, an Indonesian arms intelligence record was a little better than Syria’s or issue. official confirmed that the Suharto regime Saudi Arabia’s but worse than Nigeria’s, ACTION: Please read the attached Briefing had taken the lives of at least 200,000 East which has come under significant criticism in Paper F-16s to Indonesia, One Step Timorese, or approximately one third of the recent months. Forward, Two Steps Back. This will give entire population of that nation.3 In July 1993, U.S. concerns about Indo- you all the background material you need During this entire period, the United nesia’s violations of human rights were such to construct a good letter or phone call. States has been one of the principal arms that officials blocked the transfer of 16 Jor- Then: merchants to Indonesia. After its initial danian F-5s to Indonesia for upgrade. With 1: Write or call your Senators and House surge in arms sales after the invasion, arms such a precedent, Goldring wonders whether Member. Using the materials you have, sales and military training kept a steady the United States is now lowering its human explain to them why the transfer of F-16s to pace throughout the 1980s. Even after the right standards in order to get the older F- Indonesia must be stopped. Ask them to 1991 Dili massacre, where Indonesian sol- 16s “off their hands.” write a letter to President Clinton urging him diers used American M-16s to gun down to suspend any weapons sales to Indonesia more than 200 Timorese civilians, U.S. arms NO ARMS TO DICTATORS! manufacturers have profited from over 250 until rapid progress is made toward the total 4 withdrawal of Indonesian troops from East military sales to the Suharto regime. CLINTON EYES F-16S TO Timor. Be sure to ask for a prompt reply, RECENT US POLICY TOWARD INDONESIA DESPITE OCCUPATION and ask them to include a copy of their let- INDONESIA OF EAST TIMOR ter to the President in their response. U.S. policy toward the Indonesian gov- Peace Action Education Fund Action Alert WRITE: Your Senator, U.S. Senate, Wash- ernment and its occupation of East Timor February 1, 1996 ington, DC 20510 (202) 224-3121 can be characterized as ‘divided.’ Many of Back in November, the Foreign Opera- Your Representative, U.S. House of Rep- the different branches of the U.S. govern- tions Appropriations conference committee resentatives, Washington, DC 20515 ment have had different, and often conflict- approved an amendment by Sen. Hank (202) 225-3121 ing policies. Disagreements within Congress Brown (R-CO) that would permit the 2: If you have time, cc a copy of your or the Executive branch have led to policy United States to release $368 million worth letter to President Clinton, or give him a call shifts, reversals, and general ambiguity. Here of military equipment, including missile and tell him not to sell the F-16s, or any is a look at some of the policies that are technology, to Pakistan. This ‘compromise’ other military equipment, to Indonesia. currently being perpetuated in Washington. amendment was passed after Lockheed- President Bill Clinton, The White House, CONGRESS AND THE STATE Martin was unable to deliver F-16 fighter Washington, D.C. 20500-0001 Phone 202- DEPARTMENT: A LITTLE BIT jets it sold to Pakistan because of the 456-1111, FAX: 202-456-2461 e-mail: PREGNANT Pressler amendment that forbade such a sale [email protected] After supplying the Suharto military re- due to that nation’s pursuit of nuclear For more information about this subject, gime with over one third ($560 million) of weapons. The Brown Amendment recom- or to get an East Timor information packet, all its weapons imports during the 1980s, mended that the Clinton Administration find please Contact the East Timor Action Net- Congress finally began to respond to public a third party to buy the F-16s that Pakistan work, PO Box 1182, White Plains, New pressure on Indonesia in 1992. In the wake already paid for. According to several York 10602. Phone (914)428-7299, Fax of the Dili massacre, activists fighting for East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 183 human rights and self-determination con- interest in that IPTN, Indonesia’s leading nesian military. On a visit to Jakarta in Sep- vinced Congress to cut off the International aircraft company, began setting up manufac- tember of 1995, Admiral Owens said that Military Education Training (IMET) pro- turing operations in Mobile, Alabama – the ‘The development of military cooperation gram for Indonesia.5 Some members of Con- heart of Callahan’s district.10 Rep. Kennedy between [Indonesia and the United States] is gress pushed the President to cut off all accurately pointed out the glaring flaw in very important.’ And that he would, ‘per- military aid and arms transfers to Indonesia. Rep. Callahan’s argument, ‘The repression sonally do my best so that the Congress and However, opposition on the part of the is too severe for us to hold any hope that it Senate take a favorable position,’ on contin- Bush and subsequently Clinton Administra- can be tempered through education and ued and enhanced military aid to the Suharto tions to make any unilateral or multilateral training. IMET is designed to support de- regime.14 As to the East Timor situation, the efforts toward truly restraining the Indone- mocracy and military professionalism, and Admiral merely stated, ‘From our stand- sian military made it very easy for the Su- we cannot support what does not exist.11’ point in the [U.S.] military it seems when an harto regime to continue receiving many While U.S. military training was not issue is raised affecting the military’s in- U.S. and European arms. permitted to the Indonesian military in volvement in East Timor that appropriate In 1994 the human rights situation in 1996, the fact that non-military forms of action has been taken to address those con- East Timor had deteriorated to a state in IMET were allowed as part of the Foreign cerns.15’ which the U.S. State Department could no Assistance Appropriations Bill (H.R. 1868) In all, both the military for strategic rea- longer sit idly by. Armed with new evidence showed that there was no commitment on sons and the Clinton Administration for of U.S. weapons being used to torture and the part of the new Congress to push the economic reasons have chosen to turn a execute East Timorese civilians, members of limited regulations on Indonesia any further, blind eye toward the suffering in East Congress pressured the State Department and, indeed, it seemed that a rollback on Timor, and the brutal military regime that into banning the sale of small arms and riot these limitations was beginning. dominates Indonesia. A senior Administra- control equipment to Indonesia.6 The fact that there was no consistent, tion official who deals with Asia policy said While the Clinton Administration men- forthright policy toward the Suharto regime of Suharto simply, ‘He’s our kind of guy.16 tioned the East Timor situation to Indonesia even as the East Timor situation continued ’ It’s no wonder that the Clinton Admini- during negotiations, attempts to restrain to worsen was proof that Congressional and stration turned to Indonesia when it’s little major arms sales or to attempt to influence State Department policies toward Indonesia F-16 fighter jet problem came up. our allies to take similar positions were did nothing but solidify its military relation- F-16s TO PAKISTAN, NO, TO virtually non-existent. The United States’ ship with other governments in addition to INDONESIA continued relationship with the Suharto the United States. In 1993, the State Department took one regime both economically and militarily THE CLINTON ADMINISTRATION & more step toward curbing Indonesian arma- made it very easy for Indonesia to continue THE MILITARY: COMMERCIAL ments, this time in the arena of large arms. to fill the gaps in its U.S. procurement with ENGAGEMENT AND COZY In direct response to the Dili massacre, the weapons from other nations. This time, BEDFELLO WS State Department refused Jordan’s petition Indonesia merely purchased its small arms When running for President, candidate to sell U.S.-made F-5E fighters to Indonesia. from Germany, France, and Britain.7 Bill Clinton was asked about East Timor While this blockage hampered its attempt to In 1995, Assistant Secretary of State and responded, ‘We have ignored it so far in increase the size of its air force, and aggra- John Shattuck told a joint hearing of two ways that I think are unconscionable.12’ But vated the U.S. arms manufacturers that bro- House International Relations subcommit- on October 30 1995, Suharto arrived at the kered the deal, the lack of international gov- tees that the Indonesian human rights situa- White House for a ‘private’ meeting with ernmental pressure on Indonesia made it tion, ‘which began deteriorating in late 1994, the President. The audience that welcomed fairly simple for the Suharto regime to buy worsened further in January this year with the dictator was Vice President Gore, Secre- Hawk fighters from Britain. reports that security forces had executed six tary of State Christopher, Joint Chiefs of At the same time, however, the Clinton civilians while suppressing suspected sepa- Staff Chairman General Shalikashvili, Com- Administration was suddenly stuck with 28 ratist activity,’ in East Timor.8 Ironically, merce Secretary Brown, U.S. Trade Repre- F-16 fighter jets that Lockheed-Martin had this was at the same time that Joint Chiefs sentative Kantor, National Security Advisor originally sold to Pakistan for $656 million. of Staff vice chairman Admiral William A. Lake, and many other high-level Administra- The Pressler amendment, however, passed Owens announced that the Clinton Admini- tion executives.13 by Congress specifically forbade the trans- stration was seeking to resume IMET train- The group of officials symbolized Presi- fer of major military equipment to Pakistan ing for Indonesia. The Administration plan, dent Clinton’s reversal of his stance on In- due to its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Paki- which would be part of an Asia-Pacific se- donesia’s occupation of East Timor. Instead stan had already given Lockheed-Martin its curity and training strategy at the cost of of taking an aggressive posture toward this money, and the Clinton Administration had $281.5 million in 1996, was brought to Con- brutal dictatorship, he instead decided to already approved the deal before realizing gress as part of the 1996 Foreign Aid Au- embrace a concept coined by Commerce that it would not be able to send the F-16s thorization bill.9 Secretary Brown, known as ‘commercial to Pakistan, and they would have to come While some Representatives, such as engagement.’ This theory states that pursuit up with the money to repay Islamabad. Jack Reed (D-RI), Nita Lowey (D-NY), of a close economic relationship with a na- The F-16s sold to Pakistan are an older Frank Wolf (R-VA), and Patrick Kennedy tion, and compelling it to open its markets, model of the jet, and are currently stored in (D-RI), argued for an extension of the IMET will make it more open to pressure from its Arizona (see box for more details on the F- ban, their attempts ran into a new obstacle. financial partners to improve human rights 16). The Clinton Administration needed a New Foreign Operations Subcommittee and other domestic issues. So, after a cur- cash-rich nation to purchase their hardware. Chair Sonny Callahan (R-AL) argued that sory discussion of East Timor, the group sat Thus, a new policy was born. According to the resumption of IMET training was ‘spe- down with Suharto and discussed business. the Financial Times, the U.S. was to outline cifically designed to help improve human Meanwhile, U.S. military officials were ‘various options’ for the Indonesian armed rights practices of the military.’ In this case, building closer and closer ties with the Indo- forced to buy the F-16s.17 ideology might have taken a back seat to self Page 184 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

These ‘various options’ were delivered * The AIA’s claim that major armaments 2. Peace Action Delaware Valley Informa- because after preliminary discussions, Indo- are not used to commit gross violations of tion; ‘Free East Timor.’ December 1995, nesia was not very interested in the older human rights is wrong. In East Timor, Hawk p.1. 3. ‘Washington Sends Mixed Messages to model planes. In November, they did begin attack aircraft, quite similar to F-16s, have Jakarta.’ to hint that they could be enticed to accept been routinely used in bombing raids. Eye- 4. Ibid. them if they did not have to pay cash im- witnesses in East Timor who saw the 5. Washburn, Jennifer; ‘No US Arms Sales to mediately.18 Indonesia expressed an interest Hawks in action reported that ‘they fly in Dictators.’ The Journal of Commerce. in new F-16s instead. The Aerospace Indus- low... and attack civilians, because the peo- September 19, 1995, p.6A. tries Association (the primary lobbyist for ple hiding in the mountains are civilians. 6. Ibid. the arms export industry), which sensed Four of my cousins were killed in Hawk 7. ‘Washington Sends Mixed Messages to that the Clinton Administration was about attacks near Los Palos.22’ There is little Jakarta.’ to fully reopen the profitable Indonesian doubt that American weapons, both large 8. Smith, R. Jeffrey; ‘U.S. Officials Exhibit Dichotomy in Policy on Indonesia and market, sprang into action. Immediately, the and small, will be used to continue this op- Human Rights.’ The Washington Post. AIA’s chief spokesman Joel Johnson began pression as long as the United States and the March, 18, 1995. to espouse their traditional rhetoric regard- international community allow it. 9. LUSA Wire Service; ‘IMET for Indonesia ing war planes and human rights abuses. Mr. * During the first seven years of Indone- in 1996?.” March 16, 1995. Johnson said that the Clinton Administra- sia’s occupation of East Timor, the United 10. Delaware Valley Peace Action; ‘Free East tion should have no problem selling the F- States provided 90% of all the weaponry for Timor.’ p.2 16s to Indonesia because ‘F-16s are not Indonesia, leaving little doubt that both 11. ‘Washington Sends Mixed Messages to Jakarta.’ used in crowd control.19’ major and small U.S. arms were used exten- 12. Nairn, Allan; ‘Free East Timor.’ The New The Indonesian military continues to be sively during the most brutal period of East York Times. October 26, 1995, p.A-25. interested in the purchase of F-16s, even Timor’s history. 13. Sanger, David; ‘Real Politics: Why Su- after buying additional Hawk aircraft from RECOMMENDATIONS harto is in and Castro is Out.’ The New Britain in January 1996. The Clinton Ad- York Times. October 31, 1995. While the Clinton Administration has ministration is also considering selling the 14. International Herald Tribune; ‘Military promoted the F-16 sale to Indonesia, the older F-16s to Thailand, in order to open up Aid for Jakarta Gets Push.’ September 20, fact that it has not yet been completed sug- Indonesia for the purchase of newer, more 1995, p.4. gests that there may be some disagreement 15. Reuters; ‘U.S. Keen to Sell Weapons to expensive models. within the Administration on this policy. Indonesia.’ March 16, 1995. This selfish policy on the part of the Instead of easing arms transfers restrictions 16. Sanger; ‘Real Politics: Why Suharto is in Clinton Administration, furthered by the on the Suharto government, President Clin- and Castro is Out.’ profiteering AIA, would symbolize a total ton could work to prevent the same kind of 17. Financial Times; ‘US may lift F-16s sales abandonment of the U.S. espoused values of ban.’ September 20, 1995, p.5. human suffering that prompted U.S. troops democracy and human rights in our policy 18. ‘Washington Sends Mixed Signals to Ja- to enter Bosnia. Here is a list of recommen- toward Indonesia and East Timor. Resuming karta.’ dations. the sale of attack jets to the military regime 19. Deen, Thalif; ‘United States-Indonesia: · Immediately renounce any intention to Jet Fighters Do Not Violate Rights.’ Inter of Indonesia will have tragic results on sev- sell any F-16s to Indonesia. Press Service. October 8, 1995. eral fronts: · The President should either ask Congress 20. Nairn, ‘Free East Timor.’ * The fact that the United States would 21. Nathanson, Scott; ‘Profits vs. Security.’ provide sophisticated military equipment to for a rescission package of $656 million Defense News. November 28-December 4, Indonesia makes the brutal dictatorship out of unnecessary military programs to 1994. stronger by giving it the capacity to better repay Pakistan for its purchase of the 28 22. Curtis, Mark; ‘While East Timor begins enforce its hold on power, and increases the F-16s they bought but were not allowed its third decade under Indonesian occupa- Suharto regime’s legitimacy in the eyes of to have, or simply instruct Lockheed- tion, British arms exporters make a killing Martin to refund Pakistan’s money and in Jakarta.’ Covert Action Quarterly. De- the international community. This will give cember 26, 1995, pp.52-56. Indonesia even more confidence that it can return the F-16s to Lockheed-Martin’s continue its occupation of East Timor with- care. Written by Scott Nathanson, Arms Trade out fear of international sanction or vilifica- · Establish a moratorium on all military Campaign Coordinator. Thanks to the Ruth tion. support to Indonesia. Mott Fund and the Compton Foundation for their support. January 1996. * The hundreds of millions of dollars that · End the ‘commercial engagement’ policy will be spent on F-16s could be used to and condition continued economic coop- increase the standard of living for the grow- eration with progress on the Indonesian INDONESIA PLAN S TO ing underclass of Indonesian people, many government’s exit from East Timor. BUY 28 F-16 FIGHTER JETS of whom make only $2-3 per day working · Actively pursue an international ban in FROM U.S. at Western-owned manufacturing companies 20 the United Nations Security Council on like Nike or Reebok. Speaking of the East- all military assistance or transfers to In- Singapore Straits Times web site, March 7, Asian arms spiral, Scott Nathanson, Arms donesia. 1996 Trade Campaign Coordinator of Peace Ac- JAKARTA – Indonesian armed forces tion Education Fund, likened Indonesia’s · End all arms sales to dictatorial and/or commander General Feisal Tanjung said purchasing of arms while impoverishing the human rights abusing regimes as a step yesterday his country was negotiating with population to the head of a homeless shelter toward ending the global weapons trade. the United States to buy more F-16 fighter using the funds intended to feed the shel- Endnotes planes. ter’s inhabitants to buy himself a BMW 1. East Timor Action Network/US Network He was speaking a day after disclosing in because, in so doing, he would prove that he News; ‘Washington Sends Mixed Messages parliament that the US had restored funding ran a very successful shelter.21 to Jakarta.’ Issue 12, November 1995. for training Indonesian military officers, East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 185 reviving a programme that was halted in Kartasasmita said the U.S. offer was Timorese who ‘disappeared’ in previous 1992. made by President Bill Clinton to President years remained unknown. “Yes, we are negotiating to buy F-16s Suharto in October when the Indonesian The political dynamics in East Timor from the United States. I am not in the ca- leader visited the United States. seem to be shifting with a younger genera- pacity to negotiate but the ministries of The United States suspended an interna- tion emerging, many of whom were born planning and research and technology are,” tional military training program and F-16 after the invasion and annexation, and social Gen. Feisal told reporters yesterday. sales to Indonesia in 1992 for a number of and economic strains taking their toll. Media He said the US government last Novem- reasons, including human rights violations in reports indicate that the nature of their dis- ber offered Indonesia 28 F-16s made by East Timor, a former Portuguese colony pute with Indonesia has become more emo- Lockheed Martin Corp. annexed by Jakarta in 1976. tional and protests have become more spon- “We hope we can buy all 28 planes that In 1993 Washington refused to allow taneous. In a recent news report from the were offered, but if not, nine is okay. It Jordan to sell four U.S.-made F-5 jets to Sydney Morning Herald, rioting last fall has depends on the financing,” he said. Indonesia, citing the same reason. taken East Timor into a new phase. Local He said the F-16s were needed to safe- It was recently reported the United people and diplomats said previous unrest guard the Indonesian archipelago. States offered its F-16s at a cost of $13 in East Timor had been largely politically He said a high ranking US military official million each while Indonesia wants to pay organized, but recent disorder has been more would visit Indonesia in May to discuss the no more than $9 million each. widespread and spontaneous, reflecting the F-16 sale and other issues. A high-ranking military official revealed anger of Timorese buckling under economic Indonesia’s air force has more than 80 the country needs four squadrons of F-16s– and social strains. combat aircraft, including 12 F-16s. for a total of 64 planes–to guard Indonesia’s Mr. Speaker, while this issue has faded Gen. Feisal told a parliamentary commis- vast archipelago. from the headlines and is not a hot topic in sion on Tuesday that the Pentagon had Indonesia is currently awaiting the arrival Congress, I believe we should be mindful of given the green light to reopen an Interna- of a number of advanced British Aerospace the abuses in East Timor and the changing tional Military Education and Training pro- Hawk 100 and 200 fighter jets. political environment. gramme with Indonesia. Washington suspended funding in 1992 EAST TIMOR ABUSES WORKERS, ACTIVISTS after Indonesian soldiers fired into a crowd CANNOT BE IGNORED PICKET TRAILMOBILE of mourners in East Timor in 1991. Wit- nesses said up to 200 people were killed. HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD (D- UPIU Press release, February 16, 1996 Major-General Syamsir Siregar, head of Guam) in the House of Representatives For more information, contact: Mark the military intelligence agency BIA, told Tuesday, February 27, 1996 the same parliamentary hearing Indonesian Brooks, United Paperworkers Int’l Union, officers would take specialised programmes Mr. Speaker, over a decade ago, Indone- 615/834-8590 in defence management and post-graduate sia invaded and annexed East Timor. While Chicago - Two causes joined together in a studies. this issue is usually only discussed in this spirited picket line today in front of the body during the anniversary of the annexa- Amoco Building in downtown Chicago. The tion or invasion, I would like to take this INDONESIA WANTS demonstrators united to protest Trailmobile opportunity to point out recent reports Corp., which is headquartered in the build- F-16S, LOAN which uncover the nature of Indonesian rule ing, and which has locked out 1,200 workers over East Timor in recent years. from its plant in Charleston, Illinois. Jakarta-April 9-FWN/UPI- Indonesia is Since the invasion, it is estimated that interested in purchasing a number of sophis- “We’re here to show [Trailmobile CEO over 200,000 people have died out of a Edward] Wanandi that we are going to be on ticated U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets to back population of 700,000. To maintain order in up its existing fleet, a report said today. his case until he ends this immoral lockout the territory, Indonesia stations 5,000 and gives us a fair contract. Ginandjar Kartasasmita, state minister of troops in East Timor. These troops have national development planning, said negotia- We’re in this picture to stay until that been used to intimidate the local population happens,” said Gary Collins, the president tions for the purchase are currently under into an illegal occupation, one which the way. of United Paperworkers (UPIU) Local 7591 United Nations has refused to recognize. which represents the locked-out workers. “Basically, the Indonesian government The Indonesian Government has consis- accepted the offer made by the U.S. gov- Trailmobile locked out the workers Jan. 21, tently been cited by human rights groups just days after the workers had overwhelm- ernment to buy nine F-16 fighter jets,” Kar- such as Asia Watch and Amnesty Interna- tasasmita told the Suara Karya daily news- ingly rejected a concessions-laden contract tional for their abuses in East Timor. In their offer. The company offer would have con- paper. annual report last year, Amnesty Interna- “But the problem is related to the fund- tinued a four-year wage freeze for three tional pointed to the fact that at least 350 additional years and also contained signifi- ing source for purchasing the fighter jets, political prisoners, many of them prisoners taking into consideration our limited devel- cant work-rule concessions. of conscience, were held, including some 40 Joining the Charleston workers on the opment budget, including in the military sentenced during the year. Hundreds of sector,” he said. picket line were Chicago-based activists people were arrested and held without from the East Timor Action Network, Kartasasmita said the Indonesian gov- charge or trial. Torture of political detainees ernment hoped to find competitive funding which was formed several years ago to pro- and criminal suspects was common, in some test the continued occupation of the tiny and soft purchasing conditions, meaning at a cases resulting in death. Several people were low rate of interest. island-nation of East Timor by the military extrajudicially executed, and scores of crimi- government of Indonesia. The family of An Indonesian Cabinet minister has said nal suspects were shot and killed by police Indonesia would consider the offer if the Trailmobile CEO Edward Wanandi, whose in suspicious circumstances. The fate of conglomerate the Gemala Group owns United States could give Jakarta a loan. possible hundreds of Acehnese and East Page 186 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Trailmobile, has had long-standing ties to Mike Lewis, the chairman of the UPIU local The Trailmobile spokesman counters that Indonesia’s military. bargaining committee in Charleston, Local the lock-out is “entirely legal” since the “We are proud to join this demonstration 7591. He adds, “I don’t think they’re going union rejected the contract. “Just as a union in support of the UPIU workers,” said Brad to get an apology...not from me, anyway. If has a right to strike when there is no con- Livingston [actually Simpson], a member of we had done anything illegal or wrong (by tract, the company has a right to lock work- the East Timor Action Network. “Wan- producing the handbills), he would have ers out when there is no contract,” he ar- andi’s behavior is no surprise to us. His taken us to court.” gues. family has supported Indonesia’s military The Wanandi family has long been linked The spokesman denies the lock-out is butchers for the last 20 years as the military to 1975 invasion. In a 1994 documentary by part of a strategy to weaken the union. He invaded East Timor and committed massacre the British Broadcasting corporation (BBC), accuses the 1,200-member work force in after massacre. What is happening in East Australian journalist John Pilger tied Indo- Charleston of lighting acetylene bombs and Timor is, literally, a crime, and the Wanan- nesia’s Strategic Studies Institute, a think performing other acts of sabotage during the dis’ hands are not clean.” tank founded by Edward Wanandi’s elder dispute. The picketers carried banners calling for brother Jusuf, to the invasion, called “Op- “It’s too dangerous to operate under an end to the Charleston lockout and for an eration Komodo.” those conditions,” the spokesman says. end to the Indonesian occupation of East John Miller, New York coordinator of But Lewis notes that, just last month, Timor. Later, union members distributed the East Timor Action Network, says that Trailmobile told the UPIU that at least 300 leaflets describing the Wanandi family’s Jusuf and another Wanandi brother, Sofjan, members will be laid off, even after the lock- close ties to the Indonesian military benefited from their ties with Indonesia’s out is resolved. Despite community help in throughout the village of Lake Forest, where military elite, with Sofjan receiving tourist providing funds and shelter for the locked- Edward Wanandi maintains a residence. development concessions for East Timor. out workers, he adds, times are tough for the The same day, teams of locked out work- “In Timor, you don’t get a prominent Charleston employees. ers distributed the leaflets at the Midwest business concession unless you’re hooked in The union has filed charges with the fed- Truckers Association trade show in Spring- with the military or with President Su- eral National Labor Relations Board, accus- field, Ill., and at Trailmobile’s other manu- harto’s family directly,” Miller claims. ing Trailmobile of bargaining in bad faith. facturing plant in Jonesboro, Ark. Trailmobile officials deny any connection The Trailmobile spokesman says the com- For more information, contact: Mark between Edward Wanandi and the North pany will continue to negotiate in good Brooks, United Paperworkers International American outfit and the charges against the faith, although he could not say when the Union, 615/834-8590 family and the larger Gemala Group. One firm would meet next with the UPIU. official, speaking on condition of anonym- “I have nothing against Indonesian peo- U.S. LABOR DISPUTE RAISES ity, refused to comment on the Timorese ple, Chinese people, African people – EAST TIMOR charges but said the U.S. firm was not linked they’re just hard-working people like we NEW YORK, (Apr. 15) IPS - A three- to the controversy. are,” Lewis says. But he says the Charles- month lock-out of 1,200 union workers in “Trailmobile is owned by an individual, ton dispute has soured him on foreign con- Illinois by an Indonesian-owned trailer Edward Wanandi, and is not owned by the glomerates, as much as on their U.S. equiva- manufacturer now includes a debate on the Gemala Group,” he says. The company, he lents: “They buy up our companies, our 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor. adds, is not aware of the Gemala Group’s or land, and treat our people like dirt.” On Jan. 21, the Chicago-based Trailmo- Wanandi family’s histories. bile Corporation locked out 1,200 members But the locked-out workers and UPIU MOYNIHAN AND THE of the United Paperworkers International contend that the company’s history of labor COLUMBIA SPECTATOR Union (UPIU) in Charleston, Illinois. relations in the United States is negative. But the dispute has also raised questions Since 1989, when Gemala first bought Email from: Anurag Chander Jain about the company’s Indonesian owners, Trailmobile Canada’s Toronto-based parent , Feb. 24. This article particularly Edward Wanandi, chairman of company, the firm’s labor record has in- was submitted and refused by the Columbia Gemala North America and owner of Trail- cluded mass layoffs of workers, and lock- (University) Spectator daily newspaper. mobile. outs and firings when workers disagreed The union has charged that the Wanandi with wage cuts, the UPIU argues. “FUCK OFF.” SENATOR family was tied to the Indonesian plans to In 1992, Trailmobile Canada began a two- MOYNIHAN’S ODE TO EAST TIMOR year lock-out of 20 Canadian workers who invade East Timor in December 1975. Hu- by Anurag X.C. Jain refused to accept a 24 per cent wage cut. man rights groups say that some 200,000 “One of the prerogatives of power is that Timorese, roughly a third of the territory’s Those workers have since been returned to their posts. you can get away with anything, and will be population, were killed in the ensuing years protected by your peers, hence by the doc- as Indonesia annexed the former Portuguese The Charleston lock-out began after Lo- cal 7591 workers voted overwhelmingly to trinal system generally. There are mountains colony. of evidence on that.” On Feb. 16, Trailmobile workers pick- reject Trailmobile’s demands for a new labor contract, including a three-year wage freeze. -- Professor of Linguistics and Media Ana- eted the firm’s Chicago headquarters, pass- lyst Noam Chomsky, email, Feb 24/96 ing out handbills alleging Wanandi involve- A previous contract, according to the UPIU, ment in repression in East Timor and Indo- had already frozen wages for four years. NOTE: The Columbia Spectator (specta- nesia. In turn, Edward Wanandi has de- Three days after the workers voted to [email protected]) refuses to print this manded a letter of apology from the union approve the union’s right to strike, workers editorial because of a conflict of interest. for passing out the handbills. showed up at the Charleston factory only to They claim that since I wrote the first article “There’s definitely a connection between find the doors locked and guarded. The on Feb 20 Moynihan Speaks of Interna- the way they treat workers here and the company has since hired non-union “scab” tional Law, printing this editorial (retroac- way they treated the Timorese,” argues workers as replacements. tively) effects the perceived objectivity of East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 187 my first news article and thus there would As the United States’ representative in from the crowd. This man, who had just be a conflict of interest. The Columbia Spec- the United Nations the Senator had the op- given a lecture about the necessity of an tator is claiming that by not printing this portunity to condemn the Indonesian inva- international body of law to prevent the editorial they maintain their journalistic sion and annexation of East Timor, but he cruel and unnecessary genocide had just integrity. They won’t explain to me how did not. My research into the Senator’s admitted to his own guilt. He permitted the they maintain this integrity, they just tell words and actions has led me to conclude deaths of people in a country which he con- me this rule has always been (though it Moynihan’s reputation as a humanitarian siders “of no great significance.” Yet he will doesn’t apply to certain areas, like Sports) a and his speech on the “Law of Nations” was argue that US intervention in Iraq was not a rule that everyone abides by. I have spoken insulting. He is not only guilty of acting out matter of oil supply, but instead a legal to former editors of the Columbia Spectator of geopolitical motivation, but he is a hypo- transgression. and I have even spoke to David Halberstam, crite for attacking that same policy. As he pointed out early on in his speech, a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist who gave In 1975 the nation of Indonesia invaded Moynihan had been one of the Senate’s a speech to the Columbia Spectators new and annexed East Timor, a former Portu- most fervent critics of the “Reagan doctrine” Board on Feb 19- they both urged me to guese state on the brink of independence. of intervention based on “geopolitical rather explicitly state that my editorial was a result The invasion ended in the deaths of over than legal grounds.” of research and not a matter of bias. If I did 200,000 of the 700,000 population. Senator Moynihan emphasized that in- this, both argued, there would be no conflict Moynihan’s answer to Palagrino was a terventions such as in Iraq and Bosnia had of interest. They did maintain, however, frightening one. “I was only carrying out foundations in international law rather than that the Spectator has editorial privilege. orders,” he said jokingly. Equally frightening in personal interest. President Bush pre- The Columbia Spectator maintains that was the crowds laughter. sented Desert Storm as a response carried Halberstam and former editors can have In his 1978 book, Dangerous Places, out under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, their opinions, but the fact is you wrote the Senator Moynihan discusses the fall of East titled “Actions with respect to threats to first article and now we won’t print your Timor (“a place of no great importance”) in the Peace, Breaches of Peace, and Acts of editorial. They maintain that I have a bias - greater detail than the time permitted on the Aggression.” or rather this editorial illustrates that I did night of the speech. He quotes The New Moynihan stated that Desert Storm “was have a bias when I wrote the first article on York Times’ declaration that “by any defi- essentially a unilateral action by the US...all the Senator’s lecture. They are adamant nition Indonesia [was] guilty of naked ag- entirely according to law, specifically, for about not-printing this editorial. Moreover, gression.” He goes on to state that on De- example, Article 51 of the Charter recording they are not willing to rework the editorial cember 22 the Security Council unani- the inherent right of individual or collective in any way to tell the story of the Senator mously approved a resolution calling for the self defense.” and his hypocrisy. full withdrawal of the Indonesian military In these instances International law was I should add that I originally wrote the from East Timor. The Senator even sites cited as essential to bringing an end to the editorial below as a news piece, but the East Timor’s casualties as proportional to horrors of extermination. “Never forget. Editorial Page Editor (who was originally those “experienced in the Soviet Union dur- Never again. What was it we were never to afraid of libel) told me to make it more ag- ing the Second World War.” forget?” asked Moynihan, quoting former gressive. Enclosed at the end of this editorial Senator Moynihan adds that after a 3 to Reagan Secretary of State, George Schultz in is a copy of my original article. I challenge 4 week period “the subject disappeared reference to the Holocaust. The Senator anyone to explain or justify the Spectators from the press and from the United Na- offered the answer, “the genocide in Bos- position (or the Senators, for that matter). tions.” nia.” The Columbia Spectator’s email address is Three years later, on January 26, 1978, If the government and people like the listed above, mine is [email protected]. the Australian government became the first Senator argue that Iraq is a breach of interna- to formally acknowledge that “Indonesia tional law we believe them. We want to stop On February 19th Senator Daniel Patrick had sovereignty over East Timor.” Since crimes against the innocent and we have Moynihan gave a speech at Columbia Uni- then the UN security council has repeatedly faith in the actions of our leaders to decide versity and I covered it in my February 20th condemned Indonesia, but has taken no when action is right or wrong. What makes article “Moynihan speaks of international action. the Senator dangerous is his ability to law” for the Columbia Spectator. Moynihan However, in the short and somewhat choose which areas are worth mentioning championed for a “Law of Nations” as a sketchy recounting of this history that (Iraq, Bosnia and more recently Cuba) and code that “commands compliance of all emerged from the heated exchange between which aren’t (East Timor). We begin to states including our own.” He argued that Palagrino and Moynihan, my initial feeling believe the illusion of an international law such a measuring stick would provide a of curiosity at the accusation first became that protects the innocent regardless of moral (and legal) awakening to uphold world confused by the speed with which the wealth, power, or other geopolitical factors. “standards” and avoid another “Auschwitz events transpired and then further by the What the Senator failed to highlight in his or Hiroshima.” crowd’s response of levity at Palagrino’s response to Palagrino was that through mili- Given the Senator’s position it seemed accusation and the Senator’s answer. tary attack, forced starvation, and murder, in strange that Scott Palagrino, a civil rights Having amusingly offered “I was only 1975, the invasion and annexation of East and media activist, would suggest that carrying out orders,” the Senator then went Timor resulted in the death of 1/3 of the Moynihan should be “brought in front of a on to elaborate on his decision to not-object population. In November 1991, over 250 war crimes tribunal” for his role in a series to Indonesia’s actions. East Timor was ral- East Timorese were killed while peacefully of events that led to the genocide of 1/3 of a lying for independence and the Chinese demonstrating for their independence. Indo- nation, as he did when he stood up to ask insisted on it, said Moynihan. The Indone- nesian soldiers fired U.S. made M-16 rifles his question that night. Over the past week I sians disagreed and they invaded. at the unarmed crowd. The US has failed to have researched Palagrino’s question and the “I was instructed not to object. And I did intervene in East Timor and it has failed to Senators speech, response, and his other not.” said Moynihan. “Arrest me if you support its sovereignty. When we take this writings. will.” This response also met with laughs into consideration Moynihan’s argument Page 188 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. that intervention in Iraq and Bosnia are legal “Senator, my name is Scott Palagrino and there were two: Soviet and non-Soviet. and not geopolitical seems confused. If I was wondering what you thought of my Moynihan said. Moynihan really believed what he spoke of question? Would you be willing to debate In 1988 Mikhail Gorbachev addressed on Feb. 19 he would try to help East Timor. Noam Chomsky?” And the Senator replied: the United Nations asking for a political and Moynihan was the US representative to the “Palagrino... fuck off. I mean Chomsky - legal standard of international law by which UN at the time and did not object to Indo- fuck off. Chomsky? Isn’t he a linguist?” all countries would abide, Moynihan said. nesia’s aggressions though that same year he These comments are what inspired my According to Moynihan, at the time of won the Human Rights Award from the research and this article. Gorbachev’s address, Washington was no International League of the Rights of Man. That linguist Moynihan so colorfully re- longer interested in developing an interna- He didn’t care then, he doesn’t care now. fers to had this to respond. “For properly tional standard. On the evening of the speech at Colum- educated people to understand these words They didn’t feel bound to enforce inter- bia, Palagrino stood up and quoted the Sena- would be virtually impossible, though I national standards on other countries nor did tor’s own words about East Timor from doubt that high school students would have they feel bound to them themselves, Dangerous Places: “The US wished things much difficulty with them.” Moynihan said. to turn out as they did, and worked to bring Presently we are witnessing International Moynihan said the Cold War led to the this about. The department of State desired Law evoked by the US over Cuba’s shoot- deterioration of faith in the ideal of a law of that the UN prove utterly ineffective in ing down of two Cessna planes from the nations. whatever measures it undertook. This task Miami group Brothers to the Rescue. Cuba From the annals of history, nothing will was given to me, and I carried it forward claims the act was in defense of their own compare to the fading in the US of a law of with no inconsiderable success.” airspace. The US contends the planes were nations, Moynihan said. I find it a scary notion that a man that al- over international waters. Striving for an international law has been lows the death of hundreds of thousands of Cuba is accusing the Security Council of one of the founding principles of the United people can be considered a humanitarian by bowing to the demands of the US. Cuba States, Moynihan said. his peers and the Columbia community. accuses the council of acting in a biased Epstein commented on Moynihan’s Other than Palagrino no one voiced opposi- manned and subordinat[ing] to the interests speech, noting that an understanding of tion to any of the Senator’s comments. of the big powers. It added: The Security international law requires an understanding People believe that the Senator’s “Law of Council... has become a dependency of the of domestic law. Nations” is a reality and that the US acts US State Department. They accused the If we dishonor the most instinctive sen- “unilaterally” to end aggressions. East council of becoming a kind of universal high timents of law in our own backyards how Timor is an excellent example of a state that court to judge any country which disobeys can we hold them up to an international is continually oppressed because it isn’t its designs. (Feb. 28, Cuba says UN Council standard? Epstein said. considered important by people like the Tool of Washington, Havana, Reuters, 5:38 According to Urquahart, there is a law of Senator or anyone in power. PM) nations and there is not a law of nations. Over the past week I have researched the Evoking international law is an effective The law of nations is embodied in the Senator’s comments, both in his book and tool of manipulation. It helps us feel, as a UN; however there is no international legal his speech. In addition, I wrote MIT Pro- nation, that all our countries aggressions, system, no policing force, nor any sover- fessor of Linguistics and well known media defenses, and swearing are right and just, eign, said Urquahart. analyst Noam Chomsky about the Senator’s when any High School student, if they heard A controversy arose when Scott Pala- speech. He responded, “He takes pride in the facts, could see it for the lie it is. grino, a civil rights and media activist, asked implementing the crimes and rendering the Moynihan about his political involvement in UN utterly ineffective in deterring them, MOYNIHAN SPEAKS OF Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor, a coun- rightly expecting to be lauded in humane and INTERNATIONAL LAW try in Southeast Asia, 20 years ago. elevated circles for his principled stance in by Anurag X.C. Jain The US aided in the killing of 200 000 of contributing to a massacre that he compares [East] Timor’s 700 000 person population. This is the original article from Tuesday to the Nazis. The case of Iraq’s invasion of Senator you were an Ambassador to the UN Feb. 20, Columbia Spectator, Front Page Kuwait is crucially different: the State De- at the time and supported the Indonesian partment wanted a different outcome, and In a speech discussing international law, invasion... you should be put in jail for war he takes equal pride in supporting that posi- New York Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan crimes, Palagrino said. tion, eliciting the same praise, for the same spoke at the Lionel Trilling Seminar, held Moynihan responded facetiously, saying reason.” yesterday in Low Library and attended by he was only following orders. However, as was stated earlier, for vari- approximately 100 people. Moynihan explained the complicated po- ous reasons the impact of the Senator’s call Professor of Practical International Di- litical climate surrounding East Timor and to “Arrest me if you will,” failed to register plomacy at the School of International and his limited involvement in the invasion of with its’ audience members during the Public Affairs Jack Matlock Jr. moderated East Timor. speech itself. Palagrino was the only one to the discussion between the speakers, which David Lee, CC 98, said he particularly cite the Senator’s contradiction. Even after included Moynihan, Professor Richard Ep- liked the opposing views and perspectives the speech, few were sympathetic to Pala- stein of the Chicago School of Law, and Sir presented by the different participants. grino, most people simply accepting, as a Brian Urquahart, Former Under Secretary Professor Epstein provided a legal per- given, that the Senator was an honorable General of the United Nations. spective on the relationship between domes- man. Moynihan discussed the return to a law tic and international law, Sir Brian provided Afterwards, I went up to the stage to of nations, which is a set of laws which all an international diplomatic point of view, watch Palagrino confront the Senator about nations adhere to. and Moynihan liked US foreign policy with his comments again. Once at the stage I saw With the onset of the Cold War this ideal the law of nations, Lee said. the Senator and Palagrino shaking hands. expired. Even the earliest days there was a definite feel that there was not one world, East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 189

US STATE DEPARTMENT conditions remained harsh, and security National Human Rights Commission, the forces regularly violated citizens’ right to Catholic Church, and NGO’s. Security 1995 REPORT ON INDONESIA privacy. forces reportedly killed 16 or more civilians Indonesia Human Rights Practices, 1995 The Indonesian people continue to lack throughout Irian Jaya between mid-1994 the ability to change their government. The and mid-1995. By US Department of State, March 1996 Government continued to impose severe The Indonesian political system, despite limitations on freedoms of speech, press, RESPECT FOR HUMAN RIGHTS a surface adherence to democratic forms, assembly, and association. It suppressed Section 1 Respect for the Integrity of the remains strongly authoritarian. President efforts to develop a truly free trade union Person, Including Freedom from: Soeharto (now in his sixth 5-year term), a movement, but encouraged some develop- a. Political and Other Extrajudicial Killings small group of advisers, and the military ments that appear to open the door to dominate the political life of this heavily greater flexibility within the registered trade Historically, politically motivated extra- populated developing country, whose peo- union federation. Labor organizations trying judicial killings generally have occurred most ple come from hundreds of different cul- to compete with the official trade union frequently in areas where separatist move- tural, linguistic, and ethnic backgrounds. The federation were subject to continuing har- ments were active, such as East Timor, Government requires allegiance to a state assment and intimidation. Elements of the Aceh, and Irian Jaya. Security forces con- ideology known as “Pancasila,” which in- armed forces continued to be responsible for tinue to employ harsh measures against cludes belief in a Supreme God, a just and the most serious human rights abuses. Mili- separatist movements in these three areas. civilized humanity, national unity, democ- tary leaders in some cases showed willing- Security forces in East Timor killed six un- racy, and social justice. It has used Pancasila ness to admit publicly abuses by military armed civilians in Liquisa province in Janu- as a justification for restricting the develop- personnel and take action against them, ary. The military court-martialed two sol- ment of opposition elements. including in a brutal incident in East Timor. diers for this killing (see below). There were Under a doctrine of “dual function,” the Punishment, however, rarely matched the also several other mysterious killings in East military is given special civic rights and severity of the abuse. The judiciary, while Timor; the limited evidence available sug- responsibilities, including unelected military still largely subservient to the executive gests some of these too could also be cases seats in Parliament (DPR) and local legisla- branch and subject to widespread corrup- of summary execution by security forces, tures, in addition to its defense and security tion, made several significant decisions though at least seven are attributed to East roles. The 450,000-member armed forces, against government interests that suggested Timorese insurgents. There were credible, including 175,000 police, consider the main- somewhat greater judicial independence. detailed reports from church and NGO tenance of internal security as their primary The Government continued to exert sources that security forces killed 16 or mission. They have traditionally acted strong pressure against antigovernment crit- more civilians in Irian Jaya between mid- swiftly to suppress perceived threats to ics, independent journalists, and labor activ- 1994 and mid-1995. Knowledgeable sources security, with a vigor that has often led to ists. These constraints, however, did not report at least two unconfirmed instances of human rights abuses. Some military leaders completely dampen dissenting voices in the security forces in Aceh province killing have raised questions about the validity of public and the media. Many human rights civilians without justification. this “security approach.” There continued nongovernmental organizations (NGO’s) There were reports that security forces to be numerous, credible reports of human remained active, and the Government toler- killed members of insurgent groups in armed rights abuses by the military and police, ated wide press coverage of some sensitive clashes, including five Aceh Merdeka sup- although they exhibited some restraint in issues. The Government announced a phas- porters in Aceh as well as a number of al- controlling crowds and demonstrations. ing-out of a discriminatory symbol on the leged armed opposition members in East In contrast to its restrictive political sys- identification cards of ex-political prisoners Timor. Insurgent groups also attacked and tem, Indonesia has an increasingly open and and their families, and some easing of re- killed security forces. deregulated economy. Although still a poor strictions on the right of free assembly both The Government withdrew two army country, the economy continued to expand, beginning in early 1996. The government- battalions from East Timor in September, especially in manufacturing, with gross do- appointed National Human Rights Commis- but there has been no noticeable decrease in mestic product expected to increase by 7.2 sion displayed increasing independence, military activity in the territory. After Oc- percent in 1995. The continued economic spotlighting abuses and occasionally taking tober riots in Dili, some antiriot units were growth has produced steady gains in living positions at variance with government poli- reinforced. The Government offered a gen- standards for much of Indonesian society. cies and actions. eral amnesty to members of the Timorese The number of people living below the pov- On East Timor, no progress was made in resistance who surrender their arms, and it erty line has fallen from over 60 percent of accounting for the missing persons following was reported to have released some who the population to under 15 percent. Wide- the 1991 Dili incident or the 10 other were apprehended rather than put them on spread underemployment persists, however, Timorese that disappeared in 1995. Troop trial. A similar policy was applied to several as do corruption and influence peddling. levels remained unjustifiably high. The leaders of the Timorese Clandestine Political The Government continued to commit armed forces used excessive force in making Movement. serious human rights abuses. The most seri- arrests following anti-integration rioting in The police often employ excessive and ous abuses included harsh repression of Dili in October. The Government reimposed sometimes deadly force in apprehending dissidents in East Timor, Aceh, and Irian restricted access to the province by foreign suspects or coping with alleged criminals. In Jaya. Reports of extrajudicial killings, dis- journalists. response to protests that the methods used appearances, and torture of those in custody In Irian Jaya, tensions with indigenous are unjustifiably harsh and amount to execu- by security forces increased. Reports of inhabitants seeking greater autonomy or tion without trial, police generally claim that arbitrary arrests and detentions and the use independence led to violent repressive the suspects were fleeing, resisting arrest, or of excessive violence (including deadly measures by military units, resulting in threatening the police. In North Sumatra, for force) in dealing with suspected criminals or deaths and other human rights abuses docu- example, 45 shootings by police, including 3 perceived troublemakers continued. Prison mented by several sources, including the Page 190 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. deaths, were reported by mid-August. Ac- 1995, before easing somewhat later in the conditions generally have improved in recent curate statistics were unavailable, however. year. Suspects are also frequently held for years. Sporadic cases of ill-treatment have In the past the authorities almost never substantial periods of time without formal been reported in East Timorese prisons. took action against police for using excessive charges being brought. Officials have publicly condemned police force. However, there is some indication The Government made no new efforts to brutality and harsh prison conditions and that this situation is improving, although account for the missing and dead from the occasionally instigate disciplinary action, action taken by the authorities is still not November 12, 1991 military shooting of including transfer, dismissal, and trials lead- commensurate with the gravity of police civilians in Dili, East Timor. Of those still ing to prison. Such actions, however, are an abuses. Among a number of disciplinary listed as missing in a report the military gave exception to the rule of general impunity. actions taken by authorities, three police- to Human Rights Watch/Asia, no additional Political prisoners are usually mixed with men were reported to be facing court-martial cases were resolved during the year. the general prison population, although in in Padang, West Sumatra, on charges of Government spokesmen implied that the Cipinang Prison in Jakarta high-profile deliberately striking a motorcyclist with their failure to locate those missing was political prisoners are segregated. In 1995 their car during a chase in April, although primarily due to those persons wishing to the Government allowed the International the trial had not begun as of late August. In evade detection. Many knowledgeable ob- Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit June a military court-martial sentenced an servers, however, continued to believe that prisoners in Cipinang in Jakarta and also army second lieutenant to 4 and 1/2 years in most of the missing are dead and that some granted access to prisons elsewhere in Java, prison and a private to 4 years for killing six members of the armed forces know where Sumatra, Aceh, and other provinces as well unarmed, bound civilians in Liquisa Re- their bodies are located. as East Timor. The Government also has gency, East Timor in January. In October c. Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman, or allowed the ICRC to organize family visits military authorities arrested a second lieu- Degrading Treatment or Punishment to political prisoners. Authorities allowed tenant and three privates suspected of kill- visiting diplomatic officials or NGO repre- The Criminal Code makes it a crime pun- ing civilians in Irian Jaya (see above), and sentatives to visit East Timor prisoners of ishable by up to 4 years in prison for any planned to court-martial them beginning in their choosing on at least two occasions. official to use violence or force to elicit a January 1996. Seven policemen were de- confession, and it establishes pretrial proce- d. Arbitrary Arrest, Detention, or Exile tained in Aceh Province on suspicion of dures to give suspects or their families the The Criminal Procedures Code contains torturing a suspected rapist and causing his right to challenge the legality of an arrest or provisions against arbitrary arrest and de- death in late July. In Northern Sumatra, at detention. In practice, legal protections are tention which are routinely violated. The least two civil cases of alleged excessive both inadequate and widely ignored, and Code specifies the right of prisoners to no- force on the part of police officials, in one of security forces continued to employ torture tify their families, and that warrants must be which the victim died, were settled out of and other forms of mistreatment, particu- produced during an arrest except under court through monetary compensation. larly in regions of security concerns such as specified conditions, such as when a suspect b. Disappearance Aceh, Irian Jaya, and East Timor. is caught in the act of committing a crime. It There were credible reports that security In August NGO and church sources pro- also authorizes investigators to issue war- forces abducted five civilians in Dili, East vided eyewitness accounts to the National rants to assist in their investigations or if Timor, in January. The Government did not Human Rights Commission of over 40 vic- sufficient evidence exists that a crime has respond to repeated requests from the Na- tims of alleged torture by military personnel been committed. Despite these require- tional Human Rights Commission and from in Irian Jaya in late 1994 and early 1995. ments, authorities sometimes make arrests foreign governments to clarify the fate of According to these sources, methods of without warrants. Security forces report- these persons. At least five other persons torture employed included kicking with edly arrested members of the Alliance of disappeared in East Timor under circum- heavy boots; beating with fists, sticks, Independent Journalists in March before stances suggesting possible involvement by stones, and rifle butts; starvation; shackling formal warrants were issued (see Section the security forces, and some credible thumbs, arms and legs; taping eyes shut; 2.a.). The number of persons detained at sources believe they have been executed. stamping on hands; and forcing victims to least temporarily without warrant by secu- Indonesian NGO’s documented reports of stand for prolonged periods while bearing rity forces in East Timor increased during at least four civilians who disappeared after heavy weights or to kneel with an iron bar in late 1994 and 1995. being detained by military forces in Irian the knee hollow. In East Timor, torture The law presumes defendants innocent Jaya at the end of 1994. The whereabouts of increased in frequency beginning in Novem- and permits bail. They or their families may those abducted are not known, and credible ber 1994, and included electric shocks, mock also challenge the legality of their arrest and sources believe they are dead. Security execution, severe beatings, and burning with detention in a pretrial hearing and may sue forces did not acknowledge the abductions, cigarettes. Following complaints, this prob- for compensation if wrongfully detained. but announced that they were investigating lem appears to have eased in the case of the However, it is virtually impossible for de- the Irian Jaya reports and related charges of provincial police, but continued or worsened tainees to invoke this procedure, let alone military killings and torture in that province. in detention facilities run by military intelli- receive compensation, after being released Since their investigation of the Liquisa inci- gence. without charge. In both military and civilian dent in East Timor in January, security Police often resort to physical abuse, courts, appeals based on legality of arrest forces have become less willing to provide even in minor incidents. Prison conditions and detention are rarely, if ever, accepted. information or to undertake investigations are harsh, with violence among prisoners The Code also contains specific limits on about new cases of concern. Security forces and mistreatment and extortion of inmates periods of pretrial detention and specifies in areas of conflict sometimes hold suspects by guards reportedly common. The inci- when the courts must get involved to ap- incommunicado for periods of time before dence of mistreatment by prison officials prove extensions, usually after 60 days. In acknowledging their detention. This appears drops sharply once a prisoner has been areas where active guerrilla movements exist to have become more frequent in East Timor transferred from police or military custody such as East Timor, Irian Jaya, and Aceh, during the latter part of 1994 and early into the civilian prison system, and prison people are routinely detained without war- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 191 rants, charges, or court proceedings. Bail is The Government does not use forced ex- attorney and is indigent. In theory, destitute rarely granted, especially in political cases. ile. defendants may obtain private legal help, The authorities frequently prevent access to e. Denial of Fair Public Trial such as that provided by the Legal Aid In- defense counsel and make it difficult or im- stitute. In practice, however, defendants are The Constitution stipulates the inde- possible for detainees to get legal assistance often persuaded not to hire an attorney, or pendence of the judiciary, but in practice the from voluntary legal defense organizations. access to an attorney of their choice is im- judiciary is subordinated to the executive The authorities routinely approve exten- peded. The military held five alleged Aceh and the military, and in many cases proce- sions of periods of detention. In addition, Merdeka members, who were sentenced in dural protections, including those against suspects charged under the 1963 Antisub- early 1995 (see below), for up to a year coerced confessions, are inadequate to en- version Law are subject to special proce- without access to attorneys; the authorities sure a fair trial. dures outside the Criminal Procedures Code did not allow them to chose their attorneys, A quadripartite judiciary of general, reli- which allow, for example, the Attorney and those appointed by the court could not gious, military, and administrative courts General the authority to hold a suspect up see the defendants until just before the trial. exists below the Supreme Court. The right to 1 year before trial. He may renew this 1- The Supreme Court theoretically stands of appeal from district court to high court to year period without limit. Special laws on coequal with the executive and legislative Supreme Court exists in all four systems of corruption, economic crimes, and narcotics branches, but it does not have the right of justice. The Supreme Court does not con- are similarly exempt from the Code’s pro- judicial review over laws passed by Parlia- sider factual aspects of a case, only the tections. ment. The Supreme Court has not yet exer- lower courts’ application of law. A panel of The Agency for Coordination of Assis- cised its power (held since 1985) to review judges conducts trials at the district court tance for the Consolidation of National Se- ministerial decrees and regulations. In 1993 level, poses questions, hears evidence, de- curity (BAKORSTANAS) operates outside Chief Justice Purwoto Gandasubrata laid cides guilt or innocence, and assesses pun- the Code and has wide discretion to detain out procedures for limited judicial review. ishment. While there were some significant and interrogate persons thought to threaten Judges are civil servants employed by the exceptions in 1995, initial judgments are national security. It is impossible to state executive branch, which controls their as- rarely reversed in the appeals process, al- the exact number of arbitrary arrests or de- signments, pay, and promotion. They are though sentences are sometimes increased or tentions without trial, particularly in Aceh subject to considerable pressure from mili- reduced (both the defense and the prosecu- and Irian Jaya. In 1995 authorities released tary and other governmental authorities. tion may appeal). at least 64 supposed Aceh Merdeka sup- Such pressure often determines the outcome In January the 3-year sentence of inde- porters who were being held without trial, of a case, and was widely suspected of being pendent Labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan bringing the total number of accused Aceh behind an attempt by the Chief Justice to was increased by the high court to 4 years, Merdeka supporters released since 1990 to thwart the implementation of a Supreme but the Supreme Court later overturned his around 1,000 persons. Many had been held Court ruling against the government of Irian conviction (see below). The sentence of incommunicado without knowing the Jaya in a land compensation dispute. Cor- Amosi Telaumbanua, another union leader, charges against them; some had been held for ruption permeates the legal system. In civil was raised from 15 months to 3 years (later over 2 years. The authorities often require and criminal cases, the payment of bribes reversed by the Supreme Court, see below.) those released to report back at regular in- can influence prosecution, conviction, and Defendants have the right to confront wit- tervals, but in May 916 former detainees sentencing. To address judicial corruption, nesses and to produce witnesses in their were relieved of this obligation. In East the Government doubled judges’ salaries in defense. An exception is allowed in cases in Timor, military authorities continued the 1995. which distance or expense is deemed exces- practice of detaining people without charges Several important court decisions against sive for transporting witnesses to court. In for short periods and then requiring them to the Government in 1995 may be a sign of such cases, sworn affidavits may be intro- report daily or weekly to police after their nascent judicial independence. In February duced. However, the Criminal Procedures release. About 100 people were detained the Supreme Court commuted the 1993 Code does not provide for witnesses’ im- without charge during demonstrations and sentence of an Acehnese serving 5 years for munity or for compulsory process of de- outbreaks of violence in Dili around the time subversion and ordered his release. It also fense witnesses. As a result, witnesses are of the November 1994 Asian Pacific Eco- upheld the appeals court’s quashing of the sometimes too afraid of retribution to tes- nomic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. De- conviction of the alleged mastermind in the tify against the authorities. tentions continued during further distur- 1993 murder of labor activist Marsinah and In cases tried under the 1963 Antisubver- bances in December 1994 and January 1995. overturned his conviction. It also reversed sion Law, trials in absentia are permitted The authorities eventually charged and sen- the remaining eight civilians’ convictions as and public access generally requires advance tenced some of these detainees for involve- well for insufficient evidence, indirectly approval by the military. The courts com- ment in civil disturbances or antigovernment vindicating charges by the National Human monly allow forced confessions and limit protests, including at least eight East Rights Commission and some NGO’s that the presentation of defense evidence. De- Timorese who received prison sentences of their confessions had been coerced. In May fendants do not have the right to remain 12 to 30 months. Five other East Timorese, the Supreme Court provisionally released silent and can be compelled to testify in widely considered wrongly accused, were convicted labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan their own trials. The Criminal Procedures sentenced to 5 months’ imprisonment for pending a decision on his appeal under a Code gives defendants the right to an attor- involvement in mysterious nighttime inci- seldom honored provision of the Penal ney from the moment of their arrest through dents of harassment, beating, and fear- Code, and later overturned his conviction. It the investigation and trial. The law requires mongering by persons termed “ninjas.” also reversed the high court decision that that a lawyer be appointed in capital cases More than 200 persons were arrested in increased Amosi Telaumbanua’s sentence and those involving a prison sentence of 15 additional disturbances in September and from 15 to 36 months (see above). An ad- years or more. In cases involving potential October 1995. Authorities have announced ministrative court in Jakarta found in favor sentences of 5 years or more, a lawyer must that several dozen will be put on trial. of the plaintiffs, employees of the banned be appointed if the defendant desires an periodical Tempo, in their civil suit against Page 192 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. the Minister of Justice for revoking Islam in a closed academic seminar in April the Minister of Information in administra- Tempo’s publication license in 1993. The (see Section 2.A.). In February a district tive court contesting the revocation; the High Court unanimously upheld this deci- court in Malang, East Java sentenced José Government lost its appeal of the decision sion in November, stating that the ministe- Antonio Neves to 4 years in prison on to a higher court, but has appealed to the rial regulations permitting publications to be charges of sedition for advocating East Supreme Court. banned were in conflict with press freedoms Timorese independence and accusing the Although the Constitution and the 1982 contained in the Constitution. The Govern- army of human rights violations in letters to Press Law provide for freedom of the press, ment has appealed the High Court ruling to international organizations. the issuance of publishing licenses under a the Supreme Court. f. Arbitrary Interference with Privacy, Fam- 1984 ministerial decree is one method the The Antisubversion Law, which carries a ily, Home, or Correspondence Government uses to control the press. maximum penalty of death, makes it a crime Other means of control include regulation of Judicial warrants for searches are required to engage in acts that could distort, under- the amount of advertising permitted and of except for cases involving suspected subver- mine, or deviate from the state ideology or the number of pages allowed in newspapers. sion, economic crimes, and corruption. broad outlines of state policy, or which Authorities continued in some cases to issue However, security agencies regularly make could disseminate feelings of hostility or instructions, more or less subtle, to local forced or surreptitious entries. They also arouse hostility, disturbances, or anxiety journalists on what they could print. The intimidate by surveillance of persons and among the population. The excessively practice of telephoning editors to caution residences and selective monitoring of local vague language of this law makes it possible against publishing certain stories–the so- and international telephone calls without to prosecute people merely for peaceful called telephone culture–continued. In Au- legal restraint. Government security officials expression of views contrary to those of the gust the Attorney General warned in a press monitor the movements and activities of Government. In Aceh province, authorities conference that newspapers carrying specu- former members of the PKI and its front sentenced at least five accused Aceh Mer- lative stories about the rumored existence of organizations, especially persons the Gov- deka supporters under the Antisubversion a Soekarno-era Revolution Fund risked ernment believes were involved in the abor- Law to 6 to 20 years in prison (see Section criminal charges. Authorities also warned tive 1965 Communist-backed coup. These 1.e.). editors to end coverage of the Minister of persons and their relatives sometimes are The Government does not make available Information’s alleged public misreading of subject to surveillance, required check-ins, statistics on the number of people currently Koranic verses, which had caused a public periodic indoctrination, and restrictions on serving subversion sentences or sentences outcry, and temporarily banned the Sunday travel outside their city of residence. Their classified as felonies under the so-called edition of a Jakarta daily newspaper for legally required identification cards carry the Hate-Sowing or Sedition laws. President carrying stories on sensitive subjects. Self- initials “E.T.” which stand for “Ex-Tapol,” Soeharto granted clemency in August to censorship continued to be another publicly or former political prisoner. This readily three former high officials, Subandrio, Omar acknowledged brake on free expression. In identifies them to prospective employers or Dhani, and Sugeng Sutarto, who were serv- Medan, coverage of sensitive issues such as government officials and subjects them to ing life sentences in connection with the work stoppages and peasant protests various forms of official and unofficial dis- abortive Communist coup in 1965. Six pris- against land clearance operations has re- crimination. The number of persons bearing oners convicted of subversion in past years mained at a low level since the press ban- E.T. on their identification cards totaled remained under death sentence. In August nings of June 1994. 1,352,896 in 1992, according to the Gov- the authorities announced that two of them, In March the Government struck against ernment. The Government announced that it whose appeals for clemency were denied by two of the unlicensed underground publica- would phase out the use of E.T. in the proc- the President, were soon to be executed, but tions which had appeared in defiance of ess of introducing a new type of identifica- the executions had not been carried out as of government attempts to limit free and open tion card beginning in early 1996, while year’s end. news reporting. Police arrested the editor of leaving other forms of monitoring and con- Different sources estimate the number of “Kabar Dari Pijar” and three persons associ- trol in place. people serving sentences for subversion in ated with the Alliance of Independent Jour- The Government has in recent years sig- 1995, including members of the banned nalists (AJI), which publishes the under- nificantly reduced its transmigration pro- Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI), Mus- ground bulletin “Independen.” They were gram, which moves large numbers of people lim militants, and those convicted of subver- tried and sentenced for sowing hatred from overpopulated islands to more isolated sion in Irian Jaya, Aceh, and East Timor, at against the Government (see Section 1.e.). and backward ones. The program is criti- between 250 and 350. Scores, and possibly AJI was formed to work for press freedom cized by human rights monitors who say hundreds, more were believed to be serving in 1994 by journalists outraged by the Gov- that it not only sometimes violates the sentences under the Hate-Sowing or Sedition ernment’s revocation that year of the publi- rights of indigenous people but also those of laws. Some of these persons advocated or cation licenses of three periodicals. some of the transmigrants who claim that employed violence, but many are political The government-controlled Association they are duped into leaving their home vil- prisoners who were convicted for attempt- of Indonesian Journalists (PWI) expelled 13 lages without any means of return. ing to exercise such universally recognized AJI members, and the Government threat- human rights as freedom of speech or asso- Section 2 Respect for Civil Liberties, ened licensed periodicals with sanctions if ciation or who were convicted in manifestly Including: they employed journalists not affiliated unfair trials. The courts sentenced three a. Freedom of Speech and Press with the PWI. Active opposition to the new members of the Alliance of Independent government press measures still continued, Government restrictions on press free- Journalists (AJI) and a fourth underground however. Independen and a number of other dom continued, following the revocation of journalist to prison terms of 20 to 36 unsanctioned journals continued to publish, the publishing licenses of three well-known months under the Hate-Sowing articles (see providing critical coverage of controversial newsmagazines the previous year. In May Section 2.a). In September a court sentenced issues to a limited audience mainly in major former employees of Tempo, one of the a well-known psychic to 7 months in jail cities. Vigorous debate on a number of sensi- banned periodicals, won a lawsuit against under the articles for blasphemy against tive topics such as corruption, collusion, the East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 193 role of the first family in business, and lack license. The government radio station pro- books outright. In February the Central Java of government accountability for funds ex- duces “National News,” which is by law the government ordered a new edition of the pended rebounded during 1995, particularly only radio news broadcast in Indonesia, and book “Cerita Dari Blora,” by the prominent in the English language press. However, it is relayed throughout the country by the Indonesian novelist and former political major Indonesian language newspapers re- private stations and 49 regional affiliates of prisoner Pramoedya Anata Toer, which had main cautious in covering controversial sub- the Government station. By law, the private been banned in 1976, withdrawn from book- jects and the statements of prominent critics radio stations may produce only “light” stores, and in April the Attorney General of the Government. news, such as human interest stories, and ordered the withdrawal of his book “Nyani While public dialog is more free than it may not discuss politics. In practice, how- Sunyi Seorang Bisu” from sale. Most of was a number of years ago, the Government ever, many broadcast interviews and foreign Pramoedya’s works are banned in Indonesia. continues to impose restrictions on free news as well. However, government pres- b. Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and As- speech. Bandung authorities prohibited sure resulted in one talk show on the private sociation noted poet W. S. Rendra from reading some station SCTV being taken off the air for The Constitution provides for freedom of of his poems at a fund-raising event, al- covering sensitive subjects. assembly and association. The Government though he had been allowed to read them Foreign television and radio broadcasts places significant controls on the exercise of earlier in Surabaya. In March the authorities are readily accessible to those who can af- this right, but announced an easing of the withdrew permission for “recalled” Unity ford the expensive technology, and satellite restrictions which are still not promulgated. Development Party (PPP) legislator Sri dishes have proliferated throughout the Until 1995 public meetings of five or more Bintang Pamungkas to address a seminar on country. The Government makes no efforts persons, as well as academic or other semi- economics at Garut, East Java. Pamungkas to restrict access to this programming, and nars and marches and demonstrations, re- was one of two legislators withdrawn or has proclaimed an “open skies” policy, quired permits from the police and several recalled from Parliament by their parties although more and more signals are being government agencies. While obtaining such (the other was from the government- scrambled by broadcasters for commercial approval was usually routine, the authori- controlled GOLKAR organization–see Sec- reasons. ties occasionally arbitrarily and inconsis- tion 3) for their outspoken criticisms of the The Government closely regulates access tently withheld permission or broke up Government. The police also investigated to Indonesia, particularly to certain areas of peaceful gatherings for which no permit had Pamungkas on various charges related to his the country, by visiting and resident foreign been obtained. The press reported 5 in- alleged involvement in protests against correspondents and occasionally reminds stances of authorities denying permits and President Soeharto during the President’s the latter of its prerogative to deny requests 26 cases of dispersing unauthorized meet- April visit to Germany and at year’s end for visa extensions. The Government re- ings in the first 8 months of 1995. In Janu- were trying him on charges of insulting the quires a permit for the importation of for- ary a 1-day seminar on the Antisubversion President during a speech he made in Ger- eign publications and video tapes, which Law at the Jakarta office of the Legal Aid many. In April Medan police briefly de- must be reviewed by government censors. Foundation, in which members of the Na- tained and questioned but did not charge Importers sometimes avoid foreign materials tional Human Rights Commission partici- eight student protestors for allegedly slan- critical of the Government or dealing with pated, narrowly averted being closed by the dering President Soeharto. In May the Ja- topics considered sensitive, such as human police, who remained on the premises in karta office of the Directorate of Social and rights. Foreign publications are widely avail- force during the session. Authorities in Ja- Political Affairs, which together with several able. karta and Semarang broke up May 1 Inter- other government entities must give ap- Special permission is necessary for for- national Labor Day demonstrations by stu- proval for theatrical performances, blocked a eign journalists to travel to East Timor, dents protesting government labor policies, permit for a workers’ theater group to per- Aceh, and Irian Jaya. The Government or- and arrested 13 demonstrators in Medan form a play in the capital about exploitation ganized at least one group journalist trip to who were protesting government investiga- of factory workers. In September Jakarta East Timor. Approval for individual trips tion of prominent dissidents accused of police prevented a different group from by journalists to the province, and for travel taking part in demonstrations against Presi- staging another play on a labor theme for outside Dili (the capital), became more re- dent Soeharto in Dresden. The East Java which authorities had already granted per- strictive, with a number of journalists re- government repeatedly denied permission to mission. peatedly requesting permission, without the head of the PDI party to meet with The electronic media remained more cau- success, to visit the province. party chapters and hold public rallies in that tious in their coverage of the Government While the law provides for academic province. In June Jakarta authorities forci- than the print media. The Government op- freedom, constraints exist on the activities bly dispersed an unauthorized seminar on erates the nationwide television network, of scholars. Political activity and discus- Islam and charged its organizer with holding which has 12 regional stations. Private sions at universities, while no longer for- a public gathering without a permit. If con- commercial television companies, many mally banned, remained constrained. In Sep- victed, he faces a maximum 4-year sentence. with ownership or management ties to the tember a court sentenced a psychic to 7 In response to growing public criticism of President’s family, continued to expand. All months in prison for remarks he made about the permit process, including from the Na- are required to broadcast government- the prophet Mohammed in an academic tional Human Rights Commission, the Gov- produced news, but many also produce seminar, but it provisionally released him ernment in June dropped the permit re- public affairs style programming that bor- from custody the next day. quirement for university approved on- ders on news. Scholars sometimes refrain from produc- campus scientific seminars. On August 30, Over 600 private radio broadcasting ing or including in lectures and class discus- the Government announced that regulations companies exist in addition to the Govern- sions materials that they believe might pro- requiring permits for other types of meet- ment’s national radio network. They are all voke government displeasure. Publishers ings would be liberalized by the end of the required to belong to the government- sometimes refuse to accept manuscripts year, to take effect in early 1996. In Decem- sponsored Association of Private Radio dealing with controversial issues. On occa- ber the Government promulgated regulations Stations (PRSSNI) to receive a broadcasting sion the Government bans publications and Page 194 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. governing public gatherings which stipulate Protestantism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, mosques following reports that an Indone- that gatherings which are social, cultural, and permits the practice of the mystical, sian official made derogatory comments religious, or scientific in character–as well as traditional beliefs of “Aliran Kepercayaan.” about Catholicism. The official in question activities held in private premises–do not Although the population is overwhelmingly has been sentenced to 4 years, 10 months in require a permit from or advance notification Muslim, the practice and teachings of the prison. Several Protestant churches were to the police. Seven days prior notice must other recognized religions are generally re- also burned in September, sparked by the be given to the police before sociopolitical spected, and the Government actively pro- celebration of a religiously mixed marriage. organizations hold political meetings, and motes mutual tolerance and harmony among Clashes in mid-October between security for any meetings which will discuss political them. However, some restrictions on certain forces and groups of youths led to extensive issues or which aspire to influence public types of religious activity exist. damage, at least 2 deaths, and 151 arrests. policy. Such meetings will not, however, Because the first tenet of Pancasila is be- There has been an Islamic backlash on Java require permits. Permits are still required for lief in one Supreme God, atheism is forbid- calling for the defense of Muslims in East public festivities, fairs, carnivals, parades, den. The legal requirement to adhere to Pan- Timor. Property was destroyed and mem- and rallies. Such events are assumed to have casila extends to all religious and secular bers of the Chinese community harassed in been authorized at least 3 days prior to the organizations. The Government strongly separate incidents in Pekalongan and Pur- scheduled date for the event. The new regu- opposes Muslim groups which advocate workerto, Central Java, following incidents lations do not govern activities considered to establishing an Islamic state or acknowledg- in which Chinese individuals were believed be demonstrations. ing only Islamic law and in the fall an- to have insulted Islamic traditions. The 1985 Social Organizations Law nounced large scale questioning and several The law allows conversion between (ORMAS) requires the adherence of all arrests of people in Central Java alleged to faiths, and such conversions occur. Mar- organizations, including recognized religions advocate the establishment of an Islamic riages between persons of different religions and associations, to the official ideology of state. There are government procedures for are allowed. The Government views prose- Pancasila. This provision, which limits po- banning religious sects in Indonesia. Among lytizing by the recognized religions in areas litical activity, is widely understood as de- those prohibited are Jehovah’s Witnesses, heavily dominated by one recognized relig- signed to inhibit activities of groups seeking Baha’i, and in some provinces the Messianic ion or another as potentially disruptive and to make Indonesia an Islamic state, revive Islamic sect Darul Arqam. The Government discourages it. Foreign missionary activities communism, or return the country to a closely monitors Islamic sects considered in are relatively unimpeded, although in East situation of partisan ideological division. danger of deviating from orthodox tenets, Timor and occasionally elsewhere mission- This law empowers the Government to and in the past has on occasion dissolved aries have experienced difficulties and delays disband any organization it believes to be such groups. in renewing residence permits, and visas acting against Pancasila and requires prior Violence between rival factions in the allowing the entrance of new foreign clergy government approval for any organization’s Huria Kristen Batak Protestan (HKBP), are difficult to obtain. Laws and decrees acceptance of funds from foreign donors, Indonesia’s largest Protestant church, con- from the 1970’s limit the number of years thereby hindering the work of many local tinued in North Sumatra throughout 1995, foreign missionaries can spend in Indonesia, humanitarian organizations. Nevertheless, a with at least one fatality. In early 1993, with some extensions granted in remote significant number of organizations, includ- citing a threat to civil order, the northern areas like Irian Jaya. Foreign missionary ing the independent labor organization Seri- Sumatra regional military commander inter- work is subject to the funding stipulations kat Buruh Sejahtera Indonesia (SBSI), con- vened in an internal leadership dispute of the ORMAS Law (see Section 2.b.). In- tinue to be active without official recogni- which broke out within the HKBP the pre- donesians practicing the recognized religions tion under this law (see Section 6). vious year, appointing a new bishop and maintain active links with coreligionists In the past few years, NGO’s have pro- helping the new bishop’s supporters take inside and outside the country and travel liferated in such fields as human rights, the over church property. Civilian and military abroad for religious gatherings. environment, development, and consumer authorities have called the dispute an inter- d. Freedom of Movement within the Coun- protection. In general, the Government has nal church matter that should be resolved by try, Foreign Travel, Emigration, and Re- given them rather wide latitude to pursue the HKBP members themselves. For the patriation their aims, including public criticism of gov- most part, only supporters of the former Although in 1993 the Government drasti- ernment policies and in some cases lawsuits bishop have been prosecuted for acts of cally reduced the number of people barred against the Government. The Government violence despite evidence that members of either from entering or departing Indonesia seems to have quietly shelved a 1994 draft the opposing faction engaged in violent acts from a publicly announced figure of 8,897 presidential decree similar to the ORMAS as well. In late 1995, however, authorities “blacklisted” people to a few hundred, such Law that would have brought the more than for the first time took action against some restrictions still exist. The Government 700 NGO’s under more stringent controls. partisans of the new bishop as well. banned ousted Parliament member Sri Bin- However, there remain limits on certain High level officials continued to make tang Pamunkas from traveling abroad while types of NGO activities, and authorities public statements emphasizing the impor- investigating his earlier activities in Ger- reacted forcefully against certain NGO’s tance of respect for religious diversity in the many (see Section 2.a.). The Government participating in labor demonstrations or country, particularly following incidents of has appealed a State Administrative Court publishing unlicensed newsletters. The religious tension in areas such as Flores, decision in December that the ban is illegal. Government reacts particularly negatively East and West Timor, and parts of Java. Novelist Pramoedya Anata Toer was unable to NGO leaders and others who criticize its Lower level officials, however, are fre- to travel to the Philippines to accept a liter- policies when abroad. quently alleged to be reluctant to facilitate ary award from the Magsaysay Foundation. and protect the rights of religious minorities. c. Freedom of Religion The Government also restricts movement There was an outbreak of religion-based The Constitution provides for religious by Indonesian and foreign citizens to and violence in East Timor in September and freedom and belief in one Supreme God. The within parts of Indonesia. In addition, it October. In early September, Timorese Government recognizes Islam, Catholicism, requires permits to seek work in a new loca- burned markets and damaged several East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 195 tion in certain areas, primarily to control the Communist Party, are eligible to vote. others protesting alleged human rights further population movement to crowded Voters choose by secret ballot between the abuses and airing other grievances. cities. Special permits are required to visit three government-approved political organi- While there are no de jure restrictions on certain parts of Irian Jaya. The military zations, which field candidate lists in each women in politics, only 55 out of 500 mem- carried out security checks affecting trans- electoral district. Those lists must be bers of the DPR are women; 2 women are portation and travel to and within East screened by BAKORSTANAS (see Section Cabinet members. Timor sporadically in 1995, and it occasion- 1.d.), which determines whether candidates Section 4 Governmental Attitude Re- ally imposed curfews in connection with were involved in the abortive 1965 Commu- garding International and Nongovern- military operations. The authorities require nist coup or pose other broadly defined mental Investigation of Alleged Viola- former political detainees, including those security risks. Critics charge these screen- tions of Human Rights associated with the abortive 1965 coup, to ings are unconstitutional, since there is no While various domestic organizations and give notice of their movements and to have way to appeal the results, and note that persons interested in human and worker official permission (see Section 1.f.) to they can be used to eliminate critics of the rights operate energetically, some, such as change their place of residence. Government from Parliament. the unrecognized trade union SBSI (see Sec- In past years the Government admitted Strict rules establish the length of politi- tion 6.a.) and the Alliance of Independent large numbers of asylum seekers from Indo- cal campaigns, access to electronic media, Journalists, faced government harassment china. Only a relatively small number now schedules for public appearances, and the including police raids on their offices, sur- remain, and the Government continues to political symbols that can be used. The veillance by police or military intelligence, work with Vietnam under a tripartite Government permits only three political interrogations at police stations, or cancella- Memorandum of Understanding signed in organizations to exist and contest elections. tions of private meetings. 1993 with the United Nations High Com- The largest and most important of these is The Government considers outside inves- missioner for Refugees to repatriate peace- GOLKAR, a government-controlled organi- tigations of alleged human rights violations fully the remaining asylum seekers to Viet- zation of diverse functional groups which to be interference in its internal affairs and nam. won 68 percent of the seats in the 1992 emphasizes its belief that linking foreign elections. The President strongly influences Section 3 Respect for Political Rights: assistance to human rights observance is the selection of the leaders of GOLKAR. The Right of Citizens to Change Their unacceptable. The other two small political organizations, Government The ICRC continued to operate in East the Unity Development Party (PPP) and Citizens do not have the ability to change Timor, Irian Jaya, and Aceh, and to visit the Democratic Party of Indonesia (PDI), their government through democratic means. prisoners convicted of participation in the split the remaining vote. The law requires all The 1,000-member People’s Consultative abortive, Communist-backed coup in 1965, three political organizations to embrace Assembly (MPR), which is constitutionally convicted Muslim extremists, and East Pancasila, and none of the organizations is the highest authority of the State and meets Timorese prisoners. considered an opposition party. Govern- every 5 years to elect the President and Vice While receiving wide support for its ment authorities closely scrutinize and often President and set the broad outlines of state work from the Government in Jakarta, the guide their activities. Members of the DPR policy, is controlled by the Government ICRC continually faced difficulty in imple- and the provincial assemblies may be re- through the appointment of half its mem- menting its humanitarian program in East called from office by party leaders. In 1995 bership. The remaining half come from the Timor during 1995. The ICRC no longer both GOLKAR and PPP recalled legislators National Parliament (DPR), 80 percent of maintains an office in Irian Jaya but visits who were considered too outspoken. whose members are elected. In 1993 the that province from Jakarta several times a GOLKAR maintains close institutional MPR elected Soeharto to his sixth uncon- year. The ICRC also visits Aceh regularly, links with the armed forces and KORPRI, tested 5-year term as President. Legally, the but the Government has not approved the the association to which all civil servants President is constitutionally subordinate to ICRC’s request to open an office there. The automatically belong. Civil servants may the Parliament, but actually he and a small Government facilitated the visit of U.N. join any of the political parties with official group of active duty and retired military Human Rights Commissioner José Ayala permission, but most are members of officers and civilian officials exercise gov- Lasso to Jakarta and East Timor in Decem- GOLKAR. Former members of the PKI and ernmental authority. ber. Travel to East Timor by foreign human some other banned parties may not run for Under a doctrine known as dual function, rights NGO’s has not been approved. Indo- office or be active politically. The DPR the military assumes a significant sociopoli- nesian human rights organizations are able to considers bills presented to it by govern- tical as well as a security role. Members of visit East Timor, but have not been author- ment departments and agencies but does not the military are allotted unelected seats in ized to open offices there. draft laws on its own, although it has the the DPR. In 1995 the Government legislated The government-appointed National constitutional right to do so. The DPR a reduction in the number of these seats Human Rights Commission, in its second makes technical and occasionally substan- from 100 to 75, or 15 percent of a total of year of operation, became increasingly ac- tive alterations to bills it reviews. In prac- 500, effective 1997. The military will con- tive in examining reported human rights tice, it remains clearly subordinate to the tinue to hold an unelected 20 percent of the violations and continued to show independ- executive branch, but recently it has become seats in provincial and district parliaments, ence and a willingness to criticize govern- more active in scrutinizing government pol- and to occupy numerous key positions in ment actions and policies. The Commis- icy, and exercising oversight of government the administration. The other 85 percent of sion’s report of its investigation of the budgetary expenditures and program imple- national and 80 percent of local parliamen- January 12 killing of six East Timorese in mentation through hearings at which mem- tary seats are filled through elections held Liquisa charged that the military forces in- bers of the Cabinet, military commanders, every 5 years. All adult citizens, except volved tortured and murdered the suspects, and other high officials are asked to testify. active duty members of the armed forces, calling into question the military’s original The DPR has also become increasingly a convicted criminals serving prison sen- contention that they were killed in a fire- focal point of appeals and petitions from tences, and some 36,000 former members of fight. The Commission also sent investiga- students, workers, displaced farmers, and Page 196 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. tive teams to Irian Jaya in August and Sep- Rape is a punishable offense in Indone- and political rights and claim some success tember, and found evidence to support sia. Men have been arrested and sentenced in gaining official cognizance of women’s NGO and church reports of the torture and for rape and attempted rape although reli- concerns. killing of civilians by security forces in that able statistics are unavailable. Women’s Children province, as well as security police respon- rights activists believe rape is grossly under- The Government is committed to chil- sibility for disappearances of civilians. reported owing to the social stigma attached dren’s rights and welfare, but is hampered Lacking enforcement powers, the Commis- to the victim. Some legal experts state that if by a lack of resources to translate this com- sion attempts to work within the system, a woman does not go immediately to the mitment into practice. A 1979 law on chil- sending teams where necessary to inquire hospital for a physical examination which dren’s welfare defines the responsibility of into possible human rights problems and produces semen or other physical evidence the State and parents to nurture and protect employing persuasion, publicity, and moral of rape, she will not be able to bring charges. children. However, implementing regulations authority to highlight abuses, make recom- Some women fail to report rape to police have never been developed, and the law’s mendations for legal and regulatory changes, out of fear of being molested again by the provisions have yet to go into effect. The and encourage corrective action. The Com- police themselves. Government has made particular efforts to mission has yet to occupy its own perma- By law, women are equal to and have the improve primary education, maternity ser- nent facilities and continues to have very same rights, obligations, and opportunities vices, and family planning. The United Na- limited staff support. Although the Gov- as men. However, in practice women face tions Children’s Fund (UNICEF) estimates ernment appointed the original Commission some legal discrimination. For example, in that more than 1 million children drop out of members, the Commission fills vacancies in divorce cases women often bear a heavier primary school every year due mainly to the its ranks independently by internal election. evidentiary burden than men, especially in cost of supplies, uniforms and other ex- the Islamic-based family court system. Al- Section 5 Discrimination Based on Race, penses, in addition to the professed need for though some women enjoy a high degree of Sex, Religion, Disability, Language, or the children to supplement family income. economic and social freedom and occupy Social Status Thousands of street children living in Ja- important midlevel positions in both the The Constitution does not explicitly for- karta and other cities sell newspapers, shine public and private sectors, the majority of bid discrimination based on gender, race, shoes, help to park or watch cars, and oth- women do not experience such social and disability, language, or social status. How- erwise earn money. Many thousands more economic freedoms and are often dispropor- ever, the Constitution stipulates equal rights work in factories and fields (see also Section tionately represented at the lower end of the and obligations for all Indonesian citizens, 6.d.). NGO’s criticize government efforts to scale. Although women constitute one- both native and naturalized. Chapter 4 of help these children as inadequate. quarter of the civil service, they occupy the 1993 Guidelines of State Policy (legal Child prostitution and other sexual only a small fraction of the service’s top statutes adopted by the People’s Consulta- abuses occur, especially cases of incest be- posts. Income disparity between men and tive Assembly) explicitly states that women tween stepfathers and stepdaughters, but women diminishes significantly with greater have the same rights, obligations, and op- data on their incidence are lacking. Some educational attainment. portunities as men. child care experts believe it to be low. While Women are often not given the extra Article 29 of the Constitution grants In- there are laws designed to protect children benefits and salary that men receive that is donesians the right to practice their individ- from indecent activities, prostitution, and their due when they are the head of house- ual religion and beliefs. incest, the Government has made no special hold, and in some cases do not receive em- enforcement efforts in these areas. A sepa- Women ployment benefits for their husband and rate criminal justice system for juveniles Violence against women remains poorly children, such as medical insurance. Despite does not exist; however, the Department of documented. However, the Government has laws guaranteeing women a 3-month mater- Justice is drafting legislation to establish a acknowledged the problem of domestic vio- nity leave, the Government has conceded special court system and criminal code for lence in society, which some say has been that pregnant women are often dismissed or juveniles. In 1995 media attention focused aggravated by recent social changes brought are replaced while on leave. Some companies on the case of a 9-year old who was arrested about by rapid urbanization. Longstanding require that women sign statements that for theft and held with adult offenders by traditional beliefs that the husband may they will not become pregnant. Women police. The child was also allegedly beaten “teach” or “control” the wife through sev- workers also have complained of being sexu- by police during interrogation. Police offi- eral means, including violence, also contrib- ally victimized by foremen and factory cials admitted that juveniles are often im- ute to the problem. Although women’s owners. prisoned with adult offenders. groups are trying to change the law, rape by Women workers in manufacturing gener- Female genital mutilation (FGM) occurs a husband of a wife is not a crime in Indone- ally receive lower wages than men and also in some parts of Indonesia. There are no sia. While police could bring assault charges are more likely to be hired only on a daily statistics available; the only information against a husband for beating his wife, due basis. As a result, they are less likely to available is anecdotal. In Java, it usually to social attitudes they are unlikely to do so. receive benefits legally mandated for perma- takes place within the first year after birth The Government provides some counseling, nent workers. Unemployment rates for and is performed either at a hospital or by a and several private organizations exist to women are approximately 50 percent higher local traditional practitioner or “dukun,” assist women. Many of these organizations than for men. especially in rural areas. Usually a small focus mainly on reuniting the family rather Women disproportionately experience il- section of the tip of the clitoris is cut or a than on providing protection to the women literacy, poor health, and inadequate nutri- small incision is made in the tip of the clito- involved. In 1995, the first drop-in center tion. However, women’s educational indica- ris with the purpose of drawing a few drops for battered women was founded in Jakarta tors have improved in the last decade. For of blood. Total removal of the clitoris is not by an NGO. There are no battered women’s example, the number of girls graduating from the objective of the practice, although it shelters. Many women rely on extended high school tripled from 1980 to 1990. Sev- does occur if ineptly performed. family systems for assistance in cases of eral voluntary private groups work actively domestic violence. to advance women’s legal, economic, social, East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 197

Parliament members asked Department Commission did not indicate that the Free- sparked socioeconomic tension in urban of Health officials to investigate the inci- port company, which operates a large cop- areas, proving an even greater concern than dence of FGM after the U.S. human rights per and gold mine in the province, was re- the formally sponsored transmigration pro- report came out 3 years ago. They infor- sponsible for the human rights abuses in the gram. In mid-1995, East Timor’s provincial mally contacted the heads of gynecology area. Freeport has denied any involvement government instructed its officials to limit and obstetrics departments at Jakarta hospi- in the abuses; some NGO’s believe further the stay in the province of non-Timorese tals who reported no evidence of health investigation is warranted. Human rights seeking jobs to a maximum of 3 months. It is problems due to FGM. monitors have expressed concern about the too early to assess how well these new People with Disabilities practices of some logging companies which measures have been implemented. recruit indigenous people for work. Accord- No national law specifically addresses Section 6 Worker Rights ing to Human Rights Watch/Asia, this activ- the problems or status of the disabled, nor ity in Irian Jaya has separated these people a. The Right of Association do they receive special programs or atten- from their traditional economies. Most civil Private sector workers, including those in tion. However, during 1994 the Ministry of servants in local governments in Irian Jaya export processing zones, are by law free to Social Welfare began drafting regulations on and other isolated areas continue to come form worker organizations without prior treatment of the disabled partly based on primarily from Java, rather than from the authorization. However, government poli- the Americans with Disabilities Act. In local indigenous population. cies and current numerical requirements for 1994 President Soeharto gave his approval union recognition constitute a significant to submit these new regulations to the Par- National/Racial/Ethnic Minorities barrier to freedom of association and the liament; however, the draft is in the Cabinet Indonesians exhibit considerable racial right to engage in collective bargaining. The Secretariat being readied for submission in and ethnic tolerance, with the important Department of Manpower uses a regulation early 1996. Virtually no public buildings or exception of official and informal discrimina- that requires that a union be set up “by and public means of transport are designed spe- tion against ethnic Chinese, who comprise for workers” to deny recognition to groups cifically for access by the disabled. They about 3 percent of the population. Since which include people it considers nonwork- face considerable discrimination in employ- 1959 noncitizen ethnic Chinese have been ers, such as lawyers or human rights activ- ment. denied the right to run businesses in rural ists, who are involved as labor organizers. The Constitution includes the right of Indonesia. Regulations prohibit the opera- Until 1994 only the government-sponsored every citizen to obtain an education. In 1989 tion of all Chinese schools for ethnic Chi- All-Indonesia Workers Union SPSI could the Government issued regulations covering nese, formation of exclusively Chinese cul- bargain on behalf of employees or represent education for the mentally and physically tural groups or trade associations, and pub- workers in the Department of Manpower’s disabled. However, the regulations do not lic display of Chinese characters. Since Au- labor courts. A 1994 regulation provides grant a right to public education for disabled gust 1994, firms working in the tourist in- that workers in a single company with more children. While there are some public dustry are allowed to produce Chinese- than 25 employees can join together as a schools for the disabled, the Government language brochures, programs, and similar “plant-level union” and negotiate a legally supports the concept that education should material for Chinese-speaking tourists. binding agreement with their employer out- be provided by the community in the form However, Chinese-language publications, side the SPSI framework, although the Gov- of NGO-run private schools that may re- with the exception of one government- ernment encourages these plant-level unions ceive some public funds. owned daily newspaper, may neither be to join the SPSI. Over 900 plant-level un- imported nor produced domestically. Pri- Indigenous People ions existed by December. vate instruction in Chinese is generally pro- The Government states publicly that it There is a de facto single union system, hibited but takes place to a limited extent, recognizes the existence of several indige- the SPSI and its 13 federated sectoral un- and since 1994 has been allowed to train nous population groups, and that they have ions. The SPSI maintains international con- employees in the tourism industry in func- a right to participate fully in political and tacts but is not affiliated with any interna- tional Mandarin. State universities have no social life. Critics maintain that the Gov- tional trade union organizations except the formal quotas that limit the number of eth- ernment’s approach is basically paternalistic Association of Southeast Asian Nations nic Chinese. The law forbids the celebration and designed more to integrate indigenous (ASEAN) Trade Union Council. The SPSI of the Chinese New Year in temples or pub- people more closely into Indonesian society completed in 1995 a transformation from a lic places, but its enforcement was limited in than to protect their traditional way of life. unitary (centralized) to a federative (decen- 1995. Chinese New Year decorations were Human rights monitors criticize the Gov- tralized) structure. Its 13 industrial sectors displayed in public shopping areas in major ernment’s transmigration program for violat- are now registered as independent unions cities. ing the rights of indigenous people (see Sec- and are the only unions recognized by the East Timorese and various human rights tion 1.f.). Department of Manpower. The Minister of groups charge that the East Timorese are Where indigenous people clash with de- Manpower has stated that any unions underrepresented in the civil service in East velopment projects, the developers almost which are formed should affiliate with the Timor. It is difficult to confirm or deny the always win. Tensions with indigenous peo- SPSI federation, and that the Government charges as there appears to be no registry of ple in Irian Jaya, including in the vicinity of will not recognize any unions outside the the birthplace of civil servants, who can be the Freeport McMoRan mining concession federation. The Government’s stated policy transferred anywhere. East Timorese have area near Timika, led to a crackdown by is to improve effectiveness of the recognized expressed concerns that the transmigration government security forces, resulting in the SPSI unions rather than to allow the forma- program (see Section 1.f.) could lead to deaths of civilians and other violent human tion of alternative organizations. fewer employment opportunities and might rights abuses. These abuses (see Section Two other labor groups, Setia Kawan eventually destroy East Timor’s cultural 1.b.) were documented by the National Hu- (Solidarity), also known as Serikat Buruh identity. However, these concerns probably man Rights Commission, the Catholic Merdeka (SBM, Free Trade Union), and were exaggerated. In the last several years, Church, and NGO’s. In its reports on these Serikat Buruh Sejahtera Indonesia (SBSI, informal migration to the province has incidents, the National Human Rights Indonesian Workers Welfare Union), have Page 198 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. been organized but are not registered. Setia join KORPRI, but a small number of state mittee on Freedom of Association declared Kawan, founded 4 years ago, is now essen- enterprises have SPSI units. Teachers must in April that “legal impediments negate the tially moribund. belong to the Teachers’ Association (PGRI). right of workers to establish organizations The SBSI, created in 1992, claims that it While technically classed as a union, the of their own choosing” and deeply deplored has formed the necessary number of fac- PGRI continues to function more as a wel- “the seriousness of the allegations, which tory-level units to meet the legal require- fare organization and does not appear to led it to believe that the general situation of ments for registration as a labor union, but have engaged in trade union activities such workers in Indonesia has not evolved but is its most recent request (in November 1994) as collective bargaining. still characterized by serious and worsening for registration as a trade union was denied. Unions may draw up their own constitu- infringements of basic human and trade un- The Department of Manpower has also tions and rules and elect their representa- ion rights and violations of freedom of asso- blocked SBSI attempts to register with the tives. However, the Government has a great ciation principles in law and practice.” Department of Home Affairs as a social deal of influence over the SPSI and its feder- While Pancasila principles call for labor- organization under the ORMAS Law. The ated unions. The new head of SPSI is a management differences to be settled by Government considers the SBSI to be illegal. member of Parliament for GOLKAR, and consensus, all organized workers except civil Although the Government has not dis- many members of the executive council are servants have the legal right to strike. While banded it, it has continually harassed the also members of GOLKAR and its constitu- state enterprise employees and teachers SBSI, especially after large-scale labor dem- ent functional groups. These persons have rarely exercise this right, private sector onstrations, which SBSI helped to organize been given positions in the new federated strikes are frequent. Before a strike can oc- in Medan in April 1994, degenerated into industrial sector unions. The Minister of cur in the private sector, the law requires anti-Chinese rioting. The Government ar- Manpower is a member of the SPSI’s Con- intensive mediation by the Department of rested a number of the Medan SBSI leader- sultative Council. Numerous regional SPSI Manpower and prior notice of the intent to ship and its National Chairman, Muchtar officials also are GOLKAR members, some- strike. However, no approval is required. In Pakpahan, and tried and convicted them of times serving in regional legislatures. Ac- practice, dispute settlement procedures are inciting violence in connection with the ri- cording to credible reports, the Government not followed, and formal notice of the intent ots, charges which the International Labor interferes in the selection of SPSI officers, to strike is rarely given because Department Organization (ILO) and many international especially by placing retired military offi- of Manpower procedures are slow. These observers believed were unjustified. This cers in mid-level SPSI positions. The Gov- procedures have little credibility with work- view appears to be correct. All the others ernment has stated that it will cease the ers, who ignore them. Therefore, sudden have now served their sentences and have practice of placing military officers in union strikes tend to result from longstanding been released. The Supreme Court over- positions and eventually will remove offi- grievances or recognition that legally man- turned Pakpahan’s sentence (see Section cials with significant GOLKAR connec- dated benefits or rights are not being re- 1.e.). It is widely believed that the Govern- tions. The Department of Manpower sup- ceived. While strike leaders are not arrested ment’s actions against the SBSI leadership ported the SPSI in its successful resistance for illegal strikes, they often lose their jobs were intended to discredit or destroy the to an attempt by the regent of Kudus, Cen- and have no legal recourse for reinstatement. organization. Government harassment of tral Java, to name a retired military officer as The number of strikes has decreased signifi- SBSI, including disbanding its meetings and SPSI district head. cantly since the latter half of 1994, reversing training seminars, continued throughout Under the Criminal Code, police ap- a trend of the previous few years. Govern- 1995. proval is needed for all meetings of five or ment actions to raise and more vigorously Because of past Department of Man- more people of all organizations outside enforce minimum wage rates may be partly power regulations, many SPSI factory units offices or normal work sites, though the responsible. are led by persons who have little credibility Government late in 1995 announced its b. The Right to Organize and Bargain Col- with their units’ members because they intention to relax this regulation (see Section lectively were selected by employers. A new regula- 2.b.). This provision also applies to union Collective bargaining is provided for by tion states that employees must only notify meetings. Permission is routinely given to law, and the Department of Manpower their employer that they wish to form a the SPSI but not to rival organizations such promotes it within the context of the na- union and that they may proceed if they do as the SBSI which was prevented from hold- tional ideology, Pancasila. Until 1994 only not receive a response from their employer ing several meetings over the last few years, recognized trade unions–the SPSI and its within 2 weeks. Despite this new provision, including its first congress in 1993. In April components–could legally engage in collec- strikes continue to occur because employers police curtailed an SPSI third anniversary tive bargaining. Since early 1994, new gov- attempt to prevent the formation of union gathering in Jakarta. The Government may ernment regulations also permit unaffiliated branches. These strikes are invariably suc- dissolve a union if it believes the union is plant-level workers’ associations to con- cessful, and the formation of an SPSI unit acting against Pancasila, although it has clude legally binding agreements with em- follows shortly thereafter. However, work- never actually done so, and there are no laws ployers, and some 24 had done so by mid- ers who are active in the formation of the or regulations specifying procedures for 1995, according to government figures. union are frequently dismissed and have no union dissolution. Agreements concluded by any other groups practical protection by either law or gov- In 1994 the International Confederation are not considered legally binding and are ernment practice. of Free Trade Unions lodged a formal com- not registered by the Department of Man- Civil servants are not permitted to join plaint against Indonesia with the ILO, ac- power. The majority of the collective bar- unions and must belong to KORPRI, a non- cusing the Government of denying workers’ gaining agreements between the SPSI units union association whose Central Develop- right to set up unions of their own choosing, and employers are negotiated bilaterally. ment Council is chaired by the Minister of harassing independent workers’ organiza- Once notified that 25 employees have joined Home Affairs. State enterprise employees, tions, and of taking other actions contrary to a registered SPSI or independent plant level defined to include those working in enter- ILO standards on freedom of association union, an employer is obligated to bargain prises in which the state has a 5-percent and the right to collective bargaining. In with it. In companies without unions, the holding or greater, usually are required to considering this complaint, the ILO’s Com- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 199

Government discourages workers from util- in practice the full application of the con- high as 6.5 million, according to a 1989 izing outside assistance, e.g., during consul- vention.” study, and the number would be even tations with employers over company regu- The armed forces, which include the po- greater if those who have not left school are lations. Instead, the Department of Man- lice, continues to involve itself in labor is- included. Indonesia was one of the first power prefers that workers seek its assis- sues, despite new regulations promulgated countries to be selected for participation in tance and believes that its role is to protect in 1994 to prohibit military interference the ILO’s international Program on the workers. There are credible reports that for when there is no threat to security. There is Elimination of Child Labor (IPEC), and it some companies, consultations are perfunc- some evidence that the incidence of such signed a memorandum of understanding with tory at best and usually with management- military involvement has decreased since the ILO on May 29, 1992 to guide collabo- selected workers; there are also credible 1994, but not all observers share this per- ration under this program. Recommenda- reports to the contrary from foreign compa- ception. Workers charge that members of tions for an action plan were developed at a nies. Over half of the factory-level SPSI the security forces attempt to intimidate national conference in Bogor in July 1993. units have collective bargaining agreements. union organizers and strike leaders and have During 1995, 30 government labor inspec- The degree to which these agreements are been present in significant numbers during tors received ILO-sponsored training on freely negotiated between unions and man- some strikes, even when there has been no child labor matters under the IPEC program. agement without government interference destruction of property or other violence. However, enforcement remains lax. varies. By regulation, negotiations must be Members of military intelligence attended The Government acknowledges that there concluded within 30 days or be submitted to and monitored trade union education semi- is a class of children who must work for the Department of Manpower for mediation nars run by the Asian-American Free Labor socioeconomic reasons, and in 1987 the and conciliation or arbitration. Most nego- Institute (AAFLI) and an AAFLI-SPSI Minister of Manpower issued regulation tiations are concluded within the 30-day sponsored seminar on democratization, even per-ol/men/1987, “Protection of Children period. Agreements are for 2 years and can though these programs were approved by Forced to Work,” to regulate this situation. be extended for 1 year. According to NGO’s the Department of Manpower. An AAFLI- This regulation legalizes the employment of involved in labor issues, the provisions of SPSI program on legal aid for industrial dis- children under the age of 14 who must work these agreements rarely go beyond the legal putes approved by the Department of to contribute to the income of their families. minimum standards established by the Gov- Manpower, which the military command in It requires parental consent, prohibits dan- ernment, and the agreements are often Surabaya halted in 1993, was never allowed gerous or difficult work, limits work to 4 merely presented to worker representatives to resume despite government assurances to hours daily, and requires employers to re- for signing rather than being negotiated. the contrary. Military officials occasionally port the number of children working under Although government regulations pro- have been reported present during negotia- its provisions. It does not set a minimum hibit employers from discriminating or har- tions between workers and management. age for children in this category, effectively assing employees because of union member- Their presence has been described as intimi- superseding the colonial-era government ship, there are credible reports from union dating by plant-level union officials. A mili- ordinance of December 17, 1925, on officials of employer retribution against tary officer was among those convicted in “Measures Limiting Child Labor and union organizers, including firing, which is connection with the Marsinah murder case. Nightwork of Women,” which is still the not effectively prevented or remedied in Labor Law applies equally in export current law governing child labor and sets a practice. Some employers reportedly have processing zones. minimum age of 12 for employment. The warned their employees against contact with c. Prohibition of Forced or Compulsory 1987 regulation is not enforced. No employ- union organizers from the unrecognized Labor ers have been taken to court for violating its SBSI organization. Charges of antiunion restrictions on the nature of employment for The law forbids forced labor, and the discrimination are adjudicated by adminis- children, and no reports are collected from Government generally enforces it. However, trative tribunals. However, because many establishments employing children. there are credible reports of teenage children union members believe the tribunals gener- Act No. 1 of 1951 was intended to bring being forced to work under highly dangerous ally side with employers, many workers into force certain labor measures, including conditions on fishing platforms off the coast reject or avoid the procedure and present provisions on child labor which would re- of northeastern Sumatra. These platforms their grievances directly to Parliament and place those of the 1925 legislation. How- are miles off shore, with access controlled other agencies. Administrative decisions in ever, implementing regulations for the child by the employers, and in many cases the favor of dismissed workers tend to be mone- labor provisions have never been issued. children are held virtual prisoners on the tary awards; workers are rarely reinstated. Thus the child labor provisions in the 1951 platforms and forced to work for up to 3 The provisions of the law make it difficult Act have no validity. months at a time for well below the mini- to fire workers, but the law is often ignored mum wage. According to knowledgeable e. Acceptable Conditions of Work in practice. sources, hundreds of children may be in- In the absence of a national minimum Commenting on antiunion discrimination volved. The local government has done little wage, area wage councils working under the and restrictions on collective bargaining in to address the problem. supervision of the national wage council the context of ILO Convention 98 on the establish minimum wages for regions and right to organize and bargain collectively, the d. Minimum Age for Employment of Chil- basic needs figures for each province–a ILO’s Committee on the Application of dren monetary amount considered sufficient to Conventions and Recommendations’ June Child labor exists in both industrial and enable a single worker to meet the basic report expressed deep concern that “in spite rural areas, and in both the formal and in- needs of nutrition, clothing, and shelter. of the direct contacts mission that went to formal sectors. There are an estimated 2.7 While Indonesia has succeeded in dramati- Indonesia in November 1993, the discussion million working children between the ages of cally lowering the level of poverty through- within the present committee last year, and 10 and 14, according to a 1994 report of the out the country, the minimum wage rates the technical advisory mission that went to United Nations Human Rights Commission. until recently have usually lagged behind Indonesia in January 1995, much progress The number of out-of-school children age 7 inflation and even the basic needs figures. was yet to be achieved to ensure in law and to 15 who are economically active may be as Page 200 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

The Government raised minimum wage rates dards is severely hampered by the limited The first paragraph under 1(a) twice uses in 1994 and again on April 1. There is no number of qualified Department of Man- the word “separatist” to refer to movements national minimum wage. The minimum wage power inspectors as well as by the low level in East Timor, Aceh, and Irian Jaya. “Inde- varies from province to province. In Jakarta of employee appreciation for sound health pendence” would be a more appropriate it is about $2 (RP 4600) per day. While in and safety practices. Allegations of corrup- word for ET and IJ, as these territories were certain provinces the new rates are still be- tion on the part of inspectors are common. forcibly annexed by Indonesia after it was low the provincial basic needs figures, the Workers are obligated to report hazardous created. Were the Kuwaitis called “separa- Department of Manpower estimates that, working conditions. Employers are forbid- tist” after being invaded by Iraq? on the average, minimum wage rates equal den by law from retaliating against those Under 1(d), the end of the fourth para- 108 percent of the basic needs figures, up who do, but the law is not effectively en- graph refers to East Timorese wrongly ac- from 97 percent as of August 1, 1994. The forced. cused of involvement with the “ninjas.” Government announced in November that What is omitted is that the Indonesian mili- further increases would take effect April 1, ETAN COMMENT ON U.S. STATE tary, probably with government support, 1996. There are no reliable statistics on the DEPARTMENT REPORT created the ninjas and actively supported number of employers paying at least the From Charlie Scheiner, ETAN/US their violations of human rights. When the minimum wage. Independent observers’ government tried to frame some East As in the last few years, the report is ex- estimates range between 30 and 60 percent. Timorese for these crimes, the frame-up fell ceptionally good considering that it comes The Department of Manpower increased through, but the actual people responsible from the U.S. government. It will be useful the number of labor inspectors and an- were never even named, let along brought to in campaigning and helping to prove that nounced a scheme of “blacklisting” offend- justice. things in East Timor and Indonesia are as ing companies, but enforcement of minimum In 2(a), second paragraph, there is a brief bad as groups like AI and ETAN say they wage and other labor regulations remains mention of Kabar Dari Pijar, whose editor, are. inadequate, and sanctions too light. The Tri Agus Susanto, was arrested and sen- Of course, the major problem is that U.S. Department of Manpower has drafted a tenced to several years in prison for printing policy doesn’t reflect its findings - we con- revision of a basic labor law that would raise an article critical of government policy on tinue to sell arms, train soldiers, provide statutory fines, which have been devalued East Timor. In fact, the whole organization bilateral and multilateral economic aid, and by inflation, to more appropriate levels. was raided, and the Executive Director of encourage U.S. businesses to trade with Some observers believe increased govern- PIJAR (Rachland Nashidik) had to go un- Indonesia, all of which serves to support the ment pressures on employers and memories derground and then into exile to avoid Suharto government and its gross violations of the 1994 Medan riots have improved prosecution. of human rights. I won’t go into details. minimum wage compliance somewhat. Two paragraphs later, in the discussion However, there are a few specific points Labor law and ministerial regulations of charges against Sri Bintang Pamungkas, or omissions in the report that could be provide workers with a variety of other the report doesn’t indicate that the charges strengthened. Some of my comments have benefits, such as social security, and work- against him for organizing the German anti- to do with Indonesia as well as East Timor. ers in more modern facilities often receive Suharto protests were eventually dropped, Paragraph 3 states that under 15% of the health benefits and free meals. The law es- as they had absolutely no basis in fact. people live “below the poverty line.” I tablishes 7-hour workdays and 40-hour However, he is now being tried on insulting don’t know whose poverty line they use, workweeks, with one 30-minute rest period the president based on a tape recording of a but this seems intuitively to be way off. for each 4 hours of work. The law also re- meeting he spoke at, where he repeated a There are vast numbers of workers paid at quires 1 day of rest weekly. The daily over- question from the audience. Sri Bintang or below minimum wage. The report itself time rate is 1 1/2 times the normal hourly himself never insulted the president - his mentions “widespread underemployment” rate for the first hour, and twice the hourly trial is an attempt to intimidate dissent. in the next sentence. rate for additional overtime. Regulations Such intimidation takes another form In paragraph 5, the report correctly allow employers to deviate from the normal when military or government spokespeople points out that “Punishment [of military work hours upon request to the Minister of accuse prominent dissidents of being “com- personnel responsible for human rights Manpower and with the agreement of the munists,” as was done against Sri Bintang, abuses], however, rarely matched the sever- employee. Observance of laws regulating exiled academic George Aditjondro, labor ity of the abuse.” It is also important to benefits and labor standards varies from leader Mochtar Pakpahan and others. The note that the victims of human rights abuses sector to sector and by region. Employer following is from the November 2, 1995, are often arrested, tortured, tried, and some- violations of legal requirements are fairly FEER: times sentenced after abuses occur. common and often result in strikes and em- “After weeks of warnings about a The last paragraph of the introduction, ployee protests. The Ministry of Man- communist threat by President Su- on Irian Jaya, has been superseded by power continues publicly to urge employers harto and other senior officials, [army events. I don’t know if your testimony will to comply with the law. However, in gen- chief of staff, Lt.-Gen.] Soeyono on include events that have occurred in 1996, eral, government enforcement and supervi- October 17 bluntly accused the inde- but the recent riots in Freeport company sion of labor standards are weak. pendent trade-union leader of being a towns and in Jayapura (following Thomas Both law and regulations provide for communist. Pakpahan, the general Wanggai’s suspicious death in prison) show minimum standards of industrial health and charged, was following in the ideologi- the widespread level of discontent and long- safety. In the largely Western-operated oil cal footsteps of his father, a dirt-poor term abuses that people are rebelling against. sector, safety and health programs function farmer who died when his son was 11. The report pointedly avoids mentioning reasonably well. However, in the country’s “The general used the same brush Freeport-MacMoRan (perhaps because it is 100,000 larger registered companies in the to tar self-exiled academic George a U.S.-based company), even though its nonoil sector, the quality of occupational Aditjondro and internationally recog- operations have been directly implicated in health and safety programs varies greatly. nized author Pramoedya Anata Toer, many of the abuses in West Papua. The enforcement of health and safety stan- naming them as figures behind the so- East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 201

called “formless organizations” – a human rights situation in China at the U.N. rights in East Timor, as well as the atti- term associated with the outlawed In- Human Rights Commission in Geneva, he tude of the Indonesian government to- donesian Communist Party (PKI). said. Following an unofficial transcript of wards East Timor. Could you elaborate “Soeyono’s accusations set off the briefing: what is your (position?) about that? And alarm bells among Indonesian intellec- (begin unofficial transcript) also, I wanted to ask about the – what the tuals, who fear that the government is U.S. – what will be the U.S. position on increasingly portraying its political FOREIGN PRESS CENTER BRIEFING the (resolution?) of East Timor at the opponents as enemies of the state.” WITH JOHN SHATTUCK, ASSISTANT Human Rights Commission in Geneva? Given the bloody history of Indonesian SECRETARY OF STATE FOR Thank you. anti-communism, such charges are extremely DEMOCRACY, LABOR AND HUMAN SHATTUCK: Well, I had last year – serious threats. RIGHTS about April of last year a very wonderful An example of the press censorship re- Foreign Press Center, the National Press and, in many ways, moving trip to East ferred to in the fourth paragraph from the Building, Washington, DC Timor – I was the first assistant secretary of end is the banning this week of newsstand SHATTUCK: Thank you very much. state for the United States to travel to East sales of the March, 1996, issue of Reader’s 1995 was a year that produced significant Timor – and also an extended trip in Indone- Digest. It is assumed that the reason for the progress toward resolution of some of the sia and very extensive discussions with the banning is that the magazine includes a pro- world’s most catastrophic human rights government of Indonesia and the military file of Catholic Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo crises. and the authorities on East Timor, as well as of East Timor. The Dayton accords ended the fighting in many non-governmental organizations. Finally, I think the last paragraph, about Bosnia, which, for the first six months of We were pleased during the course of this latitude for NGO’s, is not accurate. Al- this year, was the source of continuing mas- year to see that some of the very serious though some NGO’s are allowed to function sive crimes against humanity. At the heart and longer-term problems that have plagued openly, there are clearly a number of sub- of the Bosnian peace agreement is a frame- East Timor in the area of human rights were jects which they are not allowed to take up. work of commitments aimed at promoting addressed at least in part by the government The treatment given to PIJAR is one exam- justice and prosecuting war crimes, without of Indonesia. First there were several prose- ple. As with the press, self-censorship un- which peace cannot be secured. Central to cutions of military people who had engaged der the threat of prosecution or violence is a the peace strategy in Bosnia were the 10 in human rights abuses, killings and disap- powerful tool to limit dissent. human rights missions that the United pearances. And that was, as far as I know, States conducted this year to spotlight the the first time that issue of impunity had JOHN SHATTUCK atrocities. Other conflicts which had been addressed very explicitly in the East ON HUMAN RIGHTS spawned major human rights violations also Timor context. moved closer to resolution this year – this Second, there were some troop with- USIS Report, March 8 [Indonesia/East past year. Halting steps were taken towards drawals from East Timor so that the situa- Timor relevant excerpts], EPF505 peace in Angola, in the Middle East and tion could become somewhat less tense, and Northern Ireland, despite continuing terror- the people of East Timor could, hopefully, TRANSCRIPT: SHATTUCK FOREIGN ist attacks on the very process of peace breath more freely on the subject of security PRESS CENTER BRIEFING itself. In Central and Eastern Europe, as well and their ability to express themselves. (Cites continued abuses in China, as in Latin America and in parts of Asia and But let me be very clear that we continue Burma, E. Timor) (5280) Africa, new democracies consolidated their to see the situation in East Timor to be seri- ous and that there are continuing human Washington – Assistant Secretary of movement towards more open civil society, rights abuses, and the very heavy presence State John Shattuck noted positive human and a few experienced peaceful transitions of a large number of Indonesian troops on rights developments in Asia and other areas of power, second-, third-, and fourth-time the Island of East Timor makes it very diffi- of the world, but cited “familiar patterns of elections. cult for Indonesian citizens who live on East abuse occurred” in many areas, including ... Timor to actively participate in their own Burma, China, East Timor and Irian Jaya, Indonesian security forces in East Timor governments and their local government and North Korea. and Irian Jaya were responsible for signifi- situation. At the U.N. Human Rights Com- In a briefing at the USIA Foreign Press cant abuses, although the government was mission in Geneva we will work closely Center March 7, Shattuck, who heads the willing in some cases to prosecute those with the European Union and the – particu- Bureau for Democracy, Labor and Human charged with abuses. larly the government of Portugal, on the Rights, said that despite positive steps such Outposts of unreconstructed totalitarian- East Timor situation. Last year there was a as the release Aung San Suu Kyi, the Bur- ism remain in Iran, Iraq, Cuba and Libya. chairman statement issued by the chairman mese government “continues to be ex- Severe human rights problems persist in of the Human Rights Commission, which tremely repressive in the way in which it North Korea despite progress on some other the United States supported, and if that treats the people of Burma.” He expressed issues under the agreed framework. occurs again, we will again support such a satisfaction with the Japanese government’s These are some of the points made in statement.... halt of new economic assistance to Burma 1995 human rights reports, annual reports and hoped Japan would continue to seek of the State Department. The full reports of Q: Toshi Kimura (ph), Yomiuri Shimbun in improvements on human rights issues in its course are now publicly available. And I Japan. (Ambassador?) – your report dealings with Burma’s rulers. would be happy to answer any questions suggested that there was (impact?) some Shattuck said that “widespread and well- that you may have. arguments, especially in the Asian coun- documented abuses in violation of interna- Q: Mr. Shattuck, thank you very much. I’m tries, that they were without any im- tional norms” continued in China as well. (name and affiliation inaudible) Indone- provement of the living standard – (inau- The United States intends to join other sia. And your report doesn’t mention any dible) we cannot see – we cannot see the countries in sponsoring a resolution on the improvement of the situation of human amelioration of human rights issues (in Page 202 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

underdeveloped?) countries. I wanted to U.S. REVIVES INDONESIAN CONGRESSIONAL LETTER ask you whether you find any discrepan- cies with other countries like Japan in an MILITARY TRAINING ON EAST TIMOR BILL approach to – vis-à-vis, for example, SCHEME The following letter was sent by two Burma or China – with regards to its of- Reuters, March 5. Slightly abridged Representatives to all other Congresspeople ficial development aid? late month. Please encourage your Congres- MR. SHATTUCK: We see the value – It is not clear if Tanjung is referring to the sional Representative to co-sponsor their very important value for itself and for hu- limited military training aid passed by Con- legislation, H.R. 2746. The co-sponsors as man rights – of economic growth. There’s gress last year (so-called Expanded IMET is of mid-April are: no question about it. Economic growth can limited to areas such as human rights and · Patrick Kennedy (RI) contribute significantly to the prospects for civilian control of the military) or to a new · Nita Lowey (NY) human rights and democracy. administration request for Fiscal Year 1997 · Nancy Pelosi (CA) On the other hand, economic growth is that would mean restoring all IMET. Since · Peter DeFazio (OR) not, in and of itself, the answer to human the original ban on IMET, the administra- · Robert Andrews (NJ) rights and democracy improvements, absent tion has repeatedly requested that all restric- · Robert J. Torricelli (NJ) the will – the political will – to bring about tions on IMET be lifted. Since the ban, Indo- · Jack Reed (RI) such improvements. So while it can take nesia has purchased some of the training · Chris Smith (NJ) you up to the edge, it can’t take you over that once came as aid. – John M. · Richard W. Pombo (CA) the edge. Miller/ETAN · Ronald V. Dellums (CA) · James Oberstar (MN) We have had extensive discussions, of JAKARTA, March 5 (Reuter) - The · Robert A. Underwood (Guam) course, with other governments about this United States has restored funding for train- · Tom Lantos (CA) and, certainly, good discussions with the ing Indonesian military officers, reviving a · Neil Abercrombie (HI) government of Japan, which is a very close controversial programme halted in 1992, the · Sherrod Brown (OH) ally of the United States. official Antara news agency said on Tues- · Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC) I would like to note that – that Japan has day. · Barney Frank (MA) had discussions with us on the subject of General Feisal Tanjung, commander-in- · Louise Slaughter (NY) Burma. And I am pleased to note that Japan chief of the Indonesian armed forces, told a · John Conyers (MI) is not proceeding with substantial new eco- parliamentary commission on Tuesday that · Tony Hall (OH) · Thomas J. Manton (NY) nomic development assistance to Burma at funding for the International Military Edu- the moment, because Burma, as I think all · Carlos Romero-Barcelo (Puerto Rico) cation and Training (IMET) programme has · Elizabeth Furse (OR) countries who are concerned about human been restored. rights agree, has not progressed on the hu- “The Pentagon has already given the Congress of the United States man-rights and democracy fronts, and con- green light to re-open again the IMET pro- tinues to block the will of the people of Washington, DC 20515 gramme this year,” Tanjung told legislators. March 22, 1996 Burma and their – through the leadership of “Because of that the Indonesian military Aung San Suu Kyi – continues to block will send officers to the United States,” Support Human Rights them from really getting access to their po- Antara quoted him as saying. Co-Sponsor the East Timor Human Rights litical system and continues to be extremely Washington suspended IMET funding in Accountability Act repressive in the way in which it treats the 1992 after Indonesian soldiers fired into a people of Burma. crowd of mourners in East Timor in 1991. Dear Colleague: So I think the United States has had good Witnesses said up to 200 people were On November 12, l991, as many as 270 discussions with Japan on this subject. killed. civilians were massacred when the govern- And I hope that Japan continues to un- The last IMET funding Indonesia re- ment of Indonesia opened fire on a peaceful derstand the importance of seeking im- ceived was $2.4 million in 1992. The scheme East Timorese procession to a cemetery in provements in the human rights situation in is administered as an aid programme under Dili. There was no warning given to those at Burma. the U.S. State Department. the rally. Many prisoners were taken to Major-General Syamsir Siregar, head of open pits, where they were shot in the back. the military intelligence agency (BIA), told In the weeks after the massacre, dozens of the same hearing the IMET funding under witnesses, were killed some while recovering the 1995/96 U.S. budget was slightly differ- from wounds in a hospital. ent than the programme suspended earlier. During twenty years of occupation, In- Antara quoted Siregar as saying Indone- donesia has carried on a brutal war against sian officers would take specialised pro- the people of East Timor, killing almost one grammes in defence management, post- third of that nation’s population. Religious graduate studies and law. freedom, political liberty, and self- “These programmes will start in August determination are denied to the people of 1996. However, we will send the officers East Timor. And yet Indonesia continues to before this,” he said. receive aid from the United States. The report gave no further details. The most recent State Department Coun- try Report on Human Rights confirms what international observers have been saying – the situation in East Timor has not im- proved: “The most serious abuses included harsh repression of dissidents in East East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 203

Timor... (N)o progress was made in the United States has offered to sell F-16 jet campaign Bill Clinton said that the U.S. accounting for the missing persons fol- fighters to Indonesia. approach to East Timor has been “uncon- lowing the 1991 Dili incident or the The human rights situation remains seri- scionable.” In September 1993, at a press ten other Timorese that disappeared in ous in East Timor and Indonesia itself. This conference, President Clinton turned aside 1995... Security forces in East Timor year’s State Department Country Report on the argument that pressuring Indonesia on killed six unarmed civilians in Liquisa Human Rights Practices says: “The most East Timor and human rights would have an province in January... There were also serious abuses [by Indonesia] include harsh adverse impact on U.S. business. He said, several other mysterious killings in repression of dissidents in East Timor.... “The United States does have a very strong East Timor; the limited evidence avail- Reports of extrajudicial killings, disappear- position on human rights, and I think we able suggests some of these too could ances, and torture of those in custody by should... (b)ut that has not undermined be cases of summary execution by se- security forces increased.” Increasing num- our... commercial relationships... with coun- curity forces.” bers of Timorese are traveling to Jakarta and tries that we think are making an honest Congress must respond. On the twenti- entering foreign embassies in an effort to flee effort to shoot straight with us and to work eth anniversary of the invasion we intro- repression in East Timor. with us... We have questions about the is- duced the East Timor Human Rights Ac- In recent years, a bipartisan movement in sues of East Timor... but we have had good countability Act. This bill simply says – US Congress and at the U.S. grassroots has set contact with Indonesia.” (In fact, U.S. com- aid to Indonesia cannot and will not be used out to reverse our government’s mistaken panies have no investments in East Timor. to violate the human rights of the people of course. Since the November 12, 1991 Santa Though U.S. weapons firms might indeed be East Timor. If it is, the aid will be stopped. Cruz Cemetery massacre - in which Indone- hurt by a ban or cutback on weapons sales, To accept anything less as a condition for sian troops armed with American M-16s it would not affect U.S. companies in Indo- aid would violate our principles and under- gunned down more than 200 Timorese civil- nesia which are engaged in other lines of mine the effectiveness of US foreign assis- ians - Congress has taken a series of initia- business. Their relationship with Jakarta is tance. tives which have begun to shift the direction one of mutual profit - a basic fact unaffected United States foreign aid can be a power- of U.S. policy. by Timor policy.) ful force for good. The effectiveness of that After the massacre, 52 Senators (led by In September 1993, the Senate Foreign aid should not be diluted by its use as a tool Malcolm Wallop R-WY and Claiborne Pell, Relations Committee unanimously adopted of subjugation. D-RI) wrote to President Bush, calling for an amendment by Sen. Russell Feingold (D, Here – where the evidence is so clear and the U.S. actively to support implementation Wisconsin) which conditions major arms so compelling – providing US aid on the of the UN resolutions on East Timor “with sales to Indonesia on human rights im- condition that it not be used to carry out an an eye toward a political solution that might provements in East Timor. The amendment unjust occupation, will send a clear and end the needless suffering in East Timor and was a compromise version worked out after unmistakable message to Indonesia: you bring about true self-determination for the extensive negotiation with the White House, must cease violating the human rights of the territory.” (It was the first of a series of the Pentagon, and the State Department. people of East Timor. If you would like to bipartisan House and Senate letters reaffirm- Senator Nancy Kassebaum (R, Kansas) said cosponsor the East Timor Human Rights ing support for self-determination.) that the amendment will “get strong support Accountability Act, please call Garry in In October 1992, after a series of state- from the entire United States Senate [and] Congressman Kennedy’s office at 225-4911 ments by Indonesian officials indicating that send a very important message to Indonesia or Matt in Congresswoman Lowey’s office the massacre was an act of policy,** Con- about our concerns regarding human rights.” at 225-6506. gress voted to cut off Indonesia’s IMET The Feingold amendment sent political Sincerely, military training aid. The cutoff amendment shock waves through Jakarta, though the Patrick J. Kennedy Nita M. Lowey was initiated by Reps. Tony Hall (D-OH) authorization bill containing it never reached Members of Congress and Ronald Machtley (R-RI), and had cru- the Senate floor. At the same time, although cial backing in committee from Sen. Patrick the administration had signed off on the BACKGROUND ON EAST Leahy (D-VT) and Rep. David Obey (D- compromise amendment, some individual TIMOR AND US POLICY WI). The cutoff was opposed by the State officials – notably Assistant Secretary of Department, the Pentagon, lobbyists for the State Winston Lord - mounted a campaign Briefing paper from the East Timor Action Indonesian military, and some U.S. firms. to keep the Feingold amendment from being Network/US, April 14, 1996 In March 1993, under pressure from attached to another legislative vehicle. Congress, the State Department reversed its Early in 1994, in the wake of the Fein- The Indonesian invasion and occupation traditional pro-Jakarta stand and cospon- gold amendment, the State Department im- of East Timor ranks as one of the great sored a successful resolution at the UN posed a ban on the sale of small and light atrocities of this century. It has claimed the Human Rights Commission criticizing Indo- arms and riot control equipment to Indone- lives of 200,000 Timorese* - one-third of nesian abuses in East Timor. sia. The ban represents the first time that the original population. It has been done in In July 1993, again under Congressional such an across-the-board prohibition has defiance of the UN Security Council, which pressure, the State Department blocked a been imposed on any type of weapons sale has twice called on Jakarta to withdraw transfer of U.S. F-5 fighter planes from the to Indonesia. And the small arms ban sets an “without delay.” And it has also, sadly, government of Jordan to Indonesia, citing important precedent: it represents tacit been done with the help of the United human rights as one of the reasons. The acceptance on the part of the State Depart- States. Indonesia launched its 1975 invasion Jakarta Post editorialized that the blockage ment of the principle that withholding hours after President Ford left Jakarta. The of the F-5 deal “resounded like [a] sonic weapons sales can advance human rights. U.S. then doubled Indonesia’s military aid, boom” in Indonesia. Now the issue becomes: what kind of blocked the United Nations from taking That same month, President Clinton, in sales should be withheld? And, why, if Ja- effective enforcement action, and continues, response to a letter from 43 Senators, raised karta’s armed forces continue to defy the to this day, to send new arms. Right now, the Timor issue in a meeting in Japan with Security Council, should the U.S. provide Suharto, the Indonesian dictator. During his them with any weapons sales at all? Since Page 204 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

the 1991 massacre, the State Department The final version of the FY1996 State * The death toll estimate was first published has licensed more than 250 military sales to Department reorganization bill would have by Amnesty International and was con- Indonesia. The items sold have ranged from extended the small arms ban to include heli- firmed in 1990 by the Indonesian army machine guns and M-16s to electronic com- copter-mounted equipment. The ban would intelligence chief for Timor, and in 1994 by the Indonesian-appointed governor. ponents and communications gear and spare remain in effect until the Secretary of State ** Gen. Try Sutrisno, now Indonesia’s Vice parts for attack planes. Every shipment certifies significant progress on human rights President, said: “Such people must be shot sends the political message that the Indone- in East Timor and in Indonesia, including and we will shoot them.” Gen. Herman sian armed forces and their illegal occupation compliance with UN human rights recom- Mantiri, the new regional commander for of East Timor still enjoy U.S. government mendations, significant reductions in Indo- East Timor, said that the massacre was support. The U.S. should end those sales nesia’s troop presence in East Timor, a “quite proper” since “They were opposing us, demonstrating, even yelling things and inform the UN Secretary General that it degree of local political control for East against the government.” is now willing to support enforcement of Timorese, and Indonesian cooperation with the Security Council resolutions. This the UN Secretary General. Although the bill would mean supporting the call of Catholic has not become vetoed law, the State De- HOUSE AUTHORIZES Bishop Belo of East Timor for a UN- partment has agreed to abide by the small PARTIAL IMET TRAINING supervised referendum in which the arms ban. FOR INDONESIA Timorese would freely choose their own In October 1995, bi-partisan groups of political status. legislators from both houses sent letters to Report from Charles Scheiner, ETAN/US. In its version of the Foreign Aid Appro- President Clinton before he met with Presi- With attached AP story and Congressional priations for FY 1995, the House of Repre- dent Suharto. The Senate letter stated, “Vio- Record transcript. April 18, 1996 sentatives sought to renew the ban on lence in the territory has been on the in- On Tuesday, April 16, the House of IMET and close a loophole under which crease as well, especially since the APEC Representatives authorized Expanded Inter- Indonesia continued to purchase some of the Summit in Jakarta last November... [D]uring national Military Education and Training (E- same training. The committee report accom- the Summit protestors were detained and, IMET) aid for Indonesia for Fiscal Years panying the bill expressed “outrage” that the by most accounts, tortured at the hands of 1996 and 1997. This is one step in provid- administration “despite its vocal embrace of Indonesian soldiers. Other reports of deaths ing the aid; the funding still has to be ap- human rights” allowed the purchase of train- of protestors at the hands of the Indonesian propriated. Although this had been done for ing. soldiers have continued all year.” FY96 (which started in October 1995), it is In July, the Senate put into law the pro- In a report released in December 1994, yet to be passed for FY97. hibition on the sale of small arms. A few the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Congress terminated all IMET for Indo- weeks before, the Senate had voted down an Extrajudicial, summary, or arbitrary execu- nesia in 1992, in the wake of the Santa Cruz effort to ban the use of US-supplied lethal tions, noted “... the conditions that allowed massacre in East Timor. The ban was re- arms in East Timor. The proposed provi- the (1991) Santa Cruz killings to occur are affirmed in 1993 and 1994. In 1995, after sion in effect restated the US-Indonesia still present. In particular, the members of the Republican party took control of both treaty signed in 1958 which restricts the use the security forces responsible for the House, Congress restored non-military of US-supplied weapons to “legitimate self- abuses have not been held accountable and training aid, while continuing to outlaw mili- defense” and strictly forbids their use for continue to enjoy virtual impunity... access tary training. Indonesia’s leading aircraft “an act of aggression.” The appropriations of victims of human rights violations to the company, IPTN (run by a close Suharto bill, as finally agreed to by both houses of judiciary or to non-governmental organiza- crony) had announced plans to build a fac- Congress, continued the IMET ban and tions has not improved.” In March, 1996, tory in Mobile, Alabama, the home district prohibited small arms sales to Indonesia. after a visit to East Timor, the UN High of Rep. Sonny Callahan who chairs the For- The 104th Congress has also acted. In Commissioner for Human Rights José eign Operations Subcommittee. February 1995, a bi-partisan group of nine Ayala-Lasso cited allegations of “very The 1995 position was continued by this Senators urged President Clinton to support grave” human rights violations. week’s vote. The allowed training, called a resolution at the UN Human Rights Com- The situation in East Timor is worse than “Expanded IMET,” is misnamed; it actually mission calling for specific steps to improve any time since 1992. Since last fall hundreds means limited IMET, and includes training the human rights situation in East Timor. It have come to Jakarta, attempting to escape in human rights, civilian control of the mili- said “We believe that the U.S. relationship the human abuses by gaining asylum in em- tary, and similar non-military activities. with Indonesia should enable us to effec- bassies. The political issue in East Timor is The vote Tuesday caught virtually eve- tively press our concerns with the Jakarta a very basic one: the people simply want – rybody by surprise, including many mem- government.” Members of the Congressional and are entitled to – the right to vote in a bers of the International Security Committee Human Rights Caucus in the House of Rep- UN-supervised referendum, in which they which had ostensibly approved the bill the resentatives sent a similar letter expressing would be given the right to choose whether day before. Most Representatives learned of concern about “the lack of progress on hu- they want to be independent or become part it when it appeared on the House agenda the man rights and the perpetual reports of of Indonesia. This has been endorsed by morning of the vote, under a “suspension of torture and other serious abuses.” East Timor’s Bishop Belo and also by the the rules” procedure. Under this procedure, Last year, even as Congress partially re- National Council of Maubere Resistance a bill cannot be amended, but must be stored IMET, it continued to make clear (CNRM), the umbrella organization of the passed by a 2/3 majority. The IMET provi- that it does not accept the human rights East Timorese underground resistance. The sion was one paragraph in a 56-page bill conduct of Indonesia’s military. The foreign Secretary-General’s office has expressed which included many pork-barrel incentives aid appropriations limited IMET to the interest in moving toward such a referen- which made it difficult for pro-East Timor “expanded” version which purports to focus dum, but they have indicated that they are members to vote against it (including the gift on human rights and civilian control of the waiting for a political green light from Wash- of an ocean surveillance ship to Portugal). military. ington. This procedure is supposed only to be used East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 205 for non-controversial matters; many Repre- Congress voted in 1992 to suspend mili- unfortunately it is a further moral failing sentatives objected to the abuse of process. tary training for Indonesia, but the money that the rest of the world stands back and However, no roll call was requested and was restored partially in subsequent legisla- allows the people of East Timor to be so the bill passed on a voice vote. It now goes tion. oppressed. to the Senate. The training program for Indonesia is I understand that this is military and edu- The provision of E-IMET is a compro- only one provision of a “housekeeping” cational training. Theoretically just for civil- mise; the bill prohibits unrestricted (mili- measure designed to streamline U.S. foreign ians, in ways it is supposed to help. But tary) IMET for Indonesia. Nevertheless, it aid and arms export programs. you know when you are in East Timor being is not the right signal to be sending Indone- Another provision authorizes the sale of oppressed, when you are being killed or sia a month after the U.S. State Department seven surplus ships to Egypt, Mexico, New imprisoned by this brutal regime, the fact reported a worsening situation in East Zealand, Taiwan and Thailand; the lease of a the people doing the killing and the Indone- Timor. The State Department is requesting tank landing ship to Taiwan; and the gift of sians are a little better educated in civic val- $800,000 for E-IMET for Indonesia for an ocean surveillance ship to Portugal. ues than they otherwise might have been is 1997, an increase of $200,000 from this The bill now goes to the Senate. no consolation. I regret very much that this year. legislation continues that practice. ETAN will continue to press Congress TEXT OF THE PROVISION OF THE Last year I offered an amendment to on various measures relating to human rights LAW CONCERNING IMET FOR strike from the foreign operations appro- and self-determination for East Timor. Our INDONESIA: priations bill all aid to Indonesia. The Com- main focus this year will be on weapons H.R.3121 mittee on Rules did not allow it. I want to sales. The vote Tuesday came in the midst To amend the Foreign Assistance Act of announce now that I and others intend to of our annual Lobby Days in Washington; 1961 and the Arms Export Control Act to insist this time on our right to at least vote ETAN activists held more than 80 meeting make improvements to certain defense and on that. It is bad enough that this Congress with Members of Congress and their staffs security assistance provisions under those goes along with rewarding the brutal actions this week. A more extensive report will be Acts, to authorize... (Passed by the House) of the Government of Indonesia, but to forthcoming soon. CHAPTER 2–INTERNATIONAL deny us even a chance to vote for it impli- cates our own procedures in that unfortu- HOUSE VOTES MILITARY MILITARY EDUCATION AND TRAINING nate aspect, although obviously murder is a TRAINING FOR INDONES IA lot worse than our being able to vote. I am Associated Press, April 16, 1996. Extrane- SEC. 111. ASSISTANCE FOR sorry it is not included here, and I pledge we ous material removed. INDONESIA. will do everything we can to end the prac- Funds made available for fiscal years tice of rewarding the Indonesian Govern- WASHINGTON (AP) A foreign- 1996 and 1997 to carry out chapter 5 of assistance bill passed by the House Tues- ment until and unless it stops its brutaliza- part II of the Foreign Assistance Act of tion of the people of East Timor. day would resume funding for military train- 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2347 et seq.) may be obli- ing in Indonesia despite what the U.S. gated for Indonesia only for expanded mili- Patrick Kennedy, D-RI government considers major human rights tary and education training that meets the Mr. Speaker, I would like to concur with abuses. requirements of clauses (I) through (iv) of my colleague from Massachusetts [Mr. “The Indonesian government continues the second sentence of section 541 of such Frank], in that this bill should not be on the to engage in some of the most oppressive Act (22 U.S.C. 2347). Suspension Calendar as it relates to the and racist activity in the world” in its treat- inclusion of an enhancement for Indonesia ment of the people of East Timor, said Rep. HOUSE FLOOR DISCUSSION FROM for the same reasons my colleagues just Barney Frank, D-Mass. CONGRESSIONAL RECORD PAGES spoke. Added Rep. Nita Lowey, D-N.Y.: “A H3429 - H3433 APRIL 16, 1996 Indonesia has proven itself to be some- State Department report last month says [Only portions dealing with IMET for Indo- one with no respect and regard for the hu- the government (of Indonesia) continues to nesia are included. These constitute most of man rights of the East Timorese in the ap- commit serious human rights abuses.” the time spent discussing this bill on the plication of their Government in East Rep. Clay Shaw, R-Fla., said a recent House floor.] Timor. They have systematically used their visit to Indonesia indicated to him that the Government to oppose the East Timorese. human rights record is improving. “We saw Barney Frank, D-MA They have terrorized, brutalized, they have firsthand there are not these huge breaches In general, this is good legislation. As killed demonstrators in broad daylight in of human rights, he said. someone who represents a large number of front of international cameras. They will go Despite the protests, the bill was passed Portuguese-Americans who are proud of the to no end to show that they are not worthy by voice vote. very strong, thriving relationship between of the recognition that this enhancement The bill does not allow funding for lethal our two democratic nations, I am pleased to gives them. training, said Rep. Lee Hamilton, D-Ind. He see through the efforts of my colleagues the The whole idea of the enhancement is to said the Clinton administration supports needs of the Portuguese Navy have been in say, ‘Well, we will work with you.’ restoration of training authorization because part accommodated. But understand, we will work to support it would foster greater respect for civilian But I am severely disappointed that this democratic efforts. But if there are no de- control of the military and improve efforts legislation continues a pattern of rewarding mocratic efforts being undertaken, it is a to slow narcotics operations. the Government of Indonesia, which contin- little presumptuous for us to think that The training program “is the kind of pro- ues to engage in some of the most oppres- simply by our recognition of East Timor gram designed to be used in a country like sive and racist activities in the world in their through this enhanced IMET that we are Indonesia about which we have some human maltreatment of the people of East Timor. going to replace what is not there. That is rights concerns,” said Rep. Doug Bereuter, Indonesia’s record in East Timor is one of the problem with enhanced IMET. R-Neb. the great moral failings in the world, and Page 206 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

My former colleague, Congressman Ron to Indonesian IMET. That doesn’t sound trol process. The bill gives the Congress an Machtley, was successful in revoking non-controversial to me. additional 20 days’ advance notification of IMET. It was a good thing that this Con- A month ago, the State Department said arms export commercial licenses and co- gress recognized it. Nothing has changed. that in Indonesia ‘reports of extrajudicial production agreements. It will give Congress Indonesia still oppresses these Timorese, killings, disappearances, and torture of those the same window on these transactions as it and that is why this is not the time for us to in custody by security forces increased.’ now has on government-to-government be renewing IMET. That is why, Mr. Not decreased. Not stayed the same. In- sales. Chairman, as the gentleman can obviously creased. Should we really be authorizing For the first time, it will give the Con- tell, there are people like myself, the gen- IMET assistance for this government now gress the ability to offer resolutions of dis- tlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi], the when they have not addressed these critical approval on third-country transfers and on gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. human rights issues? I don’t think so. co-production agreements. For the first Lowey], and others, the gentleman from Indonesia’s policy in East Timor is about time, the Congress will require the executive Massachusetts [Mr. Frank], who know this the oppression of people who oppose In- branch to establish a comprehensive end-use is not an issue where we should be debating donesia’s right to torture, kill, and repress monitoring system on government-to- it on a Suspension Calendar. We have no the people of East Timor. It is about the government arms transfers. For the first problem debating this as a bill on the floor 200,000 Timorese who have been slaugh- time, Congress will put a genuine meaningful itself, and that is the way it should come tered since the Indonesian occupation in cap, $350 million, on the transfer of excess before us. 1975–200,000 killed out of a total popula- defense articles in a fiscal year. The existing Mr. Speaker, this bill contains provi- tion of 700,000. It is about genocide. ceiling, $250 million, has just too many sions, as the gentleman from New York said, Mr. Speaker, this is not a non- loopholes in it. which we all support. I would be the first to controversial issue, and should never have Mr. Speaker, it is correct that this bill commend the gentleman from New York been brought up under suspension. raises thresholds on arms notifications, for [Mr. Gilman] for the inclusion of the hydro- Lee Hamilton, D-IN (ranking minority example, from $14 million to $25 million on graphic vessel that goes to Portugal. But on International Security committee) arms sales. The last time thresholds were that is the proper role for a suspension bill. raised was 1981. So this change is basically Mr. Speaker, I want to commend Chair- The IMET is not. So while I support that in response to inflation. man Gilman for his leadership on this bill. endeavor that the gentleman has put into the According to the Department of Defense, He has proceeded in a very constructive and bill, this I have to object to. this change in the past year would have bipartisan way. The first part of the bill, an resulted only in some four or five fewer Nita M. Lowey, D-NY amendment of security assistance authori- notifications to Congress per year out of a Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong oppo- ties in the Foreign Assistance Act and the few hundred, I might say, each year, and all sition to the provision in this bill that au- Arms Export Control Act, has indeed been of them to NATO countries. thorizes international military education and developed on a bipartisan basis under The bill eliminates grants of international training [IMET] assistance for Indonesia. Chairman Gilman’s leadership. He has al- military education and training for wealthy In 1992, we voted to end all IMET assis- ready spoken in some detail about the bill, countries. The bill gives the administration tance for Indonesia because of that coun- and I do not want to repeat his presentation. more flexibility in the use of limited assis- try’s abysmal human rights record and their Mr. Speaker, I just want to speak to two tance funds through increases in drawdown continued oppression of the people of East issues that have come up by our colleagues. authorities and changes in the authorities on Timor. Despite the lack of improvement in One is expanded IMET for Indonesia. The anti-narcotics and antiterrorism assistance Indonesia’s human rights record, and the issue of expanded IMET for Indonesia is programs. For example, this bill will enable opposition of myself and many of my col- troubling to some Members of this House. the President to use assistance funds to leagues, a modified IMET program was The administration strongly supports the work with Israel on research and develop- approved for Indonesia in the Foreign Op- provision in this bill which exactly tracks ment efforts to combat terrorism. erations Appropriations Act for fiscal year the Foreign Operations Act for this fiscal Mr. Speaker, I also want to commend the 1996. year. The bill would not allow IMET assis- chairman, Mr. Gilman, and the administra- When this provision was added to the tance for traditional purposes. There would tion, particularly the Navy, on the second foreign aid bill last year, we said we would be no lethal training. part of the bill on naval ship transfers. The monitor the human rights situation in Indo- This bill allows military education and Navy has heard the message about the nesia very carefully and act accordingly this training in Indonesia only for very specific committee’s opposition to large numbers of year. Well, the State Department’s Country purposes: To foster greater respect for and grant ships transfers. The bill before us Report on Indonesia was released last understanding of the principle of civilian returns to the traditional pattern of ship month, and according to the report, ‘The control of the military, to improve military transfers. Eight ships in this package are government continued to commit serious justice in accordance with internationally sales, one is a lease, and one to Portugal is a human rights abuses.’ recognized human rights, and to improve grant. Portugal, of course, is a NATO ally So what do we do a month after this re- counter-narcotics cooperation. The purpose since the beginning of NATO, has provided port came out? We attempt to slip reau- of this so-called expanded IMET is solely to the United States access to facilities since thorization of IMET for Indonesia into a give the United States a better handle in the 1940’s, and last year renewed that ac- supposedly non-controversial bill that is trying to alter the behavior of the Indonesian cess agreement in the Azores. being considered on the Suspension Calen- Government and the military which, of This package also includes the sale of dar. This is an unacceptable way to legislate. course, is the strongest, most influential three 1970 vintage Knox-class frigates to Mr. Speaker, in the past we have debated institution in the country. Taiwan and the lease of one transport ship this issue extensively. Last year, I offered an Second, Members interested in arms con- to Taiwan. This is part of our longstanding amendment to the foreign aid bill to prohibit trol have raised questions about this bill, as policy under the Taiwan Relations Act to this assistance from going to Indonesia. well. I believe this bill will help improve provide defense articles to Taiwan. I There is significant opposition in Congress Congress’ oversight of the arms export con- strongly support these ship transfers. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 207

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the Indonesia that several of our colleagues ref- This does not mean we cannot supply overall bill. I urge the adoption of H.R. erenced specifically in East Timor. We will our allies with the tools to defend them- 3121. continue the debate on this important issue selves, it simply means that we should pro- Nancy Pelosi, D-CA as the Committee on Foreign Operations vide a sobering second thought when the considers fiscal year 1997. administration is about approve the transfer Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from I mentioned my concerns about the arms of lethal American weapons into the hands California [Mr. Lantos] for yielding this sales and think there could be dangerous of foreign governments. time to me and for his leadership on issues, consequences, but, as I say, accept the ex- This bill, Mr. Speaker, would increase international issues as well as others, that planation extended by the gentleman from the threshold at which Congress must be come before this House. I have great respect Indiana [Mr. Hamilton]. While the notifica- notified for arms sales, from $200 to $300 for the chair of the committee, the gentleman tion process may be considered cumbersome million. That means the administration from New York [Mr. Gilman], and our rank- by some in the bureaucracy, congressional would be able to sell $100 million more in ing member, the gentleman from Indiana oversight helps insure that the taxpayer guns overseas before Congress must be noti- [Mr. Hamilton]. dollars are well spent. fied. I rise today to express concern about a Again, I am concerned the bill was placed Moreover, the bill authorizes the re- couple of the provisions of this legislation, on suspension calendar with little informa- sumption of international military and edu- H.R. 3121. I do not believe that the bill tion to many Members. Passage of the bill cation training for the Government of Indo- before us should be on suspension calendar does not reflect wholehearted support for nesia. Mr. Speaker, it is well known that because it covers a great deal of territory and some of the provisions it contains; I guess Indonesia has an atrocious human rights with a minimal amount of debate and con- that is a rule of life around here. But I do record, especially with regards to the people sideration on the floor. want to very strongly convey to our chair- of East Timor. My two concerns, one I share with many man that this does not track the foreign ops For those of my colleagues who aren’t of my colleagues, is about the enhanced bill for 1996-97. The foreign ops bill only aware, the people of East Timor have been IMET to Indonesia for 1996-97 and my gave enhanced IMET for 1996, and I hope subjected to near-genocide, simply because concern about arms control. I listened very that the gentleman would join with us in of their opposition to the multinational attentively to the remarks of the ranking monitoring how that enhanced IMET fund- mining interests who want to expropriate member, the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. ing is spent. their minerals. Hamilton], and appreciate the assurances he Mr. Speaker, measures such as these has given about the increased ceiling in terms [other issues deleted] should not be dealt with so lightly under the of the weapons, the sale, amount of the Cynthia McKinney, D-GA suspension calendar, and Congress should weapon sales, and the increased discretion Mr. Speaker, as a mother and a woman of not be so willing to hand over its limited given to Congress to intervene in those conscience, I am concerned about U.S. trans- oversight authority to the administration. sales, and I accept his explanation, and I fers of arms around the world and the im- While I want to support the good meas- look forward to getting more information pact that those transfers will have 10-15 ures in this bill Mr. Speaker, I am afraid that that is contained in the bill. years down the road, particularly on my son my conscience will not let me vote for a bill But I would, for the record, like to ex- and the other young people of America. that will reduce congressional oversight with press concern about the international mili- Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express con- respect to the sale of weapons. Moreover, I tary and education training for Indonesia for cern about portions of H.R. 3121 that cannot support a bill which will authorizes 1996 and 1997. Our colleagues have said would reduce congressional oversight on the use of American tax dollars to train the that this legislation tracks the Committee on arms sales to foreign countries. repressive military of Indonesia. Foreign Operations legislation. Well, it does Current law governing congressional As a mother and as a woman of con- for 1996. oversight of arms sales is already feeble–this science, I urge my colleagues to oppose this Many of us on the committee, and I bill only makes a bad situation worse. On regrettably tainted bill. serve on the Foreign Operations Subcom- numerous occasions, our soldiers have been Doug Bereuter, R-NE (Chair, Asia sub- mittee, do not think that Indonesia should sent into war situations where they have committee) be getting any IMET. We recognize that had to face hostile forces armed with Ameri- there are those who believe that this en- can supplied weapons. I would say to my colleagues, the gen- hanced IMET for the purposes of fostering I am sure everyone recalls Panama, Iraq, tleman from Massachusetts, the gentleman civilian control in the role of an army and a Somalia, and Haiti where our fighting men from Rhode Island, the gentlewoman from more democratic country, et cetera, I do not and women were sniped at and killed by New York, and the gentlewoman from Cali- know if I have defined Indonesia that way, weapons we supplied to those countries fornia, if it is not absolutely clear, we are but nonetheless this IMET, enhanced before they turned belligerent. not authorizing IMET for Indonesia. We are IMET, could be useful. And in that spirit of Mr. Speaker, while there are provisions authorizing E-IMET, or extended IMET, cooperation we accepted the compromise in this bill which I strongly support–such as and not, as one of the gentleman said, en- proposed graciously by our chairman, the narcotics control, refugee assistance, and hanced IMET. And, even ‘extended IMET’ gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Callahan], POW/MIA recovery efforts–I cannot in really does not convey what the program is, with the understanding that it was only for good conscience allow this bill to breeze for it is quite different than the original 1996 and the program would be carefully through this body without careful delibera- IMET program. The Extended IMET pro- monitored. We accepted the compromise tion. gram is the kind of program exactly designed but remain convinced nonetheless that Indo- Every year, the weapons we sell overseas to be used in a country like Indonesia where nesia should not receive IMET funds. are used against innocent civilians, refugees, we do have some human rights concerns Now we see before us, in the bill before political dissidents, and, yes, American which are in part related to East Timor. us, extending the IMET for 1997 despite the soldiers. As the legislative branch, we have [Actually, it is called EXPANDED, not fact the record shows continuing serious the right and responsibility to oversee the EXTENDED or ENHANCED, in the law human rights abuses by the armed forces in transfer of weapons to foreign governments. – ETAN.] Page 208 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Now, let me say first of all that the en- on in East Timor. I had the privilege of visit- be reserved for non-controversial legislation. hanced IMET program, or E-IMET, is ing East Timor for several days just a few In my opinion, H.R. 3121 does not meet strongly supported by the administration. If months ago, along with Congressman John- this test. you listen to CINCPAC sources, as people son and the gentleman from Texas, Mr. I regret that this afternoon, the House is in the State Department, the Defense De- Archer. We saw firsthand the fact that there not giving these issues the attention they partment generally and other parts of the are not these huge breaches of human rights, deserve. In the months to come, I will con- administration, it is clear that this admini- and we did not see these breaches of human tinue to work to assist the long-suffering stration, the previous administration, are rights as referred to. people of East Timor, and I urge my col- supportive of extending the ‘Enhanced As a matter of fact, one of our Members leagues to join me in this effort. IMET’ program to Indonesia. It moves us went and spoke to a Catholic priest, and, by Tony Hall, D-OH closer to a positive defense relationship the way, most of Indonesia is Muslim, this Mr. Speaker, while I support the major- with Indonesia, and, more importantly, it is is mostly Catholic. As a matter of fact, there ity of the provisions in H.R. 3121, which specifically geared, as the gentleman from is the second largest statue of Jesus in the makes various technical amendments to the Indiana [Mr. Hamilton] said, to dealing with entire world being constructed–in process of Foreign Assistance Act and the Arms Ex- a country that has human rights problems being constructed–in East Timor. port Control Act, I strongly oppose the that trouble us a great deal. The E-IMET I went to a Catholic priest who actually section which authorizes the resumption of program is to foster greater respect for the favored independence, but he verified the International Military and Education Train- principles of civilian control of the military. fact that the human rights record was cer- ing [IMET] funds for Indonesia. It is to improve military justice and military tainly improving and that he did not see I have been protesting the human rights codes of conduct in accordance with interna- these tremendous violations of human abuses in East Timor for some time now. tionally recognized human rights. It is to rights. Last December marked the 20th anniversary contribute to responsible defense resource Mrs. Nancy Johnson, R-CT of Indonesian invasion of East Timor. Re- management. It is to contribute to coopera- I think it ought to be also in the record cently, the situation on the ground there has tion between the military and local police in that the government of East Timor is a been getting worse not better. It is sobering the area of counter-narcotics. Timoran, well respected by the people of to reflect that over the last 20 years at least This is the full scope of the E-IMET that island, and Indonesia has a way of shar- 100,000 and perhaps more than 200,000 program. It is very different than the IMET ing the benefits of mining and timber people have been killed out of a population program, about which objections have been throughout the islands of Indonesia. So de- of less than 700,000. While the vast major- expressed here today. velopment money is coming in, and not only ity of these deaths took place before 1980, Now, let me say that I, despite the fact are they beginning to deal with the terrible harsh repression continues. The world wit- that I believe that Indonesia is playing a economic problems of this island, but they nessed this first hand when the 1991 Santa very important role in Southeast Asia, that are beginning also to deal constructively Cruz massacre in which the Indonesian mili- it is strategically located and is a country with the human rights issues. tary killed over 200 unarmed individuals that has played the key, positive role in was recorded by journalists. trying to resolve the Spratley Islands dis- others who added comments in the Con- Congress banned IMET funding for In- pute in the waters off Southeast Asia, de- gressional Record donesia to protest human rights abuses in spite that, I would not be able to suggest to Jack Reed, D-RI East Timor. The situation has not improved my colleagues that we ought to approve the Mr. Speaker, I recognize the importance and the U.S. Congress should not change traditional IMET authorization. But there is of the issues that the House of Representa- this policy. It is my hope that we can pre- this to be said for what is happening in In- tives is addressing today as it considers vent the funding of IMET for Indonesia in donesia: H.R. 3121. the appropriations process. There are substantial signs of greater ju- However, I must object to certain provi- dicial independence, there is NGO activism [The bill was passed on a 2/3, non-recorded sions of H.R. 3121 and the manner in which in the last 12 months, there is a human vote.] it has been brought before the House. This rights commission that has been established, measure authorizes enhanced International primarily because of outside interests, the FROM YOUR OWN HOME: Military and Education Training [IMET] for human rights community, and the United Indonesia, which is committing flagrant LOBBY FOR EAST TIMOR States of America. Human rights practices human rights abuses against the people of remain certainly imperfect, but the E-IMET From ETAN/US, April 22 East Timor. program is specifically designed primarily to More than 20 years ago, Indonesian In mid-April, more than a dozen East push Indonesia and other countries toward troops invaded the small country of East Timor Action Network members converged better human rights practices. Timor, beginning a storm of violent occupa- on Congress for our third annual Lobby So I think that, in fact, our colleagues tion and repression that continues today. I Days. We met with nearly a hundred Senate should feel very good about authorizing believe that we must stand with the East and Congressional staffers (and some Rep- ‘Enhanced IMET’ program for Indonesia. Timorese against these unconscionable acts, resentatives and Senators), informing them And by the way, it is identical to the exist- and I am concerned that by providing en- about issues relating to East Timor and ing law in the foreign operations appropria- hanced IMET to Indonesia, we may send a United States policy, and encouraging them tion bill as well as the authorization bills dangerous message to the leaders of that to support East Timorese human rights and passed by both the House and the Senate. nation. self-determination. Mr. [Clay] Shaw [R-FL]. In addition, by bringing H.R. 3121 to the There is a new energy in Congress, with Mr. Speaker, I had not intended to be in floor under suspension of the rules, we will Members and aides educating themselves the debate on this particular issue until I not have a full and open debate on IMET and working to end two decades of U.S. heard the questions of what I consider to be and Indonesia’s aggression against the East support for the brutal Indonesian occupa- tremendous exaggerations as to what is going Timorese. The suspension calendar should tion of East Timor. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 209

YOU CAN BE PART OF THIS! To contact Congress: call the Capitol where a pro-independence movement has Join the East Timor Action Network in Switchboard, (202)224-3121. Write U.S. been brutally suppressed by Indonesian urging Congress to end all U.S. military aid Senate, Washington, DC 20510 or your authorities. and arms sales to Indonesia. The U.S. gov- Representative at House of Representatives, A peace plan was proposed in 1994 for a ernment should send a strong and unambi- Washington, DC 20515. Many Congress- phased withdrawal of Indonesian troops and guous message that the illegal Indonesian members can be contacted by e-mail. For a a referendum on Timorese independence. occupation and the escalating level of human current list try the World Wide Web: But there has been little progress in imple- rights violations are totally unacceptable. http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/ menting the proposals and independence Last month, the U.S. State Department 1007/ or activists continue to clash with Indonesian issued its annual reports on human rights. http://ast1.spa.umn.edu/juan/congre forces. The report on Indonesia said that its politi- ss.html Indonesia invaded the eastern half of the cal system Please let us know of any responses you island in 1975 and claimed it as a 27th prov- “remains strongly authoritarian. ... receive from Congresspeople. ince although the annexation was never rec- There continued to be numerous, ognized by the United Nations, which still credible reports of human rights U.S., PORTUGAL TALK considers Portugal the administrative power abuses by the military and police. ... HUMAN RIGHTS for the island. “The most serious abuses include COMMENT FROM MARIZA CABRAL harsh repression of dissidents in East WASHINGTON, April 29 (UPI) – Sec- Timor, Aceh, and Irian Jaya. Reports retary of State Warren Christopher praised This is such misleading reporting! If I of extrajudicial killings, disappear- Portugal’s support of peace agreements in didn’t know any better, here’s what I would ances, and torture of those in custody the Balkans and Angola during a meeting have inferred from these two paragraphs: by security forces increased. Monday with the Portuguese Foreign Min- There is a (possibly small) independence “On East Timor, no progress was ister Jaime Gama. movement in ET which the (legitimate) In- made in accounting for the missing In brief comments to reporters before a donesian government has been suppressing. persons following the 1991 Dili inci- working lunch, both Christopher and Gama The United States government have dent or the 10 other Timorese that said they would be discussing the situations “stepped up efforts” to defend this op- disappeared in 1995. Troop levels re- in Bosnia-Herzegovina and southern Africa pressed faction. One of such steps, led by mained unjustifiably high. The armed as well as conditions in East Timor, the the US government in cooperation with forces used excessive force in making former Portuguese colony claimed by Indo- Portugal and “several Asian countries” has arrests following anti-integration riot- nesia. been to propose a peace plan in 1994... (not ing in Dili in October. The Govern- “We have interests around the world that the CNRM, which isn’t even mentioned). ment reimposed restricted access to we will be talking about, where we are Indonesia was receptive to the US-et-al- the province by foreign journalists.” working together, in places like Angola and proposed peace plan, however has been And on and on, detailing cases of arrests, Mozambique and our joint concern with the facing difficulties with its practical imple- killings, and other criminal activities to sup- human rights situation in East Timor,” mentation. Perhaps withdrawing the troops port Indonesia’s illegal and genocidal 20- Christopher said. and conducting a referendum, as demanded year occupation of East Timor. Gama said the two were seeking ways to by the peace plan, is difficult when the “ac- Yet, the Clinton Administration is trying bring “peace and stability” to Angola, which tivists” choose to continue “clashing” with hard to sell F-16 fighter warplanes to the has been torn by nearly constant civil war- the forces of law. Indonesian regime. And restrictions on mili- fare since it gained independence from Por- Certainly there is relative freedom in ET tary aid and other weapons sales which have tugal in 1975. if independence “activists” can afford to been in effect for several years could be Portugal helped broker a second peace continue “clashing” with Indonesian forces. overturned. agreement for Angola that was signed in “Clashing” is so much different from being chased down and murdered, isn’t it? Unlike Congress will only help East Timor if November 1994. An earlier agreement had Angola, which “has been torn by nearly they hear from us. broken down in 1992 when rebel groups disputed the results of a general election that constant civil warfare since it gained inde- They hear from the arms industry and pendence from Portugal in 1975” (this part Indonesia’s corporate lobby all the time. year. The United States, which first recognized is true, of course) East Timor has a few Many in Congress are still uninformed remaining “human rights” problems. about East Timor and need to be familiar- the formerly communist Angola government in 1993, is supporting a large U.N. peace- ized with the issues. Others, supporters of US D.O.D. ON IMET human rights and East Timor in both par- keeping operation to separate the country’s ties, should be thanked and encouraged to two armed groups and help demilitarize the FOR INDONESIA take further action. And there are support- society, including widespread mine clearing ers of Indonesia who need to know the po- operations. WALTER SLOCOMBE ON 1997 U.S. litical and human consequences of their blind In Mozambique, Portugal’s other former SECURITY ASSISTANCE support for Indonesia’s genocidal occupa- colony in Africa, a 1993 peace agreement Congressional testimony, April 30. excerpts. and subsequent U.N. peacekeeping opera- tion. Washington – U.S. security assistance tion successfully ended that country’s long- Call or write your Senators and Repre- acts as “a critical force multiplier,” a leading time civil war and a freely elected govern- sentatives. Urge them to support further Defense Department official says, because it ment has maintained control there for two restrictions on US arms sales and military helps to ensure that Washington has the years. aid to Indonesia, and to co-sponsor the “crucial support of friendly countries” when The United States, Portugal and several Kennedy-Lowey bill “East Timor Human U.S. military power must be engaged. Asian countries have recently stepped up Rights Accountability Act,” H.R.2746. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy efforts to seek a solution for East Timor, Walter Slocombe told Congress April 30 Page 210 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. that such “crucial support...including opera- “My impression is that human rights nesian policies on labour rights and on East tional support and backing from capable concerns turned out to have a greater signifi- Timor. military organizations,” enables the U.S. cance than the Prime Minister anticipated,” “Mr. Chretien should publicly demand military “to effectively deter and defeat said Edward Broadbent, president of the that they respect U.N. resolutions and that challenges” to U.S. national security. Montreal-based International Centre for they cease human rights violations and get In an appearance before the House Ap- Human Rights and Democratic Develop- out of East Timor,” said Warren Allmand, a propriations Committee’s Subcommittee on ment. member of Chretien’s own Liberal party Foreign Operations, the Defense official The diplomatic junket, led by Prime back-benches. noted that U.S. military assistance programs Minister Jean Chretien, followed one to Although Chretien reportedly raised East not only shape the allied military forces China that focused solely on trade matters. Timor at the end of a 15-minute discussion which may fight effectively alongside their “This time, the rights issue was brought with Indonesian President Suharto, he did U.S. counterparts, but they also help up by people who came into the spotlight not address the issue of worker rights. “achieve our international democratic and by reporters who were covering them,” Broadbent contends that this is an inade- agenda.” Broadbent told IPS. “The third phase, I quate response to a situation where workers Military assistance programs, he ex- hope, is that human rights will be officially have been tortured and killed for independ- plained, encourage the development of vi- part of the agenda.” ent union activity. able cooperative defense arrangements mak- Chretien and the six provincial leaders “Not only is the vile behaviour of Indo- ing direct U.S. intervention “less likely.” who accompanied him had hoped the trip nesia in East Timor something that should Following are excerpts from Slocombe’s text would provide an opportunity to show have been put on the agenda, but certainly as prepared for delivery: voters at home how aggressively they were some concern ought to have been expressed trying to forge trade links in the booming for the basic denial of organisation rights for Of great importance to our regional strat- Pacific Rim region. the people of Indonesia,” he told IPS. egy in PACOM is our IMET program with Though they returned with almost two And there are signs the government may Indonesia, the largest Muslim country in the billion U.S. dollars’ worth of business con- have been stung by the intense criticism. world. Indonesia is an increasingly influen- tracts and commitments for another 4.5 One week after the team’s return, a cabi- tial regional and global actor. It is strategi- billion dollars in business, their photo op- net shuffle saw foreign affairs minister An- cally located astride major international sea portunities were often seized by individuals dre Oulette replaced by Lloyd Axworthy, lanes. Our military forces enjoy solid pro- concerned about the poor and oppressed. who as opposition foreign affairs critic, was fessional relations with Indonesia’s military. In India, a 13-year-old Canadian boy a champion of human rights. It is through engagement of Indonesian de- named Craig Keilburger upstaged Chretien Canada did take a leading role last year in fense and other governmental officials in when he held an emotional press conference pushing the Commonwealth to punish Nige- training and education programs that we can with Indian child labourers, forcing the ria for the execution of writer Ken Saro- promote professionalism and influence prac- Prime Minister to address the issue of child Wiwa. But critics say such examples of tices. To maximize the potential of IMET exploitation which he had so far managed to leadership only point out the growing in- for Indonesia, we are requesting full rein- avoid. consistencies in Canada’s policy. statement of the IMET program in FY97, After meeting with Chretien, Keilburger “It seems clear that when the economic beyond E-IMET programs – which are im- remained adamant that the Prime Minister and commercial price is greater, the issue of portant – to include the full program of was shirking his responsibilities. rights slides down the scale of priorities professional military education. In a period “I had hoped that, during the meeting, he very rapidly,” said Roy Culpeper, president during which we seek to broaden our efforts would have made more of a commitment on of the North-South Institute here. to build relationships with the armed forces the issues and said, ‘I will do this and I will Culpeper says the government’s argu- of the region, increase joint exercises, and do that,’” the 13-year-old told a reporter at ment that Canada lacks the leverage to deal enhance access to service facilities for our the scene. with large and economically strong countries forward-deployed forces, IMET programs In Ottawa, the national leader of the New “doesn’t address the possibility of multilat- are invaluable. Democratic Party (NDP), Alexa eral action, which is exactly what Canada McDonough, said Keilburger’s presence in did with Nigeria.” India highlighted his own commitment as So why can’t Canada take the same ap- EVENTS IN CANADA well as the solidarity of Canadian workers. proach with China and Indonesia? She told IPS that the boy, who had hoped to “It’s because there’s too much at stake CANADIANS BOOED FOR raise some seven thousand U.S. dollars from economically, which is a sad commentary on Canadian trade unionists, left the first union our view of human rights as just another BURYING HEADS IN SAN D hall he visited with 15 times the amount. factor in the equation,” lamented Culpeper. by Stephen Dale “It struck a very responsive chord Chretien calls his policy one of “con- amongst working people who themselves structive engagement,” based on the idea OTTAWA, Jan 29 (IPS) - Pressure from are feeling the pressure of wage rollbacks that increased trade and prosperity will within Canada will likely force Ottawa to and massive downsizing,” said McDonough. create a broader middle class that will not retreat from a policy that places trade con- “This issue of international labour rights tolerate rights abuses. siderations well above human rights con- means something to Canadians.” But Culpeper notes that Chretien’s ver- cerns. ‘Team Canada’ also came under major at- sion of “constructive engagement” is out of A recent ‘Team Canada’ trade mission to tack during a stop in Indonesia. line with the Canadian tradition. Asia brought Canadian leaders under pres- As the team landed in Jakarta, Canadian “In our history in South Africa, ‘con- sure to address the rights of workers and members of parliament, feminist and labour structive engagement’ meant something minorities in countries where Canadian firms leaders called a press conference here to quite different,” he said. do business. denounce Canada’s soft approach to Indo- “We didn’t close our embassy in Preto- ria, but we used the opportunity to have a East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 211 dialogue with the opponents of the apart- he had tried to frighten them. “It is not my allegedly participating in an antigovernment heid system and we provided assistance to habit to intimidate people. No one seemed rally. He has not been released. the ANC (African National Congress). The worried. They laughed. They smiled. It was Mr. Parwoto flew to Dili for a 24-hour South African government didn’t like that, a very amicable situation.” visit to “see for myself what was happening but it seems to me you should expect to He said his visit to the Galhos residence there” by meeting church officials, develop- have some conflict if you are truly commit- was a modest one, with four other people ment workers and civic officials. He said the ted to human rights.” accompanying him in two cars, although he unplanned visit to the Galhos home was added a third unidentified car also stopped arranged by a local journalist who had at- ENVOY’S VISIT FRIGHTENED at the house during the visit. tended high school with Bella. HER, TIMOR REFUGEE’S After the meeting, Mr. Parwoto gave After visiting the Galhos family last Mrs. Galhos 150,000 rupiahs ($80) “out of Wednesday, a representative of the Interna- MOTHER INSISTS pity,” adding : “It is really as very, very tional Committee of the Red Cross reported poor family.” Mrs. Galhos lives in a small the family was not in danger. “I don’t think Canadians to check if Dili family was three-bedroom house with five of her six there is any real threat for the family,” said intimidated children and one grandchild. Henri Fournier, head of the ICRC mission in The Globe and Mail, Toronto, January 31, Canadian government officials worry that Indonesia. “If she [Mrs. Galhos] has any 1996, page A1. By John Stackhouse the visit itself was enough to intimidate the problems later on, she can contact us.” DILI, East Timor – The family of an East family. “I think the department [of Foreign In Dili, intimidation remains a common Timorese refugee and activist living in Can- Affairs] will be looking at whether such a commodity, scooped out nightly by truck- ada were “terrified” by the recent surprise visit by an ambassador falls into the realm loads of soldiers in riot control gear who visit to their Dili home of Indonesia’s am- of appropriate behaviour,” department roam the streets and new gangs known as bassador to Canada, despite the envoy’s spokesman Colin Stewart said. ninjas ( a reference to their masks) who claim that his was a “social visit.” Mr. Stewart said Foreign Affairs plans to storm houses and beat government oppo- Speaking through an intermediary, the raise the issue with Mr. Parwoto once it nents, mainly university students. family of Bella Galhos, an East Timorese receives a report from two Canadian diplo- The crackdowns have reached such levels student living in Ottawa, said the envoy mats who have been dispatched to East that dozens of Timorese youths have re- visited their modest bungalow in the East Timor to assess condition s there. They met cently sought refuge in foreign embassies in Timor capital with only ten minutes’ warn- Mrs. Galhos yesterday. Jakarta. ing and left them with the strong impression Mr. Parwoto visited the Galhos family “It’s a small half-island, and the Indone- they should encourage the young woman to on Jan. 20, less than 48 hours after Prime sian soldiers are everywhere,” said Carlos return home. Minster Jean Chretien left Jakarta for Ma- Philippe (sic) Ximenes Belo, the Roman Bella Galhos’ mother, Teresa, a primary laysia on his Asian trade mission. Mr. Chre- Catholic bishop of East Timor. “There is no school teacher and single mother of six, said tien and his trip to Indonesia were strongly other way, just escape.” the ambassador’s visit had left her “terrible criticized by East Timor activists in Canada Two boatloads of young Timorese set scared.” She said Ambassador Benjamin because of the low profile given to the dis- sail for Australia last month but were caught Parwoto arrived with five cars and “a lot of puted status of the territory. offshore by authorities and jailed. All 21 motorcycles,” and scores of people gathered Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 potential refugees were arrested, and seven outside her home during the 30-minute visit. and annexed it a year later, a move that has remain in custody. A Globe and Mail reporter who visited not been recognized by the United Nations. Bella Galhos, 23, refused to return to CANADA PROTESTS INDONESIAN East Timor last week sent questions to Mrs. AMBASSADOR’S ACTIONS Galhos through a local development worker. Canada in 1994 after she had completed a Foreign journalists are strictly forbidden to student-exchange program in Canada. Since OTTAWA, Feb 2 (Reuter) - Canadian travel to East Timor, and authorities then, she has spoken out against the Indone- Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy said on strongly discourage Dili residents from sian government for the East Timor Alert Friday he had protested to Indonesia’s am- speaking about political issues to the few Network, which investigates and reports on bassador a visit the diplomat paid to the foreigners in the capital. human-rights abuses in East Timor. mother of a Timorese woman who has taken Mrs. Galhos said an Indonesian press re- During Mr. Parwoto’s visit to Dili, he refuge in Canada. port saying she was not intimidated by the apparently tried to encourage the Galhos “We have sent a note to the ambassador visit was inaccurate. “I was not directly family to persuade Bella to return, and per- stating that his actions were inappropriate,” threatened by the ambassador, but I felt sonally vouched for her safety. “She is a Axworthy, a liberal who just took over the very terrified by so many people with cars, clever girl, she is intelligent,” Mr. Parwoto foreign ministry portfolio last week, told radios and uniforms who were with him,” said from Ottawa. “She can do better to reporters. she said. Mr. Parwoto’s aides, she added, serve her country.” He sent the letter on Thursday to Am- asked “some awful questions,” including the Mr. Parwoto said the family asked him bassador Benjamin Parwoto, who on Jan. 20 identity of her daughter’s boyfriend in Dili. whether Bella would be safe if she returned visited the home of Teresa Galhos in East Mrs. Galhos said she was worried that to Dili. “I said, ‘I cannot promise you that, Timor, which Indonesia seized in 1975 her daughter would be arrested if she re- but I’ll do everything possible that, if she when Portugal left. turned. does come home, she will be safe.’ Maybe I Galhos’ daughter Isabel has been outspo- Bella Galhos has criticized the Indonesian can write a good letter, tell the people here ken against Indonesian repression of East government in Canada, and has become a that she is a good girl.” Timor and the human rights violations re- considerable embarrassment for Mr. Par- One of Bella’s fellow university stu- ported there, since she became a refugee in woto. dents, José Antonio Belo, returned to Dili Canada last year. Speaking from Ottawa, Mr. Parwoto said from a student-exchange program in Decem- Isabel says Parwoto tried to quell her the Galhos family was “lying” if they said ber, 1994, and was arrested a month later for protests by threatening her mother into convincing her daughter to move back home. Page 212 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Canadian diplomats subsequently visited INDONESIAN AMBASSADOR Kerry Pither, a spokeswomen for the the mother to get her version of the story in WARNS ACTIVIST’S MOTHER network, said Parwoto’s remarks are threat- light of Indonesian denials. ENDANGERED BY PROTESTS ening and Canada should have him recalled The question of human rights and in par- to Indonesia. ticular East Timor developed into a major [The following story was moved Feb. 8 by Galhos agreed. issue during a trade mission Canadian Prime Canadian Press. It contains a crudely-veiled “The ambassador is just trying to silence Minister Jean Chretien to Indonesia from threat that is also an extraordinary admis- me,” she said. Jan. 16 to 18, shortly before Parwoto’s sion by an Indonesian ambassador: that Parwoto denies that he meant the re- visit. Jakarta does in fact take reprisals against marks as threats. Later Wednesday, he Indonesia has strongly rejected Isabel dissidents. Nothing new of course, but it’s asked that his remarks not be reported, al- Galhos’ accusations that Parwoto’s visit the first time I’ve heard a diplomatic repre- though he did not deny making them. was undertaken to intimidate her mother. sentative make such a claim. It should also Stewart said Canada will seek clarifica- A spokeswoman for the Canada-based be noted that Ambassador Parwoto asked tion from the Indonesian government about human rights group East Timor Alert Net- for the interview with CP that led to this Parwoto’s remarks, but is not asking for him work said Axworthy’s letter was not story, although he later tried to stop the to be recalled. enough. report. “We see these comments as unfortunate “It’s a slap in the face for the ambassa- – David Webster, ETAN/Toronto] and clearly open to all sorts of interpreta- dor. It won’t change anything,” said Kerry By Diane Rinehart tion.” Pither. “The ambassador should be recalled. Parwoto said his visit to Galhos’s mother That’s the least that can be done.” OTTAWA (CP, Feb. 8) – An East came at the suggestion of an Indonesian Axworthy said Parwoto would be al- Timorese activist living in Canada has en- journalist while he was visiting East Timor lowed to stay in Canada for the time being: dangered her mother by causing a diplomatic to investigate allegations about the ill- “We will continue to see if any further ac- spat between Indonesia and Canada, says treatment of the East Timorese. tion needs to be taken.” the Indonesian ambassador to Canada. He said there was nothing intimidating Benjamin Parwoto said Bella Galhos’s about the visit, and he has asked the regional INDONESIA CALLS IN CANADIAN mother, who lives in Indonesian-occupied commander of the army to keep an eye on AMBASSADOR East Timor, was safer before Galhos ac- her mother for her own safety. Reuter, Jakarta, 7 February 1996. Abridged cused him of intimidating her mother during a visit last month. INDONESIA-RIGHTS- Indonesia’s foreign ministry on Wednes- “By saying (the visit was threatening), CHRONOLOGY day said it deeply regretted Canada’s han- Bella Galhos keeps her mother in more dan- OTTAWA (CP) – A chronology of the dling of accusations that an Indonesian offi- ger than before,” Parwoto said in an inter- diplomatic dispute between Indonesia and cial had intimidated the mother of an East view Wednesday. Canada: Timorese woman living in Canada. Foreign Parwoto said he worries the diplomatic Jan. 18: Prime Minister Jean Chretien Ministry spokesman Ghaffar Fadyl said in a uproar will cause those who want East and members of his Team Canada trade statement that Canadian Ambassador Law- Timor to be integrated with Indonesia to mission leave Indonesia. Indonesia’s ambas- rence Dickenson on Wednesday had been take things into their own hands. sador to Canada, Benjamin Parwoto, is in called to the foreign ministry and given a “People who are pro-integration, they Jakarta for the trade mission. protest in writing. may try to do something to her mother. I am Jan. 19: Parwoto goes to East Timor and “The Indonesian government is very con- worried,” he said. later visits the mother of Bella Galhos, an cerned about the activities of various parties “Now the people in Jakarta know what East Timorese refugee living in Ottawa who in Canada concerning human rights and East happens to me. That is why I’m afraid (for has criticized the Indonesian occupation of Timor which could disturb the relationship her). Hopefully nothing will happen.” East Timor. between Indonesia and Canada,” Fadyl said, Canada has officially protested Par- Jan. 23: The East Timor Alert Network outlining the protest statement. woto’s visit, saying it could have been in- accuses Parwoto of threatening Galhos’s “It’s regrettable that the visit of Ambas- terpreted as an intimidation tactic to stop family. sador Benjamin Parwoto to East Timor on Bella Galhos from criticizing Indonesia. Jan. 25: Indonesia confirms Parwoto January 19 has already been misreport by “Ambassador Parwoto’s visit to Mrs. made the visit but says it was a private the Canadian media,” he said. Galhos was inappropriate because his action visit, not initiated by the government. Human rights activists in Canada have left itself open to the interpretation that it Friday, Feb. 2: Canada gives Parwoto a claimed Parwoto visited the home of Teresa was an attempt to put pressure on a Cana- diplomatic note protesting his visit with Galhos in East Timor asking her to put dian resident,” said Foreign Affairs spokes- Galhos’s mother. pressure on her daughter Isabel, now living man Colin Stewart. Wednesday, Feb. 7: Indonesia calls in in Canada, to stop unspecified anti- Indonesia retaliated Wednesday by call- Canada’s ambassador and protests the dip- Indonesia activities. ing in Canada’s ambassador to protest the lomatic note given to Parwoto. In an inter- Isabel Galhos, an East Timor university diplomatic note given to Parwoto. view, Parwoto says he did not intimidate English student, did not return from an ex- Galhos is a member of the East Timor Teresa Galhos, but says her daughter’s ac- change programme in Canada in 1994. Fadyl Alert Network, a human rights group. tions are endangering her among groups that said in his statement the visit took place but Amnesty International says the Indone- support East Timor’s integration with In- it had been exaggerated by the Canadian sian military organizes vigilante groups donesia. media. He denied there was any intimidation made up of civilians to spy on, report, or or pressure. kill suspected rebels. The government then blames “pro- integration” forces, the East Timor Alert Network says. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 213

CANADIAN MP SUPPORTS BELLA FIG LEAVES FOR having previously served as attorney general GALHOS and minister of justice. FASCISTS TANGO (A year and a half after the commission’s New Democratic Party MP Bill Blaikie establishment, Jakarta’s military com- (Winnipeg Transcona) sent to following From Frank, Canada’s satirical political magazine, March 13, 1996 mander, Maj.-Gen. Hendro Priyono, asked letter to Foreign Minister Lloyd Axworthy what lay in store for protesters at the forth- (Winnipeg South) on Feb. 27. NB Jean Crouton is Frank’s name for PM coming Asian Pacific Economic Conference Jean Chretien. Byron Muldoon is former PM Dear Mr. Axworthy, [sic] replied: “I’ll cut them to pieces.”) Brian Mulroney – the name given to him Byron Muldoon’s Tories vetoed all arms RE: ISABEL GALHOS’ SITUATION IN accidentally by President Ronald Reagan on sales to Indonesia. Before Crouton’s visit, EAST TIMOR their first meeting. Comments in [square the Liberals authorized the resumption of It is my understanding that on February brackets] are added by poster. arms sales, including military aircraft. 1, 1996, the Canadian government filed a Jean Crouton’s response to critics who Ottawa’s changed policy is not uncon- note of official protest to Benjamin Par- wanted to know why Canada’s Liberals nected to the problems of Atomic Energy of woto, Ambassador of Indonesia, for his were so eager to befriend Indonesia’s mur- Canada, which hopes to sign a $4-billion actions of intimidation towards East derous government was a $300,000 CIDA deal to flog its clapped-out Candu reactors. Timorese dissident Isabel Galhos and her [Canadian International Development AECL’s head honcho, Robert Nixon, who family. Agency] grant to the nation’s human rights supplements his AECL sinecure with a However, despite this protest, Ambassa- commission. In preparation, a group of self- $70,000 pension from the province, is a dor Parwoto continues to make threats in less Canadian human rights apparatchiks, close Crouton buddy. AECL, which has not the Canadian media, intimating that there sponsored by Ted Langtry, CIDA’s Indo- actually sold a reactor since Ceaucescu could be negative consequences for Ms. nesian obergruppenfuhrer, visited the coun- keeled over, maintains an office in Jakarta. Galhos and her family if she continues to try in December. Nixon, a little long in the tooth for foreign speak out against the Indonesian govern- Canadian Human Rights Commission di- junkets, dispatched VP Alan Pilkington on ment and the situation in East Timor. rector of program development, Charles the recent trip. As NDP foreign affairs and international Theroux, was joined on the junket by Yves If AECL fails, questions will be asked trade critic, I call upon your government to Lafontaine, head of Quebec’s human rights about how long Canadian taxpayers can be protest to the government of Indonesia the commission, Ruth Selwyn and René Plat- expected to pony up for AECL’s army of continued intimidation of this resident of evort of the Montreal-based Canadian Hu- nuclear boffins with nary a prospect in Canada and her family in Indonesia, and man Rights Foundation, Ottawa U’s Tim sight. demand his recall to Indonesia. Colby and the inevitable Erroll Mendes, I fail to understand why your govern- director of the university’s frequent flyer CANADIAN MP ASKS ment would wish to strengthen ties with a program, in the Centre for Human Rights SUHARTO ABOUT government that continues to so brazenly Ottawa U. academics are not alone on demonstrate such an oppressive attitude this gruesome gravy train. UBC, Simon EAST TIMOR towards human rights. Fraser, Guelph [note: this is outdated – From David Webster, E TAN, April 4 Sincerely, years of protest at Guelph led to the cancel- Bill Blaikie, MP lation of this program] and Dalhousie have On a recent visit to Jakarta to attend a Winnipeg-Transcona shared more than $150 million in CIDA meeting on sustainable forestry, Canadian funds, intended to assist Indonesia’s mili- MP Charles Caccia raised the issue of East UNIVERSITY OF BC tary rulers create their island nirvana and Timor with Suharto. He asked specifically STUDENTS BACK TIMOR Canadian academics to escape the winter for information on Indonesia’s response to cold. the Portuguese initiative at the ASEM con- Report from ETAN/Toronto Not all universities have been so easily ference in Bangkok. Suharto’s response was bought. U. of T. [Toronto] voted to bar as follows: The Alma Mater Society (AMS) of the “The last Asia-Europe summit, in a University of British Columbia, represent- CIDA Indonesia money. Those who fled the December snows meeting in Bangkok, actually, was a summit ing over 30,000 students, voted overwhelm- to lay a solid foundation for the closer co- ingly on Feb. 28 to condemn the occupation have developed a marked reticence about the trip, referring inquiries to CHRC flak- operation between the two continents based of East Timor, the former Portuguese col- on partnership, so that all participants ony in Southeast Asia that was invaded and catchers. Contacted by FRANK, Human Rights Foundation grand fromage Ruth Sel- agreed that bilateral and sensitive issues annexed by Indonesia in 1975. UBC is one should not be raised on such a forum. But of the largest universities in Canada, and is wyn, refused to say why she was playing footsie with the generals’ flunkies. Indeed, nevertheless, since Portugal has the duty, located in Vancouver; the AMS is its stu- the task of raising the question between dent government. she even refused to confirm that FRANK was even talking to Ruth Selwyn. Indonesia and Portugal, he used that oppor- The AMS passed the resolution in con- tunity, so I also gave him the opportunity, junction with a visit to Vancouver by Prof. The Indonesian Human Rights Commis- sion, which is to receive such generous sup- the Prime Minister of Portugal, to raise the Noam Chomsky, who it described as “a question and discuss it on a bilateral basis.” strong proponent of the liberation of East port from Canadian taxpayers, has features which appeal to dictators everywhere. Not much, but I suppose raising East Timor.” Its debate on East Timor was pre- Timor in an open forum once again helps. ceded by a presentation by Elaine Brière of The commission is appointed by and ac- the East Timor Alert Network. countable to Suharto, a Pol Pot role model. The head of the commission, Ali Said, is a military officer, intimately familiar with the corruption of the Indonesian justice system, Page 214 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

TIMOR ACTIVIST SAYS “My mother would never say that,” she wrong to assume that this is an issue em- said. “We have been fighting for 20 years for braced only by human rights crusaders and OTTAWA TRYING the liberation of my country.” will quietly retreat from international con- TO GAG HER However, officials at Foreign Affairs said sciousness. they were simply relying on the information Toronto Star, April 7, 1996. By Shawn from their representatives in Indonesia and McCarthy, Ottawa Bureau NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC’S had no other agenda. SKEWED MAP OTTAWA – An East Timorese refugee Department spokesperson Colin Stewart says the federal government appears to be rejected the notion that Ottawa would at- OF EAST TIMOR working with the Indonesian government to tempt to silence Galhos to smooth commer- Below is a letter that Constâncio Pinto and I silence her protests against the brutal occu- cial relations, noting that Canada protested sent to National Geographic regarding its pation of her homeland. strongly against the ambassador’s visit to map of East Timor in the February 1996 Bella Galhos is an outspoken opponent her mother. issue, followed by National Geographic’s of Indonesia’s 20-year occupation of East “It’s part of the ideology of the group response. Timor, a former Portuguese colony. that Bella is associated with that Canada is Recent events have left her convinced the talking less tough on human rights due to – Anthony Arnove Canadian government wants her to soften trade relations,” Stewart said. “But we be- February 6, 1996 her protests. lieve we can maintain a serious dialogue on To the Editor: “They’re the ones who want me to calm those issues, and at the same time have a down and they don’t want to hurt their healthy trade relationship.” The Cartographic Division’s map of In- relationship with the Indonesian govern- donesia in your February 1996 issue con- ment,” Galhos said in an interview. tains a serious error, one that effectively “Everything is the economic interest, RESOURCES accepts Indonesia’s illegal annexation of that’s all that matters. It doesn’t matter that East Timor. the innocent are suffering.” The map, accompanying the article “Irian In February, Indonesian Ambassador ET BOOK REVIEWED Jaya: Indonesia’s Wild Side,” lists only the Benjamin Parwoto said the life of Galhos’ IN JAPAN TIMES island of Timor, failing to note the division mother, Teresa, could be in danger because of the island into East and West Timor. The of Bella’s outspoken opposition to the re- The East Timor Project - An Anthology: division of the island into West (Dutch) gime. Essays on the Political Economy of East Timor and East (Portuguese) Timor was Parwoto had visited the elder Galhos in Timor, Vol. I., edited by João Mariano de formalized in 1913, but Portuguese influence East Timor, along with police, to warn her Sousa Saldanha, Monograph Series in East Timor extends back to 1515. about her daughter’s activities, prompting a No.3/95, Centre for Southeast Asian Studies, East Timor was a Portuguese colony un- complaint from the Canadian government. Northern Territory University, Casuarina, til 1974, when the Portuguese revolution However, Ottawa says Canadian officials 1995, 91pp. opened the possibility for East Timorese – as well as some from the International Red independence. East Timor declared its inde- reviewed in Japan Times (Tokyo) (6 pendence on November 28, 1975. On De- Cross – later visited Galhos’ mother and February 1996) by Jeff Kingston under found she was not fearful. In a letter to a cember 7, 1995, Indonesia invaded and an- rubric “East Timor problem won’t go away” nexed East Timor, beginning a brutal occu- Galhos supporter, L.A.K. James of the along with cartoon by “Best” of the South Foreign Affairs department said those offi- pation of the country that has resulted in China Morning Post (Hong Kong). Much over 200,000 deaths. cials reported that the elder Galhos “was abbreviated: not living in terror and did not fear for her- Although Indonesian President Suharto “East Timor continues to be a serious declared the official “integration” of East self or her family.” blot on the record of Indonesia’s New Order He added that “she told the (Red Cross) Timor into Indonesia in July 1976, East government. President Suharto has clung to Timorese have continued to resist this an- representative that she was not very happy a policy of toughing it out, waiting for inte- with all the attention she was receiving and nexation and are struggling for the right to gration. This policy has not worked. self-determination. she wished Isabel would calm down a bit.” ....The recent demonstrations of East Burt a church worker – who secretly vis- National Geographic does a great disser- Timorese in Jakarta and at the 1995 APEC vice to its readers and to the people of East ited Galhos and smuggled out a written ap- conference in Osaka ensured that the 20th peal – told a different story. Timor by accepting Indonesia’s skewed anniversary of Jakarta’s invasion of East map of Timor. In a latter to Galhos, the church worker – Timor would continue to merit international who can’t be named to protect her security Constâncio Pinto United States Repre- attention. sentative, National Council of Maubere – said she met with the mother and Galhos’ ....This volume of essays is an attempt to uncle three times. Resistance get beyond the polemics of accusation and Anthony Arnove Graduate Student, “Your mother emphasize to me that she justification and take a hard look at possible fully supports your activities in Canada,” Brown University scenarios...... Providence, Rhode Island the church worker said. ....This project is a welcome sign of pro- The letter also suggested her mother gress in the debate over East Timor and its ------“does feel scared and very concerned about future disposition. The sober analysis of Reply from National Geographic her safety and that of your family.” political, economic and administrative issues Galhos said she found it impossible to is a useful contribution to our understanding From: [email protected] believe the suggestion from the Foreign Af- of current realities. The fact that East Timor It is the National Geographic’s map pol- fairs official that her mother wanted her to has become a subject of sustained academic icy to show de facto situations. “calm down.” analysis is further proof that Jakarta is Thus, if a state claims and controls an area, we show that area as part of the state. East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 215

We feel that it is only through this system rocco” in parenthesis, East Timor was part horribly in the last twenty years and re- that we can produce reliable maps that have of Indonesia and so on. So this is nothing sisted so valiantly, to consign them to carto- lasting reference value. This depiction has new with the maps that come with the graphic oblivion. To not give East Timor so nothing to do with our government’s poli- magazines. I’m curious: does anybody know much as mention in your map hardly seems cies, or whether we like or dislike a particu- when was the last time an article referring to me the way to “produce reliable maps lar situation. ET appeared in N.G.? that have lasting reference value.” We have shown East Timor as part of From Greg Knehans, ETAN/San Fran- Prof. Greg Knehans Indonesia. East Timor was forcibly occu- cisco, Feb. 14 Dominican College pied by Indonesia in 1975 and officially I thought I’d share the following dialogue They replied, rather promptly, thus; annexed on July 27, 1975. One month later, I had with National Geographic yesterday. I understand your points well. Your Indonesia proclaimed East Timor as the My first message: friends letter also noted that we use de facto province of Loro Sae. whether or not we like situation. However, Thank you for taking the time to write. Dear Editor, the reality of East Timor at this time and for Your message will be circulated among our My attention was recently drawn to the the past 20 years is that Indonesia controls senior editorial staff map that accompanied the article “Irian the province, not Portugal or the people of jar Jaya: Indonesia’s Wild Side,” in the Febru- East Timor. Debate beyond that is political, ary issue of National Geographic. The map Comment from Chuck Albertson, and we are not a politically-oriented organi- shows the nearby island of Timor, with no ETAN/Seattle: zation. indication of the fact that the island is di- This explanation of National Geo- Thank you for writing. I will see that vided into East and West Timor. I know graphic’s “policy” is bullshit, and we ought your comments are circulated among our you are at least passingly familiar with the to respond to it. If you take a look at NG’s Cartographic staff. basic history of East Timor, so I will not Atlas of the World, for example, you’ll see repeat it to you. I will instead address I then replied (Thanks to Chuck from the following: points that were brought up by you in a ETAN/Seattle): 1. On the map of Northwestern Africa, response to a letter by a friend of mine. You there is this annotation next to Western Dear Editor, wrote: Sahara: “Western Sahara, formerly Spanish Thank you for your prompt reply to my “It is the National Geographic’s map Sahara, was divided by Morocco and Mauri- message. I would like to respond to the last policy to show de facto situations. tania in 1976. Morocco has administered the point in your reply, that debate beyond the Thus, if a state claims and controls an territory since Mauritania’s withdrawal in question of who has de facto control is “just area, we show that area as part of the state. August 1979. The United Nations does not political,” and NG is “not a politically- We feel that it is only through this system recognize this annexation, and Western Sa- oriented organization.” that we can produce reliable maps that have hara remains in dispute.” I would like to know if this is a recent lasting reference value.” 2. On the map of Southern Africa, the policy, and if it is carried out consistently. I “We have shown East Timor as part of South African “independent homelands” of ask because in NG’s Atlas of the World Indonesia. East Timor was forcibly occu- Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, and from 1990, the following annotations are pied by Indonesia in 1975 and officially Vendt are outlined, and the annotation reads: made: annexed on July 27, 1975. One month later, “Declared independent by South Africa. 1. On the map of Northwestern Africa, Indonesia proclaimed East Timor as the Thus far no other country has recognized there is this annotation next to Western province of Loro Sae.” these homelands as separate nations.” Sahara: “Western Sahara, formerly Spanish There are a number of problems with this 3. The map of Scandinavia (mind you, I Sahara, was divided by Morocco and Mauri- position. First of all, there are two states have the 1990 edition of the atlas, so this tania in 1976. Morocco has administered the that claim the territory of East Timor; Indo- one is a bit dated) notes that “[t]he United territory since Mauritania’s withdrawal in nesia and Portugal. However, only the claim States does not recognize the 1940 incorpo- August 1979. The United Nations does not of Portugal is recognized as the legitimate ration of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into recognize this annexation, and Western Sa- claim by the vast majority of other states the Soviet Union.” hara remains in dispute.” (including the US), as well as the major in- 4. The map of the Middle East (again, 2. On the map of Southern Africa, the ternational organizations such as the UN this edition came out around the time of the South African “independent homelands” of and the World Court. This would indicate Gulf War) shows Kuwait with its recog- Bophuthatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, and that, at the very least, the area should be nized boundaries, but with this annotation: Vendt are outlined, and the annotation reads: shown as disputed territory. Also, calling “On August 2, 1990, Iraqi military forces “Declared independent by South Africa. Indonesian control “de facto” misrepresents invaded Kuwait.” Thus far no other country has recognized the reality of East Timor. There is over- Clearly, National Geographic’s “de facto these homelands as separate nations.” whelming evidence that the East Timorese boundary” policy is applied on an “a priori” 3. The map of Scandinavia notes that reject Indonesian rule. One prime example of basis. “[t]he United States does not recognize the this is the fact that the Indonesian army still 1940 incorporation of Estonia, Latvia, and Comment from Mariza Cabral: has to carry out massive yearly offensives Lithuania into the Soviet Union.” A person who collects those orangy against the armed resistance, who continue 4. The map of the Middle East shows magazines of *selected* pictures, stories, to control areas of the interior, despite re- Kuwait with its recognized boundaries, but and maps, notes that the February 94 issue ceiving no aid from abroad. In this, and in with this annotation: “On August 2, 1990, included a world map with “de facto” many other ways, the Indonesian hold over Iraqi military forces invaded Kuwait.” boundaries throughout the world and no the island is shown to be only firm in It would seem that these are precisely notes, with the single exception of a note places, overall weaker than is understood, political annotations that go beyond ques- that the boundary between India and China and in areas of the interior, virtually non- tions of de facto or military control and into was disputed. Tibet was part of China, existent. Finally, it does a great disservice to questions of legitimacy. Western Sahara was followed by “Mo- the East Timorese, who have suffered so Page 216 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

I do not have a recent NG atlas on hand, to the West Papuan people on-going free- In the name of truth, we urge you to so I do not know if such annotations are no dom and self-determination fight. We con- make the vital corrections and re-print, as longer used. clude that Mr. Thomas O’Neill preparation soon as possible, the published map. Thank you for your time. was not well targeted and the information Yours, Prof. Greg Knehans sources missed to provide (or underesti- By CDPM, Dominican College mated) important background political as- Luis Manuel Moreira da Silva Reis Their (rather lame) reply to this was: pects on that nearly 30 years long-lasting From Mariza Cabral: fight. Therefore and regrettably, the final I apologize if my last message was mis- In case anyone is interested enough in draft of this article did not reach the level of leading. We do occasionally include notes to National Geographic’s reasons... Here’s an accuracy and information quality that mil- clarify the situation over disputed territory. exchange with them that shows their incon- lions of worldwide N.G.S. magazine readers This is an attempt to give readers additional sistency. You refute their reasons as illogi- seek and are used to. information, but it is not something we can cal, they present new reasons that contra- Above all, we want to present our pro- do in every instance. For example, in our dict their original statement. The original test on account of the Indonesian Double atlas, there are no notes for Cyprus or Ti- statement they had sent me was similar to Map Supplement publication. This map bet, two other hotly contested areas. what they sent other people, about their contains serious misinformation and biased –I haven’t yet asked them why they are policy and the “lasting reference value” of errors concerning East Timor hence we think incapable of making a notation in the case of their maps. Note the reference to reverting that you are not correctly informed. East Timor. to Portuguese control (sic), when I had said East Timor was a former Portuguese col- “should East Timor become an independent Comment from CDPM - Lisboa, 10 Feb- ony. On 1975, Indonesian forces invaded it state.” ruary 1996 (with the secret support of some western Just a brief message to all the East countries like the U.S., Australia and U.K.) Dear National Geographic: Timor/West Papua solidarity groups, peo- in the aftermath of Portugal withdrawal Thank you for replying to my letter. ple concerned with these problems and from its colony. Since that time, several However, your reply is unsatisfactory. In readers of this conference. The February countries (Portugal included) and the most particular, the following statement is National Geographic magazine includes two important Human Rights N.G.Os (like Am- counter to logic: articles related to West Papua (“Irian Jaya” nesty International or Asia Watch) have “Thus, if a state claims and con- and “Irian Jaya People of the Trees”) and a documented a pattern of gross and persis- trols an area, we show that area as map of Indonesia. tent Human Rights violations by Indonesian part of the state. We feel that it is On our point of view, the mentioned arti- security forces in the territory. These in- only through this system that we can cles have inaccurate and biased points of clude frequent extra-judicial execution, tor- produce reliable maps that have lasting view concerning the on-going freedom and ture “disappearance,” political imprison- reference value.” self-determination fight of the West-Papua ment and unfair trials. The reference value of a map is the value people. Moreover, the included map ( more The illegal occupation of East Timor lasts of the information it contains. If your map or less, 80 centimeters long) signs unequivo- already for 20 years and was never recog- had contained a note stating that East Timor cally East Timor as part of Indonesia. Ur- nized by the U.N. The latter already has was illegally invaded in 1975 and remained a gent protests are needed. urged Indonesia to withdraw from the terri- non-self-governing territory, the value of As far as this weekend “Expresso” re- tory, in several Resolutions and Declara- this information would be added not sub- ports, the Portuguese Government and tions approved by bodies, like the General tracted from the reference value of the map. CNRM are going to send formal protest. Assembly. According to the UN terminol- As for this value being lasting: That East CDPM is also going to send one. We invite ogy, East Timor is a non-decolonized terri- Timor was illegally invaded in 1975 is his- everybody to read the magazine and do the tory (still) under Portuguese administration. torical fact, therefore of everlasting value. same. It is estimated that 200,000 out of On the other hand, your map will be of no CDPM protest letter 650,000 East Timorese ( by 1975) - one value should East Timor become an inde- third - is already dead and were victims of pendent state in the future. Comissão para os Direitos do Povo the brutal occupation and the unknown war, I would appreciate your response to the Maubere (CDPM) what has leaded neutral observers to the idea above two paragraphs. Commission for the Maubere People Rights of an on-going genocide. Comparatively, the Thank you. Rua Pinheiro Chagas n:77 2:Esq. above cited figures put the East Timor geno- Mariza Costa Cabral Lisbon, Portugal cide as one of the 20th century biggest along Department of Civil Engineering University Phone: 01. 352 8718 others like the Second World War Jews of Washington Fax: 01. 353 4009 genocide. E-mail: [email protected] Their reply We must not forget that all this happens Lisboa, 10 February 1996 Since Indonesia is in control of East in one of the longest remaining dictatorships Timor, that is the primary fact about the Dear Forum Editor, of our time - Indonesia - ruled by a bloody region that our readers must have. The basic Though, the main Indonesian focus on dictator that already has the power for question that must be answered is who con- the February National Geographic Society nearly 30 years - Mr. Suharto. trols access into the area, and, for now, it is Official Journal issue (Vol. 189, No2) is And yet, the big majority of the interna- Indonesia that grants visas to visit East related to “Irian Jaya” and “Irian Jaya Peo- tional media “has thrown” the East Timor Timor. ple of the Trees” articles, we are mainly issue to the shameful darkness of our time You are correct that a note mentioning addressing you on account of the included ignorance. We do not want to conclude that the recent history of East Timor would only Indonesia Double Supplement map. N.G.S. Official Journal is included on that add information. We do add these notes on We consider that the first of the above kind of media. some maps but not in every instance. mentioned articles is inaccurate and biased, Should the province revert to Portuguese concerning the stated points of view related East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996. Page 217 control, we would update our maps accord- East Timor as a separate country, in line Best regards, ingly. with its status under international law. As a Alessandro Panconesi jar minimum, the territory should be marked as Informatik, Freie Universitaet Berlin From ETAN/Canada one in dispute. ETAN is a national associa- 14195 Berlin, Deutschland tion of Canadians founded in 1987 by the David Webster ------Canadian Council of Churches. East Timor Alert Network Yours sincerely, The reply was like those above. Ale PO Box 562, Station P David Webster wrote back: Toronto, Canada M5S 2T1 East Timor Alert Network (416) 531-5850 Dear Mr./Mrs. JAR, E-mail: [email protected] From Ale Panconesi, Berlin Thank you very much for your prompt FORUM Editor To: [email protected] and courteous answer on the East Timor National Geographic Magazine Tue, 5 Mar 1996 issue. Your reply compels me to pursue the Box 37448 Washington, D.C. 20013-7448 matter further. Email: [email protected] Dear Sirs, In your reply, which I enclose below for Dear Sir, I was dismayed to hear that in your geo- your convenience, you state that graphical maps the territory of East Timor “It is the National Geographic’s map It has just been brought to our attention is shown as being part of Indonesia. As you policy to show de facto situations. Thus, if that your maps are marking East Timor as a should know, this is completely inaccurate. a state claims and controls an area, we show province of Indonesia. As someone who still East Timor has been a Portuguese colony that area as part of the state.” treasures my childhood National Geographic for centuries until it was invaded by Indone- This raises two points. Atlas, I was not aware that your maps had sia on December 7, 1995. The invasion The first is, why do you choose such a incorporated this cartographically inaccurate brought to a grinding halt the almost fulfilled narrow interpretation of “de facto”? If you change. aspirations of the East Timorese to inde- want to give complete and informative maps As you know, Indonesia invaded East pendence. showing the de facto – i.e. the real – situa- Timor in 1975, and declared East Timor to The occupation has been declared to be tion, you should at the very least indicate be its 27th province in 1976. However, 20 illegal by the United Nations about a dozen that the territory is under dispute. years of military occupation does not make times in several resolutions of both the Se- The second, perhaps more substantive the annexation legal. curity Council and the General Assembly, point, is the following: the policy you state The United Nations has affirmed in nu- starting form resolution 384 of December implies that any maps of the Persian Gulf merous resolutions that East Timor is a non- 22, 1975, and resolution 389 of 1976. region produced by National Geographic for self-governing territory. East Timor is the With the shameful exception of Australia, the period roughly going from august 1990 largest country still on the agenda of the UN NO western country has recognized the to February 1991 must unequivocally show Decolonization Committee. annexation of East Timor. that Kuwait was part of Iraq. As you cer- The Indonesian annexation of East Timor Besides the United Nations, other official tainly recall, Iraq invaded Kuwait on August is not recognized by the governments of bodies such as the European Parliament 2, 1990, quickly overcome the Kuwaiti re- Canada, the United States, or any govern- have repeatedly and consistently declared sistance and formally annexed Kuwait as ment in Europe. Its status under interna- the occupation to be illegal. one of its provinces within a few weeks. tional law is clear: it is a non-self-governing You may consult, for instance, resolution Hence I would like to file the following territory under an illegal occupation. The B3-1714 of December 17, 1992, resolution formal inquiry with National Geographic: international legal equivalents are Kuwait B3-0381 of March 11, 1993, and resolution 1. has National Geographic produced under the brief Iraqi occupation, Israel’s B3-0294 of March 10, 1994, of the Euro- maps of the Persian Gulf region during or occupied territories, and Western Sahara pean Parliament, which can be found in the relative to the period of Iraqi’s annexation? under Moroccan occupation. This has been Official Gazette of the European Commu- If so, could you please tell me which publi- affirmed most recently by the World Court. nity. cations show them? It is a severe affront to the people of East It might be of interest for you to know 2. If maps were produced, was Kuwait Timor, and to the international community that the Indonesian invasion has resulted in shown as part of Iraq? and international law, for the National Geo- the extermination of about one third of the 3. If no maps of the region were pro- graphic Society to unilaterally recognize population namely, about 200.000 people. duced, could you please state that, as a mat- East Timor as part of Indonesia. Such estimates are accepted as accurate by ter of consistency in applying your policy, Mistakes are made, and you have made organizations such as The Roman Catholic had National Geographic produced maps of one. However, mistakes can be reversed. For Church, Amnesty International, Human Kuwait during the Iraqi annexation, it would instance, Canada’s newspaper of record (the Rights Watch, and by western diplomats, have shown Kuwait as part of Iraq? Globe and Mail) has begun to by-line stories the CIA, and many western journalists. Many thanks, “Dili, East Timor” rather than “Dili, Indo- You may double check these figures plus Alessandro Panconesi nesia.” Its published maps once marked East other information concerning the routine use Informatik, FU Berlin Timor as part of Indonesia; they now show of torture, mass killings, forced sterilization 14195 Berlin a clear dividing line, even in the case of sto- and other methods in the dossier “The Deutschland ries about other areas. Power and Impunity” by Amnesty Interna- If The Globe and Mail and other re- tional, 1994, and “The Limits of Openness” PHOTO OF RIOT spected publications can recognize their by Human Rights Watch/Asia, September error, surely the National Geographic Soci- 1994. POLICE IN DILI ety, with its excellent reputation for accu- I hope you will rectify this embarrassing From Hugh Ekeberg, April 1. racy, can do the same. situation for your justly famed institution as The East Timor Alert Network (ETAN) soon as possible. A photograph has been obtained from suggests that future Society maps show video footage taken by an ‘Australians for a Page 218 East Timor Documents, Volume 43. February 1 - April 30, 1996.

Free East Timor’ activist who filmed the The T-shirts are a heavy 100% cotton troops on Timorese detainees. However, the November the 12th riots in Dili 1994 at the with a two colour print. They are available testimonies of four young Timorese, who Cathedral. in both long and short-sleeve; sizes Me- left (Lisbon) yesterday for Geneva, should The photo in the “Images” part of the dium, Large, and Extra Large. Colours avail- not go unnoticed at the UN Commission on East Timor web site (address below), shows able are: white, grey, and oatmeal. Human Rights. Indonesian Riot Police about to charge. The long-sleeve shirts are available for –––––– From within their ranks are plain clothes $A25, plus postage. The short-sleeve shirts police or Ninjas or agent provocateurs are $A23 - or $A18 each for orders over 10. EAST TIMOR TORTURE PHOTOS throwing rocks toward the camera. We encourage other solidarity groups to use On 18 April 1996, the East Timor Hu- The photo shows that the police, far these shirts for their own fund-raising. man Rights Centre released photographs to from “keeping order,” are out to fight the For further information and postage the Australian media showing four Timorese Timorese. rates, e-mail: [email protected] youths being tortured by the Indonesian Two ASIET activists who were recently military. in East Timor, said that where ever they PHOTO EVIDENCE OF The nine gruesome and explicit photos went, locals are calling out political slogans TORTURE IN TIMOR show the four blindfolded Timorese actually in public. People on bicycles and mopeds being tortured. One youth is being beaten are crying out, as they pass foreigners, Publico, 11 April 1996. By Joaquim T. de with an iron bar and kicked in the neck, “Viva Xanana, viva Timor-Leste.” Negreiros, Translated from Portuguese another is being strung up with a rope after They said graffiti and murals are also be- being beaten, a third is receiving what ap- coming more wide spread. The content is TIMORESE RESISTANCE DIVULGES pears to be an electric shock, and a fourth is full of defiance and declares solidarity with PHOTOS OF THE RESULTS OF THE being held on the ground, probably after the student and armed resistance. INDONESIAN ARMY’S HANDIWORK being beaten. East Timor Daily News: Lisbon – Yesterday, the Timorese resis- There are obvious blood-stains on the http://www.ozemail.com.au/~ekeberg/ tance made public a series of photographs walls, on the victims and around the site of depicting four Timorese, accused of belong- the mass grave and it is evident that the EAST TIMOR PHOTO SITE ing to the armed resistance movement, being victims underwent extreme suffering at the tortured by the Indonesian army. The pho- hands of the Indonesian military. From: Hugh Ekeberg tos show the Timorese, who are tied up and It is presumed that the photographs were If people are interested in some very fine blindfolded, being beaten with sticks, either taken by the Indonesian military for and beautiful photographs of East Timor as stamped on and given electric shocks. Blood their records, or as a Indonesian “souvenir” well as Kurdistan, Mexico and Sri Lanka, stains can be seen on the walls and on the of their exploits. There are also photos of check out the “Angry Planet” web site. bodies of the victims. Other photos show torture victims being buried in a mass grave. This is an independent photo and news several bodies - presumably the same young The victims are probably the same youths agency in Norway specialising in trouble men who were being tortured - being buried depicted in the torture photos who died as a spots. Their East Timor photos are from together in a pit. result of the tortures. August 1995. The photographs, which were sent by The photos were received from reliable The site is located at: the guerrilla leader Konis Santana, were contacts in East Timor, whose identity can- http://www.wave.no/angry/ made public yesterday by José Ramos not be disclosed, for obvious reasons. The Horta, special representative of the CNRM photos came from the Ainaro district, about REG.EASTTIMOR (National Council of Maubere Resistance). 100 km to the south of Dili, the capital of According to Ramos Horta, the photos were East Timor. As there was heavy military WEEKLY SUMMARIES taken by Indonesian soldiers in January activity around Ainaro in January 1995, it is CHANGE OF ADDRESS 1995 in Ainaro prison, about sixty kms. believed that that photos were most likely from Dili. This is, apparently, common taken in Ainaro at that time. Please note that the weekly summaries of practice with the Indonesian military, who The East Timor Human Rights Centre is this conference are now updated at a new then keep the photos on file. In this case, continuing in its efforts to identify the tor- address: however, the photos ended up being bought ture victims and to establish when and http://shell.ihug.co.nz/~calliope/Nettalk.html from the soldiers by members of the resis- where the tortures took place. The Centre tance. will also send the photos to Amnesty Inter- NEW XANANA T-SHIRTS! Ramos Horta added that the photos are national and the United Nations, calling on said to have been taken about two months them to investigate the tortures depicted in Friends of East Timor (WA) are pleased after the 29 Timorese scaled the fence that the photographs. to announce the release of a new T-shirt, surrounds the US Embassy in Jakarta, when The East Timor Torture Photos can be featuring Xanana Gusmão. The front con- he Euro-Asian summit was being held in the found at tains a large photo of Xanana with the cap- Indonesian capital, attended by Bill Clinton. http://www.peg.apc.org/~etchrmel/photos.htm. tion FREE XANANA! On the back is writ- The reprisals carried out by Suharto’s men Regards, ten: FREE ALL EAST TIMORESE for this “invasion” only began to be felt in Maria Brett POLITICAL PRISONERS. Down the arm January this year - when the photos of tor- Director, East Timor Human Rights Centre of the long-sleeve shirt is: VIVA TIMOR ture and murder are said to have been taken. LESTE. So far, neither the torturers nor the These shirts have been professionally Timorese have been identified because the produced to be used in conjunction with the victims appear blindfolded and the faces of ACET-initiated May 17 campaign to raise the Indonesians are not shown. For this the profile of Xanana and all East Timorese reason, the pictures cannot be used as evi- political prisoners. dence of torture inflicted by Suharto’s