Documents on East Timor from PeaceNet and Connected Computer Networks

Volume 15: July 12 - August 9, 1992

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 PeaceNet:CSCHEINER or [email protected] For additional copies, please enclose US$6. per volume to cover costs; add an extra dollar for interna- tional air mail. These documents are produced monthly and mailed to subscribers. If you would like to subscribe, send $24 for the next four months (US), or $30 for international air mail. Subsidized rates are avail- able for groups in developing countries working on East Timor. Checks should be made out to “Foreign Bases Project / ETAN.” Tax-deductible contributions can be made out to “WESPAC Foundation /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 WinWord 2 or ASCII format. Reprinting and distribution without permission is welcomed. Much of this information is supplied by Task Force Indonesia and TAPOL.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CGI MEETS IN PARIS; AID LINKAGES REJECTED ...... 4 ACTU ON LINKED AID...... 4 WORLD BANK PROJECTIONS ...... 4 JAPAN COALITION TO CGI...... 4 ASIA WATCH CAUTIONS DONORS ON HUMAN RIGHTS ...... 5 PRESSING INDONESIA...... 5 CANADIAN PARLIAMENTARIANS STATEMENT FOR CGI...... 6 CGI CONVENES ...... 7 FRANCE LECTURES INDONESIA ...... 7 INDONESIA LASHES WEST, JAPAN ...... 8 REPORT ON THE CGI DEMONSTRATIONS...... 8 INDONESIA TRIUMPHS AT CGI ...... 9 BILLIONS IN AID FOR JAKARTA DESPITE HUMAN RIGHTS ROW ...... 11 HUMAN RIGHTS HYPOCRISY...... 11 WATANABE PROBED ON THREATS TO INDONESIA ...... 12 URGE LINKING OF HUMAN RIGHTS, INDONESIAN AID...... 12 SUHARTO: NO POLITICAL STRINGS ON FOREIGN AID ...... 13

DUTCH FOREIGN MINISTER VISITS JAKARTA ...... 13 VAN DEN BROEK ARRIVES IN JAKARTA...... 13 DUTCH FIRM ON HUMAN RIGHTS ...... 13 DUTCH OPPOSE PORTUGAL’S POSITION ...... 14

ASEAN MEETS IN MANILA...... 14 S.E. ASIA ARMS RACE...... 14 SPRATLYS RESTRAINT...... 15 Page 2 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

ASEAN BECOMES ‘SECURITY FORUM’ ...... 15 ASEAN OPPOSING LINKED AID?...... 16 U.S. GIVES NOTICE TO TYRANTS AT ASEAN ...... 16 ASEAN-EC RIGHTS CLASH ...... 18 EC/ASEAN TALKS HIT BY ROW ON EAST TIMOR ...... 20 SOUTHEAST ASIANS, WEST AT ODDS OVER RIGHTS ...... 20 ASEAN CLASHES WITH EC ...... 21 ASEAN: ‘SEE NO EVIL’ ...... 21 HUMAN RIGHTS-AID LINK DEBATED AT ASEAN ...... 22 HUMAN RIGHTS SCUTTLE ASEAN DISCUSSION ...... 23 STUMBLING BLOCK; INDONESIA-EC AGREEMENT DITCHED BY TIMOR ISSUE...... 23 ASIA SECURITY TALKS THIS FALL ...... 24

EUROPEAN COMMUNITY LIMITS AID TO ASEAN ...... 24 RAMOS-HORTA CRITICIZES PORTUGUESE PRESIDENCY OF EC ...... 24 EC TALKS UP DEMOCRACY ...... 25 PORTUGAL BUCKS E.C. ON TIMOR ...... 25 PORTUGAL BLOCKS EC-ASEAN DEAL OVER EAST TIMOR...... 25 PORTUGAL’S CONDITIONS ON EC/ASEAN ACCORD...... 26 PORTUGAL WILL BLOCK FURTHER AID...... 27 ALATAS REGRETS EC DELAY OF ASEAN TALKS...... 27 EC ‘SALVAGING’ ASEAN PACT?...... 28 MORE ‘CONDITIONALITY’ COMING?...... 28

UN DECOLONIZATION HEARING IN NEW YORK ...... 29 INDONESIAN OCCUPATION OF EAST TIMOR CONDEMNED BEFORE UN COMMITTEE ...... 29 TAPOL STATEMENT TO DECOLONIZATION COMMITTEE...... 30 ETAN/US STATEMENT TO DECOLONIZATION COMMITTEE...... 32 XANANA GUSMAO STATEMENT TO DECOLONIZATION COMMITTEE...... 33 ASIA WATCH STATEMENT TO DECOLONIZATION COMMITTEE ...... 35 REPORT ON UN DECOLONIZATION COMMITTEE HEARING...... 37

INDONESIAN MILITARY RESTRUCTURED...... 38 MILITARY PROMOTIONS LINKED TO FUTURE CHANGES ...... 38 SUHARTO ON MILITARY AS ‘SOCIO-POLITICAL FORCE’ ...... 38 INDONESIAN MILITARY TO SET UP TV STATION ...... 39 WISMOYO PROMOTED TO DEPUTY CHIEF-OF-STAFF...... 39 SPOKESMAN ON UPCOMING MILITARY LEADERSHIP CHANGES ...... 39 YOUNGER COMMANDERS STRENGTHEN MILITARY’S POWER GRIP ...... 39

PROBLEMS IN THE INDONESIAN EMPIRE...... 40 SEPARATISM IS DAMAGING NATIONAL PROSPERITY ...... 40 MOLUCCANS’ FIELDS OF DREAMS...... 40 INDONESIA REJECTS UNPO ...... 41 ACEHNESE REFUGEES IN UNHCR: UPDATE...... 42 THE ACEHNESE DISAPPEARED ...... 42 DIPLOS TALK ON ACEHNESE...... 42 ACEH’S MILITARY COMMANDER WARNS MALAYSIA ...... 43 TWO WEST PAPUAN OPM SUPPORTERS SENTENCED ...... 43 SUPPORT ACEHNESE REFUGEES IN MALAYSIA...... 43 REFUGEES SUPPORT ACEH MERDEKA? ...... 44 INDONESIAN ‘DISINTEGRATION’ ANGST...... 44 THE HIDDEN WAR (OPM IN WEST PAPUA) ...... 44 OPM REBEL SURRENDERS...... 46 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 3

EVENTS IN THE U.S...... 46 REPORT ON CONVERSATION WITH REP KOLBE (ETAN/SW) ...... 46 AMERICAN-INDONESIAN EXCHANGE FOUNDATION ESTABLISHED ...... 46 U.S. URBAN SERVICES LOAN ...... 46 AICC ENTERS TIMOR POLITICS! ...... 47 ETAN/US SENATE UPDATE...... 47 AICC WASHINGTON BRIEFING...... 48

REPRESSION AND EVENTS IN EAST TIMOR...... 48 DEFENCE SPEECH OF GREGORIO DA CUNHA SALDANHA...... 48 ARMY CHIEF VIEWS EFFECT OF DILI ON DECISION-MAKING...... 51 ‘CLEARANCE TESTS’ FOR TIMORESE STUDENTS ...... 51 OPERATION TO END TIMOR RESISTANCE?...... 51 A.I. APPEALS AGAIN TO INDONESIA...... 52 THREE REBELS KILLED BY TROOPS...... 52 THE TIMORESE ‘DISAPPEARED’ ...... 52 SUHARTO RECEIVES REPORT FROM MILITARY CHIEF ...... 52 WHAT REALLY HAPPENED ON 28 OCTOBER?...... 53 AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL REPORT ON EAST TIMOR...... 53 MOST EAST TIMORESE WANT NATIVE AS NEXT GOVERNOR...... 54 SYAFEI: ‘MISSING’ TIMORESE BEST DEAD ...... 55 THE MILITARY TRIALS AND THE TRUTH BEHIND THE DILI MASSACRE (TAPOL) ...... 56 BISHOP BELO PARTICIPATION IN TALKS - VATICAN AND XANANA SUPPORT?...... 58 GOVERNOR CARRASCALAO A HERO - BISHOP BELO ...... 58 INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP BELO IN MATRA...... 58 LETTER FROM TIMORESE JAIL...... 59 NEW TIMOR OFFENSIVE?...... 59

ARMS SALES & BUSINESS IN INDONESIA ...... 59 OFFICIAL ON U.S. ENVOY’S CRITICISM ON INVESTMENT...... 59 JOINT AIR EXERCISES WITH SINGAPORE LAUNCHED ...... 60 INDONESIA ORDERS ARMS FROM NETHERLANDS, U.S...... 60 INDONESIA TO BUY LARGE PART OF FORMER EAST GERMAN NAVY ...... 60 KLM TO PURCHASE PART OF GARUDA...... 60 TOURISM UP, STILL LOW ...... 60

EVENTS IN CANADA...... 61 ONTARIO REGIONAL EAST TIMOR CONFERENCE...... 61 TORONTO GRANDMOTHER JAILED FOR EAST TIMOR PROTEST ...... 61 TORONTO TIMOR ACTIVISTS PROTEST SENTENCES: ...... 61 EAST TIMOR UPDATE IN THE ACTIVIST, JULY-AUG. 1992 ...... 61

EVENTS IN BRITAIN...... 62 LUCAS AND LIEBHEFF TO SELL AIRCRAFT PARTS TO INDONESIA...... 62 PETITION PRESENTED TO DOWNING STREET ...... 63 HOUSE OF LORDS DISCUSSES EAST TIMOR...... 63 DEMO AGAINST SENTENCES IN LONDON ...... 63 INDONESIAN AIR FORCE NEGOTIATES TO BUY BRITISH HAWK FIGHTER PLANES ...... 64

RESOURCES AVAILABLE ...... 64 BOUGAINVILLE ‘GENOCIDE’ COMPARED TO EAST TIMOR IN NEW BOOK...... 64 SOUTHEAST ASIA PUBLICATIONS ...... 64 EAST TIMOR ON STAGE ...... 65

MISCELLANEOUS ARTICLES ...... 65 REPORT FROM KUPANG ...... 65 Page 4 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

NEWSWEEK INTERVIEWS RAMOS-HORTA ...... 66 AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE ANNOUNCEMENT...... 67 RAMOS-HORTA PLAN GETS QUALIFIED SUPPORT...... 67 UDT RIFT DEEPENS ...... 68 FUND RAISING FOR RESISTANCE...... 68 DILI MADE HONORARY LUSOPHONE CAPITAL CITY ...... 68 ANDERSON: EAST TIMOR WILL GET INDEPENDEN CE ...... 68 INDONESIA MAY FACE JURISTS ...... 68 NAM SUMMIT SHAPING UP ...... 68 NUCLEAR POWER ON JAVA ...... 69 VIETNAMESE PM VISITS JAKARTA...... 69 PORTUGUESE RADIO APPEAL ON TIMOR’S PLIGHT ...... 69 TIMORESE DEMONSTRATE AT EXPO ‘92 IN SPAIN ...... 69 MANTIRI: TIMOR VIOLENCE “UN’S FAULT” ...... 69 U.S. STATE DEPARTMEN T TRAVEL ADVISORY ...... 70 SECRET PORTUGAL-INDONESIA EAST TIMOR TALKS IN NEW YORK?...... 70 HORTA FAULTS ABRI FOR TALKS FAILURE ...... 71 RUDINI ATTACKS GREEDY OFFICIALS ...... 71 TEMPO INTERVIEWS HORTA...... 71

construction sector (8%). The agriculture WORLD BANK sector is expected to grow at a rate of 3% CGI MEETS IN PARIS; AID PROJECTIONS per annum. Its role in the GDP will decline LINKAGES REJECTED from 20% to 15% in the year 2000. Three Indonesian Commercial Newsletter, 13 July important sub-sectors in the services field 1992, p.10-11:- include:- 1. services associated with ACTU ON LINKED AID infrastructure (especially electricity, The World Bank has forecast that the telephone and transportation); 2. Tourist balance of payment for Indonesia will be INTERNATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF services (which includes accommodation, 2% of the GNP (gross national product) by FREE TRADE UNIONS (ICFTU), restaurants and recreational facilities which 1995. This is based on the assumption that FAX:218.84. 15 PHONE 217.80.85 TELEX can raise retail trading); and 3. construction the Indonesian government will continue to 26785 BRUSSELS services which are expected to increase in implement consistently a macro-economic line with increasing new investment. Telex News from INFO DIVISION, No. 19, policy. The deficit in the current accounts July 3, 1992 will decline to 4% of the GNP in 1992/93; JAPAN COALITION TO CGI Indonesia: The Australian national centre, about 3% in 1993/94 and about 2.5% in the ACTU, has called on its government to 1994/95. The decline in the deficit will result The following letter was sent to Marianne stress the link between development and in a 2-fold effect namely:- 1. growth rate of Haug, Director of Country Department III human rights when discussing development more than 5% per annum will be maintained; of the World Bank, with responsibility for aid to Indonesia. It should also stress the and 2. The DSR will be reduced to 19.9% Indonesia, by the Free East Timor Japan essential role played by trade unions and by the year 2000 in comparison to 30.1% Coalition. A 3-page overview of the situation non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in in 1991. in East Timor (not reproduced here) was development, said the ACTU in a message SOME TARGETS FOR THE YEAR also sent. on June 26. This is in reaction to the decision by the Indonesian government to 2000 Dear Ms Haug, prevent local NGOs from participating in Indonesian Commercial Newsletter, 13 July The Free East Timor Japan Coalition, the International NGO forum on Indonesia, 1992, p.6-8:- composed of eleven associations in cities and its rejection of all Dutch development The World Bank reckons that Indonesia throughout Japan, addresses you today out aid - a response to the Dutch government’s will experience a growth rate of between 6- of concern over the tremendous loss of life, concern about human rights violations in the 7% per annum in the non-oil and gas sector denial of fundamental human rights, and country, in particular in East Timor (see such that per capita income will stand at suffering endured by the Timorese people Telex News 13). These decisions were USD 1,040 per annum in the year 2000. The during the seventeen-year occupation by criticised by the ICFTU at the end of May. overall GDP is expected to rise by between Indonesia. It is particularly disturbing, more 5-6% per annum. The main source of rise in than half a year after the Santa Cruz mas- the GDP lies in the non-oil and gas sector sacre of defenseless East Timorese by In- and services which will experience a higher donesian troops, to note the general failure growth rate of 7%. This is due to the rapid of the international community – including growth of the industrial sector (10.5% per funding organizations and governments – to annum), the mining sector (10%) and the act effectively to bring about a peaceful East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 5 solution to the issue in line with the UN consequences for Indonesia’s development Burma or Vietnam. In June, a report on General Assembly and Security Council in three ways: trials of Aceh Merdeka suspects by the re- resolutions. · Continuing human rights violations in spected human rights organization, the In- On July 16 the World Bank will convene East Timor, Aceh and Irian Jaya will donesian Legal Aid Foundation, was banned the first meeting of the Consultative Group only serve to strengthen nationalist sen- by the Attorney General. on Indonesia. It behooves the World Bank timent and support for independence in Restrictions on freedom of expression to respect the growing consensus in the these regions, creating conditions detri- more generally prevent criticism of and world community that development assis- mental to development. correctives to harmful or poorly-conceived tant must be linked to human rights. The · Continuing restrictions on freedom of policies and programs. In Sumatra, an or- statement last November on human rights, expression will prevent correctives or ganization helping villagers to protest democracy and development adopted by the alterations to bad development policies against pollution by a pulp and rayon plant European Community, as well as the four and programs. was briefly banned in late 1991, and its guidelines on ODA issued by the Japanese · Continuing harassment of non-govern- members continue to face harassment. Government in 1991 and the ODA policy mental organizations (NGOs) will Widespread corruption by the President’s statement issued this June all affirm the weaken popular participation in the de- family is off-limits to serious criticism by importance of this link. velopment process, a stated objective of the local press. We therefore call on you, as convenor, bilateral and multilateral donors. Donor countries as well as multilateral and the other participants in CGI, to satisfy lending institutions such as the World Bank the following minimum conditions before The New York-based human rights or- have repeatedly expressed their belief in the pledging aid to Indonesia for the coming ganization said that the thousands of East importance of NGOs, yet Indonesian period. Timorese who turned out for the demon- NGOs are under attack from the government 1. Discussion of Indonesia’s illegal occupa- stration on November 12, 1991 showed that as never before. Last March, members of tion of East Timor and the large-scale human rights abuses in East Timor had al- environmental and labor NGOs in North human rights abuses that it is perpetrat- ienated a whole generation of East Timorese Sumatra were summoned for lengthy ing there. who have grown up under Indonesian rule. questioning and interrogation about the ac- The failure to resolve the unanswered tivities and funding of their organizations 2. Affirmation by each country that it will questions about the dead and missing actively work in cooperation with the after helping organize workers to campaign following the Dili massacre and the savage for better working conditions. Of greater United Nations to achieve a fundamental sentences handed down to those accused of solution to the East Timor issue, and as a concern, the Minister of the Interior in planning the November 12 demonstration April banned NGOs from accepting aid first step will announce its support for have intensified nationalist feelings, as the holding of peace talks under UN from Dutch funding organizations which shown by the willingness of East Timorese themselves receive aid from the Dutch gov- auspices involving all parties to the students throughout Indonesia to risk arrest conflict. ernment. That ban, a result of Indonesia’s a week after the massacre by protesting the anger over Dutch efforts to condition aid on 3. Request to Indonesia to allow human killings. rights organizations, humanitarian or- respect for human rights, threatens the Surveillance of East Timorese has in- autonomy and fiscal base of many impor- ganizations, individuals, journalists, and creased since the massacre, not only in East parliamentarians to visit East Timor. tant Indonesian NGOs. Timor but in Indonesia proper as well. Members of the Consultative Group on 4. Request to Indonesia to guarantee free- Beginning this week, every East Timorese Indonesia now meeting in Paris have an dom of speech and other basic freedoms, studying in Bali was called to local military obligation to raise human rights issues, given both in East Timor and in Indonesia it- headquarters for questioning about his or the circumstances of CGI’s birth: In- self. her political views (orally and in writing), donesia’s unilateral dissolution of its Dutch- In spite of claims to the contrary by sev- further fuelling resentment. chaired predecessor, the Inter-Governmen- eral funding governments, including Japan, Policies and practices aimed at restricting tal Group on Indonesia (IGGI), on the Indonesia has failed to change in any fun- fundamental rights of the East Timorese grounds that the Netherlands had been too damental way the pattern of repression in have not only overshadowed Indonesia’s critical of human rights violations in East East Timor. We humbly submit the enclosed development program in East Timor but Timor. brief overview of the situation, which you have virtually ensured the lack of local co- But there should be a recognition, above may wish to make available to the CGI operation. and beyond CGI’s origins, that respect for members, to help insure that your In Aceh, the counterinsurgency campaign human rights is integral to the development deliberations and decisions will not result in against members of the armed separatist process. While individual donors readily the aiding of further repression in that long- organization, Aceh Merdeka, left over a acknowledge the linkage privately, it is suffering land. thousand dead and disappeared, most of crucial for Indonesia to get the message them civilians, between 1989-91, and a publicly. ASIA WATCH CAUTIONS policy of summarily executing suspected leaders of the guerrilla organization remains DONORS ON HUMAN in place. The army has refused to cooperate PRESSING INDONESIA RIGHTS with relatives seeking information about Reuter, Jakarta, Jonathan Thatcher, July family members last seen over a year ago in Press Release, July 15, 1992 15 - Indonesia is virtually assured of well military custody, and no officer or soldier over $4 billion in fresh aid pledges at its Asia Watch today warned that failure of has been prosecuted for human rights annual donor meeting in Paris this week but the donor community to seriously address offenses. will be pressed to open up the economy and human rights concerns in Indonesia at this Freedom of expression, assembly, asso- improve its human rights record, economists week’s conference of the Consultative ciation and movement in Aceh and East said. Group on Indonesia (CGI) will have adverse Timor remain at least as restricted as in Page 6 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

The meeting from July 16 to 17 will be Corruption and a poor legal framework were to happen under my leadership, the chaired for the first time by the World Bank, were also interfering with development. number of victims would probably be replacing the Netherlands which Jakarta Other concerns were development of higher.” Several Timorese have been sen- earlier this year accused of meddling in its human resources, a more efficient public tenced to long prison terms of up to fifteen domestic affairs. sector and the environment – all areas aid years for participating in peaceful demon- “The pace of deregulation is very slow. officials say they will press Jakarta to im- strations in Jakarta and Dili. Amnesty In- That’s the main problem,” said economist prove. ternational and Asia Watch have condemned and University of Indonesia lecturer Anwar Aid officials said the question of human the report into the massacre released by the Nasution. rights would also be raised, particularly Indonesian Commission of Inquiry, as Earlier this month two ambassadors – following an army massacre of civilians last “fatally flawed.” from the United States and France – pub- year in the disputed province of East Timor. The Indonesian government continues to licly castigated Indonesia for not doing “For sure, it will be raised in the corri- defy United Nations resolutions calling on enough to encourage foreign investors, citing dors during the meeting,” one said. them to withdraw without delay its armed red tape and corruption as barriers. forces from East Timor. The World Bank in June said Indonesia CANADIAN The U.S. House of Representatives voted could double its per capita income by the PARLIAMENTARIANS on June 25th to suspend military aid to end of the decade but warned it must de- Indonesia. A bill currently before the U.S. regulate the economy, improve infrastruc- STATEMENT FOR CGI Congress (H.R.5176) would eliminate all ture and grapple with a huge current account economic aid to Indonesia. deficit and mounting foreign debt, among the Parliamentarians For East Timor Urge P.E.T. is calling on the government to Third World’s largest at nearly $80 billion. Government To Press For Suspension take a leading role in promoting its policy of If it gets it right the Bank predicted re- Of Aid At Consultative Group On In- linking foreign aid with human rights by wards of gross domestic product growth of donesia pressing for suspension of aid at the C.G.T. five to six per cent a year. House of Commons / Chambre des Com- Signed by: The Bank also predicted a fall in poverty munes, Ottawa, Canada Dawn Black, M.P. Ray Funk, M.P. and jobs for the two million people entering For Immediate Release: July 15, 1992 Beryl Gaffney, M.P. the workforce each year. John Manley, M.P. Officials from the donor group – which Parliamentarians for East Timor (P.E.T.) Dan Heap, M.P. includes the main international financial is an all party group seeking to end the bru- Lynn Hunter, M.P. tal military occupation of East Timor. David Kilgour, M.P. agencies and most advanced countries – say Christine Stewart, M.P. they are generally happy with the way the To that end we are requesting that Can- lan Waddell, M.P. economy is developing and will stump up ada press for suspension of aid at the Con- David MacDonald, M.P. the money. sultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) hearings Howard McCurdy, M.P. in Paris to be held on July 16 and 17, 1992. David Stupich, M.P. The World Bank in its report recom- Svend Robinson, M.P. mended donors pledge about the same as The CGI, formerly known as the Inter- Rey Pagtakhan, M.P. last year’s $4.8 billion. Governmental Group on Indonesia (IGGI), *countries which attended IGGI meetings “Basically we’re pretty optimistic about last year granted Indonesia $4.75 billion are: Japan, US, France, Netherlands, the economy,” one Western aid official said. U.S. in aid, accounting for 20% of the Germany, Canada, Australia, UK, Switzer- Aid officials and economists said a fresh country’s annual budget. Last year, Canada land, Belgium, Spain, Austria and New set of deregulation measures early this donated $46 million Canadian and is ex- Zealand. month mainly to reduce import tariffs were pected to give a similar amount again this For information call 613-995-7325. useful but fell short of hopes. year. P.E.T. feels that Canada should en- “The further you deregulate the harder it courage donor countries (see list) to link bi- EAST TIMOR ALERT NETWORK / gets to deal with vested interests,” another lateral aid to Indonesia on the condition that CANADA: Western aid official said. human rights and U.N. resolutions with For Immediate News Release: 15 July 1992 “So many items which had been antici- regard to East Timor are respected. For more information: Peter Monet, 613- pated like flour, sugar and soybeans were The Suharto government has made it clear 567-6187; David Webster, 416-539-9589; not touched at all (in the latest deregula- that it rejects any linkage between human Elaine Briere, 604-264-9973 tion),” managing director for the private In- rights and aid. This spring Indonesia stitute for Economic and Financial Research, suspended all Dutch aid because of Hol- OTTAWA - The East Timor Alert Net- Sjahrir, said in an interview. land’s policy of conditionality. The World work today called on Canada to end its Sjahrir said political restraints were Bank has replaced Holland as chair of the economic aid to Indonesia and urge other hampering economic ministers who he CGI. Other Paris clubs chaired by the World countries attending tomorrow’s Inaugural charged with having lost credibility for Bank have halted aid as a result of human meeting of the Consultative Group on Indo- failing to deal with two controversial trading rights abuses to such countries as Kenya, nesia to do the same. monopolies recently set up by children of Malawi and Togo. The Network, a five-year old national President Suharto. The human rights situation in East Timor solidarity organization based in Vancouver, The World Bank report had attacked the has deteriorated considerably. Since the called on the Canadian government to use monopolies for running counter to the November 12th massacre of over 140 the two-day meeting of the C.G.I. as a fo- opening up of the economy. Timorese at the Santa Cruz cemetery in Dili, rum to advance the linkage between foreign Nasution pointed to the lack of infra- foreign press, human rights observers and aid and human rights. Canada suspended structure, such as electricity and telephones, tourists have been banned access, to the $30 million in aid to Indonesia in December as major constraints to economic growth and territory. The new military commander of to protest against the November 12, 1991, investment. East Timor, General Syafei said “...if unprovoked massacre of civilians in East something similar to the 12 November event East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 7

Timor by Indonesian soldiers, but still gives CGI CONVENES country” was suffering a tarnished political Indonesia $46 million annually. image over the massacre. In the aftermath of the massacre, which AFP, Paris, July 16 - A consultative Kiejman praised Jakarta for the fact that drew widespread international condemna- group for Indonesia (CGI) sponsored by the “180 million Indonesians have escaped from tion, the Indonesian government promised World Bank met in Paris on Thursday for misery and attained a decent standard of to prosecute those responsible for the kill- its inaugural session, expected to yield living.” ings. However, Indonesian soldiers have commitments of official aid of some 4.8 However he cautioned that “democracy received little more than a slap on the wrist, billion dollars for the financial year to is not a luxury, but a necessity linked to while the heaviest sentences have been March 1993, western aid experts said. development.” meted out to East Timorese survivors of the The World Bank has recommended donor Prawiro brushed aside the criticism on massacre. The longest sentence given to a commitments at this level to make sure East Timor, saying Indonesia was doing soldier was twenty months in prison, while disbursements of aid will match the 4.3-bn- more for the development of that region several massacre survivors have been found dollar total recorded in 1991-92, and so than for the rest of the country. guilty of subversion and jailed. One of them, enable Indonesia to pursue structural re- The fact that the consultative group was 29-year old dissident Gregorio da Cunha forms while maintaining growth at a sus- meeting at all was considered an accom- Saldanha, was sentenced to life im- tainable pace. plishment. prisonment. Amnesty International, Asia The CGI session, chaired by World Bank There were never as many participants at Watch and other human rights organizations vice president Gautam Kaji, in charge of the sessions of the Intergovernmental Aid and independent observers have condemned East Asia and Pacific region, was attended Group for Indonesia (IGGI) which was dis- the government’s response as by officials of 15 leading donor countries solved earlier this year because of differ- “unacceptable” and “a whitewash.” and several international financing ences with the Netherlands. Indonesia recently dissolved the Inter- institutions, as well as observers from three The Hague, which had chaired the IGGI Governmental Group on Indonesia (IGGI), Scandinavian countries. since its foundation 24 years ago, tempo- which has traditionally overseen the dis- The group was hastily established earlier rarily froze future aid to Indonesia after the bursement of Western aid to that country, this year after the disbanding of the Inter- Indonesian army massacred at least 50 saying that it was doing an because IGGI governmental Group for Indonesia (IGGI) demonstrators in East Timor in November chair Holland was trying to make aid con- chaired by the Netherlands, the former last year. ditional on respect for human rights. The colonial power, which reacted to the No- Indonesia accused the Netherlands of in- C.G.I. was then formed as a now donor fo- vember 1991 army massacre of some 50 terference and in March this year decided rum and is chaired by the World Bank. It is demonstrators in East Timor by freezing not to accept any further aid from the meeting in Paris on July 16 and 17, future Dutch aid. Hague. Since the human rights situation in East World Bank officials said they expected The gesture was highly symbolic. It was Timor has only grown worse in the six the meeting to focus on Indonesia’s financ- popular at home because it was aimed at the months since Canada’s partial aid suspen- ing needs. former colonial power and it served as a sion, the Network has called for all remain- But European aid officials, while echoing warning to other western powers. ing Canadian aid to Indonesia to be slashed the Bank’s appreciation of Indonesia’s Indonesia did not lose too much by the until Indonesia agrees to respect human economic policy record in comments ahead gesture since aid from the Netherlands to- rights in East Timor and to accede to United of the meeting, cited donor concerns about talled around 93 million dollars, far behind Nations resolutions supporting East democratization and alleged corruption. that of Japan with 1.3 billion dollars, the Timor’s right to self-determination. (East United States 125 million, and France 110 Timor was invaded by Indonesia in 1975 FRANCE LECTURES million dollars. and has been occupied ever since in defiance Indonesia experienced an initial victory of UN resolutions. One in three East INDONESIA when the Netherlands, saving everyone Timorese have died since the invasion, ac- AFP, Paris, July 16 - Indonesia, in Paris embarrassment, said their differences were a cording to Amnesty international and hoping for a multi-billion dollar check and a purely bilateral issue. sources in the Catholic Church in East Ti- diplomatic victory, began its three-day visit At the moment when the consultative mor.) Wednesday with lunch and a lecture from group meets in Paris, Dutch Foreign Minis- The East Timor Alert Network further host France over the East Timor massacre ter Hans van den Broek, will be in Jakarta called on Canadian representatives at the last November. putting the seal on reconciliation. The visit meeting to push other countries to link their The inaugural meeting of the consultative Thursday through Saturday is purely coin- aid to Indonesia to that country’s respect group on Indonesia which groups 14 donor cidental timing, according to the Netherlands for human rights, particularly in occupied nations and eight international organizations embassy here. East Timor. The European Community re- under the chairmanship of the World Bank The Netherlands employers’ chief, Al- cently endorsed the principle of linking aid was to officially open Thursday. exander Runnooy Kan, is currently in and human rights, and a bill now before the At a pre-meeting luncheon, French dele- Jakarta till July 19 and has meetings planned United States Congress (H.R.5176) would gate Georges Kiejman told Indonesian with several ministers. eliminate all military and economic aid to Economy and Finance Minister Radius Apart from the Netherlands, all the Indonesia. Prawiro that Indonesia was an exemplary members of the old IGGI, will be in the new Canada has taken a leading role in pro- customer of the International Monetary consultative group meeting here – Japan, the moting the principle of linked aid. Now is Fund, “a debtor of exceptional discipline.” United States, France, Germany, Canada, the time to follow words with deeds and But he said he was disappointed that In- Australia, Britain, E.C., Switzerland, impose aid sanctions against Indonesia, one donesia had not totally gotten a handle on Belgium, Spain, Austria and New Zealand, of the most brutal human rights violators in the democratic process, saying it was a and five institutions, the World Bank, Asian the world. shame that such “a great and powerful Development Bank (ADB), United Nations Development Programme, International Page 8 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

Fund for Agricultural Development, and the bers of a labour union or a trade union,” he There was a confusion initiated by a po- United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF. added. lice officer who reported that the Ambas- South Korea and three organisations Siregar said European and U.S. producers sador might agree to receive a petition. After which had observer status in the old IGGI – protested against depletion of the rain some consultation it was decided that it was Nordic Investment Bank, Kuwaiti Funds, forests in developing countries because they worth the effort, and two demonstrators and the Saudi Development Fund – have were afraid of competition from tropical (Antonio Dias and Donaciano Gomes) went also joined the new grouping, according to a timber. to the embassy. But they were requested to source close to the World Bank, another sign in as any visitor, leaving their names point of satisfaction for Jakarta. REPORT ON THE CGI and addresses and saying who they wanted For the year 1991-92 (till March 31) In- DEMONSTRATIONS to see! All that time they were dutifully donesia obtained 4.75 billion dollars from filmed by an employee of the Embassy. the old IGGI, including 1.63 billion from the From Bruno Kahn, AGIR POUR TIMOR Finally they left, leaving the petitions to the World Bank, 1.32 billion from Japan and 1.1 staff on duty. billion from the ADB. Two demonstrations were held in Paris After this, the cortege, headed by coffin on July 16, at the occasion of the CGI bearers, started moving towards the Tro- meeting of July 16 and 17. The first one cadero Human rights square, where it settled INDONESIA LASHES WEST, took place in the morning, avenue Kleber, in JAPAN until midnight. 50 wooden crosses and the front of the Conference centre where the morning posters were displayed. Yayak, an meeting was taking place. The second one, Indonesian who had drawn a controversial Reuter, Jakarta, July 16 - Indonesia ac- in the afternoon, started near the Indonesian cused the West and Japan of using envi- calendar in Java last year, had come from embassy, marched to the nearby Human Germany and painted on the spot a huge ronmental and human rights concerns to Rights square of the Trocadero and practise a subtle form of economic protec- canvas with the help of some other people. continued until midnight as a wake, ani- Indonesian and Timorese musical groups tionism, warning that emerging trading blocs mated by various cultural groups. would worsen the problem. performed, later joined by a group of French “Protection could take different 1. Staging Portuguese rappers! forms...there are non-tariff barriers... a host a) The morning demonstration comprised c) The next day, a concert was staged at of matters which could be used to protect some 150 people carrying banners and the House of Portugal by the Timorese domestic industry,” Indonesian Trade posters. The large attendance was thanks to group Lifau; about 100 persons attended. Minister Arifin Siregar told an international the Timorese, Indonesian, Moluccan and 2. Organisation seminar on free trade agreements. Dutch participants who had arrived some - A support meeting 3 weeks before the Siregar said health, environment and days earlier. Demonstrators were not demonstrations (see #3). social standards were being used by trade allowed to get near the building itself, but - A press conference one week before groupings as non-tariff barriers to protect journalists crossed the street to come talk to (see #4). domestic industries. them. Especially Indonesian journalists were - The Aubervilliers township kindly lent “Health standards can be misused to keen to interview Indonesian participants. a gymnasium (with shower facilities) to protect domestic industry,” he said, citing as British and Dutch journalists were also house foreign participants. an example Japan’s decision to subject present, as well as a rather suspicious- - 100,000 tracts calling for the demon- shrimp imports from Indonesia to labora- looking RFO camera team (the cameraman stration were printed and distributed in the tory tests, Siregar said. was an Indonesian!). days prior to it. Most of them (80,000) A Japanese embassy spokesman said the Posters prepared by participants from were distributed on markets, near churches... action was taken earlier this year because Holland, saying (in French) “Indonesia tor- in Paris and the suburbs, the preceding the imports did not meet health require- tures Timor - stop aid - Paris 16-17 July - week-end. ments. CGI gives FF 24,462,500,000 to the dicta- “The same is true of environmental or torial regime of Indonesia” had been stuck 3. Attendance and support social standards,” Siregar said. “Some nearby earlier. Other banners included People came from various European countries say we’re not going to let in im- “Ganyang Suharto,” “Fight for Democracy countries for the demonstrations: many ports produced by labourers not free to and Human Rights,” “Agir pour Timor,” (40?) from Holland, including Dutch, Indo- choose their own labour unions.” “ABRI harus angkut kaki dari Timor- nesians and Moluccans. (A first group of Some international labour and human Timur!,” “Timor = Koweit,” “No aid for Moluccans arrived the 15th and participated rights groups have accused Indonesia of Genocide in East Timor” (signed Free East both demos. A second group arrived hindering unionisation efforts. Timor Japan Coalition), paintings by an In- unexpectedly on the 16th, in the middle of On Japan, Siregar said: “Relations be- donesian artist, some caricatures and a the morning, and left almost immediately tween the government and the business bloody flag. without any participation, apparently be- communities there are very close. It could The police attendance was 30 or 40. cause they had only a 24h visa and had very well be that a government official gives b) The afternoon demonstration grouped rented their coach only for 24h.) From Lis- a hint to a businessman not to import between 200 and 250 people. It had been bon came a coach of Timorese (but no Por- certain goods...you can’t see it officially.” planned to start in front of the Indonesian tuguese), from Porto and Braga came 17 “The European Community says its sin- embassy but the police prevented it. 3 anti- Portuguese and 2 Timorese. Other people gle market is not a Fortress Europe. It could riot police vans were on the spot, but no came from Belgium (1), Switzerland (1, be true as far as duty rates are concerned, incidents took place. The embassy filmed Timorese), Germany (2, including Yayak) but what about non-tariff barriers... envi- and photographed the demonstration and the United States (3). Apparently no- ronmental standards, social standards, throughout (apparently nobody thought of body came from other countries. whether labourers are free to become mem- preventing them: according to French law it On the French side support was, to say is illegal to film or take a photo of someone the least, scant. Most of the French partici- without his/her consent). pants were really Portuguese living in East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 9

France. Agir pour Timor and FDI had pre- a) The Quai d’Orsay diplomat told us demonstrations is not clear, these show that viously sought support from various French very clearly that foreign aid would not be at least they can be done well. The NGOs. A few responded and even fewer linked to human rights record, but he added experience gained this time could be useful sent anybody. Three weeks before the dem- that the question of human rights would be for future events of this kind... next year? onstrations, we had invited about 60 NGOs, raised during the conference. Reportedly Bruno (in absentia) trade unions, political parties... to a meeting this was done... by the US! True, the dip- to discuss their support and organisation. lomat did not say France itself would raise INDONESIA TRIUMPHS AT None attended! the matter, but this is certainly what he led CGI Support eventually came from: The us to expect. It is not clear to us if France Greens (one of the two Ecology parties), raised the issue privately (a favourite stance Reuter, Paris, Alan Raybould, July 17 - MRG (a small centre-left party), PCF (the of the French diplomacy in some occasions) Indonesia has been promised all the aid it communist party), Alternative Rouge et since its visit to Indonesia at the end of needs for 1992/93 and is not looking for Verte (a combination of green-leftists), CGT June. help from the Netherlands, the former co- (a trade-union linked to PCF), and CNID. To our request that France use its influ- lonial power that was a major donor, Indo- Those who actually sent someone were ence to have Amos Wako’s UN report made nesian Economics Minister Radius Prawiro CGT, PCF, CNID. MRAP, an anti-racist public, he answered that it was out of the said on Friday. movement close to the communists, was question. It had already been difficult The Netherlands coordinated aid for In- represented by Michel Robert, also enough to have this visit take place at all, donesia for 24 years from 1968 but threat- president of ASTO, the other French East and it was under the condition that the re- ened to cut off assistance after a massacre of Timor solidarity group. (ASTO itself did port would not be made public. civilians by troops last November in East not participate.) Individual members of b) The head of the French delegation Timor, a former Portuguese territory an- other organisations, like Agir Ici, ACAT and explained that the Quai d’Orsay took po- nexed by Indonesia. Amnesty International, also came in their litical decisions but that he was only an In retaliation, Indonesia said in March own names. One trade-union, CFDT, economist who makes no politics. As a citi- that it did not want any more aid from the actually refused to support the demonstra- zen and a Christian, he was concerned. But Dutch. tions! France would continue its aid normally. Just The Netherlands was absent from the The ruling Socialist party, although it had as the Quai d’Orsay diplomat, he explained two-day aid meeting that the World Bank organised a hearing with us on East Timor in that this money goes to the Indonesian agreed to chair here on Thursday and Fri- June (see earlier posting), failed to support people and that Indonesian corruption is not day. the protests. During this meeting it had been as bad as, say, African corruption, because The Bank said in a statement that the announced that the party would ask it is invested in Indonesia itself! French aid countries and multilateral agencies present publicly for a postponement of the delivery is once again the second in volume among promised Indonesia aid worth $4.94 billion of French aid (ibid.), but we did not see any donor countries, after Japan and before the for the 1992-93 fiscal year that began on such communiqué published. US. April 1. 4. Media coverage 6. Conclusion Asked at a news conference whether he Surprisingly for demonstrations of this Logistically preparation and handling of expected any aid from the Dutch in 1992/93, size, the media coverage, at least in France, the demonstrations was a big strain for us. Radius said: “We are not expecting any aid was close to nil. Reportedly L’Humanité All was done by 4 or 5 people altogether. It this year because we have been able to get (communist) did something but we didn’t was particularly disappointing to convene a our support from this meeting, fully. In fact, see it. Le Monde published an article on the meeting and a press conference with no at- even slightly more than we expected.” outcome of the summit, but apparently tendance at all. Even many members of our But he stressed that relations with the failed to notice any protests. Liberation own group didn’t show up or participate in Netherlands “are becoming very good, even dealt with the summit in a paragraph. No any way, while their help would have been better than before.” other dailies seem to have considered the sorely needed. The bad response from the Trade was normal and Dutch investment topic. media was also a bad surprise. in Indonesia was continuing, he said. A week earlier we had organised a press One reason for this was probably the bad The World Bank had estimated prior to conference on the meeting. It could be more timing of the demonstrations (the CGI’s the meeting that Indonesia would require appropriately called “conference without fault!), which took place in the holidays some $4.8 billion in external assistance in press": no journalists were present, except period, just after the 14th of July (Bastille 1992/93. for the two Portuguese local radios of Paris. day). But another, deeper reason is prob- A Japanese embassy official in Jakarta Those two radios were the only French ably that interest and support for freedom said on Friday Japan pledged $1.32 billion media to cover the event - and they did a struggles in East Timor and Indonesia are at the meeting, with another $500 million to superb job, following the demonstrations, still very weak in France, and very difficult come from Japan’s Export and Import bank. carrying interviews live... they can be to get. Radius said Japan’s contribution was thanked for having brought to the wake extra Still the outcome of these demonstrations much the same as last year and that new groups of Portuguese, who arrived un- should probably be seen as positive. There donor countries compensated at this meeting expectedly around 10.30/11 pm. are not so many demonstrations of this size for the funds that would now be lacking from the Netherlands. 5. Meetings with officials in favour of East Timor or Indonesian rights, outside East Timor and Indonesia. I was not There was no mention of human rights in Prior to the demonstrations, we had 2 present on the 16th of July, but reportedly the statement issued by the World Bank, meetings (3 counting the Socialist party the demonstrations went smoothly and were and Gautam Kaji, the Bank’s Vice President hearing) with French ‘officials’: one with a a success, thanks in part to the excellent with responsibility for East Asia, told the senior diplomat from the Quai d’Orsay, and organisation on the Dutch and Indonesian news conference the meeting had been about one with the head of the French delegation sides. If the impact of unreported economics, not politics. in CGI. Page 10 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

He said that donors were unanimous in Republic of Indonesia to assist in develop- partners in Indonesia’s development proc- their praise of Indonesia’s macroeconomic ment programs during the coming year. ess.” programme and that the country had made The group, comprising 18 donor coun- Participation at the CGI meeting showed great strides in reducing poverty. tries and 12 multilateral agencies, praised an increase over membership in the IGGI. “(This) makes Indonesia stand out in Indonesia for “sound policies of a more ro- Countries attending this year’s Paris meet- comparison to a number of developing bust, diversified and competitive econ- ing comprised the following: Australia, Aus- countries,” Kaji said. omy...accelerating economic growth and tria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, But he pointed out that its per capita in- progressively reducing poverty.” France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, New come was only $570, and, while it was on Known as the Consultative Group on In- Zealand, Norway, Spain, Sweden, its way to becoming a middle-income coun- donesia (CGI), the new consortium was Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the try, it would still need external aid for some formed in March following the reorganiza- United States. years to come. “However well it has done, it tion of a similar group known as the Inter- Multilateral organizations participating at still has a long way to go.” Governmental Group on Indonesia, for- the CGI included the World Bank, the Asian merly under the chairmanship of The Development Bank, the European Kyodo, Jakarta, July 17 - An interna- Netherlands. Meeting last year at The Community, the International Finance Cor- tional group of donors chaired by the World Hague, the IGGI membership pledged poration, the International Fund for Agri- Bank agreed Friday to give Indonesia 4,948 US$4.75 billion to Indonesia for fiscal year cultural Development, the International million dollars in aid for fiscal 1992, 1991-92. This year’s pledge represents an Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Japanese officials here said. increase of four percent. Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic The Consultative Group for Indonesia Commenting on this week’s meetings of Development, the Nordic Investment Bank, (CGI) agreed on the amount at a meeting in the CGI, World Bank Vice President Gau- the Organization for Economic Cooperation Paris which started Thursday. tam Kaji described Indonesia as “a model and Development, the Saudi Fund for The record amount of aid surpasses the among developing countries.” Development, the United Nation’s Chil- World Bank’s 4.8 billion dollar recommen- Mr. Kaji, who served as chairman of the dren’s Fund and the United Nations Devel- dation for aid to the country. Paris-based meetings, said the donor coun- opment Program. It is also larger than the 4.75 billion dol- tries and institutions “were unanimous in The Consultative Group said it would lars pledged last year by the now-dissolved praising Indonesia for the quality of the reconvene in 1993 to review Indonesia’s Intergovernmental Group on Indonesia country’s macro-economic management.” need for external funding assistance in a (IGGI). He said the group commended Indonesia on year’s time. Of the total pledge, 1,112 million dollars the progress it has made in several key ar- NOTE: This material is being transmitted by will be granted in the form of fast-disbursing eas. These include: economic growth, pov- Hill and Knowlton, Inc., a person registered aid. erty reduction, wealth distribution, social with the Department of Justice, Washington, Most major industrialized countries and services and quality of life. D.C., as an agent of the Republic of main international financial institutions and In a formal statement following the Indonesia retained to provide public organizations are included in the CGI. conclusion of the CGI meeting, the World relations advice and assistance. Pursuant to New contributors which were not in the Bank announced total pledges are the requirement, the material aforesaid is earlier donor group are South Korea, the “consistent with the estimated requirements available for inspection at, and copies are Nordic Investment Bank, Kuwait Fund for for development assistance.” (In its annual filed with, the Department of Justice. Such Arab Economic Development, and the Saudi country report on Indonesia published ear- registration does not indicate approval by Fund for Development. lier this year, the Bank estimated Indone- the United States Government of the contents The bulk of the money will come from sia’s funding needs this year to be $4.8 bil- of this material. the World Bank, which pledged 1.6 billion lion). dollars, but Japan has also pledged 1.32 Of this year’s total pledges, the Bank CONTACT: Paul M. Matulic of Hill and billion dollars, and the Asian Development noted that a total of about US$1 billion will Knowlton, Inc., 212-697-5600 Bank has offered 1.2 billion dollars. take the form of fast-disbursing assistance. Japanese officials here said that in addi- These funds are used to support Indonesia’s AFP, Paris, July 17 - Indonesia secured tion to the official development assistance, balance of payments position, with the pledges of official development aid totalling Japan’s Export-Import Bank has also remaining funds applied to individual devel- 4.94 billion dollars for the financial year to committed to extend 500 million loans. opment projects. March 1993 as the World Bank’s newly- A 300 million dollar, two-step loan will In addition to the $4.94 billion pledged created consultative group for Indonesia be used to support the commercial activities under the auspices of the CGI, the Bank (CGI) ended its first session here on Friday. of small and medium-size businesses, and indicated an additional $1 billion had been The total, which includes about one bil- the remaining 200 million dollars will focus committed during the same period by an lion dollars in quick-disbursing aid to help on improving infrastructure bottlenecks in independent consortium of lenders, led by bolster the country’s balance of payments, the power, telecommunications, and trans- the EXIM Bank of Japan. compared with commitments of 4.75 bn portation industries. Commenting on the results of the meet- dollars from donors for the previous finan- cial year, which yielded actual disburse- ing, Indonesia’s senior economics minister HILL & KNOWLTON PRES S said his delegation was “naturally very ments of 4.3 bn. RELEASE pleased by the successful outcome.” The outcome was “even slightly more” than the level recommended by the World PR Newswire, Paris, July 17 - A newly Leading the Indonesian delegation to the Paris meeting, Minister Radius Prawiro said Bank, Indonesia’s coordinator minister for formed consortium of donor countries and finance, economics and industry Radius multilateral agencies convening here under “the level of dialogue, the spirit of co- operation and the generous pledges of as- Prawiro said. the auspices of the World Bank today CGI chairman Gautam Kaji, the World committed funding of US$4.94 billion to the sistance are testimony to the willingness of the donor community to serve as active Bank’s vice president for the East Asia and East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 11

Pacific region, told a news conference the decades “but much remains to be done to Netherlands did not attend the Paris meet- donor community was “unanimous in their meet the needs of a fast-growing and rap- ing. Jakarta also sought the exclusion of the appreciation of the quality of macro- idly-urbanizing economy.” Netherlands, former colonisers of the coun- economic management” in Indonesia. “Indonesia will need substantial contin- try, from the CGI. The donors had also noted the “quantity ued support” from donors to meet chal- “We are not expecting any more aid from and quality” of growth in Indonesia and the lenges in infrastructure and human resource the Netherlands, because we got full sup- impact it had achieved on reduction of pov- development, the group agreed. port from the CGI,” said Prawiro. erty and improved social services for disad- The first-ever CGI session was attended Dutch foreign minister Hans van den vantaged people. by officials of 18 donor countries, including Broek, visiting Indonesia this week, has They also welcomed Indonesia’s com- three Scandinavian countries listed as ob- been told that Indonesian president Suharto mitment to continued structural reforms, he servers, and 12 international financing and would restore normal relations with the said, stressing the “quite dramatic” growth development institutions. Netherlands if Pronk resigns from the cabi- of the country’s non-oil sector. net. Kaji declined to detail individual donor BILLIONS IN AID FOR At the Paris meeting, the donors com- countries’ contributions, but Radius said JAKARTA DESPITE HUMAN prising the CGI commended Indonesia for Japan, the biggest bilateral donor, which the “significant” progress in its economic pledged aid worth 1.32 bn dollars for 1991- RIGHTS ROW adjustment programme and its growth of 6.8 92, had made “the same pledges as last year percent in 1991. It noted the tight monetary by Angeline Oyog, IPS – no more, no less.” policies, fiscal restraint and the prudent Kaji skirted questions on political devel- Paris, Jul. 17 (ips) – the Indonesian gov- external borrowing policies. opments that led to the dissolution earlier ernment obtained Friday almost five billion It said, however, that much more remains this year of the Inter-governmental Group dollars in development aid from interna- to be done to meet the needs of a fast- for Indonesia (IGGI), chaired by the Neth- tional donors while pre-empting any talk on growing and rapidly urbanising economy. erlands, the former colonial power, and human rights abuses. Making electric power, telecommunications, creation of the CGI to replace the IGGI. Speaking to journalists after the two-day transport, water supply and other services The group discussed economics, not poli- meeting with international donors in Paris, available and more reliable will be the key tics, he said. Indonesian minister radius Prawiro for eco- element in sustaining growth and improving However, the Indonesian minister said nomic affairs cut short any questions on quality of life. relations with the Netherlands were now charges against Jakarta for human rights “We need the 4.8 billion dollars to accel- becoming “very good, even better than be- abuses, particularly the killing of pro-inde- erate our achievements of our development fore.” pendence demonstrators in East Timor in objectives and to maintain fiscal and mone- He said cooperation was continuing in November 1991. tary stability,” said Prawiro. other fields, including Dutch investment in José Ramos Horta, special representative According to official figures Indonesia’s Indonesia and cultural activities. of a coalition of forces opposing the foreign debt stands at about 53 billion dol- Asked whether the improved relations Indonesian occupation of East Timor, feels lars, guaranteed by the rich resources of the could entail a resumption of Dutch aid, he “scandalised” by the decision of the donors. country. Critics of the Suharto government said Indonesia was not expecting any aid “These industrialised countries who talk say the foreign debts are a heavy burden for from the Netherlands this year, since its re- so often and so loudly about respecting generations to come. quirements had been fully met. human rights are the same ones who have “Indonesia up till now has always hon- A communiqué said the CGI just given five billion dollars to one of the oured its financial commitments and we will “commended” the Indonesian government worst dictatorships in the world,” he said. continue to do so in future. We will pay for the “significant progress in economic According to Prawiro, human rights and back every cent of our foreign debts,” a adjustment” achieved in the past year the killing of the demonstrators in 1991 spokesman for Suharto said in Jakarta through monetary stringency, fiscal restraint should be discussed at a bilateral level. “It is Friday. and prudent external borrowing policies. not appropriate to discuss political issues in Gautam Kaji, World Bank vice-president These measures, it said, held the current a forum for economic and financial matters. for the Asian region, said that only eco- account deficit to about four percent of “Respecting human rights is a part of our nomic and financial matters were brought up GNP, and inflation at less than 10 percent system. it is one of our pillars of princi- during the two days of meetings with while growth reached 6.8 percent. ples,” added Prawiro. “We are open to bi- delegations from Australia, Austria, Bel- Structural reforms had helped create “the lateral talks. They just need to talk to us.” gium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, foundation for the rapid growth needed to Accusing it of a campaign of “lies and Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zea- raise living standards further and to employ defamation,” Jakarta has since 1989 consis- land, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, productively a growing population and labor tently refused to allow the human rights the United Kingdom and the United States. force,” the communiqué said. It noted the group Amnesty International to visit the Delegations from the Asian Development country’s dependence on oil had declined country. Bank, the European Community, the Inter- sharply, with the oil sector now accounting The Consultative Group for Indonesia national Monetary Fund (IMF), the Islamic for one-third of public revenue against two- (CGI), chaired by the World Bank, took Development Bank, UNICEF and the thirds a decade ago, officials said. over the Inter-Governmental Group for In- United Nations development programme Continued sound macroeconomic man- donesia (IGGI) which had coordinated in- also attended the meetings. agement and deregulation would provide the ternational aid for Jakarta for the past 24 basis for “sustained growth with equity and years until its dissolution last April. HUMAN RIGHTS HYPOCRISY stability” in the 1990s, the communiqué Jakarta unilaterally disbanded the IGGI said. after Dutch development aid minister Jan Reuter, Tokyo, Aya Takada, July 21 - It said Indonesia had substantially ex- Pronk stopped development aid in protest Japan is being hypocritical when it says it panded its infrastructure over the past two of Indonesian human rights abuses. The wants to use its overseas development aid Page 12 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

(ODA) to improve human rights, market Japanese consortium a major construction the World Bank and Japan, followed by the economies and good government in recipient project, according to a report published other big Western powers. nations, foreign aid experts say. today. Representatives of the 18 met on July 17 Kiyoko Furusawa, who teaches devel- The San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News’ in Paris met to conduct their annual vetting opment economy at Tokyo Woman’s story from Tokyo said a letter sent by one of the Indonesian economy. The group is Christian University, doubts whether Japan of Foreign Minister Michio Watanabe’s now known as the Consultative Group on would apply this to nations with which it aides to a leading Indonesian businessman in Indonesia (CGI) and is chaired by the World has close business ties. 1988 threatened that if Indonesia considered Bank. “I agree with linking ODA policies with other countries for the $220 million airport Previously the lending governments met human rights abuses by recipient govern- project it would be seen as disloyal to as the Inter-Governmental Group on Indo- ments, but I do not feel our government is Watanabe. nesia (IGGI), chaired by the Netherlands. serious about implementing the principles,” The report quoted the letter as saying However, Indonesia has refused to collabo- she said. such disloyalty might cause “a bad relation- rate further with the IGGI while the Nether- She pointed out that Japan did not sus- ship between the two countries in the fu- lands chaired the group because of the pend aid to Indonesia even after government ture.” Netherlands’ attempt to link aid and human troops killed scores of East Timorese Watanabe, who leads the second largest rights. civilians last November. faction within the governing Liberal Demo- The Netherlands suspended aid to Indo- “We have asked the foreign ministry to cratic Party, was head of the party’s policy nesia in the wake of the Dili Massacre on make withdrawal of the Indonesian troops committee at the time the letter was alleg- November 12. from East Timor a prerequisite for continu- edly written. To balance its budget, the Suharto gov- ing ODA, but it won’t listen to us,” Fu- The newspaper said Jakarta selected a ernment depends on huge inputs of foreign rusawa said. Japanese consortium’s proposal over those aid, mostly in the form of loans. Despite Azusa Hayashi, director of the aid policy of U.S., French and Australian companies a being a major exporter of oil and the world’s division of the Foreign Ministry’s Economic few days after the letter was sent. It quoted biggest exporter of liquid natural gas as well Cooperation Bureau, said Japan was an unidentified source close to the deal as as a major exporter of tropical timber, the currently reviewing aid to several recipient saying Watanabe stood to profit. government has now run up a debt of over countries. Japanese officials in Tokyo had no im- US$100 billion. This could lead to ODA being reduced or mediate comment on the report. According to Indonesian government suspended if these nations were not The consortium of 58 Japanese compa- figures, approximately 50% of all govern- complying with four basic principles. nies, called the Jakarta Development Corp., ment expenditure on development comes “We have made various proposals to includes the trading house Nissho Iwai, the from foreign aid. “Revenue” from loans is several recipient governments,” Hayashi Industrial Bank of Japan and the Overseas included on the income side of Indonesia’s said. “(Their responses) will be taken into Economic Cooperation Fund. national budget, which means that it is account in future allocation of ODA.” The report said the OECF helped finance nearly always “balanced.” He declined to name the countries in- the project with a $61 million loan. It added The US ambassador in Jakarta made very volved. that the letter had the signature and stamp strongly critical statements of the Suharto But many aid experts dismiss such pol- of the consortium’s director, Mitsuo regime prior to the CGI meeting. He was icy statements as posturing, saying it would Marume. not, however, critical of the level of political be a long time before Tokyo suspended aid Watanabe’s office acknowledged after repression or poverty but the extent of to an important recipient. earlier San Jose Mercury News reports that corruption and red tape that bedevils foreign Japan’s ODA totalled $10.95 billion in Marume sometimes traveled to Southeast investors. US investment has been dropping 1991, up 20.8 pct from the previous year, Asia with Watanabe as an interpreter and off over recent years. making it the second biggest donor in the adviser. But it has denied any financial link Some of the European countries, led by world after the U.S. Asia receives some 60 between Marume, the consortium and Portugal, did express some concern over pct of the aid, with Indonesia, China and the Watanabe. human rights violations in Indonesia and Philippines the main recipients. The Foreign Ministry has also previ- East Timor. But the CGI as a whole seemed The Foreign Ministry is eager to counter ously denied that Watanabe could have used to believe that such issues should not be the belief that its ODA is merely an instru- his clout to influence any specific aid deals linked to aid. ment to promote Japan’s exports and seek or that he received any kickbacks. Human Rights organisations, including favour from countries that provide the es- The project – a joint venture that also New York-based Asia Watch, TAPOL (the sential raw materials for Japanese industry. involves a private Indonesian company and British Campaign for Human Rights in In- “Basically, Japan will maintain its stance the Indonesian government – is to develop a donesia), several of the Netherlands-based of meeting the requests of recipient gov- large trade, convention and entertainment Indonesian pro-democracy groups and Aksi ernments but Japanese proposals need to be complex on the grounds of an old airport. (Indonesia Solidarity Action) in Australia, accepted in some cases, especially con- have urged governments to make such a link. cerning environmental protection,” Hayashi URGE LINKING OF HUMAN Asia Watch sent a memo to the CGI arguing said. RIGHTS, INDONESIAN AID for the linking of democratisation and development assistance. WATANABE PROBED ON Green Left Weekly issue 64, July 29, by Max Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans THREATS TO INDONESIA Lane has made it clear several times that the Australian government will not link human Governments of 18 industrialised coun- AP, Tokyo, July 21 - An adviser to one rights and aid. When the US House of Rep- tries, including Australia, have agreed to resentatives blocked US$2 million of mili- of Japan’s most powerful politicians pres- provide Indonesia with further loans total- sured the Indonesian government to award a tary aid to Indonesia, Evans condemned the ling US$4.8 billion. The biggest lenders are Congress as being too punitive. East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 13

Australia provided $106 million in 1990- longer and would reject any conditional He is scheduled to hold talks with Alatas 91 and an estimated $113 million in 1991-92 economic assistance. later Thursday and pay a courtesy call on in economic assistance, mostly to projects The President made the remarks Tuesday Indonesian President Suharto Saturday. involving Australian companies. Australia in South Sumatra province after inaugurating During his stay, Van den Broek is also also conducts a development cooperation a number of development projects, slated to meet with several other senior program with the Indonesian military, according to local press reports here today. government officials, including Coordinating including joint exercises, training and other While admitting that in carrying out de- Minister of Political and Security Affairs exchanges. velopment efforts, Indonesia still received Sudomo, Home Affairs Minister Rudini and Aksi groups in Sydney and Canberra assistance from other countries, Soeharto Education and Culture Minister Fuad have decided to launch a petition campaign said, “We will not remain an aid recipient. It Hasan. demanding the Australian government link is instead our noble goal to become an aid- The Dutch minister said before leaving economic assistance to improvements in giving nation in the future. It means we for Indonesia that his discussions here Indonesia. would give aid to other nations some day.” would include bilateral as well as regional In particular, Aksi is calling for the Aus- Soeharto reiterated the crucial importance and international issues, including ties be- tralian government to raise: the release of all of human resources in the development of a tween the European Community and the political prisoners; the repeal of laws nation, suggesting that this factor be made Association of Southeast Asian Nations restricting political and social organisations, top priority in the second stage of (ASEAN). especially the law enforcing a single ideol- Indonesia’s long-term development plan ogy and banning new parties; the end of beginning in April 1994. DUTCH FIRM ON restrictions on trade unions; the end of vio- He said that without qualified human re- HUMAN RIGHTS lent repression of people calling for self- sources, the nation would have difficulties in determination in West Papua, Aceh and East keeping pace with the development progress AFP, Jakarta, July 16 - The Netherlands’ Timor; and the start of peace talks with the in the midst of the increasing globalization position on human rights remains unchanged East Timorese. dynamical process in the future. despite friction with Indonesia over the Appealing to the people to constantly issue, Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den SUHARTO: NO POLITICAL improve their working spirit and social soli- Broek said after meeting with his Indonesian STRINGS ON FOREIGN AID darity, the President reiterated the need to counterpart Ali Alatas. boost education for the people in a strife to “I do not think one can say that anything Kyodo, Jakarta, Aug. 4 - Indonesian move up people’s working spirit. has changed as far as the principal matters President Suharto reiterated Tuesday that The projects dedicated by the head of are concerned,” said Van den Broek, who Indonesia will reject foreign aid with politi- state at a total cost of 126.5 billion rupiah arrived earlier Thursday on a three-day visit. cal strings, the official Antara news agency (63 million U.S. dollars) include the 534- Indonesia abruptly refused Dutch devel- reported. meter-long Musi Bridge II, the longest in opment aid in March, saying it was being Suharto said last December following the Indonesia, road and rural electrification used as a “tool of pressure” by The Hague November 12 killings in East Timor that projects. amid concern there for human rights in this Indonesia will not bow to pressures from High costs were involved to build these former Dutch colony. nations threatening to discontinue aid. projects and, therefore, the best possible Van den Broek spoke to the press after ‘’Now, in our development, we still re- maintenance by the local people was a more than two hours of talks with Alatas. ceive aid from foreign countries. We aim not requisite, the President said. Their discussions, Van den Broek said, to hold our hands upward but downward, touched on many issues “including human meaning we (will offer) aid to other rights and the situation in Timor following countries,’’ he was quoted as saying by DUTCH FOREIGN the undertaking of the Indonesian govern- Antara. MINISTER VISITS ment at the time after the dramatic events in Suharto, who will chair the 105-member November.” Non-aligned Summit in September, made the JAKARTA Alatas said after the meeting that he and statement to an audience in South Sumatra his guest had “a very good discussion, pri- after he inaugurated new highway and marily on bilateral relations.” electricity projects. VAN DEN BROEK ARRIVES IN Without elaborating, he said that at Van In March, Indonesia rejected further de- JAKARTA den Broek’s query, “I gave an explanation to velopment aid from the Netherlands my colleague on the latest developments in charging that the aid was being used as an AFP, Jakarta, July 16 - Dutch Foreign East Timor.” instrument of intimidation. Minister Hans van den Broek arrived here Later Thursday, Van den Broek was to The move was made following aid sus- Thursday for a three-day official visit aimed meet State Secretary Minister Murdiono, pension from the Dutch in response to the at improving ties between the Netherlands Home Affairs Minister Rudini and Coordi- East Timor killings. and Indonesia, strained by a row over aid nating Minister of Politics and Security In mid-July, Indonesia requested aid from and human rights. Affairs Sudomo. Van den Broek is the second Dutch a World Bank-chaired international group of He was also to have a working dinner donors and received a pledge of 4,948 minister to visit the country since bilateral with Alatas, and on Saturday call on Presi- million dollars for fiscal 1992 which ends in relations soured following Jakarta’s abrupt dent Suharto. March next year. decision in March to refuse development Van den Broek is the second Dutch assistance from the Netherlands citing po- minister to visit Indonesia since March. Xinhua, Jakarta, Aug. 5 - President litical issues here, including human rights. Dutch State Secretary for Trade Yvonne Soeharto said Indonesia was determined not The minister was greeted at Jakarta’s Van Rooy came at the end of April. to be dependent on other countries any Sukarno-Hatta international airport by his Indonesian counterpart and host, Ali Alatas. Page 14 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

Kyodo, Jakarta, July 16 - The Nether- He urged the international community to ment in March called for the cessation of lands and Indonesia likely will not change take a balanced view of the situation in East Dutch development aid to Indonesia. their differences over human rights, Dutch Timor, where a dwindling guerrilla army is Van den Broek also said the E.C. should Foreign Minister Hans Van Den Broek said still battling Jakarta rule, and for Indonesia take a balanced view on the situation in East Thursday. to understand the world’s concern over Timor and that Indonesia and Portugal Van den Broek said his two hours of human rights. should continue dialogue towards reaching a talks with his Indonesian counterpart Ali It was his own country’s outcry over the solution. Alatas covered a broad range of topics, in- East Timor killings that prompted Indonesia cluding human rights and last year’s last March to refuse any more aid from its shooting of civilians by Indonesian troops. former colonial rulers. “I don’t think one can say that anything He said his government regretted the ASEAN MEETS IN MANILA has changed as far as the principal matters decision but that his official three-day visit are concerned,” he said of a row in March had provided a “new impulse” to bilateral when Indonesia said it would reject further relations. S.E. ASIA ARMS RACE development aid from the Netherlands over Dutch criticism of the November shootings UPI, Jakarta, July 18 - Dutch Foreign UPI, Manila, July 19 - Talks scheduled in East Timor. Minister Hans Van den Broek Saturday to begin here Tuesday among the foreign Van den Broek said he did not expect any called on his government, Indonesia and ministers of six Asian nations underline a change from Jakarta, “and one would not Portugal to cooperate to solve the problems host of growing security concerns raised by expect it from us.” But, he said, “We want of East Timor. the end of the Cold War. to look toward the future.” Van den Broek, in Indonesia on a three- The decline of East-West military rivalry The Dutch minister is to meet with sev- day visit, met with President Suharto Sat- has eased tension in Europe and other areas, eral other cabinet ministers and, on Satur- urday and later told a press conference that but has brought new uncertainty to the day, with President Suharto. all parties involved should cooperate to countries of Southeast Asia. The Netherlands, the former colonial prevent the simmering conflict from The fading U.S. military presence in the ruler of Indonesia, had joined international “lingering on.” region has triggered anxiety over a possible condemnations of the shootings and the Van den Broek said the dispute had dis- power vacuum. Border and trade disputes Jakarta government’s response. rupted Indonesia’s relations with Portugal, and increased competition for natural re- adding that the Netherlands followed with sources have added to the tension. great interest the efforts of U.N. Secretary- Partly in response to these concerns, DUTCH OPPOSE several Southeast Asian nations are rapidly PORTUGAL’S POSITION General Boutros Ghali to find an “equitable solution to the dispute.” increasing their armed capability. Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Reuter, Jakarta, July 18 - Dutch foreign On bilateral relations, Van den Broek said the two governments had agreed to Indonesia and Brunei say they plan sub- minister Hans Van den Broek said on Sat- stantial increases in military spending over urday that the European Community would strengthen and deepen their ties in various fields and to forget any existing sourness the next five years. Japan, South Korea, and not be dragged into a dispute between Por- Burma also are strengthening their armies, tugal and Indonesia over East Timor. over Indonesia’s decision in March to refuse development assistance from the although at a slower pace. EC member Portugal, whose colonial rule Julius Caesar Parrenas, a senior analyst at of East Timor preceded an invasion by Netherlands. Indonesia moved to refuse development the Manila-based think tank Center for Indonesia in 1975, has waged a long dip- Research and Communications, forecast the lomatic battle over Jakarta’s annexation of aid from its former colonial ruler after the Netherlands criticized Jakarta’s handling of build-up to expand and said it would be- the impoverished territory. come an increasingly crucial issue. “The European Community takes the the aftermath of the November massacre in East Timor which left at least 50 people “If the U.S. continues to ease its pres- stand that this is...a dispute between Indo- ence in Asia and the region makes no moves nesia and Portugal and would in no way like dead and more than 90 injured. toward a collective security arrangement, to undermine the efforts that are being then we may have a problem,” he said. “I (made) by the Secretary-General of the AFP, Jakarta, July 18 - Visiting Dutch Foreign Minister Hans van den Broek called really think some bold moves need to be United Nations together with the parties to made.” find a solution,” Van den Broek told re- Saturday for open-mindedness in finding solutions to the problems facing the former Although no major announcements are porters after meeting Indonesia’s President expected from the 25th ministerial meeting Suharto. Portuguese colony of East Timor. Van den Broek told journalists after of the Association of Southeast Asian Na- Earlier this week, Portuguese Foreign tions which runs from Tuesday through Minister Joao de Deus Pinheiro said Lisbon meeting with Indonesian President Suharto that there had been contacts between Indo- Sunday, diplomats say the talks provide a would block an EC pact with the Associa- timely forum to discuss the region’s evolv- tion of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), nesia and the European Community (E.C.) over developments in East Timor. ing security needs. due to be signed in October, unless Indo- Several diplomats and analysts see nesia improved its human rights record. However, he said that it was more im- portant that “there is an open-mindedness China’s action in the Spratlys as part of a “I have pledged to our Indonesian part- general push to increase its military influ- ners that we will do our utmost to see to it on both sides” with Jakarta understanding “the genuine concerns” existing abroad for ence in Asia. This, they say, could raise that the negotiations between ASEAN and tension with Japan, which is cautiously the EC about a new trade and cooperation the unresolved situation in East Timor. Van den Broek was the second Dutch trying to assume a greater role in the region. agreement will be finalised by that time,” “The Japanese are very concerned about Van den Broek said. minister, after Trade Secretary Yvonne van Rooy, to visit since the Indonesian govern- the moves of China both in the Spratlys and in general,” Parrenas said. “They have not East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 15 said a lot but have very quietly expressed Alatas cited the need for “self-restraint in ASEAN BECOMES their concerns.” order not to complicate the situation.” The Some ASEAN diplomats said they were area’s resources could be developed jointly ‘SECURITY FORUM’ worried their countries could be drawn into pending settlement of the sovereignty claims AFP, Manila, July 22 - ASEAN called a Japan-China rivalry. of rival countries, he said. Wednesday for restraint in the Spratly Is- “You cannot avoid geography,” Philip- “Indonesia strongly believes that if all lands dispute and an end to the Cambodian pine Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus told parties...heed this call for constructive col- impasse, continuing its transformation into a reporters recently. “China and Japan have a laboration, we may yet be able to transform major forum for regional security in the love-hate relationship...the whole of the potential of mutually destructive con- wake of the Cold War. Southeast Asia is caught in the middle.” frontation in the South China Sea into the Security concerns preoccupied the for- Besides a perceived power vacuum, re- reality of mutually beneficial cooperation eign ministers in the Association of South- gional diplomats say they are concerned among countries in the region,” Alatas said. east Asian Nations – Brunei, Indonesia, about tensions in Cambodia and Burma and The Spratlys, which lie astride strategic Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and reported North Korean efforts to develop shipping lanes, are claimed wholly or in part Thailand – as they concluded their two-day nuclear weapons. by China, Taiwan and Vietnam and ASEAN annual meeting. “All of these things may amount to members Malaysia, Brunei and the In a special declaration, they called for nothing,” an ASEAN diplomat said. “But Philippines. restraint among the six Spratly claimants – then again they might. That is why it is ASEAN, the Association of Southeast including three ASEAN members – and important to at least begin seriously talking Asian Nations, also includes Indonesia, continued dialogue and joint activities in the about some kind of military cooperation.” Singapore and Thailand. disputed area to defuse tensions. Reaching such a consensus would be diffi- Chinese Foreign Minister Qian Qichen, The Spratlys, a reputedly oil-rich chain cult. who is in Manila for talks with ASEAN in the South China Sea, are claimed wholly Efforts to bolster arsenals have increased ministers, said on Monday that Beijing fa- or in part by China, Vietnam, Taiwan, distrust between several Asian countries, vored a negotiated settlement to the Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei. Parrenas said, adding that the lack of a clear Spratlys issue. ASEAN officials fear the Spratlys could external threat provided little incentive for “When conditions are ripe, we can start become the next regional flashpoint after the ASEAN to form a collective military negotiations. When negotiations are not ripe, Cambodian conflict, and said the decision to alliance. we can shelve these disputes,” he told issue a declaration apart from their joint The American security umbrella in the reporters. communiqué underscored the importance of Pacific allowed ASEAN to concentrate on Beijing has in recent weeks frequently the issue. economic initiatives since it was founded in resisted proposals for a formal international China’s recent assertion of sovereignty 1967. conference on the islands. over the area, including an oil-exploration But last year Manila rejected a proposal Diplomatic sources said the ASEAN deal with a U.S. firm, has worried its to extend the U.S. lease on Subic Bay Naval meeting was expected to issue a declaration neighbors, but Chinese Foreign Minister Base, Washington’s largest military in- calling on claimants to the Spratlys to re- Qian Qichen told his ASEAN counterparts stallation in Asia. U.S. forces are scheduled nounce force in solving the issue. that Beijing was open to a peaceful com- to leave the base by the end of the year. All claimants, except Brunei, have sta- promise. U.S. officials said they would make no tioned troops on various tiny islands in the The 25-year-old ASEAN, worried that effort to totally replace Subic, relying in- group. In 1988, three Vietnamese naval fresh conflicts will harm its members’ stead on a smaller network of military ac- boats were sunk and 72 Vietnamese killed in growing prosperity and their standing cess agreements with several Southeast a clash with China. pledge to create a regional free market within Asian countries. Ramos, a former general who took office 15 years, also sought an end to the political last month, called for increased defence co- impasse in Cambodia. SPRATLYS RESTRAINT operation among ASEAN states. But they stopped short of condemning “Such ASEAN activities as defence co- the Khmer Rouge for stalling the imple- Reuter, Manila, Riben Alabastro, July 21 operation, military consultations and exer- mentation of the Paris peace agreement. - Indonesia and the Philippines on Tuesday cises at various levels should be intensified In a joint communiqué, the ASEAN for- urged rival claimants to the Spratly Islands and expanded,” he said. eign ministers urged “all parties in Cambodia to resolve their differences peacefully before He said regional security could be en- to cooperate fully in the implementation of they erupt into destructive confrontation. hanced by strengthening economic coop- the agreement in order to end the sufferings Philippine President Fidel Ramos and eration among Southeast Asian countries, of their people.” Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas told adding that his government was firmly More optimistically, ASEAN, founded the opening session of an ASEAN foreign committed to the establishment of an during the Vietnamese war as a non-military ministers’ conference that the Spratlys dis- ASEAN free trade area. but anti-communist bloc, embraced Vietnam pute was a cause for growing concern among The two-day ministerial conference will and Laos after they signed the group’s Bali countries in the region. be followed by meetings with ASEAN’s treaty of friendship binding them to the “We cannot any more postpone the ur- western partners, including the United peaceful resolution of conflicts. gent necessity to seriously seek a solu- States, Japan, Australia, Canada, New The treaty will allow them to pursue full tion...lest the unsettled situation lead to Zealand and the European Community. membership in the association. perilous developments,” Ramos said. The ASEAN ministers are also to hold The Manila meeting marked the first time A peaceful solution could lead to joint separate talks with ministers from China, ASEAN has included regional security on its exploration and development of resources in Russia and Vietnam. official agenda, and occurred against the the potentially oil-rich cluster of islands in backdrop of the collapse of the Soviet the South China Sea, he said. Page 16 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

Union and the U.S. military pullout from when it is offered with strings attached,” he EC officials have made it clear that the the Philippines. said. “What we seek is a more equal part- new accord will have to contain provisions The ASEAN ministers said in their final nership of trade and investment.” covering human rights. There is also growing communiqué that the end of the Cold War “As partners, we find it unacceptable pressure within Europe to link development had a “profound impact” in terms of “new should there be any attempt to use these assistance with environmental protection. strategic uncertainties and fresh opportuni- dialogue relationships to impose certain ASEAN was also prompted to form a ties.” conditions and their standards on us ” he common position on environmental issues in Thai Foreign Minister Arsa Sarasin said added. the run-up to the United Nations Confer- his group, which will meet at the weekend ASEAN has seven dialogue partners – ence on Environment and Development with U.S. State Secretary James Baker and the United States, Japan, the European (UNCED) held last month in Rio de Janeiro. counterparts from other major trading part- Community, Canada, Australia, New Zea- ners, would reject any attempt by the West land and Korea. U.S. GIVES NOTICE TO to force ASEAN to adopt a hard line against Though only Thailand raised the aid issue TYRANTS AT ASEAN Burma. at today’s opening ceremonies, the Thais do Arsa said ASEAN would continue its not seem to be alone. Reuter, Manila, Rene Pastor, July 24 - policy of engaging Burma, ruled by a mili- A draft of the joint communiqué to be The United States on Friday told a 13-na- tary junta since 1988, in a constructive issued at the end of the ASEAN meeting tion conference it would remain a strong dialogue to wean it back into the interna- tomorrow says: “The foreign ministers ex- military power in Asia and served notice it tional community. pressed their belief that environmental and would not allow tyrants to threaten its se- The Burmese junta has been condemned human rights concerns should not be made curity interests in the region. by western countries for violating human as conditionalities in economic development U.S. Undersecretary of State Robert rights and ignoring the results of a 1990 cooperation.” Zoellick also asked the help of the Associa- general election won by the opposition, led “They noted that human rights are gov- tion of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by the detained Nobel Peace Prize winner erned by distinct culture, history and socio- in securing Vietnam’s cooperation in ac- Aung San Suu Kyi. economic conditions in each country and counting for the more than 2,000 Americans The communiqué also said that their expression and application are missing from the Indochinese war. “environmental and human rights concerns within their competence and responsibility,” But he bitterly criticised ASEAN’s pol- should not be made as conditionalities” for the draft added. icy of quiet diplomacy towards Burma’s economic aid, a position distinct from Both human rights and environmental military regime and suggested firmer action. Washington’s. concerns have been thorny issues in rela- Zoellick spoke at the opening session of “Human rights, while universal in char- tions between ASEAN members and three-day talks between the six-nation acter, are governed by the distinct culture Europe. Individual ASEAN countries have ASEAN and its seven industrial partners: and history of, and socio-economic condi- already taken their respective positions on the United States, Japan, the European tions in, each country,” it said, adding that these issues. Community, Canada, Australia, New Zea- “their expression and application are within Indonesia for example has scrapped a land and South Korea. the competence and responsibilities of each Dutch-led aid program when the Nether- “The United States is committed to country.” lands suspended aid following the massacre maintaining a continuous operational and ASEAN also demanded immediate action of protesters in East Timor last year. deterrent capability in Asia,” Zoellick said. on thousands of Indochinese economic Malaysia and Indonesia have clashed “This means troops, fleets and air power refugees who languish in camps in the region with European governments and environ- deployed forward,” he said, adding the due to delays in their repatriation. mental groups urging limits to the export of United States was the only power in the tropical timber which account for a big share post-Cold War era that had a “truly global ASEAN OPPOSING of the export revenues of these countries. reach.” LINKED AID? But recent developments appear to be “As the United States demonstrated in pushing ASEAN to firm up common posi- the Gulf War, we will not stand by when IPS, Manila, July 22 - Reflecting what tions on these aid conditionality issues. new tyrants threaten our national security appears to be an emerging ASEAN position, Western donor countries including Japan interests. We have national security inter- the foreign minister of Thailand yesterday have been talking more and more of linking ests in the Pacific too,” Zoellick said. criticized donor countries for tying yet more development aid with such concerns as Australian Foreign Minister Gareth strings to their development aid programs. human rights, “good government” and po- Evans, South Korean Foreign Minister Lee Thai Foreign Minister Arsa Sarasin did litical pluralism. Sang-ock and Japanese Parliamentary Vice not name names, but analysts said he was Even multilateral institutions such as the Minister for Foreign Affairs Koji Kakizawa clearly referring to attempts by Western World Bank and the International Monetary welcomed the U.S. pledge, saying it was donors, particularly the European Com- Fund have called on countries to cut military vital to the region’s stability. munity, to link development aid to human spending, implying that poor countries that Zoellick said he hoped the accession of rights, military spending and environmental do not may be left out. Vietnam and Laos to the ASEAN treaty of policies. India and Pakistan, which both have huge amity would help defuse regional tensions. Sarasin made the remarks at the start of poverty problems and fat defense budgets, “As this process unfolds, however, we the 25th ministerial meeting of the Associa- have been singled out for criticism on this urge that you remember our POWs tion of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), score. (prisoners of war) and MIAs (missing in which groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Closer to home, ASEAN is currently ne- action). There is no more important issue to the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. gotiating a new cooperation agreement with my government and my people,” he said. “We should tell our dialogue partners the European Community to replace an “We will not forget the young men who that what we seek is not aid, especially earlier pact signed in 1980. came to this region for all of us but who East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 17 never came home. We ask for your ongoing Under Secretary of State Robert Zoellick of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and support for our efforts to obtain the fullest said despite the withdrawal of U.S. troops its seven dialogue partners. possible accounting of our compatriots.” from the Philippines by the end of the year, Baker’s arrival in Manila has been de- Washington has made a full accounting of the United States would continue to be a layed by developments in the Middle East. Americans missing in the Vietnam War a Pacific force through a network of military He is expected to arrive early Saturday. condition for normalising ties with Hanoi. access agreements. Zoellick said the U.S., in the post-Cold The talks highlighted differences between “The United States is committed to War period, will remain a leader with a ASEAN and its partners on how to deal maintaining a continuous operational and global reach, operating through partnerships with Burma because of its human rights deterrent capability in Asia,” he said. “This with its allies and partners, like the ASEAN record. means troops, fleets and air power deployed which consists of Brunei, Indonesia, Saying that the Burmese military’s forward.” Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and “brutal action” against dissenters was a Secretary of State James Baker is ex- Thailand. source of instability, Zoellick asked: “Isn’t pected to discuss military access agreements it time to say ‘enough is enough’? with ministers of several Southeast Asian Reuter, Manila, Rene Pastor, July 24 - “Isn’t it time for all of us, together, to tell countries when he arrives in Manila from The United States is the only remaining the military regime it must release all the Middle East Saturday. global power and is firmly committed to political prisoners - including Aung San Suu Washington already has such an ar- using its might to defend its interests in Kyi - and engage them in a good-faith dia- rangement with Singapore. It is reportedly Asia, a senior U.S. official said on Friday. logue to restore constitutional government at also interested in access agreements with “The United States is committed to an early date?” he said. Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. maintaining a continuous operational and Burmese opposition leader and Nobel The United States retains permanent mili- deterrent capability in Asia,” Undersecre- peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi has been tary bases in South Korea and Japan. tary of State for Economic Affairs Robert under house arrest for three years since the “We’ve explained our reliance on in- Zoellick told southeast Asian foreign minis- government crushed pro-democracy pro- creased access to a number of regional mili- ters. tests in 1989. tary facilities and our expectation that this “This means troops, fleets and air power Canadian Minister for External Affairs approach will lead to a stronger sense of deployed forward,” he said, adding that the Barbara McDougall called for a military mutual and shared responsibility,” Zoellick United States was the only power in the embargo against Burma. said. post-Cold War era that had a “truly global ASEAN - linking Indonesia, Thailand, “In the post-Cold War world, the United reach.” Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and the Phil- States must remain a leader - perhaps the Zoellick was addressing the opening ippines - has refused to condemn Burma’s one leader with truly global reach - but we session of a three-day meeting between military rulers, saying its policy of will seek to operate through partnerships,” Association of Southeast Asian Nations “constructive engagement” will encourage he said. “We need to rely on one another.” foreign ministers and officials from what Rangoon to reform. Japanese troops occupied much of ASEAN calls its “dialogue partners.” “We perceived that our policy has Southeast Asia during World War II, and “As the United States demonstrated in yielded some results,” Philippine Foreign Kakizawa sought Friday to allay fresh re- the Gulf War, we will not stand by when Secretary Raul Manglapus told reporters. gional concerns over Tokyo’s recent deci- new tyrants threaten our national security On Cambodia, ASEAN and its partners sion to allow peacekeeping troops to be interests. We have national security inter- were unanimous in deploring the Khmer deployed overseas for the first time since ests in the Pacific too,” Zoellick said. Rouge’s refusal to disarm in violation of the the end of the war. But he added that the United States Paris peace accords. “We are determined,” he said, “to take would rely increasingly on its allies in the “There was a clear communality of views into account the lessons of the past...to region because the U.S. military budget had that the Khmer Rouge are standing alone. firmly uphold our peace constitution, to shrunk with the disintegration of the Soviet There will be limited tolerance by the never embark again on the road towards a Union. international community for their non- military power.” Security fears have been heightened by subscription to the Paris agreement,” a Ca- the U.S. withdrawal from its military bases nadian official told reporters. in the Philippines following a dispute with DPA, Manila, July 24 - The United Manila over the terms of their lease. U.S. WILL BE GUARDIAN OF States Friday said it will remain in Asia to Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister for STABILITY deter aggression and a revival of insecurities Foreign Affairs Koji Kakizawa said Tokyo UPI, Manila, July 24 - Japan urged the that could upset the peaceful balance in the wanted to strengthen its security ties with United States Friday to remain the chief region. Washington and the United States must guardian of stability in Asia, and Washing- “The U.S. is committed to maintaining a “maintain its forward deployment in the ton reiterated it planned to keep a forward continuous operational and deterrent ca- region.” military force in the region. pability in Asia. This means troops, fleets “The presence and involvement of the “The presence and involvement of the and air power deployed forward ” said U.S. United States remains extremely important United States remains extremely important undersecretary of state Robert Zoellick. for the peace and stability of the Asia-Pa- for the peace and stability of the Asia-Pa- “The end of the Cold War does not mean cific region amid the changing international cific region,” Japanese Vice Minister for the end of dangerous leaders and regimes, environment,” he said. Foreign Affairs Koji Kakizawa told a threats of force, and potential conflicts,” he “The presence of American forces serves meeting of Southeast Asian foreign minis- said. as a stabilising factor of the region not only ters. Zoellick spoke on behalf of U.S. Secre- in military but also political terms,” “Japan strongly wishes that the United tary of State James Baker at the opening Kakizawa said. States continues in the future to maintain its Friday of the post ministerial conferences Kakizawa and South Korean Foreign forward (troop) deployment in this region.” between the six member nation Association Minister Lee Sang-ock told the opening Page 18 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. session that North Korea was a threat to Much of Southeast Asia suffered Japa- San Suu Kyi was beginning her fourth year regional stability because of its nuclear nese aggression and occupation during of house arrest on political charges. weapons programme. World War II. “Collectively, our message to the Bur- “Serious concern is being entertained on mese military authorities must be loud and the possible development of nuclear weap- clear: release all political prisoners immedi- ons by North Korea and this is serving as a Reuter, Manila, July 27 - U.S. Secretary ately and begin a dialogue aimed at rapidly destabilising factor in this region,” Kakizawa of State James Baker promised Southeast transferring power to a democratically- said. Asian allies on Sunday that the United elected government,” he said. States would remain a Pacific power. Baker also called attention to what he Baker also urged the Association of called the tragic plight of more than 270,000 AFP, Manila, July 24 - Japan wants the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to send Rohingya Burmese Moslem refugees driven United States to remain the chief guarantor a “loud and clear” message to Burma about from their homes into Bangladesh, and of of Asian security and has no ambition to what he called its deplorable human rights another 70,000 forced into Thailand. regain its own military prowess, Vice Min- record. ister for Foreign Affairs Koji Kakizawa said Association members have in general ASEAN -EC RIGHTS CLAS H here Friday. been reluctant to speak out about Rangoon’s Kakizawa told a meeting of Southeast record, preferring what they call a policy of UPI, Manila, July 25 - ASEAN foreign Asian foreign ministers and counterparts constructive engagement. ministers said Saturday they were disap- from main trading partners that “the pres- In a speech to foreign ministers of the pointed that a major agreement with the ence and involvement of the United States economic and diplomatic alliance, set up in European Community had to be scuttled remains extremely important for the peace 1967 partly in response to communist ex- over the issue of human rights, but remained and stability of the Asia-Pacific region amid pansion in the region, Baker sought to calm hopeful a treaty could still be reached. the changing international environment.” fears that the end of the Cold War would Philippine Foreign Secretary Raul “The presence of American forces serves mean a diminished American role in the area. Manglapus and EC leaders said the signing as a stabilizing factor of the region not only He acknowledged that the U.S. with- of a new ASEAN-EC cooperation agreement in military but also political terms,” he said. drawal from Subic Bay Naval Base in the to replace a 1980 pact was vital in light of “Japan strongly wishes that the United Philippines by year-end means there will no major political and economic developments States continues in the future to maintain its longer be permanent American bases in in both regions. forward deployment in this region,” Kaki- Southeast Asia. Diplomats said Friday the EC foreign zawa said. But he insisted: “This development has ministers decided to defer discussions on the The dialogue was launched after ministers not altered our interest in, nor our commit- proposed agreement July 20 following of the six-member Association of Southeast ment to, Asian security. The form of our protests by Portugal over alleged human Asian Nations (ASEAN) held an annual presence may have changed but the sub- rights abuses in Indonesia, an ASEAN meeting dominated by regional security stance of our commitment is firm. member. concerns after the Cold War. “The United States is a Pacific power Foreign ministers of the six-member As- ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Ma- and will remain one,” he said, stressing that sociation of Southeast Asian Nations met laysia, the Philippines, Singapore and “our forces are forward-deployed in Japan, Saturday with British Foreign Secretary Thailand. Its “dialogue partners” are the South Korea and Guam.” Baker said there Douglas Hurd, whose nation holds the EC United States, Japan, the European Com- were new agreements granting the United presidency. munity, Canada, Australia, New Zealand States limited access to facilities in other Hurd said despite efforts on both sides at and South Korea. countries, like Singapore and Malaysia. coming up with an agreement, “We are not American troops will pull out of the “America’s resolve to honour its treaty today at the stage where formal negotiations Philippines bases by December but will commitments, to promote economic growth can start.” remain in Japan and South Korea. Singapore and to support the peaceful resolution of He said EC foreign ministers have agreed has signed an air and naval access agreement disputes remains the bedrock of our policy “to come back later to this matter” after with the United States to soften the effects toward Asia,” he added. “the issue of the respect of human rights in of Manila’s rejection of new base treaty ASEAN groups Thailand, the Philip- East Timor was raised.” with Washington. pines, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore and Japan, the United States, the EC and “We welcome the cooperation also being Malaysia. other ASEAN major trade partners in the made by ASEAN countries for the mainte- He expressed concern over “disturbing West said Friday they would increasingly nance of forward deployment by the United problems” with the United Nations-admin- tie economic aid to human rights conditions States,” Kakizawa said. istered peace settlement for Cambodia. in recipient countries. In an apparent reaction to Southeast The Khmer Rouge faction, responsible But the emerging democracies of Asian wariness about Tokyo’s decision to for more than a million deaths when it ruled ASEAN, which groups Brunei, Malaysia, send troops to help peacekeeping missions Cambodia from 1975 to December 1978, has Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines and overseas, he said “we cannot and will not refused to join three other factions in Singapore, said such restrictions violates conduct such cooperation of our own ac- disarming most of its men. their cultural integrity. cord.” Baker said there had been “some positive “We are determined to take into account but very limited changes” in Burma in the the lessons of the past based on a full and last year, including the release of a handful AFP, Manila, July 22 - ASEAN foreign accurate grasp of history, to firmly uphold of political prisoners. ministers rejected Wednesday donor na- our peace constitution, to never embark “But this minimal progress cannot ob- tions’ moves to tie economic aid to human again on the road towards a military power,” scure the reality that Burma’s human rights rights concerns, saying they would rebuff he said. situation remains deplorable,” he added, any western attempt to force them to take a noting that Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung hard-line stance on Burma. East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 19

“Environmental and human rights con- “An understanding of this ensures the AFP, Manila, Cecil Morella, July 24 - cerns should not be made as conditionalities stability of a society and creates the cir- The United States and other donor coun- in economic and development cooperation,” cumstances for economic prosperity.” tries on Friday prodded ASEAN to promote they said in a communiqué after the The reference to human rights was made human rights and exert pressure on the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in the wake of complaints about the human Burmese junta, linking future aid to democ- (ASEAN) annual foreign ministers meeting. rights records of some ASEAN countries, ratization and free market policies. “Human rights, while universal in char- notably Thailand and Indonesia. Foreign Minister Douglas Hurd of Brit- acter, are governed by the distinct culture Hurd also gave the EC’s commitment to ain, the current holder of the European and history of and socio-economic condi- conclude the Uruguay Round of multilateral Community (E.C.) presidency, U.S. Under- tions in each country, and their expression talks on trade which he said will boost the secretary of State Robert Zoellick and and application in the national context are world economy and give new opportunities Japanese Vice Minister Koji Kakizawa all within the competence and responsibility of to expand international trade. insisted on the linkage despite protestations each country,” the communiqué added. from the Association of Southeast Asian Thai Foreign Minister Arsa Sarasin also Nations (ASEAN). said Wednesday that ASEAN, which groups AFP, Manila, July 24 - The European The three were taking part in a dialogue Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Community (E.C.) called off plans Friday to between the six-member ASEAN and seven Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, would renegotiate a cooperation agreement with the major trade partners. reject attempts by major trading partners to Association of Southeast Asian Nations “Burma is now exporting pain and death censure Burma for its human rights viola- (ASEAN) to protest Indonesian human outside its borders in staggering terms” as a tions. rights violations in East Timor. consequence of the military’s “illegitimate “We have the Asian way to resolve this British Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd and brutal action,” Zoellick told ASEAN problem. We feel our way is the better told his Indonesian counterpart, Ali Alatas, ministers, referring to heroin trafficking and way,” he told reporters. that Portugal had vetoed the talks to signal the exodus of the Rohingya Moslem minor- Arsa said ASEAN would continue its its objections to Indonesian conduct in its ity to Bangladesh. policy of engaging Burma, ruled by a mili- former colony which Jakarta annexed in ASEAN, however, issued Wednesday a tary junta since 1988, in a constructive 1976, a British spokesman said. joint communiqué rejecting moves to tie dialogue to wean it back into the interna- The Hurd-Alatas meeting took place over economic aid to human rights concerns and tional community. lunch shortly after annual talks between saying ASEAN members would rebuff any The ministers rejected a request by the ASEAN foreign ministers and those from attempt by the west to force them to take a United States and the European Community the group’s major trading partners – hard-line stance on Burma. (E.C.) at ASEAN’s 1991 meeting in Kuala including the United States and Japan – got The United States and the E.C., along Lumpur for a harder line against Burma, but under way. with Canada and Australia, prodded decided to send a special envoy, Philippine ASEAN officials said their economic ASEAN to abandon its policy of quiet di- Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus, to ministers from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, plomacy in favor of “more vocal and firmer Rangoon for low-key talks. the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand had action,” in the words of Canadian External been scheduled to finalise a new agreement Affairs Minister Barbara McDougall. Kyodo, Manila, July 24 - The European with their European counterparts later this The military suppression of pro-democ- Community (EC) assured the Association year. racy protests in Thailand, and the fatal of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Fri- Hurd, representing the community’s 12 shooting by soldiers of pro-independence day of closer ties despite the EC’s integra- members, which include Portugal, told Al- demonstrators in East Timor by Indonesia, tion into a single market, but reminded the atas that Lisbon had withdrawn the E.C.’s were also cited by Australian Foreign Min- group that respect for human rights was a mandate to renegotiate the pact intended to ister Gareth Evans, although he acknowl- basis for their relations. cover an upgrading of already extensive links edged the two ASEAN governments’ efforts British Foreign Minister Douglas Hurd between the two regional groups. to address the problems. made the comments in a speech at the Analysts said the E.C. move would hurt Kakizawa declared that respect for hu- opening of an annual ASEAN conference ties between the two economic groups al- man rights, a free market economy and with its dialogue partners – the United though both ASEAN and community offi- “environmental conservation” were key States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Aus- cials said the talks could resume at a later conditions in Japan’s consideration of offi- tralia, and New Zealand as well as the EC. date if Portugal changed its mind. cial development aid to the region. Britain is the current EC president. Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdullah “Full attention should be paid to efforts “We are not, and I want to emphasize Badawi expressed disappointment. “We for promoting democratization and intro- this, building a wall around what we are hope the E.C. will not allow Portugal to duction of a market-oriented economy, and constructing,” Hurd said. obstruct wider ASEAN-EC cooperation,” he the situation regarding the securing of basic “The community will remain a commit- said. human rights and freedoms in the recipient ted player on the international stage, devel- E.C. diplomats said Portugal had found countries,” Kakizawa said. oping its links with a wide range of coun- unacceptable the massacre of scores of pro- Hurd conceded that human rights was a tries,” he said. independence protesters in Dili, the East “sensitive” topic for ASEAN, but argued “ASEAN is important to us, and we will Timor capital, in November last year. that “this issue will not go away.” continue to develop our dialogue, to our The E.C. and the United States have also “It is an integral part of the understand- mutual benefit.” been unhappy with ASEAN’s refusal to ing between peoples and their governments The human rights issue, however, is “an censure Burma’s ruling junta for ignoring the within societies and between states,” he integral part of the understanding between results of elections in 1990 and jailing Nobel said. “An understanding of this ensures the peoples and societies, and between states,” Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. stability of a society and creates circum- Hurd said. stances for economic prosperity.”

Page 20 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

Evans said that “while there have been new agreement would include provisions on and logging provide the guerrilla group with some slight recent signs of willingness to resolving trade disputes and on European the financial support to continue fighting. relax pressure and resume dialogue, it is clear Investment Bank lending to ASEAN states. Another primary concern is the failure to that Burma’s rulers are not contemplating EC-ASEAN trade has risen to 27bn in 1990 account fully for the military bloody crack- the early installation of a democratic from 8bn in 1980, and has been rising by 25 down in Bangkok in May, the letter said. government, with the result that their econ- per cent annually for the last three years. “We urge you to discuss with the U.S. omy and human rights records are likely to Even before the Portuguese blocked fur- Department of Defense the possibility of a continue to languish among the world’s ther talks, EC and ASEAN officials were freeze on high-level contacts between the worst.” unable to agree on the inclusion of clauses Thai and U.S. militaries and a ban on re- Zoellick said the Burmese junta which on human rights and the environment in the sumption of aid, weapons sales, or joint has ruled the country since 1988 is “not new agreement. ASEAN ministers explicitly exercises until an accounting has taken place immune to world attention.” rejected any linkage between economic co- and support for the Khmer Rouge ceases,” He called on ASEAN to tell Rangoon to operations and environmental or human the letter said. free all political prisoners, restore constitu- rights concerns at the end of an ASEAN On Indonesia, Asia Watch urged Baker to tional government as soon as possible, and meeting in Manila on Wednesday. express concern at the failure of the In- allow the United Nations to monitor the Portugal maintains that it is contrary to donesian government to account for the dead repatriation of 270,000 Rohingya Moslems, EC policy to upgrade relations with coun- and missing in East Timor and Aceh. chased out by the junta into exile in Bang- tries which have poor human rights records. Asia Watch concerns on East Timor re- ladesh and Thailand. Indonesia annexed East Timor, a former late to the November 12 killing of civilians The United States and Canada singled out Portuguese colony, in 1975, and Indonesian last year. the case of Burmese opposition leader and troops shot dead at least 50 civilian pro- Aceh is a troubled Indonesian province in Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu testors there in one incident in November northern Sumatra where there have been Kyi, who is under house arrest. last year. clashes between Indonesian troops and a “If we forget her, we forget our human- Mr Douglas Hurd, the British foreign separatist movement seeking to form an ity,” Zoellick told ASEAN ministers. secretary, said yesterday the human rights independent Islamic state. McDougall criticized China for the con- issue “will not go away,” but he sought to Asia Watch also urged Baker to reiterate tinued support it “appears to be giving” to mollify his counterparts by emphasising concern at the human rights situation in Rangoon, and urged U.N. members to universal rather than western principles on Myanmar, raised at last year’s ASEAN “collectively call for a military embargo on human rights. post-ministerial meeting. Burma” at the U.N. General Assembly later “We are not talking of the imposition of this year. the values of one section of the world on SOUTHEAST ASIANS, WEST another section with different values,” he AT ODDS OVER RIGHTS EC/ASEAN TALKS HIT BY said. “We are talking about an understanding ROW ON EAST TIMOR of shares values and agreement on how they Washington Post, July 26, 1992 By William can be applied.” Branigin

Financial Times, 26 July 1992 By Victor MANILA, July 25 - Western countries Mallet Kyodo, Jakarta, July 22 - The U.S.-based human rights group Asia Watch has sent a today urged Southeast Asian nations to take (Manila, 26 July) Negotiations between letter to U.S. Secretary of State James Baker a firmer stand against human rights viola- the European Community and the Associa- urging him to raise human rights issues at a tions in the region, particularly those tion of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting with Southeast Asian foreign committed by the ruling Burmese military over a new co-operation agreement have ministers starting Friday in Manila. junta. been halted by Portuguese objections to In the letter, obtained Wednesday, Asia While the West wants to increase pres- Indonesia’s human rights record in East Watch asked Baker to express specific con- sure on the Burmese junta, widely viewed as Timor. cerns over the human rights situation in one of the world’s worst violators of human The dispute is embarrassing for the EC Thailand, Indonesia, East Timor, and rights, the six-member Association of whose 12 members cannot agree on how to Burma. The letter is dated July 17. Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is proceed, and frustrating to ASEAN, which Indonesia and Thailand are members of resisting all moves to impose sanctions on was hoping to continue the talks on upgrad- the Association of Southeast Asian Nations the military government and has emerged as ing relations at a meeting of foreign ministers (ASEAN) which also groups Malaysia, one of its leading defenders. ASEAN yesterday in Manila. Brunei, the Philippines, and Singapore. comprises Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, “It’s a very unfortunate development,” ASEAN foreign ministers end their two- Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines. said Mr Abdullah Badawi, the Malaysia day annual meeting Wednesday and will Secretary of State James A. Baker III foreign minister. “We will not want to follow it up Friday through Sunday with flew to Manila today after his latest round abandon EC-ASEAN cooperation simply meetings with ASEAN’s so-called “dialogue of Middle East diplomacy to participate in because of Portugal.” ASEAN groups partners,” including the U.S. and Japan. meetings between ASEAN foreign ministers Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philip- and envoys of the group’s seven main Asia Watch said its primary concerns in pines, Singapore and Thailand. Thailand relate to the Thai military’s con- industrialized trading partners. Besides the One senior EC diplomat said he feared tinued close relations with the Khmer Rouge United States, these ASEAN “dialogue the disagreement would have an insidious of Cambodia and the State Law and Order partners” are Canada, the European Com- effect on relations between the two blocs. Restoration Council (SLORC) of the munity, Australia, New Zealand, South “Effectively, we can’t start (negotiations) military junta in Myanmar. Korea and Japan. until we’ve cleared the roadblock,” he said. It said the Thai military’s business deal- Groups in the United States, including Whereas the existing accord is a bland ings with the Khmer Rouge in gem-mining the Congressional Human Rights Caucus statement of good intentions, the proposed and Asia Watch, have urged Baker to raise East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 21 human rights issues in his talks with U.S. Undersecretary of State Robert B. pect of having to respond to Western pres- ASEAN leaders. Asia Watch cited close Zoellick told the ASEAN ministers, “Burma sure to uphold human rights as the price for relations between Thailand’s armed forces is now exporting pain and death outside its increased cooperation, analysts said. and both the Burmese junta and Cambodia’s borders in staggering terms.” Besides the They said rapid growth was transforming notorious Khmer Rouge guerrilla group. It refugees who have flooded into Bangladesh ties between the Association of Southeast also urged Baker to exp ress concern about and Thailand, he said, “Burma is also a Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its major Indonesia’s failure to account for dead and primary source of heroin for addicts around trading partners from that of donor and missing opposition activists in East Timor the world. . . . Isn’t it time to say enough is recipient to a relationship of equals carrying and in the province of Aceh. enough?” a host of economic and political obligations In meetings with ASEAN, officials of the In response, Philippine Assistant Foreign for the fast developing states. United States, Canada and Australia have Secretary Romualdo Ong told reporters, Of more immediate concern to the strongly condemned the Burmese junta and “We have a unique ASEAN approach to our ASEAN states however was a Portuguese called for concerted pressure on it, only to esteemed neighbor, and we plan to follow veto of the European Community’s (E.C.) hear ASEAN defend its policies of that track.” He said, “Human rights are planned renegotiation of a 1980 cooperation “constructive engagement” and “quiet indeed a universal problem, but when you pact to protest alleged violations of human diplomacy,” participants said. assess individual human rights, it is rights in East Timor, Lisbon’s former ASEAN and the Western states even important to consider the local context.” colony annexed by Jakarta in 1976. disagree about what to call the country. Ong said today that ASEAN is satisfied The row highlighted increasing friction Australian, Canadian, British and U.S. of- with “encouraging indications of a more between ASEAN and its major Western ficials used the traditional name, Burma, in liberal tendency by the Myanmar authori- trading allies seeking greater respect for their speeches, while ASEAN officials tend ties,” including “the release of a large human rights which regional governments to use Myanmar, the name decreed by the number of political prisoners” and junta say amounts to little more than direct inter- junta in 1989. permission for family members to visit ference in their domestic affairs. While the rift over the Burmese situation Aung San Suu Kyi. He said she was “free to ASEAN officials continue to argue that represents a relatively minor exception to leave anytime” on condition that she remain observance of human rights should not be the harmony between ASEAN and its in exile. made a condition for cooperation, a line that trading partners on most issues, it encapsu- Ong said ASEAN views the Burmese the Portuguese veto indicates will continue lates a larger divergence of views on human junta as a “legitimate” and “legally consti- to meet Western resistance. rights in general. tuted” government. Regarding Aung San Suu Although the Portuguese veto will not In a joint communiqué at the end of a Kyi’s detention, he said: “We don’t like to immediately disrupt already extensive co- foreign ministers’ conference Wednesday, stand in public judgment of a neighbor. . . . operation, ASEAN had hoped that a so- ASEAN said environmental and human We have to assume that the Burmese have called third generation agreement with the rights issues should be left out of “economic their own reasons for keeping things the EC would provide the framework for even and development cooperation.” Human way they are.” larger inflows of foreign investments which rights are “governed by the distinct culture have fuelled growth in the region. and history and socioeconomic conditions in ASEAN CLASHES WITH EC Japan also announced here that respect each country,” it said. and observance for human rights would in As ASEAN was deliberating this week, Kyodo, Manila, July 25 - The Associa- future be taken into account before Tokyo Aung San Suu Kyi, the Burmese opposition tion of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) disburses low-interest loans under its Offi- leader who won the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize, clashed with its main European trading cial Development Assistance programme. began her fourth year under house arrest partners Saturday over human rights. without charge or trial. During ASEAN’s discussions with the ASEAN: ‘SEE NO EVIL’ The Burmese junta, made up of protégés EC, Philippine Foreign Secretary Raul of longtime dictator Ne Win, took power in Manglapus expressed ASEAN’s regret over UPI, Manila, Michael di Cicco, July 26 - 1988 amid a bloody crackdown against de- the EC’s failure Monday to reach a decision Calling Burma’s military regime a source of mocracy demonstrators. In 1990, the oppo- on a new bilateral cooperation agreement. “great instability,” Secretary of State James sition won 80 percent of the seats in a par- Senior EC officials attending the talks Baker urged ASEAN Sunday to help prod liamentary election, but the junta refused to said Europe has “strong reservations against Rangoon into freeing political prisoners and cede power and jailed, intimidated or drove Indonesia” because of its policy toward East handing power to a democratically elected into exile most of the winning candidates. Timor, which it unilaterally annexed in 1976 government. Many opponents of the junta have been in a move not internationally recognized. In comments underscoring an increasing killed or tortured, tens of thousands of They said the EC will oppose the pro- rift between the Association of Southeast Burmese have been brutally pressed into posed ASEAN-EC agreement until Indo- Asian Nations and its major economic part- forced labor as porters in counterinsurgency nesia makes “substantial changes” in its East ners over human rights issues, Baker painted campaigns, and more than 270,000 Muslims Timor policy. a bleak picture of the pace of social reform of the Rohinga ethnic minority have fled to Portugal, which claims the territory, and in Burma. Bangladesh to escape persecution by other EC members hardened their stance “We have seen some positive but very troops. toward Indonesia after it opened fire on limited changes in the last year,” he said In a speech Friday, Australian Foreign demonstrators in East Timor last November, during a meeting with the six ASEAN for- Minister Gareth Evans said it was “clear killing scores of people. eign ministers. “A handful of political pris- that Burma’s rulers are not contemplating oners has been released. A few small steps the early installation of a democratic gov- AFP, Manila, July 26 - Southeast Asia’s have been taken which might lead to a con- ernment” and that the country’s human prosperous non-communist states closed stitutional convention.” rights record remains “among the world’s annual talks with the United States and “But this minimal progress cannot ob- worst.” other allies Sunday facing the uneasy pros- scure the reality that Burma’s human rights Page 22 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. situation remains deplorable.... Right now, note into the otherwise very good relation- Canada and Australia had lobbied Burma is a source of great instability and ship” between the two regions. ASEAN to impose an arms embargo against tremendous refugee flows,” he said. “This is the first time that something like Burma and take other measures to isolate its “Collectively, our message to the Bur- this has been used so blatantly in the government. mese military authorities must be loud and ASEAN-EC relationship,” he said. The dispute over Burma was one of the clear: Release all political prisoners imme- ASEAN ministers said Saturday night main issues in the talks between ASEAN diately and begin a genuine dialogue aimed at they regretted Portugal’s decision and hoped members and their seven trading partners - rapidly transferring power to a demo- the treaty could be finalized during talks the United States, the European Commu- cratically elected government.” scheduled for October in Manila despite the nity, Japan, Canada, Australia New Zealand Baker’s call for ASEAN to join Western disagreement. and South Korea. pressure on Burma echoed that of several of But both groups were united in blaming the group’s other six major economic part- Reuter, Manila, Rene Pastor, July 26 - the Khmer Rouge for stalling implementa- ners during three days of talks here. Southeast Asian nations and their major tion of the Paris peace agreement that was And it, like other prodding on human trading partners ended talks on Sunday supposed to end 13 years of war in Cam- rights issues, is likely to go unheeded. deeply divided over how to temper human bodia. ASEAN, which groups Brunei, Indone- rights abuses in Burma. Philippine Foreign Secretary Raul sia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore The Association of Southeast Asian Na- Manglapus said ASEAN and its partners and Thailand, bristle at assertions by its tions (ASEAN) stuck to its guns that a pol- had agreed that “none of the Cambodian economic partners that they would increas- icy of “constructive engagement” would parties should be permitted to derail the ingly link economic aid to human rights encourage the military junta in Burma to peace process and that the Paris accords conditions in recipient countries. introduce reforms. were not subject to renegotiation or rein- ASEAN ministers said human rights is a Its industrialised partners, led by the terpretation.” domestic issue and linking it to economic aid United States, strenuously urged a tougher The Khmer Rouge, blamed for the deaths violated their cultural integrity. They line. of a million Cambodians when it ruled the spurned Western suggestions to isolate “Collectively, our message to the Bur- country in the 1970s, has refused to Burma’s military junta, which they asserted mese military authorities must be loud and surrender its arms as it had promised to do is the country’s legitimate government. clear: release all political prisoners immedi- under the United Nations-sponsored peace “We are not attracted to the idea of a ately and begin a dialogue aimed at rapidly plan. joint ASEAN demarche on Myanmar transferring power to a democratically- The next ASEAN foreign ministerial (Burma),” Philippine Ambassador Romual- elected government,” U.S. Secretary of State conference will be held in July 1993 in Sin- do Ong said Saturday. “We don’t like to James Baker told ASEAN foreign ministers gapore. stand in public judgment of a neighbor.” on Sunday. The junta took power in 1988 and has Baker conceded there had been “some HUMAN RIGHTS-AID LINK refused to surrender to the democratic forces positive but very limited changes” in Burma DEBATED AT ASEAN that defeated it at the polls in 1990. in the last year, including the release of a Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi is in handful of political prisoners. by Ramon Isberto the fourth year of house arrest. “But this minimal progress cannot ob- The disagreement between ASEAN and scure the reality that Burma’s human rights Manila, Jul. 27 (ips) – Sharp disagree- the West on human rights issues is hardly situation remains deplorable,” he added, ments over human rights in recent talks new. But diplomats gathered here this week noting that Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung between the association of south-east Asian said it is becoming increasingly important San Suu Kyi was beginning her fourth year nations (ASEAN) and major western na- because it threatens burgeoning economic of house arrest on political charges. tions were a fresh reminder for developing links between ASEAN and the West. “We are perhaps a bit more of a hard cop countries that the world’s aid donors were “Economic relationships are more and on this issue because we do not see much becoming more and more conditionality- more driving political relationships,” a progress on the human rights front and we minded. Western diplomat said. “Disagreements on see zero progress towards democracy,” The most pointed exchanges during last human rights...will increasingly affect rela- Baker told a news conference later. week’s meetings between the ASEAN for- tions (with the West) as the Far East be- “We are the soft line,” replied Thai eign ministers and their counterparts from comes more and more of an economic Foreign Minister Arsa Sarasin. “I do see seven rich countries were over Burma and power.” positive developments there... It’s going in Indonesia. ASEAN is the world’s fastest growing the right direction.” U.S. state secretary James Baker said region economically. The United States Arsa defended ASEAN’s policy of quiet that, given the military regime’s dismal hu- invested $12 billion in the region in 1990 – diplomacy because “we do believe we man rights record, the U.N. general as- about double the figure of a decade earlier. should engage them in order to encourage sembly should repeat its resolution last year The association’s trade with the 12-na- them to move in this positive direction.” censuring Burma, which now calls itself tion European Community reached a record ASEAN cited Rangoon’s decision to free ‘Myanmar.’ “We should all do what we can to ... try high of more than $50 billion in 1991. political prisoners and allow visits to op- Portugal recently blocked a major EC- position leader Aung San Suu Kyi as proof and effectuate change there,” baker said. ASEAN agreement that would bolster eco- that its approach is working. In contrast, Thai foreign minister Arsa nomic links further, saying it was protesting The foreign ministers of ASEAN - which Sarasin said recent releases of political reports of human rights abuses in East Ti- links Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, prisoners by Rangoon and the loosening of mor, a former Portuguese territory annexed Singapore, Brunei and the Philippines - said restrictions on opposition leader Aung San by Indonesia in 1976. their policy represented the “Asian way” of Suu Kyi were “positive developments.” Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas doing things. “I think things are going in the right di- charged Sunday the move injected “a sour rection,” he said, adding that ASEAN would East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 23 continue its policy of ‘constructive are not the only ones. nor are human rights Indonesia annexed the former Portuguese engagement’ with Rangoon. the only concern being raised by aid donors. territory in 1976. For ASEAN, much closer to home was Both the International Monetary Fund The protest underlines a growing rift be- the case of Indonesia, which came under and the World Bank have been talking of the tween ASEAN and its major economic worldwide criticism after Indonesian army need for developing countries to slash partners in the West over the issue of hu- troops last year fired on demonstrators in military budgets to free more resources for man rights. East Timor, a former Portuguese colony basic needs like education and health. In talks earlier this week, the group’s until it was annexed by Indonesia in 1976. This has fed fears that the Bretton seven biggest trading partners said they A member of the European community Woods institutions may eventually make would increasingly link economic aid to (EC), Portugal vetoed a new economic co- arms reductions a condition for lending to human rights records in recipient countries, operation agreement now under negotiation developing countries in the future. directly contradicting the official ASEAN between the EC and ASEAN. One of the more prominent advocates of position. In Manila, Portuguese deputy foreign this arms-for-aid linkage is former world The emerging democracies of ASEAN, minister J.M. Durao-Barroso said Lisbon bank president Robert McNamara who said which groups Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, would not withdraw its opposition to the such a policy should be an essential part of Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, new treaty – which is meant to replace a the post-cold war international order. insist such restrictions violated their cultural 1980 pact – until Jakarta undertakes In its 1990 human development report, integrity. “fundamental changes” in its current policy the United Nations Development The group maintained Saturday it would towards East Timor. Programme (UNDP) urged that the ratio of resist the prodding of Western countries to Since the Indonesians are not expected to military to social expenditure should be one publicly pressure Burma on its alleged hu- oblige the Portuguese, the new ASEAN-ec of the criteria for external assistance. man rights abuses and said it was satisfied economic agreement is likely to be frozen The countries most at risk under such a the military regime in Rangoon was the for some time. policy would be south Asian giants of India country’s legitimate government. So far, the Indonesians have kept inter- and Pakistan, which both face massive pov- ASEAN ministers said they made no national outrage over the East Timor mas- erty problems and maintain fat defence progress on reviving talks on the proposed sacre from harming its efforts to secure budgets. economic agreement during meetings Satu- foreign aid. in mid-July, Jakarta got aid At odds since independence from British rday with British Foreign Secretary Douglas pledges worth 4.75 billion dollars from a rule, both countries are among the world’s Hurd, whose country holds the presidency new consortium of international aid donors biggest arms buyers, spending much more of the EC, and EC Commissioner Abel chaired by the World Bank. on the military than on hospitals and Matutes. Ihis consortium replaces the Inter-Gov- schools. Despite the impasse, Philippine Foreign ernmental Group on Indonesia, an aid coa- Minister Raul Manglapus said he hoped the lition chaired by the Netherlands. Jakarta HUMAN RIGHTS SCUTTLE proposed agreement could be signed during abandoned the group after the Dutch sus- ASEAN DISCUSSION an ASEAN-EC meeting scheduled to be held pended their aid programme to Indonesia in Manila in October. because of the East Timor killings. The new MANILA, Philippines (UPI, 27 July) – ASEAN “deeply regrets this develop- consortium raised no human rights condi- ASEAN foreign ministers said Saturday ment, after both sides have long worked tionalities. they were disappointed human rights com- towards the conclusion of a new coopera- Indeed, opinion among donor govern- plaints had scuttled a major economic tion agreement,” he said. “Despite our dis- ments and agencies on the wisdom of tying agreement with the European Community, appointment, ASEAN continues to hope human rights to aid programmes is far from but remained hopeful the treaty could still that a new agreement will be negotiated unanimous. be completed. soon.” Britain, which has assumed the EC Foreign ministers from both regions said Trade between EC and ASEAN, the presidency, and the European commission the proposed ASEAN-EC Cooperation world’s fastest growing region, has con- are said to be unhappy about Portugal’s Agreement, which would replace an out- tinually expanded, reaching an all-time high stand against a new ASEAN-EC agreement. dated 1980 pact, was vital to expanding in 1991 of more than $50 billion. British foreign secretary Douglas Hurd trade and other economic links. was at pains to stress that the EC was not Portugal derailed the proposed agreement STUMBLING BLOCK; out to impose its values on human rights, July 20, refusing to enter into the deal with INDONESIA-EC AGREEMENT but rather was seeking common under- ASEAN in protest of alleged human rights standing on “share values” as spelled out by abuses in Indonesia, which is one of six DITCHED BY TIMOR ISSUE the United Nations’ Universal Declaration ASEAN members. Far Eastern Economic Review, 30 July on Human Rights. “Indonesia invaded East Timor,” Portu- 1992. By Shada Islam in Brussels, Adam Still, EC commissioner Abel Matutes guese Secretary of State José Barrosa said Schwarz and Suhaimi Aznam in Jakarta; warned the community was “more and more Saturday. “They created the problem. They Abridged linking the issue of human rights to have to explain it to their colleagues in cooperation” (meaning, development aid) ASEAN. Portugal has blocked EC plans for an with developing countries. “We will not accept an agreement with ambitious new cooperation agreement with As Durao-Barroso stressed, linking hu- ASEAN until Indonesia makes some fun- Asean because of what Portuguese Foreign man rights with development assistance was damental changes in its policies over East Minister Joao de Deus Pinheiro denounced a community policy stated in a policy Timor.” on July 20 as Indonesia’s “unacceptable declaration by the EC council’s in Novem- Portugal alleges some 100,000 people violation of human rights in East Timor.” ber 1991. have been massacred in East Timor since Portugal’s decision to hold up the long- But while the Europeans are perhaps the awaited EC-Asean pact has embarrassed most emphatic in raising human rights, they both the EC Commission - which has Page 24 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. spearheaded the drive to upgrade the accuses Portugal of shifting its ground on The ASEAN nations and their seven Community’s relations with Asean - and the the issue of Timorese participation in the dialogue partners will discuss political and British government which has promised to talks. “The Portuguese agreed to discussions security matters in the region, he said. start paying more attention to Asean and with no pre-conditions and then turned ASEAN groups the Philippines, Indone- the South Asian countries during its six round and said they wanted Timorese sia, Malaysia, Thailand, Brunei, and Sin- month stint as EC president. representatives at the talks,” said Wiryono gapore. Its seven trading partners are Japan, The EC already has a trade cooperation Sastrohandoyo, an official at the Ministry the United States, Australia, New Zealand, agreement with Asean but the commission of Foreign Affairs. Canada, South Korea, and the European wants a new agreement covering a wider Officials in Jakarta are hoping the dia- Community. range of topics. European Commissioner logue process will get a nudge in September In the working-level meetings, one of the Abel Matutes has argued that the EC must when a European Parliament delegation - ASEAN member countries will represent draw up a new enhanced cooperation including three Portuguese delegates - is due the organization in separate talks with the agreement with Asean in order to boost the to visit Jakarta. But there is little optimism seven dialogue partners, the official said. Community’s political and economic pres- in Jakarta about an early end to the Timor The participants will also discuss such ence in the region. problem. “I think it will take at least another matters as using the Asian Pacific Economic The new agreement, he insisted, would 2-3 years before East Timor will drop out of Cooperation as a forum for political encourage increased European investments the spotlight again,” said one Asian discussions, dealing with ASEAN nations’ in South East Asia, allow the EC to push for ambassador in Jakarta. requests to the summit of seven major in- better protection of intellectual property Privately, senior Indonesian officials dustrialized nations and mulling global trade rights in the region and increase EC influence worry that persistent criticism of Indone- talks, he said. over how Asean runs its environment sia’s handling of East Timor may not only The meetings will be held by request if policy. damage relations with the EC. A more se- necessary, the official said. Commissioner Matutes - who was to ac- rious worry is that the issue could mar the Deputy Foreign Minister Kunihiko Saito company British Foreign Secretary Douglas upcoming summit on the Non-Aligned will attend the first between Japan and Hurd to ASEAN’s dialogue with its main Movement, which Jakarta will host in Sep- Singapore as early as October, he said. trading partners following the Asean minis- tember. The East Timor case is also likely to In May, Prime Minister Kiichi Mi- terial conference in Manila - quickly criti- surface at the UN General Assembly yazawa created a private panel to help him cised Portugal’s action in blocking the session in September. lay out a vision for Japan’s role in Asia in agreement as regrettable. The commissioner, In response, Indonesia will soon take a the 21st century. who favours a more subtle approach to more aggressive line in defending its East Miyazawa has indicated the necessity of human-rights issues, pointed out that by Timor policies, officials say. “There will be creating a framework similar to the Con- refusing to sign up to the new accord, a change from passive posture to a more ference on Security and Cooperation in Portugal was in fact undermining the EC’s forceful, sophisticated approach,” says Europe. political clout in the region. parliamentarian Marzuki Darusman. The In the ASEAN conference in Manila, Portugal’s decision to block the start of Foreign Minister has retained US public- Parliamentary Vice Foreign Minister Koji negotiations on the EC-Asean agreement relations firms Smith NcCabe and Burson Kakizawa proposed the working-level Ja- followed Lisbon’s unsuccessful attempt to Marsteller to produce an English-language pan-ASEAN forum be elevated “to an oc- have Indonesia’s human rights record for- brochure explaining its East Timor policy. casion for wide-ranging policy dialogue on mally raised by the EC at the meeting of a Despite these efforts, criticism from various subjects, including political and new international aid consortium for Indo- abroad seems unlikely to ease in the fore- security matters.” nesia which met in Paris on 16-17 July, seeable future. Since early May, four Ti- which pledged US$4.94bn in development morese have been convicted on subversion aid to Indonesia. charges for organising anti- integration ac- EUROPEAN COMMUNITY With this fresh funding, the new aid tivities, receiving sentences from nine years LIMITS AID TO ASEAN consortium indicated that it was not tying to life. By contrast sentences of 18 months aid to human rights. The outcome of the aid or less were given to 10 soldiers court- consortium meeting showed a clear gap be- martialled for their involvement in the 12 RAMOS-HORTA CRITICIZES tween Portugal’s stance on the East Timor November killings in Dili, the East Timor issue and that of other Western countries capital. PORTUGUESE but comments by Portuguese officials sug- PRESIDENCY OF EC gest that Lisbon is in no mood to be con- ASIA SECURITY TALKS East Timor News, Monthly Memo No. 5. ciliatory. Foreign Minister Pinheiro told the THIS FALL Review that he would “never accept” any In a Lusa interview, José Ramos Horta plans for a reinforced cooperation unless Kyodo, Tokyo, July 28 - The first work- was unbridled in his criticisms of the efforts Jakarta “showed clearly” that it would start ing-level meetings on security and politics of the Portuguese foreign office and respecting human rights. in the Asia Pacific region will be held this government during the semester of the Portugal wants Indonesia to agree to di- fall, a top Foreign Ministry official said Portuguese EC presidency. He had words of rect UN-sponsored talks on the future of Tuesday. praise, however, for the positions taken by East Timor. Pinheiro said again in Brussels The agreement to hold the talks was President Soares who he said had been that the people of the territory should be made during an annual conference of foreign much more active than either PM Cavaco allowed to decide their own future and that ministers from the Association of Southeast Silva or foreign minister de Deus Pinheiro. representatives from East Timor should be Asian Nations (ASEAN) and its major “On a scale of 0 to 5, 1 would give a 1,” he included in any negotiations. trading partners in Manila, which closed added, remarking that, in recent months, de Indonesia says it wants to restart stalled Sunday. Deus Pinheiro had “spoken less and less of talks with Portugal under UN auspices but East Timor.” East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 25

Horta said that it was incomprehensible A report is also being drawn up by the “We are very conscious of the need for that in the foreign office there was only one commission on how to go about backing the best value for money for developing diplomat working part-time on the East those governments who are transforming to countries,” said Chalker. Timor dossier, whereas what was needed democracies, and to sanction those who Some European parliamentarians are was a team working on the question. “I consistently flout human rights. however disappointed that debt relief blame the minister,” said the Timorese In November 1991, the EC issued a measures do not feature on the British representative who went on to say that he “landmark resolution” allowing EC member presidency’s agenda. also considered it “absolutely necessary” to states to give additional aid to help fledgling “The UK presidency of the EC provides reinforce the staff at a number of key em- democracies and halt aid in known cases of an opportunity to press for more compre- bassies in the EC capitals and in the US. human rights abuses. But numerous hensive and wide-ranging debt relief meas- Other Timorese leaders here were less European parliamentarians have highlighted ures,” said a representative of Oxfam, a critical of the Portuguese performance, the difficulties of creating the ground rules. British non-governmental organization Abilio Araujo (FRETILIN) holding that “When we are talking about a democratic (NGO). Portugal had contributed towards “a firmer system, does this mean the setting up of a “In Oxfam’s view the EC should now position on the part of the Twelve” and house of lords,” asked British socialist Euro press for full implementation of the original Paulo Pires (UDT) being of the opinion that MP Terry Wynn. Trinidad terms.” “the Community has recognized that the Fellow British socialist, Michael The 1990 Trinidad terms, named after the East Timor problem must be resolved (...) McGowan felt that there was a danger of Caribbean island where British Prime and it has been putting discrete pressure on overplaying good government theory. Minister John Major, then chancellor of the Indonesia to accept talks with Portugal on “Sometimes we stress democracy as an exchequer, called on a two-third write off of the question.” excuse for not addressing a magnitude of developing countries’ debt relief at a stroke Some Portuguese opposition MPs ech- problems like food shortages, better com- of the pen. oed Horta’s comments, however. Narana modity prices and the arms trade.” Coissoro (Christian Democrat spokesman) Not to be drawn into a philosophical de- PORTUGAL BUCKS said. “The government has let the matter bate, Chalker however insisted that aid for E.C. ON TIMOR drop. The Standing Commission (on East good governments or removal of aid should Timor) has not functioned for some time. It be decided on a “case-by-case” basis – a DPA, Lisbon, July 17 - Portugal said has reverted to its traditional posture of principle already laid down in the EC No- Friday it is going to block a proposed coop- silence.’ (Publico 12 May) vember resolution. eration agreement between the European Some Euro MPs however raised the Community and ASEAN (Association of EC TALKS UP DEMOCRAC Y question of partiality, saying individual EC South East Asian Nations) on account of its territories might turn a blind eye to human conflict with Indonesia over East Timor. IPS, Brussels, July 16 - Should the Third rights abuses because of trade of historical The five-year agreement was due to be World open the cupboard of the British links. signed Monday at a session of E.C. foreign European Community (EC) presidency During the Portuguese presidency of the ministers. what could it expect to find over the next six EC which ended last month, Portugal lob- A foreign ministry spokesman said Por- months besides pledges of increased aid? bied strongly, but in vain, for sanctions tugal was willing to make separate agree- According to Britain’s overseas devel- against Indonesia for the government’s role ments with individual ASEAN members but opment minister Linda Chalker, if they look in the Dili massacre of November 1991. not with Indonesia which took possession carefully, they should find a draft for family By contrast, the EC halted economic aid of East Timor, a former Portuguese colony, planning policy plans and also a guarantee to Zaire for human rights abuses of a similar in 1975. for EC backing for upholding democratic nature like for the Lubumbashi University The annexation was never internationally principles. massacre of May 1990. recognized and Portugal has accused But they can also look out for slap on the But Chalker insisted that this was not a Indonesia of carrying out several massacres hand if they break the bottle boldly labelled case of double standards. “We have ex- among the population. ‘human rights.’ pressed our serious concern over the situ- “Portugal is not going to sign an agree- Chalker revealed what is in store for the ation in Indonesia and will be issuing a ment with a country which does not respect developing countries at a European parlia- statement on human rights in the country to human rights,” said spokesman Fernando mentary meeting here today. coincide with the World Bank consortium Balsinha. People in developing countries should be meeting on July 17,” she said. given “children by choice not by chance,” In its witch hunt against wasteful EC PORTUGAL BLOCKS Chalker said. spending, the British presidency also in- “Family planning is central to our aim to tends to improve on how funds are dis- EC-ASEAN DEAL OVER overcome poverty. The Roman Catholic bursed. EAST TIMOR church has become more effective in family A recently published self-critical paper planning and strides should be taken in the looking at EC development policy to the (Reuter, Brussels, 20 July) Portugal on Muslim community too. Guidelines for an year 2000, says that the community’s de- Monday blocked a European Community EC policy should be drawn up as soon as velopment funds are not hitting the intended cooperation agreement with six southeast possible.” target – that is, it is not being put to the best Asian states in protest at the killing of dem- The European Commission is already use in the developing countries. onstrators in the former Portuguese colony preparing for a scheduled November 18 EC The EC has set aside some 3.5 billion of East Timor. development ministers debate to determine European currency units ($4.5 billion) per Community foreign ministers abruptly its future stance on family planning annum on development aid. dropped their discussion of a planned co- programs. operation accord with the ASEAN after a Page 26 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. passionate speech by Portuguese Foreign An E.C.-ASEAN meeting is scheduled PORTUGAL’S CONDITIONS Minister, Joao de Deus Pinheiro. for Manila July 24-26. But diplomatic Deus Pinheiro, addressing his colleagues sources commented that the agenda, which ON EC/ASEAN ACCORD in restricted session during the General Af- called for negotiations on renewal and Reuter, Manila, July 25 - Portugal said fairs Council, launched what one participant strengthening of the cooperation agreement on Saturday it would approve an economic called an impressive appeal in which he between the two sides that has existed since agreement between ASEAN and the Euro- listed atrocities allegedly committed in East 1980, could not be followed. pean Community only if Indonesia changed Timor. its policy towards East Timor. “There was complete silence when he “Indonesia invaded East Timor. They had finished speaking,” he said, adding that Reuter, Brussels, July 20 - Portugal created the problem,” Portuguese secretary ministers then simply dropped the matter blocked a European Community coopera- of state for foreign affairs José Durao Bar- without further debate. tion agreement with six southeast Asian roso said when asked why Portugal refused Portuguese officials said before the talks states on Monday in protest at the killing of to approve the accord. that the EC had many times stressed the demonstrators in its former colony of East “We think that Indonesia does not re- link between cooperation agreements with Timor. spect human rights,” Barroso told reporters, non-EC countries and the latter’s respect for EC foreign ministers abruptly dropped adding Portugal cannot approve a new human rights. their discussion of a planned accord with the agreement with ASEAN “unless there is a The Portuguese intervention in the debate Association of South-East Asian Nations fundamental change in Indonesia’s policy came after Commissioner Abel Matutes (ASEAN) after Portuguese Foreign Minister over East Timor.” outlined the proposed mandate for Joao de Deus Pinheiro made a speech listing The agreement was scheduled to be ap- concluding a cooperation with ASEAN alleged atrocities in East Timor. proved in October by the EC and economic which groups Indonesia, the Philippines, “There was complete silence when he ministers of the Association of Southeast Malaysia, Singapore Thailand, and Brunei. had finished speaking,” one participant in Asian Nations. Ministers said the matter would go back the meeting said, adding that ministers It defines the framework of future eco- on the agenda for debate when foreign simply dropped the matter without further nomic relations between the EC and the ministers meet again after the summer re- debate. ASEAN states, which include Indonesia, cess. The Portuguese intervention came after Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and The Portuguese officials said Lisbon EC Commissioner Abel Matutes outlined the Philippines. wanted Indonesia to release East Timorese the proposed mandate for concluding a co- Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 political prisoners and to condemn what operation agreement with ASEAN, which and annexed the predominantly Roman they called the massacre in November last groups Indonesia, the Philippines, Malay- Catholic island in 1976. year of East Timorese who were protesting sia, Singapore, Thailand and Brunei. Delia Albert, in charge of ASEAN affairs at a cemetery over the killing of other dem- Diplomats said the matter would go back at the Philippine foreign ministry, has onstrators. on the agenda when foreign ministers met described the dispute over East Timor as a again after the summer recess. bilateral matter between Lisbon and Jakarta Portuguese officials said Lisbon wanted that should not block a new accord. AFP, Brussels, July 20 - Portugal pre- Indonesia to release East Timor political But Durao Barroso said the issue is “not vented its European Community partners prisoners and condemn the killing last No- a bilateral question” and concerns EC policy on Monday from carrying on negotiations vember of pro-independence demonstrators on “human rights, democracy and de- on a new cooperation agreement with the in East Timor. velopment.” Association of Southeast Asian Nations Portugal has strongly condemned a mas- (ASEAN), diplomatic sources said here. sacre of protesters in East Timor last No- At a meeting of E.C. foreign ministers, DPA, Brussels, July 20 - Portugal has vember in which Indonesia said 50 people Portuguese minister Joao de Deus Pinheiro blocked a new European Community co- died while independent observers placed the pointed to what he termed Indonesia’s non- operation agreement with six Southeast death toll at 180. observance of human rights in East Timor in Asian countries because of Indonesia’s hu- British Foreign Minister Douglas Hurd, explaining Portugal’s stand. man rights record. whose country currently chairs the EC, met A Portuguese spokesman commented, Portugal’s Foreign Minister Joao de Deus his Indonesian counterpart Ali Alatas on “Since 1991, the European Community has Pinheiro told his 11 E.C. colleagues at a Friday and told him the agreement will not made a clear connection between human meeting in Brussels Monday that Portugal be approved until Portugal lifts its objec- rights and signature of cooperation agree- was unwilling to sign a new deal with the tions, diplomats said. ments. Moreover, it has condemned Indo- Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) nesia at the United Nations because of the unless Jakarta agreed to hold bilateral talks situation in Timor.” with Lisbon on improving human rights. UPI, Manila, Martin Abbugao, July 25 - Portugal wants the E.C. to ask Indonesia An E.C. spokeswoman said the European ASEAN foreign ministers said Saturday to show some accommodation in the matter, Commission “regretted” Portugal’s decision they were disappointed human rights com- for instance, by releasing the political pris- to hold up the planned E.C.-ASEAN plaints had scuttled a major economic oners in Timor. East Timor, a former agreement. agreement with the European Community, Portuguese colony, was invaded by Indo- “The new agreement we are proposing but remained hopeful the treaty could still nesia in 1975 and then annexed. will include a human rights clause,” she said, be completed. On Monday, Portugal suggested to its adding that such a provision would have Foreign ministers from both regions said partners that the community should con- given the E.C. “more power and influence” the proposed ASEAN-EC Cooperation clude bilateral agreements with the other in Asia. Agreement, which would replace an out- ASEAN members: Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore and Brunei. East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 27 dated 1980 pact, was vital to expanding PORTUGAL WILL BLOCK Manglapus said ASEAN hopes the new trade and other economic links. ASEAN-EC agreement will be signed in Portugal derailed the proposed agreement FURTHER AID October when representatives of the two July 20, refusing to enter into the deal with Kyodo, Manila, July 25 - Portugal said groups meet in Manila. ASEAN in protest of alleged human rights Saturday it will keep blocking a new abuses in Indonesia, which is one of six Europe-Southeast Asia cooperation agree- ALATAS REGRETS EC DELAY ASEAN members. ment unless Indonesia makes “substantial OF ASEAN TALKS “Indonesia invaded East Timor,” Portu- changes” in its policy on East Timor. guese Secretary of State José Barrosa said A top Portuguese official said Jakarta’s Manila, July 25 (OANA-ANTARA) - Saturday. “They created the problem. They policies on East Timor, a former Portuguese Indonesia and the other fellow member have to explain it to their colleagues in colony where Indonesian troops gunned countries of the Association of Southeast ASEAN. down demonstrators last fall, is a sticking Asian Nations (ASEAN) regretted the de- “We will not accept an agreement with point in cooperation between the European cision of the European Community (EC) to ASEAN until Indonesia makes some fun- Community (EC) and the Association of postpone the talks on renewal of the damental changes in its policies over East Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN-EC cooperation merely because Timor.” “We have nothing against ASEAN,” José Portugal objected, Indonesian Foreign Portugal alleges some 100,000 people Durao Barroso, Portugal’s secretary of state Minister Ali Alatas said here Friday night. have been massacred in East Timor since for foreign affairs and cooperation, told a Speaking to Indonesian journalists, Al- Indonesia annexed the former Portuguese press conference. “But we have strong atas pointed out that even if there was a territory in 1976. reservations against Indonesia because of the problem between Portugal and Indonesia, it The protest underlines a growing rift be- policy of Indonesia towards East Timor.” was a bilateral matter supposed to be apart tween ASEAN and its major economic Witnesses said more than 100 people from the ASEAN-EC context. partners in the West over the issue of hu- died after soldiers fired on unarmed Alatas also confirmed that Portugal man rights. mourners at a procession in November in [word indistinct] its approval of formal In talks earlier this week, the group’s East Timor’s capital of Dili. Jakarta says negotiations with ASEAN as there were seven biggest trading partners said they soldiers were provoked by an unruly mob some quarters in the former master of East would increasingly link economic aid to and that 50 died and 90 remain missing. Timor which could not justify certain con- human rights records in recipient countries, The incident and subsequent arrests and ditions in Indonesia. directly contradicting the official ASEAN convictions of demonstrators provoked an Reliable sources at a bilateral meeting position. international outcry, which Indonesia has between British External Affairs Minister The emerging democracies of ASEAN, angrily rejected as intrusion in its domestic Douglas Hurd and Alatas on Friday morning which groups Brunei, Malaysia, Thailand, affairs. said the Portuguese “veto” on a new Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore, At Saturday’s press conference, British ASEAN-EC cooperation agreement was due insist such restrictions violated their cultural Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd said the EC to what Portugal termed as violations of integrity. cannot overrule Lisbon’s opposition as the human rights in its former colony. The group maintained Saturday it would 12-nation grouping operates on the basis of At a meeting scheduled in Manila on resist the prodding of Western countries to consensus. October 28, ASEAN economic ministers publicly pressure Burma on its alleged hu- But despite the snag over the new will discuss a new ASEAN-EC accord with man rights abuses and said it was satisfied agreement, Hurd said, cooperation between their counterparts from the 12 EC member the military regime in Rangoon was the the two regional blocs, whose two-way countries. country’s legitimate government. trade last year totaled 50 billion dollars, will “We regret and do not understand the EC ASEAN ministers said they made no continue under a 12-year-old agreement. attitude,” Alatas said, at the same time progress on reviving talks on the proposed EC foreign ministers put off a decision questioning the linking of multilateral coop- economic agreement during meetings Satu- last Monday on a draft for the new eration with bilateral issues. rday with British Foreign Secretary Douglas ASEAN-EC cooperation agreement because Another surprising thing was that the EC Hurd, whose country holds the presidency “the issue of the respect of human rights in could be “paralyzed” by a country like of the EC, and EC Commissioner Abel East Timor was raised,” Hurd said. Portugal, said Alatas, adding that like Matutes. Barroso said Portugal was the only state ASEAN, the EC now tended to make de- Despite the impasse, Philippine Foreign to speak out in “very strong terms” against cisions on a consensus basis. Minister Raul Manglapus said he hoped the the proposal but insisted that “the Portu- Referring to his meeting with Hurd, Al- proposed agreement could be signed during guese position has a great understanding of atas admitted there were still some tempo- an ASEAN-EC meeting scheduled to be held most European states.” rary difficulties in the issue. in Manila in October. Indonesia seized East Timor in 1975 after “But this does not mean that the EC ASEAN “deeply regrets this develop- its Portuguese colonial rulers left and the lacks interest in closer relations with ment, after both sides have long worked next year annexed the area in a move not ASEAN. On the other hand, the EC sees its towards the conclusion of a new coopera- internationally recognized. cooperation with ASEAN as important,” tion agreement,” he said. “Despite our dis- During the ASEAN-EC talks, Philippine Alatas said quoting Hurd as saying. appointment, ASEAN continues to hope Foreign Secretary Raul Manglapus ex- In the meantime, Alatas said the regret that a new agreement will be negotiated pressed ASEAN’s disappointment over the was a common stand among all the ASEAN soon.” EC’s failure to reach a decision on the issue. member countries, which was among other Trade between EC and ASEAN, the “We deeply regret this development, af- things reflected in Malaysian Foreign world’s fastest growing region, has con- ter both sides have long worked towards the Minister Abdullah Badawi’s recent tinually expanded, reaching an all-time high conclusion of a new cooperation agreement,” statement that “we hope the EC would not in 1991 of more than $50 billion. he said at the start of the meeting. Page 28 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. allow Portugal to obstruct efforts at a wider soldiers massacred scores of protesters last East Timor, a former Portuguese colony ASEAN-EC cooperation.” November in the former Portuguese colony, until it was annexed by Indonesia in 1976. Alatas said the matter was a new devel- which Jakarta annexed in 1976. A member of the European Community opment, but within that context the Diplomats said the delay in signing the (EC), Portugal vetoed a new economic co- ASEAN still could not agree with the linking agreement could put pressure on Indonesia operation agreement now under negotiation of bilateral matters with its cooperation to improve its human rights record but between the EC and ASEAN. with the EC. added that the move would not be initiated In Manila, Portuguese Deputy Foreign Indonesia, he pointed out, was always by ASEAN. Minister J.M. Durao-Barroso said Lisbon ready if Portugal raised its bilateral question “ASEAN will view that situation as a would not withdraw its opposition to the with Indonesia within the ASEAN-EC bilateral problem between Portugal and In- new treaty – which is meant to replace a context. donesia and not one concerning ASEAN 1980 pact – until Jakarta undertakes “If Portugal or the EC start pointing to members,” said a Malaysian diplomat who “fundamental changes” in its current policy the domestic affairs of an ASEAN member attended last week’s ASEAN foreign minis- towards East Timor. country, in this case Indonesia, we also can ters’ meeting in Manila. Since the Indonesians are not exp ected to do the same thing for instance with the Hurd will meet Prime Minister Mahathir oblige the Portuguese, the new ASEAN-EC Basque question in Spain, New Caledonia Mohamad, Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim economic agreement is likely to be frozen with France, or Northern Ireland with and Defence Minister Najib Razak. for some time. Britain, he said. He said his visit would strengthen the So far, the Indonesians have kept inter- And if this happened, it would be a sure “good friendship” between the two coun- national outrage over the East Timor mas- thing that the ASEAN-EC cooperation tries. In the past Malaysia had launched a sacre from harming its efforts to secure would be “finished,” he added. “Buy British Last” campaign in protest at foreign aid. In mid-July, Jakarta got aid He further stated that the talks on the is- Britain’s decision to raise tuition fees for pledges worth $4.75 billion from a new sue would obviously be taken up during the foreign students. consortium of international aid donors dialogue of six plus one (ASEAN-EC) under “Trade between us had doubled, thanks chaired by the World Bank. the coordination of Philippines Foreign to Malaysia’s economic growth. Our links This consortium replaces the Inter-gov- Minister Raul Manglapus on Saturday. will grow stronger,” Hurd said. ernmental Group on Indonesia, an aid coa- Referring to the prospect of the ASEAN- lition chaired by the Netherlands. Jakarta EC cooperation, Alatas said in case no new MORE ‘CONDITIONALITY’ abandoned the group after the Dutch sus- accord has been established, both parties COMING? pended their aid program to Indonesia be- may extend the agreement concluded in cause of the East Timor killings. The new 1990 by the time it expired. IPS, Manila, July 29 - Sharp disagree- consortium raised no human rights condi- He added that it would be more favorable ments over human rights in recent talks tionalities. for both sides to establish a new accord as between the Association of South-east Indeed, opinion among donor govern- it would contain the latest issues such as the Asian Nations (ASEAN) and major Western ments and agencies on the wisdom of tying environment, drug trafficking, and others. nations were a fresh reminder for developing human rights to aid programs is far from countries that the world’s aid donors were unanimous. EC ‘SALVAGING’ becoming more and more conditionality- Britain, which has assumed the EC ASEAN PACT? minded. presidency, and the European Commission The most pointed exchanges during last are said to be unhappy about Portugal’s Reuter, Kuala Lumpur, July 28 - British week’s meetings between the ASEAN for- stand against a new ASEAN-EC agreement. Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd said on eign ministers and their counterparts from British Foreign Secretary Douglas Hurd Tuesday the European Community (EC) seven rich countries were over Burma and was at pains to stress that the EC was not and ASEAN states should make better use Indonesia. out to impose its values on human rights, of their existing economic agreement fol- U.S. Secretary of State James Baker said but rather was seeking common understa- lowing Portugal’s veto of a new pact. that, given the military regime’s dismal nding on “share values” as spelled out by “What we can do now is to make better human rights record, the U.N. General As- the United Nations’ Universal Declaration use of the existing economic agreement sembly should repeat its resolution last year on Human Rights. (signed in 1980),” he told reporters on arri- censuring Burma, which now calls itself Still, EC Commissioner Abel Matutes val in Kuala Lumpur for a two-day visit. “Myanmar.” warned the community was “more and more Hurd, whose country chairs the Com- “We should all do what we can to... try linking the issue of human rights to munity, described the new pact as “a per- and effectuate change there,” Baker said. cooperation” (meaning, development aid) fectly good agreement.” In contrast, Thai Foreign Minister Arsa with developing countries. He added: “The possibility of signing the Sarasin said recent releases of political As Durao-Barroso stressed, linking hu- agreement has been blocked for the time prisoners by Rangoon and the loosening of man rights with development assistance was being. There was no consensus...no una- restrictions on opposition leader Aung San a community policy stated in a policy nimity by EC members. It’s a pity, we’ll Suu Kyi were “positive developments.” declaration by the EC council’s in Novem- have to wait.” “I think things are going in the right di- ber 1991. ASEAN, the Association of Southeast rection,” he said, adding that ASEAN would But while the Europeans are perhaps the Asian Nations, groups Brunei, Indonesia, continue its policy of ‘constructive most emphatic in raising human rights, they Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and engagement’ with Rangoon. are not the only ones. Nor are human rights Thailand. For ASEAN, much closer to home was the only concern being raised by aid donors. Portugal said it would not approve the the case of Indonesia, which came under Both the International Monetary Fund new agreement unless Indonesia changed its worldwide criticism after Indonesian army and the World Bank have been talking of the policy towards East Timor. Indonesian troops last year fired on demonstrators in need for developing countries to slash East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 29 military budgets to free more resources for Xanana’s message evoked many of the for Indonesian military withdrawal, the basic needs like education and health. themes that would characterize the testi- active involvement of the UN and its agency This has fed fears that the Bretton mony that followed. The changing interna- in the territory and an eventual vote of the Woods institutions may eventually make tional situation, “a historical whirlwind,” Timorese people on their political status. arms reductions a condition for lending to was setting the stage for achieving the Indonesia’s massive human rights viola- developing countries in the future. United Nations’ objective of eradicating tions were highlighted during the hearing. One of the more prominent advocates of colonialism by the year 2000. The Novem- Asia Watch and Amnesty International this arms-for-aid linkage is former World ber 12 massacre had “jolted the international outlined their findings of escalating human Bank president Robert McNamara who said conscience” and revealed the brutal nature of rights violations. In recent years, Indonesia such a policy should be an essential part of Indonesian rule. has sought to repress younger Timorese the post-cold war international order. “Totalitarian regimes are now on the path who have taken up the cause of independ- In its 1990 Human Development Report, toward full respect for fundamental ence. All who testified noted the light sen- the United Nations Development Program freedoms,” he said. Sanctions against Iraq tences given to a handful of soldiers involv- (UNDP) urged that the ratio of military to and Libya “suggest that the universal con- ed in the Santa Cruz massacre, while those social expenditure should be one of the cri- cept of justice should breach national who gave the orders to shoot are free. teria for external assistance. boundaries.” Resolutions on Yugoslavia Meanwhile, pro-independence demonstra- The countries most at risk under such a show “that the universal principles of self tors, including survivors of the massacre, policy would be South Asian giants of India determination should prevail... in all lati- have received sentences as long as life in and Pakistan, which both face massive pov- tudes and in all circumstances.” Namibia’s prison. erty problems and maintain fat defense achievement of independence demonstrated Alan Nairn and Amy Goodman, two budgets. that even long-standing problems could be American journalists who witnessed the At odds since independence from British resolved. November 12 massacre, told their stories to rule, both countries are among the world’s Concretely, Xanana urged that relevant the committee. Nairn called Indonesia’s biggest arms buyers, spending much more UN resolutions, both those specific to East actions that day “a cold blooded execution.” on the military than on hospitals and Timor and those more generally applicable, Far from being an exceptional event, the schools. be fully obeyed. He stressed that the future massacre’s significance comes from the fact status of East Timor be decided by the East that journalists witnessed the event and Timorese people in an internationally rec- videotape of it was shown around the UN DECOLONIZATION ognized act of self- determination. Xanana world. HEARING IN NEW YORK called for a dialogue “without pre-condi- Li-Lien Gibbons – whose step-brother tions” between all parties to the conflict: Kamal Bamadhaj was allowed to bleed to Portugal, Indonesia and the East Timorese. death after being shot November 21st – told INDONESIAN OCCUPATION The exact form of Timorese participation in the committee. “I am not here because the talks could be worked out, but Bishop Kamal is any more or less important than OF EAST TIMOR Belo and the local Catholic Church would be any other victim. But I can speak before this CONDEMNED BEFORE UN involved. He said that strong roles for the committee without putting other members COMMITTEE UN and Portugal, as the administrating of my family at risk. East Timorese can power, were essential to the success of the not.” Bamadhaj was Malaysian with New By John M. Miller for the Portuguese peace process. Zealand citizenship. American Journal Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975, Indonesian government investigations of In a day of testimony before the United soon after it had declared independence. Its the massacre were widely condemned. Nations’ special committee on decoloniza- larger neighbor annexed the half-island the Statements by Indonesian generals typify tion, speakers repeatedly condemned Indo- next year. The UN continues to recognize the military’s attitude toward Timorese nesia’s occupation of East Timor. The Portugal as the administering power, and rights. In early July, Major-General Mantiri, committee heard moving testimony from three members of parliament from Portugal recently installed as commander of the eyewitnesses to the November 12 Santa spoke before the committee. Since 1979, region that includes Timor, said “We don’t Cruz massacre in which up to 200 Timorese Portugal has informed the Secretary-General regret anything. What happened was quite died. Groups testifying included Timor that is unable to fulfill its obligations as proper....They were opposing us, demon- support groups from Australia, Europe and administrating power because of the Indo- strating....To me that is identical with re- North America and Timorese political par- nesian occupation. bellion, so that’s why we took firm action.” ties. All actively called on the UN to take Indonesia, in a letter to the chair of the Those testifying repeatedly urged the the initiative in ending human rights viola- committee, objected to the entire hearing. UN to release the report of S. Amos Wako, tions and promoting self-determination for The letter said that “the process of decolo- who as special representative of the Secret- the Portuguese colony. nization in East Timor has been carried out ary-General, visited Timor in February of The hearing began dramatically on July in conformity” with UN principles. This this year to investigate the events surround- 27 as José Ramos Horta, Special Represen- view was strongly rejected by many at the ing the massacre. Up to now, Wako has tative of the National Council of Maubere hearing. Vicente da Silva Guterres of the only reported privately to the Secretary- Resistance (CNRM), told the committee Uniao Democratica Timorense (UDT) said General. that instead of reading his own testimony he that the request for integration with Indo- Spokespeople for East Timor support would read a message to the committee from nesia by four Timorese parties “did not groups from Britain, Canada, the U.S. and Xanana Gusmao, the head of CNRM and have any legitimacy!” The members of the Australia strongly condemned their own the commander of FALINTIL, the Timorese UDT that signed the request did so without governments’ support for Indonesia. How- guerrilla army. The message had arrived only any authority from the party and were for- ever, Charles Scheiner of the East Timor a few days before from East Timor. mally expelled. Guterres like most of the Action Network/US told the committee of those testifying reiterated the CNRM call the House of Representatives’ recent deci- Page 30 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. sion to cut military training aid and the 11. Roger Clark, International Platform of strong demands for an independent inquiry resolution by the US Conference of Mayors Jurists for East Timor by convincing world opinion that the matter urging Congress and the President to “assist 12. Alex Robinson, British Coalition for was being taken seriously; and to use the in the resolution of the conflict, providing East Timor; East Timor Ireland Solidarity tragedy to ‘clean out the stable’ by adjusting for the self- determination of East Timor.” Campaign policies, punishing and replacing military Scheiner reminded the committee that “the 13. Eleanor Hoffman, WESPAC personnel, and so on. It is well known that views conveyed by the Bush administration 14. Li-Lien Gibbons, ETAN Canada and Suharto’s policies in East Timor had been do not always accurately reflect what is Parliamentarians for East Timor encountering opposition at army happening in this country.” 15. Amy Goodman, journalist headquarters for some time. Suharto’s ef- After speaking before the committee, 16. Allan Nairn, journalist forts at damage limitation resulted in several Guido Orlando de Freitas Rodrigues, a 17. Joao Rui Gaspar de Almeida, Partido governments welcoming the measures as member of the Portuguese parliament from Socialista Portugues “credible,” “evenhanded” and “encouraging.” the ruling Social Democratic Party, told the 18. Guido Orlando de Freitas Rodrigues, Nothing could be further from the truth. Portuguese-American Journal that now that Partido Democratica e Social The preliminary report of the National In- Portugal no longer held the presidency of 19. Miguel Tavares Rodrigues, Partido quiry Commission (KPN) served to deny the European Community it would take Comunista Portugues access to an international inquiry into the “more powerful action in order to force 20. Thomas Mahedy, Pax Christi Interna- killings. Members of the Commission which negotiations” with Indonesia on the future tional was led by a retired general hardly spoke of East Timor. He cited the vote blocking 21. Vicente da Silva Guterres, Uniao De- with the victims. A deep-rooted fear among EC negotiations with the Association of mocratica Timorense the Timorese would have made it impossible Southeast Asian Nations on a new coop- Morning, 28 July 1992 even for a genuinely Indonesian commission eration agreement as evidence of Portugal’s to get at the truth. The KPN ignored graphic 22. José Luis Guterres, FRETILIN new resolve on the issue. evidence in the film, Cold Blood and 23. Ken Simons, War Resisters’ Interna- Rodrigues said his government was statements by foreign eyewitnesses, Allan tional awaiting Indonesia’s response to its pro- Nairn, Amy Goodman, Max Stahl and posal to begin negotiations without pre- Russell Anderson. conditions before determining its next steps. TAPOL STATEMENT TO Jakarta’s ‘evenhandedness’ meant that However, Ramos Horta, speaking to DECOLONIZATION both peaceful Timorese demonstrators and activists after the hearing, said that Portugal COMMITTEE Indonesian military were tried. Timorese had not done enough to prepare to block students demonstrating in Jakarta a week possible Indonesian initiatives on East Ti- The following the full text of the statement after the massacre were sentenced to up to mor at either September’s meeting in Jakarta submitted to the UN Decolonisation 10 years; Timorese tried in Dili for partici- of the movement of non-aligned nations or Committee (Committee of 24) in New York pating in the 12 November memorial pro- this fall’s session of the UN General on Monday, 27 July 1992 by Liem Soei cession got from 6 years to life. In contrast, Assembly. East Timor was first placed on Liong, on behalf of TAPOL, the Indonesia responsible military commanders were the decolonization committee’s agenda in Human Rights Campaign: ‘punished’ by being sent to the US for fur- 1960. The committee itself has little power, ther studies while low-ranking soldiers who but the information it gathers is used by the Mr. Chairman and honourable members, admitted to shooting at the innocent crowd Secretary-General and other UN bodies. On behalf of TAPOL, the Indonesia received sentences averaging less than one Human Rights Campaign, I thank you for year. LIST OF UN COMMITTEE ON the opportunity to petition your Committee Mr. Chairman and honourable members, DECOLONISATION EAST TIMOR about East Timor. Our organisation has PETITIONERS, 27 JUNE 1992 In this post Cold War period, the role of followed events in East Timor since the the UN has been greatly enhanced. We Morning: Indonesian invasion of 1975. I would like to therefore welcomed the initiative of Secret- 1. José Ramos Horta, National Council of make an assessment of recent developments ary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali to send Maubere Resistance (reading statement in East Timor, in particular since the Santa Dr. Amos Wako as his special representat- from Xanana Gusmao) Cruz Massacre of 12 November. ive to Indonesia and East Timor in February 2. Victoria Forbes Adam, Amnesty Inter- The international outcry and its impact and to talk to people on the spot. We look national on the Jakarta Government forward to publication of Dr Wako’s report 3. Liem Soei Liong, Tapol The massacre in Santa Cruz was not an in the belief that it will contribute to a 4. Douglas MacGregor, Hobart East Timor ‘incident,’ as the Indonesian authorities proper understanding of the real situation in Committee claim, but part of a history of mass killings East Timor. 5. Charles Scheiner, ETAN-US in East Timor. It was the presence of foreign Regarding the Wako visit we must draw 6. Sidney Jones, Asia Watch journalists and a British cameraman when your attention to grave restrictions. Al- 7. Kan Akatani, Japanese Catholic Council Indonesian soldiers opened fire on a though official visits to East Timor are rou- of Justice and Peace; Free East Timor defenceless crowd that made all the differ- tinely stage-managed, the Wako visit was Japan Coalition ence. The Suharto government, which has unique. The newly appointed commander of 8. Richard Koch, Netherlands East Timor one of the worst human rights records, faced East Timor, Brig. General Theo Syafei Action Group and Commite Indonesia an unprecedented wave of protests. treated the visit as a test case. No effort was 9. Vanessa Ramos, American Association of Also unprecedented was President Su- spared to control the entire region. Several Jurists harto’s decision to set up two commissions: layers of military patrols were stationed 10. Russell Rollason, Australian Council For a National Inquiry Commission and a Mili- round Dr. Wako’s hotel to prevent anyone Overseas Aid tary Inquiry Commission. The commissions approaching him. The Jakarta-based Legal afternoon: were created for two reasons, to resist Aid Institute (LBH) reports: East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 31

“... repressive measures were taken. The tary operation. A special military structure tions in the development of human re- local apparatus arrested and detained about was designed with a direct line of command sources in East Timor” by the Kolakops 120 youngsters who had previously been to military headquarters in Jakarta. In June commander, Theo Syafei. held in connection with the 12 November this year, Brig. General Theo Syafei Implicitly, the paper admits that they 1991 event. The arrested youngsters were announced that changes would be likely to have lost the hearts and minds of the youth ‘invited’ by their respective village head and occur in East Timor in September when and see the short- and medium-term task as the local army NCO to attend compulsory combat troops would be withdrawn and the being to create a sense of security - in other courses. The invitation told them to bring special military structure Kolakops would words, protecting the population from pro- enough clothes for several days. In fact, be dissolved. Let us take a closer look at the independence elements. Another task is to they were taken to the KODIM (Military so-called demilitarisation of East Timor. create cadres, in other words, to make Subdistrict Command) and told to sign Firstly, the withdrawal of combat troops. Indonesians out of the East Timorese, and statements that they would make no Anybody familiar with the 16-year history to establish desa binaan (guided villages), in attempt to meet Amos Wako. According to of East Timor’s occupation knows that the other words, villages with a heavy presence a witness who met them, the 120 young- major, traditional battles between ABRI (the of territorial soldiers, controlling and indoc- sters were then taken to the barracks of Indonesian armed forces) and Falintil (the trinating the villagers. General Syafei said Infantry Battalion 744 in Taibessi, Dili and armed wing of the East Timorese resistance) that he would take four approaches: per- split into 3 groups of 40. Nobody was al- took place from 1975 to 1978. ABRI, suasive, educational, preventive and re- lowed to meet them. Then, on 15 February, superior in weaponry and the number of pressive: they were taken for several days to Same men under arms, gradually took control of “To implement persuasive and educa- sub- district, about 100 kms from Dili.” large parts of the country. Falintil adjusted tional methods, a certain supportive condi- Brig. Gen. Theo Syafei boasts of being a its strategy and diversified into small tion is needed to help villagers develop their hardliner and blames his predecessor, Gen- guerrilla units, while ABRI’s role became village wholeheartedly and with full con- eral Warouw, for being too soft on the Ti- increasingly territorial, to control the ma- centration. Therefore, preventive measures morese. This same Theo Syafei has warned jority of the population in the cities and will be taken, including setting up security the Timorese that if a demonstration like the resettlement camps. The entire eighties was posts, patrols and compulsory night- one on 12 November were to happen during taken up by a huge territorial effort by the watches. These measures are intended not to his commandership, there would probably army to pacify the East Timorese. Com- frighten the population but protect them be even more casualties. mander Theo Syafei has said in recent in- and allow justice to prevail. These measures The other newly installed commander is terviews that the main security threat is not will also be taken against foreign visitors Major-General Mantiri, responsible for the the small, roaming guerilla units but the who use the hospitality of the East Nusa Tenggara region which includes East expanding anti-colonial movement among Timorese to spread issues and vilify East Timor, has also shown the true face of the young East Timorese. The withdrawal of Timor Indonesian army. In a recent interview he combat troops only highlights this strategy The dissolution of KOLAKOPS is a said of the Santa Cruz massacre: but it does not mean that armed resistance cosmetic measure. Even without a formal “....We don’t regret anything. What hap- has ceased to be a threat. Only this month, structure, East Timor will continue to be a pened was quite proper. As military this is Brig. General Syafei admitted that between special military project for the army. Strong so. They were opposing us, demonstrating, 7 and 10 clashes occur every month. emphasis on the territorial structure will even yelling things against the government. The withdrawal of some combat units minimise the use of special command units; To me that is identical with rebellion, so from East Timor should also be assessed in emergencies Brig. General Theo Syafei that’s why we took firm action.” against the background of increased guerrilla will be able to rely on special combat units Last week the Indonesian army revised activities in Aceh and West Papua, the two from Java. its casualty figure for the Santa Cruz mas- other trouble-spots for Jakarta. General Edi Mr. Chairman and honourable members, sacre. The official number of dead is now Sudradjat, the army chief-of-staff, has Much has changed in the world today, said to be 19 (the figure first given by Gen- warned that insurrections in these three good things as well as bad things. So it is eral Try Sutrisno but later dismissed as ‘too areas are an obstacle to economic develop- with East Timor. The tragic events in Santa low’ by the KPN); 31 of the 115 ‘missing’ ment: Cruz had a positive result by bringing East persons have now allegedly been found “That’s why all kinds of separatist Timor onto the international agenda. Far ‘alive and well,’ leaving a total of 66 persons movements led by any group of extremists more people realise that a political solution ‘unaccounted for.’ Who do the Indonesians that want to divide the unity of the Indone- for East Timor is crucial. As East Timorese think they can fool with such concoctions? sian Republic must be wiped out” say, wherever they are - in East Timor, in Why has the army still failed to produce the In recent months, territorial operations Indonesia or in exile in Australia and Por- name of a single victim? Why have no have been reinforced by a huge increase in tugal - peace negotiations are long overdue. bereaved families been able to bury their the number territorial troops in the area. In It is for the international community, the loved ones? And, as if to mock the grieving trouble spots such as the villages around United Nations, to take the initiative and Timorese, Brig. Gen. Syafei said on 20 July Dili, as many as five platoons have been bring the parties concerned to the negotiat- that he hopes all the 66 are dead. stationed in each village. As with combat ing table. The Timorese resistance is pre- troops, territorial troops from all parts of Mr. Chairman, pared to talk with the Indonesians without Indonesia are usually stationed for between TAPOL has made statements to this preconditions, in the international spirit of 6 months and 2 years. committee on many occasions primarily to today, an offer the Indonesians cannot re- Should Falintil step up guerilla activities, inform this august body about the military ject. We are convinced that this Committee army head- quarters can always dispatch situation in East Timor. We want to con- will take the important step of advising the KOSTRAD rapid deployment forces which tinue this tradition. Secretary General to accelerate this peace have two combat-ready battalions in Java. Ever since the Indonesian invasion in process. The new territorial strategy is explained in a 1975, East Timor has been run like a mili- Thank you. paper, “Perspectives for territorial opera- Page 32 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

ETAN/US STATEMENT TO On June 25, the House of Representa- presenters of this appeal were arrested; tives unanimously voted to terminate U.S. some have been sentenced to as long as ten DECOLONIZATION military training for the Indonesian armed years in prison for peacefully appealing to COMMITTEE forces under the International Military the international community to safeguard Education and Training (IMET) program, their human rights. I hope you will pay Presented by Charles Scheiner, full text. which has trained more than 2,600 Indo- close attention to these translated words Mr. Chairman, distinguished members of nesian officers since 1975. Under IMET, from young Timorese patriots who sacri- the committee and guests, my name is roughly 150 Indonesian officers have at- ficed their freedom to convey them to you: Charles Scheiner, and I am coordinator of tended U.S. war colleges every year. The “Because: the East Timor Action Network / United U.S. Senate will soon act on the IMET cut, “1. The invasion of East Timor by Indone- States. ETAN/US is grateful for the oppor- and may well take even stronger action to sia was a flagrant violation of the General tunity to speak with you today, and for protest ongoing repression in East Timor. Assembly of the United Nations your continued attention to the situation in Although last month’s vote is the first Resolution 3485 (12 December 1975) and East Timor. We will try not to repeat oth- time the U.S. Congress has cut aid to Indo- of the UN Security Council Resolution ers’ statements, but to supplement them. nesia, it builds on a long history of biparti- 384 (22 December 1975), which The East Timor Action Network was san Congressional concern. That concern recognize the inalienable right of all formed at the beginning of this year. Several continues to expand; in fact, several Repre- peoples to self-determination and inde- of us had been aware of the ongoing tragedy sentatives took the floor during the discus- pendence, according to the principles of of East Timor, but despaired that people sion of the IMET suspension to warn Indo- the United Nations Charter and the there would ever be allowed to determine nesia that this is only the beginning. Declaration of the Colonized Countries their own political future. We were shaken On June 21, the United States Confer- and Peoples in Resolution 1514 (XV) of and moved by the horrendous Santa Cruz ence of Mayors (which includes the chief December 14 1960; massacre in Dili last November 12. In a executives of every city in the United manner never seen before, there were foreign States) passed a resolution on human rights “2. Resolution 384 of 22 December 1975 by witnesses and videotape to document the in East Timor, urging the President and the UN Security Council appeals to all inhuman brutality of the Indonesian military Congress to support General Assembly states to respect the Territorial Integrity for the outside world. If East Timor was action to “assist in the resolution of the of East Timor; ever to be free of Jakarta’s oppression, the conflict, providing for the self-determination “3. The above resolutions appeal to the time to act was now. of the Timorese people.” Indonesian Government for the immedi- We created the East Timor Action Net- I go into detail on developments in the ate and unconditional withdrawal of all work/U.S. as a grassroots movement to help United States because the views conveyed forces from East Timor; change American, international, and by President Bush’s administration to the “4. The very same resolutions recognize ultimately Indonesian policy on East Timor. international community do not always Portugal as the administrative power; We hope that the Special Committee on accurately reflect what is happening in this “5. The similarity of the invasion and occu- Decolonization and the other organs of country. Although Undersecretary of De- pation of East Timor by Indonesia with United Nations share our understanding that fense Paul Wolfowitz referred to the that of Kuwait by Iraq; the present moment carries both op- “unfinished business” of the Santa Cruz portunity and responsibility. We urge you massacre during his recent visit to Jakarta, “6. The struggles of the people of Namibia to act now to support human rights and Americans have the uneasy feeling that the and the Western Sahara, which are similar self-determination for the East Timorese White House and the Pentagon are reluctant to that of Maubere People (East people, and not to prolong their 17 years of to strongly pressure Indonesia to resolve the Timorese), have attained their national suffering and struggle. ETAN struck a chord situation. We look hopefully toward the political goals; in the United States: in six months we have upcoming election in the United States, but “7. The enforced presence of Indonesia in local chapters in a dozen cities, and several we hope that your Committee will not wait East Timor for the last 16 years is, in the hundred members in more than half of the until then to take action. light of the International Principles, illegal fifty states. Mr. Chairman, I am not going to give you and obsolete according to the dynamic Members of the United States Congress, a long list of recommendations from the East evolution for the Human Society; continuing their record of concern for East Timor Action Network. We concur with the “8. The enforced presence of Indonesia in Timor, are taking unprecedented action. In suggestions from other NGO’s that the East Timor escalates day by day the suf- November and December, both houses report of Special Envoy Amos Wako be fering of the already martyred Maubere passed strong resolutions against human released and that the Secretary-General People through conscious, systematic rights violations in East Timor, and 52 facilitate negotiations including Indonesia, and routine violation of the most elemen- Senators signed a letter to President Bush Portugal, and representatives of the tary Human Rights. initiated by Republican Malcolm Wallop, Timorese people, leading to self- determi- “We, the East Timor Nationalist Stu- urging the President to seek a diplomatic nation for East Timor. We also urge this dents in Indonesia, in our own name and resolution of the situation. In May, Repres- Committee to recommend that the General that of all those Heroes innocently felled by entative Tony Hall and other Con- Assembly act this fall to reaffirm its decade- the Indonesian military assassins over the gresspeople from both parties introduced old resolutions calling for human rights and last 16 years, but mainly our brethren who H.R.5176, which would suspend military immediate Indonesian withdrawal from East were cruelly and inhumanely killed en masse and economic aid, arms sales, and trade Timor. on November 12 1991, ask and demand of preferences to Indonesia until it allows hu- We do, however, want to share with you the United Nations: man rights observers into East Timor and the urgent appeal presented by the National “1. a) To maintain strong and continuous complies with U.N. resolutions requiring Movement of the East Timorese Students in pressure on Indonesia so that all efficient military withdrawal and a plebiscite for self- Indonesia to the United Nations mission in measures can be taken to carry out the determination. Jakarta last November 19. Many of the East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 33

General Assembly and Security Council were imprisoned for four months before the principles that are embodied in this resolutions which have already been being released without charges. Five were Committee. These are the same principles voted upon and that recognize the right put on trial, although they refused to accept that are inspiring the birth of new states in of the East Timorese people to Self- the jurisdiction of Indonesia’s courts. At the the old Continent. Determination and Independence; trial of Agapito Cardoso, co-defendant Joao This Committee took upon itself the task Freitas da Camara denied that the demon- of eradicating colonialism by the Year 2,000. “b) According to those above mentioned stration was planned to hurt the govern- With this promising vision the Special UN General Assembly and Security ment, but said that “We could not stay in- Committee on Decolonization asserts itself Council resolutions, Indonesia, as a active while our brothers were being shot as the guardian of the hopes and aspirations member of that Organisation, has no right dead. We wanted to protest against all the of the peoples still under a backward to try and condemn all East Timor actions in East Timor which were not in system of domination. nationalists who have arduously fought accordance with human rights from the be- In the decades that crowned the struggles for their Right of Self-Determination and ginning until the tragedy of November 12.” for national liberation, this Committee was Independence; For helping to organize this peaceful ap- the forum for the defence of the inter- “2. To exert strong political, economical and peal, Fernando de Araujo received a nine- national rights of the colonial countries and mainly military pressures on the Jakarta year prison sentence. Joao Freitas da Ca- peoples. These historical achievements are government as is happening with Iraq; mara got ten years, and three others got our source of faith and hope and this is even “3. To demand of Indonesia an absolute sentences of up to 30 months. None were more so with the approaching end of respect for the Fundamental Rights of the accused of any violent activities or any ac- colonialism from the face of the Earth. East Timorese People and their identity tions which could be considered illegal if Mr. Chairman, Distinguished members of as a People and as a Nation; Indonesia honored the Universal Declaration the Special Committee on Decoloniza- “4. To demand that Indonesia immediately of Human Rights – all they did was appeal tion: to the international community to live up to and unconditionally withdraw all its bel- With the inclusion of East Timor in 1960 its previously-expressed findings. ligerently repressive apparatus, be it on the UN GA List of Non- Self-Governing Mr. Chairman, the past year has shown military or bureaucratic, from East Ti- Territories, this committee undertook total that there is a new generation of East Ti- mor; responsibility to see to it that the principles morese activists, infants at the time of the “5. To demand the Portuguese Government embodied in the Charter are fully applied to Indonesian invasion, who are willing to risk as the Administrative Power to co-oper- this territory. all for their independence. Your Committee ate fully with the United Nations in order In the history of the struggle against co- and the United Nations have the power to to create the conditions for the People of lonial expansionism, the oppressed peoples end the 17-year nightmare of the Timorese East Timor to enjoy freely their Right to were always left with no alternative but to people, to begin a process which will spare Self Determination and Independence; resort to violence to assert their rights in the these idealistic youth from the horrible hell face of the arrogant use of force by the “6. Finally, and in conclusion, our Petition that was inflicted on their parents’ genera- colonizers. This is what happened to us and Protest for the Genocide barbarously tion. I hope you will use it. when we were brutally invaded on 7 De- perpetrated by the Indonesia army on Thank you. 12th November 1991. We ask the UN cember 1975. Till this very day we are re- General Assembly and the Security sisting the Indonesian criminal military oc- Council to take urgent, and efficient XANANA GUSMAO cupation by all means available to us, in- measures to safeguard the lives of all STATEMENT TO cluding armed resistance. those Timorese Nationalists, mainly the DECOLONIZATION However, we are in the midst of a his- political prisoners; torical whirlwind, underscored by political COMMITTEE changes in various latitudes. Terrorist states “7. We request U.N. representatives in have seen their very foundation smoldered Jakarta, together with the Indonesian Statement from Xanana Gusmao, head of the National Council of Maubere Resistance, to by the democratic conscience of their citi- Parliament, to issue safe-conduct papers zens. Totalitarian regimes are now on the to guarantee the personal security of all the U.N. Decolonization Committee in New York, July 27, 1992. Translated from the path towards the full respect for fundamen- Timorese Nationalist Students who are tal freedoms. Dictatorships in the Third under coercive resistance in Indonesia. Portuguese and delivered by José Ramos- Horta, External Spokesman, CNRM. World, installed by the West, are being Trusting that Your Excellency will do overthrown in the face of popular protests. your best to consider and identify your- East Timor Humanity is indeed on the road towards a self with our aspirations and wishes as a National Council Of Maubere Resistance New World Order. People and a Nation, We have to continue to build a New We are, yours sincerely, National Liberation Armed Forces Of East world order that is based on the elimination Joao Freitas da Camara (Jakarta) Timor of all the evils that affect so many regions of Agapito Cardoso (Bali) Mr. Chairman, Distinguished members of this planet. This Committee, with only eight José Luis de Oliveira (Yogyakarta) years ahead before the Year 2,000, has the Domingos Bareto de Jesus Vas the Special Committee on Decoloniza- tion: daunting task of sweeping from the face of (Semarang) the Earth all the manifestations of Virgilio da Silva Guterres (Malang) I have the honor to address this Commit- colonialism. José Dias Quintas (Surabaya) tee on behalf of the people of East Timor. Regrettably, some Member States use Gregorio de Araujo (Bandung)” It is with faith that I am addressing this double standards on identical situations, prestigious United Nations body in the namely, East Timor and Kuwait. In spite of Nearly all of the 70 students who pre- current international context. I believe it to this, I am certain, the Special Committee on sented this appeal were arrested. Seventeen be appropriate to note that so many inde- Decolonization will not betray the sacred pendent States were born in the shadows of Page 34 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. principles that gave birth to it. We are also economic development. Namibia emerged as ence to Colonial Countries and Peoples certain that in dealing with the question of an independent state 40 years later. Small contained in General Assembly Res. 1514 East Timor it will be guided by International and large independent states whose right to (XV) of 14 December 1960.” Law and all the relevant norms on self- self-determination and independence were The above-mentioned resolutions called determination and independence. denied blossomed 40 years later. “on all States to respect the territorial in- We are certain that East Timor will not The referenda in the Baltic States were a tegrity of East Timor as well as the inalien- be an exception in the decolonization proc- model in conflict resolution. The world is able right of its people to Self- determina- ess. Indonesia, a member of this august shocked by the armed conflicts in Yugo- tion in accordance with GA Res. 1514 (XV); body, used it in the past as a forum to de- slavia and Armenia. However, the interna- and ” ... the government of Indonesia to nounce Portuguese colonialism. Now again it tional community is only harvesting the withdraw without delay all its forces from is using this Committee as a forum to defend fruits of historical mistakes perpetrated by the territory.” its own colonial aggression, annexation and oppressive regimes that assaulted human The Security Council finally called upon military occupation of East Timor in conscience and regarded their fellow beings “all states and all interested parties to co- complete disregard for the relevant Security as mere pawns of the ambitions of the eco- operate fully with the United Nations in its Council Resolutions 384 (1975) and 389 nomic oligarchy to which they belonged. efforts to finding a peaceful solution to the (1976). A referendum process is now in prepa- prevailing situation and to facilitate the de- Mr. Chairman, Distinguished members of ration in Western Sahara. We are perplexed colonization of the territory.” the Committee: by the news that Indonesia reportedly of- b. Yearly resolutions between 1975 and fered a contingent to participate in the UN 1981 met with the indifference of the inter- It was only yesterday, so to speak, that multinational force in Western Sahara. national community which in turn served the world was divided into two major mili- only to encourage inflexibility on the part of tary blocs, led by the U.S. and the U.S.S.R., Mr. Chairman, Distinguished members of Indonesia. In 1982, the General Assembly both sides using at will the veto power to the Committee: adopted Res. 37/30 which states and I preserve their respective spheres of Indonesia claims that the people of East quote: influence. We note with consternation that Timor have already chosen integration by “Recognizing the inalienable right of all even after the dismantling of the old Soviet “free will.” If this is the case, then why so peoples to self- determination and inde- empire and the communist bloc, the West many restrictions in East Timor? If this is pendence in accordance with the United continues to make use of its veto power so, why does it, fear a ratification of the act Nations Charter and the Declaration on the whenever just causes affect their economic under international supervision? if this is so, Granting of Independence to Colonial interests. why did it create so many obstacles that Countries and Peoples, contained in Res. The sanctions against Iraq seemed to su- aborted the projected Portuguese Parlia- 1514 (XV) of the General Assembly, of 14 ggest that gone is the taboo of state sov- mentary Mission to East Timor? Why did December 1960, ereignty and domestic jurisdiction; the Indonesia close the territory following the “Requests the Secretary-General to in- measures adopted against Libya seem to 12 November massacre? Why are foreign itiate consultations with all parties directly suggest that the universal concept of justice visitors subjected to pro-Indonesia criteria? concerned with a view to exploring the should breach national boundaries when it Why does East Timor remains closed to avenues for achieving a comprehensive set- comes to the application of universal prin- international humanitarian organizations? tlement of the problem and to report ciples; the Security Council resolutions on Why all this if the people of East Timor thereon to the General Assembly at its 38th Yugoslavia seem to suggest that it now be- chose by its free will integration with Indo- session.” longs to the past the notion that only the nesia? Why all this if, according to the Ind- powerful and rich could determine the fate onesian generals, only a few “marginal” Mr. Chairman, of peoples and that the universal principles continue to think about independence? Any solution to the problem of East Ti- of self- determination should prevail in time, The new democracies, conscious that mor must be based on the respect for the in all latitudes and in all circumstances. they are part of the community of nations, expressed will of the people of East Timor. More than 200,000 dead and a continuing have shown political good will by inviting We are conscious of the fact that it is par- practice of persecution, imprisonment and international supervision of their inaugural ticularly difficult for the government of massacres are the balance of more than 16 electoral processes. Why does the interna- Indonesia a solution that put in question the years of our resistance to Indonesia’s tional community allows East Timor to fundamental interests of the Indonesian military occupation of our country. remain a large prison? Is it because the state, but we cannot abdicate from our own The 12 November 1991 massacre of East people of East Timor wanted their island to interests and rights. Timorese civilians jolted the international be a prison? Dialogue is the means to solve conflicts. conscience. Some governments, even though Mr. Chairman, Distinguished Members of This is the trend in today’s world. Indonesia accomplices in the physical, ethnic and the Special Committee on Decoloniza- herself continues to play an important role cultural genocide of our people, were not tion: in the resolution of the Cambodian conflict. able not able to hide their horror in the face The whole argument of “internal affair” has I believe that in regard to East Timor, of the Santa Cruz massacre. However, a few been invoked time and again by the there are three fundamental resolutions that months have elapsed, and their conscience powerful. We witnessed it in the Gulf. What should be taken into consideration: slipped back to business as usual. is happening in Yugoslavia, now focus of a. Security Council Res. 384 of 22 De- Much has been said about the 12 No- peace-making efforts by the UN and the EC, cember 1975 and 389 of 26 April 1976 vember 1991 massacre and the images of the exposes the arrogance of those who continue which, inter alia, reaffirm: massacre revealed the nature of the an- to create obstacles to the peaceful resolution “the inalienable right of the people of nexation of East Timor. 12 November un- of conflicts. East Timor to self-determination and inde- derscored the historical fact that people’s Dialogue without pre-conditions pre- pendence in accordance with the principles nationalism cannot be liquidated by repres- serves the mutual interests of the parties to of the United Nations Charter and the sion, nor can it be alienated by so-called the conflict. Both Portugal and the Maubere Declaration on the Granting of Independ- East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 35

People are ready for dialogue. However, the peoples; we will strive to promote the in- ASIA WATCH STATEMENT TO government of Indonesia, enjoying the struments of bi-lateral and regional coop- status as benefactor of Western economic eration in the framework of ASEAN. We DECOLONIZATION and financial largesse, feels strong enough to will spare no effort to enhance ASEAN and COMMITTEE reject the inclusion of the East Timorese its role in promoting political and economic themselves in the peace talks. We continue cooperation as well as promoting the region July 27, 1992 to invite Indonesia to round-table talks and as a zone of peace and prosperity. HUMAN RIGHTS IN EAST TIMOR we reaffirm our political will in endeavoring An independent East Timor will seek Sidney Jones, Asia Watch to find the best way to balance the interests membership with the South Pacific Forum. of all parties to the conflict. We share the same aspirations with the Statement to the United Nations Special Portugal, the Administering power rec- small island-states of the Pacific and we will Committee on Decolonization ognized by the UN, stands for a process of strive to foster cooperation for the benefit Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for the op- dialogue with the inclusion of the East of our peoples. portunity to address this Committee. Asia Timorese, without pre-conditions. An independent East Timor will reject Watch, as you know, takes no position on Our flexibility regarding the involvement the existence of armed forces as our real the political status of East Timor. We be- of the East Timorese aims at helping Portu- contribution towards regional and world lieve, however, that the sharp deterioration gal face the negotiation process seriously. it peace. We oppose militarization because we of the human rights situation there since this is the role of Portugal, legal Administering are against armed conflicts. We oppose Committee last convened underscores the power of East Timor, in the context of its militarization because as part of the Hu- urgency of finding a solution which will responsibilities, to work with the East manity that desires peace we do not fear our prevent further abuses of the fundamental Timorese towards finding formulas that powerful neighbors. We oppose milita- rights of the East Timorese. might lead towards a comprehensive and rization because we believe the conscience The November 12 massacre was the lasting solution. of mankind opts for dialogue to resolve worst slaughter since the Kraras incident of The Special Representative of the Na- differences. If dialogue means democratic August 1983 when up to 200 villagers were tional Council of Maubere Resistance, Mr. practice, if, above all, it is a concept of jus- killed. Every year thereafter, we heard that José Ramos-Horta, conceived and outlined a tice, if dialogue means respect for funda- the human rights situation was improving. set of key-ideas with a view to contributing mental rights and freedoms of peoples, we Atauro was emptied of its prisoners. Long- to a solution. I wish to elaborate on this are then against the use of force, we are term detainees were brought to trial and plan. against war, we are against oppression. given shorter terms. A new commander, less Three elements emerge from this plan: We are convinced that if all share the tolerant of abuse than his predecessors, a. An extremely important element to same convictions, Southeast Asia could came in. In 1989, parts of East Timor were emphasise, without any doubt, is the fact become a model in the new world we all declared open, and it was possible to go to that the territory remains under UN re- wish to build. and from Dili without a travel permit. sponsibility until a final solution of the We hope that the Indonesian leaders un- Those changes were real, but they also problem; derstand our message of peace, our gesture provided a cover for continuing abuses. b. Concerning the Portuguese role in the of reconciliation and that our resistance is After 1989, almost every time an influential process, I believe that the role of Portugal not aimed at the Indonesian state or people. visitor came, the Indonesian authorities has to be seen in the context of its com- In equal circumstances of rights and obli- would round up possible trouble-makers mitment to engage in dialogue with Indo- gations we will know how to honor the beforehand as a preventive measure and nesia. Its role in the whole peace process is friendship that the great Indonesian nation afterwards as a punitive measure. One man I vital. may offer us. spoke with in late 1990 said of East Timor, c. In accepting a transition situation and We appeal to the Special Committee on “It used to be that we had hundreds of recognizing that a “de facto” situation exists Decolonization to spare no effort to see to it people in prison. Now the whole place is a in East Timor (Namibia was under South that the UN relevant resolutions on East prison.” African domination and yet the UN did not Timor are fully implemented. Since November 12, even the facade has relinquish its responsibilities), we wish to Headquarters of the National Council of been dropped. Surveillance is tighter than create favorable political conditions so that Maubere Resistance, in East Timor, 20 June ever before. Journalists have been effec- through democratic means and in a peaceful 1992. tively banned from the territory since Feb- climate each party may persuade the people ruary 26, although a BBC reporter was al- For the CNRM, about the advantages of its policies. An act lowed in to cover the June elections. The of self-determination, as the result and goal Kayrala Xanana Gusmao, Comandante das alleged masterminds of a largely peaceful of this transition period, would be the true FALINTIL demonstration, marred by just one incident political act of free choice by our people. of violence, have begun serving savage I reaffirm our collective political will to prison terms after trials where the verdicts abide by the popular verdict if the Maubere were determined from the outset. Freedom people, under international supervision, of expression, association, assembly and decide to opt for integration with the Re- movement are either non-existent or heavily public of Indonesia. restricted. And East Timorese students We do not fight against Indonesia, we are studying in Java and Bali find the repression not fighting against the people of Indonesia. in their homeland re-created in their place of We respect the great Indonesian nation, we study but only for them, not for their respect our Indonesian brothers. Indonesian classmates. In an independent East Timor we will What the November 12 demonstration strive to have privileged relations of friend- showed beyond any doubt is that 16 years ship and cooperation between our two of Indonesian rule had generated resistance Page 36 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. among a whole generation which had never of the provocateurs, Afonse Henrique, was Commission of Inquiry, the Council of known Portuguese rule. Why? The Ind- stabbed to death and an 18-year-old Military Honor, the prosecutions and onesian government poured billions of independence supporter, Sebastiao Gomes convictions of nine soldiers and one po- rupiah into East Timor, but much of the Rangel, was shot and killed by uniformed liceman, the sacking of senior officers, and development took place benefited the Ind- troops who stormed the church. the assignment given General Try Sutrisno onesian newcomers far more than the East The military lost no time in rounding up to find the bodies. But those efforts, how- Timorese, who remained very much an un- 40 of Sebastiao’s friends for questioning. Of ever unprecedented they may have been, derclass. This was illustrated last year in the these, 18 were detained, seven throughout have left most of the major questions unan- much publicized scheme of Yayasan Tiara, a the month of November. Five of them, swered. To this day, we do not know the foundation run by President Suharto’s Bonifacio Barreto, Joao dos Santos, Aleixo following: daughter Tutut, and the Ministry of da Silva, Jacob da Silva, and Bobby Xavier, 1. Who started the shooting? Who were the Manpower to lure East Timorese to Indo- have since been sentenced for their in- so-called pasukan liar or mysterious nesia with promises of training and high- volvement in Afonso’s death. None of the forces already firing when the soldiers paying jobs. Two groups of young men and provocateurs were arrested, and no one found guilty arrived on the scene? women found on their arrival in Jakarta in involved in the death of Sebastiao Gomes 2. In addition to the one man found guilty of March and June 1991 respectively that Rangel has been identified. slashing a demonstrator’s ear with his M- there was no training, the jobs were menial A second case involves a series of dem- 16, who beat up, stabbed and kicked the and paid the minimum wage or less, and that onstrations held in Jakarta after the No- other demonstrators, leading to the anyone who protested risked being labelled vember 12 killings. On November 19, 70 hospitalization of at least 49 people a political activist and detained by the East Timorese students held a peaceful whose injuries were from blunt instru- Indonesian military. These schemes were demonstration to protest the killings, start- ments and bayonets, not bullets? Who not just exploitative; they were tantamount ing in front of the UN office and marching finished off the wounded demonstrators to forced labor. past the embassies of Japan, Britain and at the scene? The contempt many Indonesians show Australia. All were arrested and taken to 3. Who loaded bodies on to trucks, and for East Timorese was for me demonstrated police headquarters. A week later, 49 were where were they taken? Why have only most vividly when I talked in Dili last released after signing forced “confessions.” 18 graves been found? February with a priest who had gone to the The remaining 21 were held through Feb- scene of the massacre an hour after it took ruary together with four East Timorese 4. Who are the 66 people still listed as place to see whether he could find some of arrested in Bali. By March, all but five had missing and what happened to them? The his missing seminarians. There was a truck been released. The five were put on trial and National Commission report criticized piled with bodies, and a soldier was dragging eventually sentenced to terms ranging up to inadequate autopsy procedures and the a wounded demonstrator toward the truck ten years. failure of doctors to identify bodies, but by the legs, repeatedly kicking him in the But Indonesian demonstrators belonging someone at the Wirahusada Military head. When the priest tried to intervene, the to the national youth organization, KNPI, Hospital surely must know how many soldier said, “But Father, these are just and some of its affiliates held a demonstra- bodies passed through the morgue and communists!” tion with about the same number of people who took them away. Manuel Carrascalao, the elder brother of in front of the Australian embassy on No- 5. Who tortured the hundred of East Timo- East Timorese Governor Mario Viegas vember 20, one day after the East Timorese rese arrested after the massacre, and why Carrascalao, also described corpses being protest, to criticize the Australian reaction have there been no prosecutions – ever – loaded onto trucks, saying: “I had the oc- to the massacre. There were no arrests. of Indonesian soldiers accused of torture casion to see one person who perhaps only Indonesians, it was clear, were encouraged of East Timorese? fainted, but as soon as a soldier caught sight to exercise freedom of assembly when their 6. How much effort was made to investigate of him and saw that his head was moving, he aim was to promote a government point of reports of executions of eyewitnesses pounded him with a rock. And one more view. East Timorese, with a very different after the massacre? case, I saw that there was one person still view, were taken away and locked up. If the failure to undertake a properly im- alive in the truck full of corpses, and the The Indonesian government fails to rec- partial investigation was bad enough, the soldier pulled this person down and beat ognize how deeply it is loathed in East Ti- courts-martial of the ten men in May and him on the head. Then he threw him back on mor. Governor Mario Carrascalao touched June added insult to injury by giving a the truck.” on this after the massacre when he said in an maximum of 18 months to men who delib- This kind of treatment of wounded dem- interview, “Maybe it was our fault. Those erately fired into a crowd of unarmed civil- onstrators is cruel and inhuman, but it is who are against us [i.e. the government] ians. Moreover, the one man prosecuted for also indicative of a more broadly shared were in fact able to touch the hearts of many assault, Police Corporal Marthin Alau, has attitude of many Indonesians toward their people...If before people slept with knives been named in other eyewitness reports as East Timorese subjects. to protect themselves from those working having deliberately killed two other dem- If the East Timorese are regarded as an against us, now it is us they defend onstrators, but no investigation was made underclass, those with nationalist sympa- themselves against...In the last two or three into these accusations. The man with the thies are at the bottom of that underclass. A months, people in the cities have felt un- slashed ear appeared as a witness in double standard has been particularly visible happy, so much so that a strange thing hap- Corporal Alau’s trial; he was the only civil- in the justice system. Let me give two pened. As the Portuguese visit approached, ian witness to appear in any of the military examples. On October 28, East Timorese the people were no longer afraid of Fretilin, trials. The indictments seem to be based motorcyclists, working for the local mili- they were afraid of us. We have to under- solely on questioning of fellow officers and tary, provoked a fight with young inde- stand why, and find the proper medicine to soldiers, not of their victims. pendence supporters who had taken refuge cure it.” If Governor Carrascalao’s medicine is to for the past year on the grounds of the Mo- President Suharto may have thought he be found, a serious effort needs to be made tael Church in Dili. In the ensuing brawl, one found the proper medicine with the National East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 37 to find the real perpetrators of the Dili kill- headquarters. There, the students were Earlier, on April 25, Indonesia accused ings. Those people, Mr. Chairman, are still forced to complete a “test” drawn up by Portugal of colonialist practices in Timor, in at large, and neither President Suharto nor BAKORSTANAS, the security agency this same commission, which has as its goal the military establishment appears to be chaired by Commander-General Try Su- to eradicate the practice of colonialism by making any effort to find them. trisno. The questionnaire asked for detailed the year 2000 (we’ll see...) Human rights violations in East Timor biographical data, and asked specific politi- There were 21 statements, by various did not end with the immediate aftermath of cal questions, such as the respondent’s countries and organizations, which I won’t the massacre. More than two dozen arrests opinions of the National Commission of enumerate, so as not to be boring. were reported from Dili, Aileu and Taibesse Inquiry (KPN) and Council of Military The Portuguese presence was noted in – the Jakarta Post said “scores” – in late Honor (DKM) reports on the November 12 opposition to the various demands of ob- February and early March in connection massacre, and of the Balibo Declaration of jection presented by Indonesia (arguing that with preparations for a Portuguese “peace 1976, which Indonesia says officially pro- it was a “non-problem,” that it involved an ship” to visit East Timor. The ship was claimed the integration of East Timor with internal matter, etc....the usual rigmarole) eventually turned back by the Indonesian Indonesia. The respondents were also forced and by members of the Republican As- navy. to give their opinions of the process of sembly: Joao Gaspar de Almeida (PS), On March 9, 1992, the newspaper Suara integration so far. The students were then Guido Orlando de Freitas Rodrigues (PSD), Karya reported that 24 East Timorese pris- summoned back for a series of oral and Miguel Urbano Tavares (PC), this last oners detained after the massacre who interviews in small groups on the same having been the only one to give a lively and would not be tried would be subject to an subject. Asia Watch regards this exercise as sufficiently incisive speech against the army indoctrination program in various an attempt to restrict freedom of opinion Indonesians (the discomfort of their repre- locations outside of Dili. Under the pretext and differs little from similar questionnaires sentatives in the room was evident). of protecting these East Timorese from the given Indonesian citizens to determine their Unfortunately, due to the large number of putative anger of local villagers, the 24 were sympathy and inherited affiliation to the statements, the session concluded on to receive “special treatment,” according to banned Communist Party of Indonesia Tuesday, so that we didn’t catch the final Brigadier General Theo Syafei. Syafei said (PKI). statements of the Portuguese and Indonesian that they would be “given guidance and Mr. Chairman, this Committee has a role representatives. educated into becoming good Indonesians to play in maintaining the pressure on In terms of practical effects, the Com- who will participate in development.” Such Indonesia to work towards a resolution of mission’s paper is only reported to the re-education, a form of administrative the East Timor problem in a way that will Secretary General...no concrete measures. detention, has been characteristic of Aceh as reduce human rights violations. One impor- Let’s see if at least they comply in making well, a region on the northern tip of Sumatra tant step is to determine why those viola- public the report of the special S.G. envoy where military operations during 1989-91 tions are taking place, even after all the to Timor (Wako), which was insistently resulted in widespread executions and steps taken by President Suharto in the requested by all the “petitioners.” disappearances of civilians. weeks after the massacre. In this regard, it As a point of curiosity, I had the best Between May and July of this year, eight would be useful for the Committee to press cimbalino (bica or cafezinho to the Southern East Timorese civilians in Dili, most of them for the report of Amos Wako, who visited crowd) on this side of the Atlantic at the civil servants working for the local East Timor in February as a special envoy UN bar. The self-service was also very good administration, were sentenced in unfair of the Secretary General, to be made public. and inexpensive (and with a cosmopolitan trials to prison terms between 5 and two- It would also be useful to have the Ind- atmosphere difficult to find anywhere else thirds years and life for their role in planning onesian government invite the UN Working on Earth – seeing so many people together the demonstration of November 12. Two Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disap- from the four corners of the planet amicably men, Gregorio da Cunha Saldanha, who was pearances to visit East Timor to discuss socializing, it’s easy to see that we have sentenced to life in prison, and Francisco how the outstanding cases of disappear- much more in common than differences...) Miranda Branco, who was sentenced to 15 ances could best be resolved and future ones I also had the opportunity to talk a few years in prison, were found guilty of prevented. In the end, however, human minutes with José Ramos Horta, who reit- subversion. The other six, whose sentences rights abuses in East Timor will only be erated his apologies for the assertion pub- were as high as ten years, were found guilt curbed when the underlying political causes lished about Portugal, saying that he was of spreading hatred. Among those convicted have been addressed. Thank you, Mr. referring only to Portuguese politicians was Carlos dos Santos Lemos, who received Chairman. (whom he accused of incompetence...) a nine year sentence for taking photographs The Portuguese deputies were surprised of the November 12 demonstration with the REPORT ON UN to see us there, and in the lunch break, we intent of sending them abroad. Despite the DECOLONIZATION had the chance to talk a little with the rep- harshness of the sentences imposed, none of resentatives of the PSD [Social Democratic these civilians were charged with any violent COMMITTEE HEARING Party] and the PC [Communist Party], ex- activity. The charges of six of them changing impressions about the Timorese By José Barros Basto, Translated and explicitly focused on their role in organizing problem. forwarded by Nancy Lutz from pt-net a committee whose intent it was to present From the exchange of words with the (Portuguese computer Network) a petition to the Portuguese parliamentarian Portuguese representative, and from the delegation. The petition requested that Dear friends: comments heard, it appeared that they are Portugal and Indonesia enter into This past Monday found me and my still a little alienated from the efforts which negotiations with all parties concerned, friend Ze Maria Albuquerque in New York have developed here in the U.S.A., who the including East Timorese both for and against at the meeting of the U.N. Decolonization key members of Congress and of the Senate integration with Indonesia. Commission. to contact are, etc. This July, every East Timorese student The general impression received from the in Bali was summoned into the local military participants regarding the absence of steps Page 38 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. taken by Portugal during the new star officer in active service prior to General Sumitro, to the rank of Vice Presidency of the EEC was of perplex- Wednesday. Admiral. ity...at least after we leave the Presidency Some analysts suggested the promotions According to one military analyst, one of we should have moved forward with the were aimed at giving the service chiefs “time Lt.-Gen Sugeng’s possible positions could bloc towards a commercial accord with enough to enjoy the rank” prior to be as the next chief of staff, a post now held ASEAN (the Association of Southeast retirement or being moved to other positions by Vice-Admiral Sudibyo Rahardjo, who in Asian Nations). in government. turn is touted as a possible ambassador to There are high hopes by some of the Speculation that the three could retire or Singapore. Americans for the upcoming presidential be moved has been given credence by earlier The analyst suggested that Lt.-Gen elections, in case the Democratic candidate reports that ABRI is of the view that Sukarto could succeed Lt.-Gen Harsudiono wins; we’ll see... service chiefs should be three-star officers. Hartas as ABRI’s Chief for Sociopolitical My best to all, Hence the promotion of four other offi- Affairs, given that the defence institute’s Ze Antonio cers to that rank on July 1 has generated an focus is on similar areas. equal amount of interest. Their move would Vice-Adm. Sumitro, who served on the open positions at their level for further National Investigation Commission ap- INDONESIAN MILITARY changes down the line. pointed to probe the Dili incident could RESTRUCTURED Of the four, the promotion of Major- remain in his post. General Faisal Tanjung, 53, to Lieutenant- “It is hard to know for certain what these General is the most significant as he was promotions might bring in terms of who MILITARY PROMOTIONS said to have been Gen. Sudrajat’s choice to moves where,” one analyst conceded. “The succeed him. Lt.-Gen. Faisal, commander of field is opened wider because of the other LINKED TO FUTURE the military’s staff college, had the im- movements that might take place down the CHANGES portant and sensitive task this year of line.” heading the Military Honor Council. It ex- Singapore THE STRAITS TIMES in English amined ABRI’s shortcomings during last 6 Jul. 92 SUHARTO ON MILITARY AS November’s incident in East Timor when ‘SOCIO-POLITICAL FORCE’ By Paul Jacob, Jakarta correspondent security forces killed at least 50 anti-gov- Jakarta - The Indonesian Armed Forces ernment demonstrators in the provincial Jakarta, July 6 (OANA-ANTARA) - (ABRI), in a signal that changes to key po- capital of Dili. President Suharto appealed to all battalion sitions in the military hierarchy are in the Analysts said Lt.-Gen. Faisal’s task was commandants to enhance their social in- offing, last week promoted three service made more difficult personally because one volvement and improve the welfare of their chiefs to the rank of four-star general. Four of the senior commanders replaced in the subordinates because the Armed Forces’ other officers were promoted to the three- wake of the incident, Major-Gen. Sintong duty is not merely confined to military as- star rank. Panjaitan, was a close colleague and a po- signments, but also to serving the people’s The surprise, however, was that the man tential contender for the army chief’s posi- interest in conformity with the army’s posi- most analysts saw as the front-runner to tion – along with Maj.-Gen. Wismoyo. The tion as a socio-political force. head the army eventually – and the possible scenario most drawn by analysts is that Lt.- The 1945 Constitution includes a provi- future armed forces commander – was not Gen Faisal could move to head the army sion the essence of which has to be fully among them. Major-General Wismoyo with Maj.-Gen Wismoyo as his deputy perceived by those having positions in the Arismunandar, commander of the Strategic before eventually taking over the post. military and socio-political forces, the bead Reserve Command (Kostrad) and related by Some analysts said elements in the mili- of state said when he received 121 of the marriage to President Suharto, remains a tary might not have been too pleased if 138 army battalion commanders at Tapos two-star general. Maj.-Gen Wismoyo gained his third star at (Bogor) on Sunday. A focus of considerable attention by the the same time as his seniors from the mili- Over the weekend, Army Chief General press, diplomats and military analysts here tary academy and moved directly to head Edi Sudrajat, in his capacity of chairman of for some time, he assumed his current po- the army. the Kartika Eka Paksi Foundation, handed sition in August 1990. “Faisal’s possible appointment to the over a donation of 11.2 billion rupiahs for Another round of promotions is, how- army chief position would serve as an indi- repair costs for the army barracks, ranging ever, expected in several months’ time, on or cation that Suharto is paying heed to mili- from 50-70-150 million rupiahs per battal- before the Armed Forces marks its 47th tary sentiment that there is a protocol that ion. Flanked by the army chief, President anniversary on October 5. ought to be followed. Most recognize Wis- Suharto appealed that all the unit com- ABRI’s latest announcement on moyo is capable and accept that he is a manders ought to be equipped with a high Wednesday, given low key coverage and would-be army chief,” a source said. “But I sense of social concern, as the success of carried without comment by some newspa- also do not think it would be wise if he were their duty will not be merely judged from pers here, said Navy chief M. Arifin, 55, pushed up any sooner, the sentiments being the success to prepare their subordinates. Air Force chief Sibun, also 55, and Police what they are about family connections. He The commanders should not only pay at- chief Kunarto, 52, were promoted to the will be a man in the right place in future tention to matters relating to exercises and four-star equivalent rank of Admiral, Air within the military at a time when Suharto shooting proficiency of their subordinates, Marshal and Police General respectively. completes his next term as president.” but also to enhancement of their social in- Prior to the promotion exercise, Army The other July 1 promotions were that of volvement in favour of the people, the head Commander Edi Sudrajat, 54, was the only ABRI’s Assistant Chief of Staff for Op- of state said, adding that the Armed Forces four-star general among ABRI’s service erations Sugeng Subroto and National De- members must also be attentive to condi- chiefs. Armed Forces Commander Try Su- fence Institute governor Sukarto, both to the tions of the people, state and nation. trisno was the country’s only other four- rank of Lt.-General and ABRI Inspector- East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 39

President Suharto as patron of the foun- WISMOYO PROMOTED TO “The planned replacement of several dation asserted that the soldiers would not Armed Forces officials is not because of the be able to concentrate on their duty per- DEPUTY CHIEF-OF-STAF F coming MPR meeting,” he stated. formance if their barracks are in bad con- Jakarta Post, 24 July 1992. Abridged Nurhadi confirmed that the Armed dition, or their children and wives are not in Forces General Staff chief, Vice Admiral good health. Comment: Wismoyo’s promotion to the Sudibyo Raharjo, would enter a pension As a commander, the president recalled army’s general staff has long been seen as a period on July 27 and hand over his post to that he had often seen the impact of a note move that will strengthen Suharto’s grip. Lieutenant General Faisal Tanjung, who is received by a subordinate from his family. There have been forecasts that such a pro- currently the commander of the Army Staff No matter the size of the aid to repair the motion would arouse strong resistance and Command College. barrack, the important thing is the among the so-called ‘HANKAM group,’ The post of deputy chief of staff of the commander’s attention to improve the fate centered around Benny Murdani. Suharto Army, Lieutenant General Sahala Ra- of his subordinates, the president stressed. seems to have scored again with the latest jagukguk, will be handed over to Major promotions, with no sign of protest among General Wismoyo Arismunandar, who is INDONESIAN MILITARY TO other generals. Feisal is also being awarded now the commander of the Army Strategic by Suharto for taking on the rather messy SET UP TV STATION Command (Kostrad). task of rebuking the army for the Dili mas- Brig. Gen. Kuntara, the current com- sacre. Green Left Weekly, issue 63, July 22 mander of the Army Special Unit (Kopassus), will replace Maj. Gen. Wis- By Michael Tardif Major Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar, moyo. Brig. Gen. Kuntara will hand over his The Indonesian military (ABRI) plans to commander of the army’s Strategic Com- current post to Colonel Tarub, his deputy establish its own television station. Chief of mand, KOSTRAD, [and brother-in-law of commander. staff Vice Admiral Soedibyo Rahardjo an- President Suharto] will be promoted to the Lt. Gen. Sugeng Subroto, who is to enter nounced the plan at the opening ceremony position of deputy chief of staff of the a pension period will hand over his post as for three new military radio stations. army, replacing Lt. Gen. Sahala Rajagukguk. operations assistant to the Armed Forces’ The move is seen by many as a response The other generals being promoted are Lt. general chief of staff to Maj. Gen. H.B.L. to the continued erosion of ABRI’s civil General Feisal Tanjung, at present Mantiri, who is currently the commander of powers. commander of the army’s Staff and Com- the 9th Udayana Military Region. After the bloody coup in 1965, the ABRI mand School, SESKOAD, who will replace Maj. Gen. Asmono, the intelligence as- promoted the idea of “dual function” as a Vice Admiral Sudibyo Rahardjo as armed sistant to the Armed Forces’ general chief justification for its extensive intervention forces chief of general staff, and Brig. Gen- of staff, will transfer his post to Brig. Gen. into civil society. The military had a dual eral Kuntara, now command of the army’s Bantu Hariyo, who is currently the G role: to defend the nation and to provide a crack KOPASSUS unit, who will take over [expansion unknown] director of the Intel- stable hand in the development process. Wismoyo’s present post. General Try Su- ligence Agency (BAIS). The latter role became the basis upon trisno confirmed last night he had already Maj. Gen. Suwardi, who is currently the which serving officers took up positions in signed the promotion papers. He did not commander of the 4th Sriwijaya Military the government bureaucracy and manage- say where Sahala and Sudibyo would be Region, will replace Maj. Gen. H.B.L ment positions in the private economy. posted. Mantiri as commander of the 9th Udayana Although President Suharto initially de- Also, Brig General Mangindaan will be- Military Region. rived his authority from his position as a come commander of the Trikora military Suwardi’s post will be handed over to military leader, in the 1970s he began to rely command which covers Irian Jaya and F.X. Sujasmin, who is currently the chief of more on civilian methods of legitimising his Maluku, replacing Maj. General Abinowo. staff of the 4th Sriwijaya Military Region. regime. The passing of a generation within Gen. Try also acknowledged that Lt. The post of the commander of the 6th the military also resulted in privatisation of General Dading Kalbuadi, inspector-general Tanjungpura Military Region will be much of the military’s business interests of the Defence Ministry will soon be handed over from Maj. Gen. Rusmadi Siddik and thus an erosion of its economic power. replaced. “The matter is under discussion to Maj. Gen. Mutojib, who is currently Today the higher echelons of government with the minister,” he said. Other who will holding the post as the commander of the are increasingly civilian. The ideological take up new posts are Lt. General Sugeng Army Central Territorial Command. significance of dual function has been Subroto and Lt. General Harsudino Hartas. Maj. Gen. Rusmadi Siddik will soon en- downgraded in favour of intensive ter a pension period. ideological campaigns around the official SPOKESMAN ON UPCOMING state ideology, Panca Sila. MILITARY LEADERSHIP YOUNGER COMMANDERS ABRI remains a significant political force, but while the Suharto regime uses CHANGES STRENGTHEN MILITARY’S military force to rule, the social and political Jakarta, July 25 (OANA-ANTARA) - POWER GRIP interests of the military are not its first The transfer of posts of several senior of- IPS, Jakarta, Aug. 4 - Younger, more concern. ficials of the Armed Forces in the near fu- Public debate on the role of the military professional officers took over key com- ture has no connections with the coming mand positions in the Indonesian armed is becoming commonplace. Recently, leading meeting of the People’s Consultative As- political scientists Miriam Budiardjo and forces (ABRI) recently, indicating the mili- sembly (MPR) or other causes, but is tary will retain its grip on power for some- Arbi Sanit told a parliamentary hearing that solely intended for progress and refreshing, the 100 parliamentary seats reserved for the time yet, analysts say. the Armed Forces spokesman, Brigadier ABRI has dominated this country’s gov- military should be reduced to strengthen General Nurhadi, said here on Friday. democracy. ernment for decades but outcries over the Page 40 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. blurring of civil-military lines have been He added that the system, compared to these three groups and any other anti-gov- increasing in the past few years. those in other countries, had its advantages ernment groups collectively as the security Recent events in Thailand have led to because it prevented conflicts that could disturbing movement or GPK. louder criticisms of the Indonesian military divide the nation and disrupt the develop- Sudradjat said it was the task of the Ind- in the last three months. ment process. onesian army to solve once and for all the But hopes for a change in the set-up were Jakarta-based political analysts say, disturbances led by GPK, be it in Aceh, dashed by last month’s promotion of over however, that the drastic reduction of the Irian Jaya or elsewhere. 30 generals and colonels – all graduates of military’s political influence in Thailand the National Military Academy, with many following its violent crackdown on pro-de- MOLUCCANS’ coming from the Special Forces – to mocracy protesters there in April have put FIELDS OF DREAMS important posts, strengthening ABRI’s hold ABRI on notice. on power. They add that ABRI is now reviewing its IPS, Amsterdam, Guido de Bruin, July Said a political analyst in Jakarta: “This future role without jeopardizing its rele- 15 - Moluccan leaders in exile are arguing on paves the way for the exit of the 1945 gen- vance to preserving national stability and how best to achieve independence for their eration of officers, who played a major role security. But while “they realize the need Indonesian-controlled islands. Their debate in the struggle for independence and the for changes,” an analyst noted, “an entirely is not a new one. It has been raging for the entry of younger, more professional sol- open system is still not in the cards.” past 40 years. diers.” Still, Suharto broke precedent recently by Former mathematics teacher Johan The influential Tempo newsmagazine, announcing he is giving the responsibility of Manusama believes in a peaceful road to meanwhile, described the move as “part of forming major policies for the next five democracy, while his militant counterpart (the government’s) attempts to reinforce years to the House of Representatives. In Peter Tatipikalawan sees armed struggle as national stability, if only for the next five the past, the Indonesian president formu- the only feasible route. years.” lated the policies, subject to the approval of Part of a 45,000 strong community that President Suharto, a former army general, the House. fled newly independent Indonesia four dec- took over in 1965 following an aborted Meanwhile, observers are anticipating the ades ago, the two men are waging their ar- communist coup attempt. He is expected to appointment of Major General Wismoyo gument in the Netherlands, thousands of be re-elected for another five-year term by Arismunandar as deputy army chief of staff. miles away from their homeland. Primarily the people’s consultative assembly in He is expected to take over the top army members of the Dutch colonial army in In- March 1993. post, traditionally considered a stepping donesia, the Moluccans came to the Neth- But while the new order under General stone to the presidency, when General Edi erlands in 1951 following Indonesia’s sup- Suharto brought in a period of political Sudradjat retires in the next few years. pression of the short-lived Republic of the stability enabling much-needed economic President Suharto himself has not given any South-Moluccas (RMS). reforms and development to take place, his hints about his eventual successor. More than 40 years later, neither diplo- ascendance to the presidency also landed the matic manoeuvering nor efforts to launch an military its present prominent position. armed struggle have brought the exiles closer In recognition of the army’s contribution PROBLEMS IN THE to their ideal of a renewed RMS. to the national revolution, ABRI was ac- INDONESIAN EMPIRE Manusama’s hopes now lie in the world- corded the unique dual function (dwi fungsi) wide movement toward democracy. as both a defense and socio-political force in “Who would have thought two years ago society. The concept was promulgated as SEPARATISM IS DAMAGING that the Baltic states would gain their inde- law in 1982. NATIONAL PROSPERITY pendence?” asks the 81-year-old self-pro- But critics are now calling for a reduction claimed president in exile. of ABRI’s role in civilian affairs. Spe- UPI. 15 July 1992. Abridged. The RMS government-in-exile is a cifically under attack is the assignment to member of the Unrepresented Nations and The head of the Indonesian army Friday the military of one-fifth of seats in the Peoples Organization (UNPO) – an organi- demanded a concerted push to wipe out the House of Representatives and 100 seats in zation which Manusama believes can help country’s remaining militant separatists, the People’s Consultative Assembly. Moluccans gain international support for saying they were preventing further eco- The assembly elects the president and their struggle for self-determination. nomic development. formulates broad outlines of state policy A veteran of the campaign to restore General Edi Sudradjat said in remarks every five years. Moluccan rights, Manusama accuses the carried by the Indonesian media that the The two minority political parties have United Nations of ignoring the plight of his military must consider the problem of sepa- also frequently claimed the ruling Golkar people. ratists as directly tied to the nation’s pros- Party, which includes the military, has been An Amnesty International report, pub- perity. “That’s why all kinds of separatist enjoying undue privileges while their own lished July 13, charges Indonesia with hu- movements led by any group of extremists political activities have been curtailed. man rights abuses over the past 20 years, that want to divide the unity of the Indones- Suharto has defended the military from including the unlawful arrest and killing of ian Republic must be wiped out,” Sudradjat the recent round of criticisms by saying the opposition figures across the archipelago said. special political powers given to it ensures it from Aceh to North Sumatra, Irian Jaya and The military currently is fighting three will always act within the constitution. East Timor. main separatist groups - the Free Aceh “If ABRI is excluded from the process of These abuses coupled with the lack of Movement or ‘Aceh Merdeka,’ in Aceh, determining state policies,” said Suharto international intervention have persuaded Fretilin in the troubled former Portuguese during the 19th anniversary celebration of Tatipikalawan that armed struggle is the colony of East Timor and the Free Papua the National Youth Congress, “it may take only road open to the Moluccans. up arms if it feels unhappy about certain Movement or OPM in the eastern province legislation or strategies.” of Irian Jaya. The government refers to East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 41

Tatipkalawan favors UNPO but believes INDONESIA REJECTS UNPO Van Walt Van Praag acknowledges that in it has no muscle to achieve its goals. some cases there is a thin line between “Peoples who want to liberate themselves IPS, The Hague, Guido de Bruin, July 15 armed rebel groups and terrorists and a case have to take up arms,” he says matter of - The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples in point is the Kurdish Workers Party factly. Organization (UNPO), which takes pride in (PKK), which represents the Kurds in Tur- In 1990, Tatipikalawan left the RMS fighting for the cause of minority groups, is key. UNPO’s steering committee and gen- government to found a group aimed at uni- distancing itself and its ideology from ethnic eral conference are currently considering a fying those Moluccanese “frustrated by strife brought on by a wave of nationalist Kurdish application for membership. Manusama.” sentiment. Another criterion for UNPO membership Tatipkalawan maintains contacts with “The UNPO does not create nationalism. is that aspiring organizations must be seen armed groups in Aceh, East Timor and Nationalism just exists, and can be used to represent the majority of their people. Papua – “all colonized by the Javanese sov- both positively and negatively,” says Dutch “We don’t want to be an organization of ereign” – and with his brethren in the UNPO secretary-general Michiel Van Walt marginal groups,” says Van Walt Van Praag, Moluccan islands, who, he says, are sup- Van Praag. although he admits that in practice, it is pressed by Indonesia and want Moluccans By saying this, Van Walt Van Praag was always difficult to prove if an organization in exile to launch an armed struggle. trying to clear his organization and its ideals is representative of the majority. But Manusama, who started his career as of promoting disintegration by fueling For example, the Moluccan people from defense minister of the short-lived republic nationalist sentiment which has caused the Indonesian archipelago have two gov- in 1950, strongly rejects the use of force to ethnic strife in countries like Bosnia- ernments-in-exile, one of which is an UNPO realize the Moluccan dream. “If we reach Herzegovina and the former Soviet repub- member. “It is difficult to gauge the support our goal through military action against lics. that each government has in the Moluccas,” Indonesia, the result would be a Moluccan Formed in February 1991 to give unrep- Van Walt Van Praag says, adding that state with a military dictatorship,” he says. resented peoples worldwide a voice, the UNPO will try to monitor shifts in support Manusama harked back to the 1970s organization will be recognized for its ef- bases of member organizations. when young Moluccans hijacked two trains, forts tomorrow when it is presented with At the moment the UNPO is considering and occupied a school and the Indonesian the 1992 “International Social Inventions some 32 new membership applications, consulate in the Netherlands – events which, Award” in a London ceremony. including those of the World Council of he says, have harmed the Moluccan cause. In its report, the London-based Institute Indigenous Peoples, the National Coalition “If your goals are good, the means have to for Social Inventions said it was rewarding Government of Burma, East Timor, the be good as well,” he says. UNPO for providing “a legitimate interna- Sahrawi Republic, the Ethnic Minority But Manusama no longer has a monop- tional forum and critically needed services Rights Organization of Nigeria and the oly on pursuing peaceful means to satisfy for nations and peoples who are not repre- Hungarians in Romania. Moluccan aspirations. Hatuniasa Sounauwe sented at the United Nations, yet who often But even if these organizations are all recently established his own government-in- face devastating human and environmental accepted in the UNPO fold at the next gen- exile which intends to work through the rights abuses.” eral conference in January, the organization United Nations. He has already managed to “It is UNPO’s objective to lead national- will still only represent a fraction of the get the Moluccans on the agenda of the ism, where it exists, into positive channels,” world’s unrepresented peoples. United Nations working group on indige- adds Van Walt Van Praag. “UNPO does not “It has been a conscious choice to begin nous peoples. represent specific members, but only helps small. If you start with 200 members, you UNPO is also open to Sounauwe’s re- its members to better represent themselves.” can’t effectively help them,” Van Walt Van public of the Moluccas. At the moment UNPO has 21 members Praag explains. “It is difficult to gauge the support that including Tibet, Taiwan, the aboriginal He adds that UNPO aims at a regional each government has in the Moluccas,” says Australians, Kurdistan and Zanzibar. It has balance in its representation, which means UNPO secretary-general Michiel Van Walt sent observer missions to monitor the that in the near future peoples in the former Van Praag. March referendum in Tatarstan and the Soviet Union – which are eager to join UN- Tatipikalawan views Sounauwe’s initia- May elections in Kurdistan and Kosovo. PO – will probably have to wait in line be- tive as a move into unknown territory. And more recently, UNPO has been hind African peoples’ delegations for ex- Lurking behind his skepticism are geo- making attempts to mediate between the ample. graphical divisions among the Moluccans government of Georgia and the leaders of the Van Walt Van Praag says that to his in- themselves. He dismisses Sounauwe’s claim people of Abkhazia, occupying the itial surprise, most governments, with the of support in both the north and south of country’s northern territory. exception of China and Indonesia, welcomed the islands. The South-Moluccan Islands, According to Van Walt Van Praag, these the part the UNPO is playing. This, he says Tatipkalawan, will have to be liberated missions have contributed to the prevention believes, is because of the “impartial” stance before a union with the north can be of violence. “As soon as violence erupts, taken by the organization. considered. political problems often turn into ethnic “If we identified with, for example, the For his part, Sounauwe claims that the problems.” Tatar cause, it would be very difficult to concept of unity has gained ground in the The UNPO only admits members who help other peoples who need support from Moluccan islands. He admits having few denounce terrorism, although armed rebel the Russian government,” he says, adding: followers among the community in the groups are not discriminated against. “I think the awareness among governments Netherlands, but says his following is large “The organization exists to provide an that these kinds of problems cannot be ig- in the islands themselves where opposition alternative to violence, so if we exclude nored and must be discussed is growing.” to an armed struggle is widespread. armed groups we only force them to be violent,” Van Walt Van Praag explains, adding that violence is often an effective way to get international attention. Page 42 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

ACEHNESE REFUGEES IN TAPOL strongly condemns the Malay- force against an unarmed crowd was 18 sian Government for disregarding its re- months,” Asia Watch said. UNHCR: UPDATE sponsibility under international law to rec- The Indonesian military announced last TAPOL, the Indonesia Human Rights ognise the principle of non-refoulement, week that an estimated 66 people still re- Campaign, issued the following Press which is binding on all states. This places an mained missing in the aftermath of the Dili Release on Friday, 17 July 1992: obligation on all states not to send any shootings, which left at least 50 people person against their will to a country where dead. ACEHNESE REFUGEES IN DANGER IF they would be at risk of human rights abuse. The military said the search for the THEY LEAVE UNHCR COMPOUND TAPOL calls on all human rights missing people was continuing. Forty-three Acehnese refugees who took organisations in Malaysia and elsewhere to Asia Watch also cited the Indonesian refuge in the Kuala Lumpur office of the UN urge the Malaysian government to allow the government for its failure to resolve the High Commission for Refugees on 22 June UNHCR unhindered access to interview all disappearance of men taken into custody are being issued Refugee Identity Cards. But Acehnese who consider themselves to be at during the 1989-91 counterinsurgency cam- the UNHCR official in Kuala Lumpur, Mr risk, in order to grant refugee status where paign in Aceh. Sten Bronee, told them Thursday that if appropriate and provide the necessary It urged Baker to raise in particular the they leave the compound he could not protection against arrest and forced case of Mahdi Yusuf, deputy secretary of guarantee their safety as the Malaysian repatriation. the local branch of the Muslim-backed Government is refusing to recognise them as For more information, contact TAPOL: United Development Party, who along with political refugees. He is reported as saying Phone: 081 771-2904, Fax: 081 653-0322. four other men remained missing and were that negotiations with Malaysian officials feared dead after reportedly being taken have so far proved inconclusive. Malaysia THE ACEHNESE from their jail cells in early March 1991. still insists on regarding them as ‘illegal DISAPPEARED The group called on the Indonesian gov- immigrants,’ subject to arrest and ernment to conduct a full impartial investi- deportation to Indonesia. UPI, Jakarta, July 22 - Asia Watch, in a gation of Mahdi’s case, as well as many The UNHCR told the refugees they highly critical assessment of the govern- other cases of alleged disappearances and could stay on indefinitely, a grim prospect. ment’s human rights record, called extrajudicial executions in Aceh. Alternatively, they could leave the com- Wednesday for an accounting of the dead It also demanded Indonesia be encouraged pound, surrender to the Malaysian authori- and missing in East Timor and in the largely to invite a team from the U.N. Working ties and be ‘taken North.’ This apparently Muslim province of Aceh. Group on Disappearances to visit Aceh. means joining Acehnese refugees who fled to The U.S.-based human rights group, in a Asia Watch, along with the London- Malaysia last year and are now being held in letter addressed to Secretary of State James based human rights monitoring group Am- prisons in Penang, Kedah and Perak. Baker and made available to reporters in nesty International, last year accused Ind- TAPOL warmly welcomes the efforts by Jakarta, asked Baker to raise the issues onesian troops of resorting to summary the UNHCR in Kuala Lumpur to afford the during a meeting of Asian leaders next week executions, torture and arbitrary arrests in Acehnese protection. It warned the in Manila. their drive to crush the Free Aceh Move- UNHCR last month that Acehnese political Asia Watch said it welcomed the Ind- ment rebels. refugees would be in grave danger, were they onesian government’s appointment of a Indonesian authorities have denied the to be repatriated to Indonesia and handed commission to investigate the Nov. 12 mas- allegations. over to the military authorities. Thousands sacre of unarmed civilians by government of Acehnese have been murdered in the past troops in the East Timor capital Dili and its DIPLOS TALK ON ACEHNESE two years by Indonesian troops during stated willingness to prosecute soldiers. operations to destroy the Free Aceh But Asia Watch criticized the discrep- Reuter, Kuala Lumpur, July 22 - Indo- Movement which is known to have ancy between the lenient sentences given to nesia and Malaysia are holding talks over considerable support in several parts of members of the military and the heavy jail some 40 Acehnese from Sumatra island Aceh. terms handed down to dissidents accused of seeking political asylum in Kuala Lumpur, Besides the 43 who have taken refuge leading anti-government protests. Deputy Foreign Minister Abdullah Fadzil with the UNHCR, more than 200 are in “More than six months after the massa- Che Wan said on Wednesday. custody. They are what remain of more than cre in Dili on Nov. 12, the questions about The 43 Acehnese, including women and 400 who fled to Malaysia last year. The rest who fired the shots and who disposed of the children, have been camping in the com- have been repatriated to Indonesia, almost bodies remain unanswered,” Asia Watch pound of the United Nations High Commi- certainly against their will. UNHCR officials said in the letter to Baker. ssioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office here in Malaysia have, throughout, been refused Asia Watch urged Baker to raise several for more than a month. access to the detainees, whereas Indonesian key Asian human rights issues including “(Malaysian) Foreign Minister Abdullah officials have been given unlimited access, in those involving Indonesia at the meeting Ahmad Badawi has met his Indonesian order to cajole the refugees into returning next week in Manila of the Association of counterpart Ali Alatas to discuss the plight home. Southeast Asian Nations. of the Acehnese,” he told Reuters. Free Aceh Movement contacts in Ma- The group said the sentences given those Abdullah Fadzil said the two ministers laysia believe that there are another 1,500 accused of planning the demonstration in will continue their talks in Manila where Acehnese in Malaysia who fear forced re- Dili upon which the troops fired can only be they are currently attending a conference of patriation if they register with the authori- described as savage, with one man, who the Association of Southeast Asian Nations ties under a government decree requiring all committed no violence, sentenced to life in (ASEAN). ‘illegal immigrants’ to give themselves up by prison. Groups of people from Aceh have been 30 June this year. “By contrast, the highest sentence given arriving in small boats from their homeland to a soldier who deliberately used lethal on Sumatra across the Straits of Malacca since last March to escape what they said East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 43 was fighting between Indonesian armed He referred to the incident last year when The defendant had provided not only forces and Aceh Merdeka (Free Aceh) 261 Acehnese landed in Penang to seek ammunition but also food, a typewrite and separatist rebels. political asylum. He said that the Indonesian various necessities to the OPM. He sent the “It is difficult to determine if the Aceh- authorities have proof that some of the aid to a separatist leader identified as M.L nese are economic migrants or political GPK members have dual nationality. He Prawar [the OPM commander shot dead by refugees,” Abdullah Fadzil said. showed the Utusan Malaysia two red Indonesian troops in May this year] However, he gave the assurance that Malaysian identity cards which were con- through an accomplice named Yonas Flasi Malaysian authorities would not enter the fiscated from two GPK members who were from Jayapura. [Jakarta Post, 21 July 1992] UNHCR compound to detain the Acehnese. arrested recently. “We cannot do that,” he said. Commander Pramono exp ressed under- SUPPORT ACEHNESE The London-based Indonesian human standing for Malaysia’s position, but, even REFUGEES IN MALAYSIA rights group Tapol said over the weekend a though, under Malaysia law, GPK members UNCHR official had told the Acehnese that cannot be arrested and returned to In- Letter writing campaign to UNHCR Malaysia was refusing to grant them politi- donesia, the authorities from the two coun- cal asylum. tries can try to reach an understanding. TAPOL has written the following letter to Mr Tapol said the official told the Acehnese In negotiations last year, Malaysia agreed S. Chetty, Deputy Director of the Division of they could either stay on indefinitely or to arrest arriving Acehnese as illegal International Protection of the UN High surrender to the authorities. immigrants and to return them on a volun- Commission for Refugees, on 27 July 1992. UNHCR officials were not available for tary basis. Some 60 per cent of the 261 All organisations with an interest in the comment. Acehnese who landed in Penang last year problem of the stranded Acehnese refugees agreed to return home after both govern- are asked to take similar action. ACEH’S MILITARY ments gave guarantees that no acts of re- Dear Mr Chetty, COMMANDER WARNS venge would be taken against them. Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Gha- TAPOL is, as you may well realise, MALAYSIA far Baba reiterated on Wednesday ((22 July) deeply concerned regarding the fate of that the Malaysian government would not Acehnese refugees in Malaysia, not only the Kompas, 25 July 1992 Dateline: Kuala give Acehnese political asylum. Sources in 43 who are still at the UNHCR office in Lumpur Unabridged Kuala Lumpur say that some 200 are in Kuala Lumpur, but also the several hundred This Kompas news item is based on an in- detention in various camps and prisons in in lock-ups, as well as many more ‘at large’ terview published in the Malaysian daily, Penang, Kedah and Perak because they en- who do not want to register with as ‘illegal ‘Utusan Malaysia,’ which appeared on the tered the country illegally. immigrants’ by 30 June last for fear of being paper’s front page on 23 July. Last month, 43 others, including women forced to return home to Aceh. At this moment, I would like to urge you ABRI [the Indonesian armed forces] is and children tried to get refugee status at the office of the UN High Commission for to save the 43 now at your premises in KL afraid that the Aceh GPK (security disrup- by seeking third country asylum for them. I tor gangs, the official term used for the Free Refugees in Kuala Lumpur. Some of the 43 admit to being GPK members. have been given to understand that they Aceh Movement) may be using Malaysia as have been advised to ‘go up North,’ what- its main hiding place. In an exclusive ever that may mean. However, the official interview, the paper quotes the commander TWO WEST PAPUAN OPM statement made last week by Malaysia’s of the Bukit Barisan/Ist Regional Military SUPPORTERS SENTENCED Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Ghafar Baba, Command, Major-General R. Pramono as refusing to recognise their status as refugees saying that the two countries together can From TAPOL, 25 July. - despite the fact that they have already prevent such a development if they take 1. OPM SYMPATHISER JAILED been issued with UNHCR Refugee Identity immediate action. The general said that Cards - means that the moment they step An Indonesian court in Irian Jaya has many GPKs cause disruption in Aceh with outside your office, they are liable to jailed a local man to five years for supplying the intention of taking refuge in Malaysia. immediate arrest and possible deportation. food and ammunition to a local separatist He said that many GPK members are Bearing in mind the Malaysian gov- group, it was reported yesterday in Jakarta. living quite freely in Malaysia although they ernment’s attitude, your ability to provide Kompas said a court in Jayapura last are guilty of using violence against members them with protection would be rendered weekend found Yhezhiel Patay guilty of of the Indonesian army. “It seems as if there ineffective. subversion. The court said Patay, whose age is a place there for them to take refuge after Asylum in a third country is now surely was not given had since 1987 regularly causing trouble. I think it will not be good the only alternative available to them, of supplied members of the Papua Merdeka for regional stability in the long term if course with an assurance of safe passage movement with rice, sugar, coffee, dried Malaysia becomes their hiding place,” said from your premises to a point of departure. fish, tobacco and salt, as well as guns and Commander Pramono. He said that the I would be most grateful for your response ammunition. [Times of PNG, 14 July 1992] recent disturbances in Aceh are around an to this suggestion. I am sure that, to leave old issue which dates back to the revolt in 2. CIVIL SERVANT JAILED FOR HELP- them in their present condition is unaccept- the 1960s. The conflict in Aceh can be a test ING IRIAN SEPARATISTS able to all concerned. Could the Swedish or of the bilateral relations between the two The Jayapura district court has sentenced Dutch government not be prevailed upon to countries. a civil servant to five years and six months take them in? Some circles in Indonesia accuse certain in jail for supplying ammunition to Yours sincerely, groups and individuals in Malaysia of di- separatists in Irian Jaya. Presiding judge Carmel Budiardjo rectly helping the GPK, but the commander declared Naftali Usior, 28, guilty of sub- PS: A clipping from last Thursday’s would not give any details. version for supporting “enemies of the Straits Times follows. country.” Page 44 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

Please fax your letters for Mr Chetty to 41 ons High Commissioner for Refugees chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement. It 22 731-9546. (UNHCR) for the past five weeks after groups 105, mostly developing, countries. fleeing their homeland in northern Indonesia. In spite of being branded by critics as ir- LORD AVEBURY LAMBASTES “They want the United Nations High relevant after the end of the Cold War, the UNHCR ON ACEH Commissioner for Refugees and Malaysia to movement still had a place in the modern Original document 26 July 1992 resettle them in a third country,” spokesman world, Juwono said. Ismail Sahpudra Abdul Rahman, a member “The summit is still an important meet- Lord Avebury, chairman of the Parliamen- of the Aceh Merdeka (Free Aceh) ing to show some defiance (of the industrial tary Human Rights Group, wrote the fol- movement, said by telephone. world) and an assertion of our being,” he lowing letter to Shun Chetty, Deputy Di- Dozens of Acehnese have fled across the said. rector, Division of International Protection Straits of Malacca to Malaysia since last Wealthy countries should listen to the of the UN High Commission for Refugees: March from what they said was fighting problems of the less well off and either offer Dear Mr Chetty, between Indonesian troops and Aceh help or face threats such as those presented I wrote to you on July 9 about the par- Merdeka separatist rebels. by Third World leaders like Iraq’s President lous situation of the Achenese refugees in Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Saddam Hussein and Cuban leader Fidel Malaysia and have had no reply. Now we Abdul Ghafar Baba has said Kuala Lumpur Castro, he said. have learnt of the Malaysian Deputy Prime will not give political asylum to people “If the rich don’t provide enough suste- Minister Ghafar Baba’s appalling statement, fleeing from Aceh. nance the poor will rise up.” reported in the Straits Times of July 23, Ismail said the Acehnese would continue that the Malaysian Government had no to remain at the UNHCR office until they THE HIDDEN WAR intention of granting asylum to any of the were resettled. (OPM IN WEST PAPUA) refugees ‘as we have no reason to believe the “They have no intention of surrendering situation is that bad in Indonesia.’ to Malaysian authorities...they have vowed 29 July 1992 New Zealand Herald By I must say that throughout this whole to stay on (at the UNHCR compound),” he James Matthews. added. crisis, I have been extremely disappointed Feature article with photos by Mrs Ogata’s and your failure to respond The London-based Indonesian human to my urgent pleas, and I have to confess rights group Tapol said recently a UNHCR [Intro] JAMES MATTHEWS ventures into that criticisms made by Tengku Hasan di official had told the Acehnese that they a rugged land long closed to European re- Tiro in Amsterdam recently appear to me to could stay on indefinitely or surrender to porters, and finds a guerrilla army whose be fully justified. When Parliament reas- the authorities. cause the West chooses to ignore. sembles in October, I intend moving a token The last “whiteman” who entered Irian reduction in the UK’s contribution to INDONESIAN Jaya to report the struggle between indige- UNHCR operations, so that we can have a ‘DISINTEGRATION’ ANGST nous West Papuans and the Indonesian thorough discussion of your supine behav- Army had his throat slit from ear to ear with iour, and your omission to ask third coun- Reuter, Jakarta, Jonathan Thatcher, July his Swiss Army knife. The body of Swedish tries if they will accept any of the refugees 29 - Indonesia faces a danger of following film maker Per-Ove Carlsson was found in accepted as such by the UNHCR and now Yugoslavia into disintegration and should be the border town of Kiunga in May. The film threatened with return to certain death by spurred by the Non-Aligned summit it he had taken of West Papuan refugees was the Malaysian authorities. hosts in September to overcome inequality missing. In the meanwhile, since we need to do at home, a political commentator said on So, I did not know what to exp ect as I something as a matter of urgency to save the Wednesday. was passed down a chain of contacts to get lives of these refugees, I am appealing to the “I would like the summit (from Septem- access to the Free Papua Movement British Prime Minister as President of the ber 1-6) to spur Indonesia to overcome its (OPM). European Community to ask the own inequities,” Juwono Sudarsono, dean of In order to get to my last contact, who Malaysians for discussions on the resettle- social and political science at the University was going to secure my path to the OPM, I ment of the refugees. Mrs Ogata should of Indonesia, told reporters. had been met nervously behind sago palms, have done this herself, and I very much He cited land issues, urban unemploy- passing code words in the dark, and dodging deplore the fact that you leave me to take ment and the gap between the compara- a melange of spooks mingling at the border. this initiative privately, when you could tively rich western half of the tropical ar- I had a quick lesson in evangelistic style have done so with the backing and prestige chipelago and the very poor eastern islands. so that my somewhat shaky cover as a pas- of your office. The eastern half includes two of Indo- tor could be a little more secure. nesia’s most troubled provinces – East Ti- Irian Jaya was one of the world’s forgot- REFUGEES SUPPORT ACEH mor and Irian Jaya – and the government is ten conflicts. The same abuses were hap- now trying to lure businessmen to the re- pening there as in West Timor [sic], but few MERDEKA? gion. instances were reported. Reuter, Kuala Lumpur, July 28 - Forty- The unequal spread of wealth in the During my research no one could tell me three people from the troubled Indonesian country, which incorporates hundreds of much about the state of the OPM which had province of Aceh who have been denied different languages and ethnic groups in begun its fight for liberation when Indonesia political asylum by Malaysia want to be some 16,000 islands, posed a threat to its took control in 1963. During that time West resettled in a third country, their spokesman unity, Juwono said. Papuans claimed 100,000 had been killed by said on Tuesday. “We are worried about Indonesia disin- the Indonesian oppressors. The Acehnese, including women and tegrating,” he said, pointing to the collapse Most observers assume that the OPM children, have been camping in makeshift of Yugoslavia which Indonesia succeeds as has become increasingly irrelevant and torn tents at the compound of the United Nati- by factions since the exile of the fathers of East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 45 the movement Jacob Prai and Seth Rumko- “John” places the movement between “The people and the OPM have to have rem in the mid-1980s. steps one and two and says that they will the right attitude,” he says. “The political Finally arriving at what I learned later reach stage four in about three or four years. perspective has to be in the forefront of the was Central Command of Zone V, I was Over the last year there has been a military struggle. surprised to find that a new order OPM had minimal amount of conflict. “That’s why Bougainville has hit a arisen with new cohesion, ideas and energy. The OPM are using this time as a con- deadlock in its secessionist demands ... there Central Command was a well organised solidation phase, making use of Vietnam’s was no political dimension to the military military village of about 600 people. There General Vo Nguyen Giap’s policy “You struggle. were 200 soldiers there but I saw evidence lose today to win tomorrow.” “People have to know the importance of of 600 more in a flag-raising ceremony. The Indonesians have implemented a having independence. Our struggle has to However, “Colonel John,” an architect “smiling policy” to try to isolate the OPM, have political colour. The old order were and leader of the new order, told me West but “John” sees this as a psychological game only concerned with the military struggle.” Papua is now broken up into eight military where they have to smile back harder. The education effort extends to student zones with an average of six battalions in On the possibility of joint border patrols groups, trade unions, farmers’ organisations. each, with battalions numbering between between the Indonesians and PNG (a joint Convincing the international community to 800 to 1000. This means that the number of military agreement was signed between the accept the cause is another challenge. soldiers in the Tenpenal, the military wing two in Jakarta on November 25 last year), The Indonesians are only starting to real- of the OPM is nearly 50,000. he comments: “We will target the PNG ise that human rights abuses do not intimi- Previously most people thought there soldiers and civilians, not the Indonesian date the West Papuans. They tend to swell were only several hundred fighting under a soldiers. We have to show the PNG gov- the ranks of the OPM. loose organisation. It is more likely there are ernment this is not the right course of action “Clementine,” a woman in Central many more poorly equipped nominal to adopt.” Command came from a village that was shot resistance fighters operating under a tighter The military preparation involves in- up by the Indonesian army in 1985 because organisation. creased levels of discipline so “when the it was accused of being an OPM village. What they lack in automatic weapons little man hits the big man his punch can be As an example to other villages of what and modern communications systems, they effective. would happen if they sympathised, the make up for in conviction. Everyone I in- Over the last 18 months “John” has used soldiers took two pregnant women and cut terviewed expressed an absolute commitm- skills he acquired overseas to give his sol- out the foetuses, then stuck them on poles ent. diers intensive training in explosives tech- and pulled out their intestines and wrapped “David” was an original member of the niques, improved guerrilla warfare methods them around their bodies. Tenpenal forces from 1969. “For the and economic terrorism - the many foreign- “The Indonesians are stupid,” says struggle I lost a brother and my second-born owned companies in the area are an easy “Clementine.” son. My first-born, I have just learned, has way to focus attention on their cause. “This did not frighten us. It made us an- just been released from prison and is being On the old order and their factional gry so we joined the OPM.” looked after by a Catholic priest in fighting that has led to bloodshed and denied Stories of soldiers being caught and es- Merauke. He is not the same as he used to them money and guns, “John” comments: caping gives the movement morale and those be. My other two sons are OPM, and I will “The faction fighting of the old order is who die in combat become martyrs. For fight until I die.” symptomatic of a regional or tribal “Matthew,” who was one of my body- “Lucy,” who led the women’s movement mentality. This has been the disease that guards, if the Indonesians capture him again in the zone, stated with burning eyes and a many African nations have suffered from he will be shot. firm voice: “Even as you can see I am a and the new order refuses this tendency During his six months’ imprisonment, he woman, I have the heart of a man. I want to absolutely. was terrorised with a chainsaw and then walk first in line into warfare, into our vil- “Our idea is that simply everyone in beaten with the chains from the chainsaw. lages liberating our people.” West Papua is equal. We are educating West Another guard, “Baldasar,” was bashed with The harness for these convictions was Papuans to see themselves as a nation and human skulls and forced to eat bullets. Then “Colonel John.” He was a natural leader not a bunch of tribes. We want to endorse a he was interrogated for 10 days without who had an enormous amount of charisma type of proletariat mentality.” sleep and fed a spoonful of rice a day for and commanded unquestionable respect. Mobilisation patrols are sent out regu- two weeks. He supplemented his diet with He evoked images of Kurtz from Con- larly for periods of about six months to newspaper and what ever else he could find rad’s ‘Heart of Darkness,’ or of a young “raise the people’s solidarity and political before he escaped. Fidel Castro. At 35, he had two university consciousness.” The next patrol going out The OPM are outnumbered by a well degrees, was one of the first to organise was headed for the Asmat region where in equipped army thousands of times their border crossers to attract international at- some parts the culture has escaped destruc- size. They are also squeezed by the inter- tention and spent 18 months abroad training tion onset by the logging companies from action of PNG, Australia’s and Indonesia’s with other like-minded movements. (He Japan, Korea and the United States. foreign policies. The PNG government ac- refuses to say where). Here they are going to work out a strat- cepts the struggle as an internal matter. To In the new order’s political programme egy of resistance to cultural repression. The do otherwise would drag them into a conflict for independence there are four steps. The last mobilisation patrol to go through the a politically and economically unstable ship first two are preparation. The third is the Eastern Highlands told stories of “lost could not take on. establishment of a national congress and tribes” who had to be informed of the Australia has a vested interest in keeping solidarity with other countries to lead to the struggle. the OPM isolated to ensure friendly rela- fourth: a full scale military offensive to force “John” understands it will take time to tions continue with the Indonesians. Eco- a political solution. change people’s perceptions but he knows nomic interests in Indonesia, such as oil in political education is essential. the Timor Sea as well as extensive economic interests in PNG, bolster this position. Page 46 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

Moreover Australia is continually told its come and it came. Independence will come, come up for a vote on the House floor. I future is to negotiate with the Asian region. but this is the beginning of the struggle.” strongly request that you approve the bill For Australia to support a group that is when it does. The people of East Timor are considered a minor irritant, is too big a price OPM REBEL SURRENDERS waiting and need your help.” to pay for the backlash it would cause in Rep. Kolbe asked me about the massacre Jakarta. Reuter. 2 Aug. 92. Dateline: Jakarta. Un- in Dili and about the occupation of Ind- However, “John” sees room to move. abridged. onesian troops since 1975. He said that “Politics today is not the politics of tomor- Forwarded from janus. This is a re-write of “people have been telling me about this” and row. The changes in leadership that will an RRI broadcast itself quoting Antara. recognized the name East Timor right away. happen in Indonesia will present opportuni- He was very pleased to hear from someone ties for us. If the new leadership adopts an A rebel leader in the remote Indonesian about the matter. There was a large group of aggressive foreign policy then Australia will province of Irian Jaya has surrendered to the people around him waiting to ask him other want to use the OPM as a countervailing military with his two wives and seven questions. I made sure to speak loudly so force to this. children, regional commander Major General everyone could hear. The only thing that “A change in leadership might mean Abinowo was quoted on Sunday as saying. really concerned me was him saying, “I continuing instability in Jakarta which could David Jebleb, a leader of the Free Papua don’t think the US gives Indonesia that lead to the break up of the Javanese- con- Movement (OPM), voluntarily surrendered much money,” implying, at least in my trolled empire. You have to remember it is recently, Abinowo said, quoted by the of- opinion, that stopping all aid to Indonesia not so long ago that the Soviet empire split ficial news agency Antara. from the US is not going to change anything. up.” The OPM rebel group is fighting in the I explained to him that HR 5176 is not only It is only by exploiting changes in the jungles of Irian Jaya to create an independ- to terminate aid to Indonesia, but region when they occur that the OPM has ent state in the western half of New Guinea, specifically targets Indonesia’s aggression any chance of achieving independence. On free from Jakarta’s rule. towards East Timor. He shook his head, the PNG side, a change in the status quo - a Abinowo said Jebleb had led a group of showing me he understood. younger leadership with different ideas - 32 insurgents operating in Yuruf, Ubrub and If anyone feels inspired by this, you might be more sympathetic to the OPM Wembri villages along the border with Papua aren’t alone. I was ecstatic afterwards! cause. The same could be true of a new New Guinea. This was my first real action for East administration in Indonesia. So presenting He expected other rebels would give up Timor, and I now feel I have a real connec- an effective and organised movement will soon after the surrender of their leader. tion to the East Timorese. add to credibility. Jakarta crushed armed resistance to In- Knowing you are a target for the Ind- donesian rule in Irian Jaya when it took over the territory from the Dutch in 1963, but AMERICAN -INDONESIAN onesian military is a harsh reality. EXCHANGE FOUNDATION On my third to last day with the OPM the OPM separatist movement retains we had stopped to fish and eat like we had many sympathisers. ESTABLISHED done many times. However, this time Xinhua, Jakarta, July 15 - Indonesia and “Matthew” heard a dull thudding sound in the United States signed a bilateral educa- the distance. EVENTS IN THE U.S. tional and cultural agreement here today, As the thudding gathered pace and clarity according to the United States Information the psychological threat I had lived with for Service (USIS) here. three weeks was suddenly smashed. It was REPORT ON Under the new agreement, the two coun- replace with the reality of a glass encased CONVERSATION WITH REP tries will encourage further development of Puma helicopter screaming over the canopy KOLBE (ETAN/SW) exchanges, with the intent to deepen just above us. knowledge and understanding of each My heart sank into my sandshoes and From Matt Cheselka, ETAN/Southwest 16 other’s history, civilization, institutions, fear pounded in my head. “Matthew” July 1992 literature and other cultural accomplish- grabbed me and rushed me deeper into the I attended a Town Hall meeting put on ments. jungle as the helicopter came around for the by Representative Kolbe (R) of Arizona, A binational organization in the name of second round. By now I had become sharper who represents my district in Tucson. the American-Indonesian Exchange Foun- and calculated in my reactions in a way I After the meeting I briefly talked to him dation is officially established, said the never felt before. about East Timor and gave him a packet agreement. The helicopter did not come around for a containing a copy of HR 5176, Resolution According to the USIS, the agreement is third time, but it left a tingle of adrenalin No. 42 of the US Conference of Mayors the first formal agreement of its kind be- circulating in my body for the rest of the (resolving to urge the President and Con- tween the two countries. day. gress to assist in the resolution of the East Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas On my last day at Central Command we Timorese conflict), Security Council Reso- and U.S. Ambassador John C. Monjo signed attended the funeral of the second person to lution 389 (1976), Security Council Reso- the agreement on behalf of their respective succumb to cerebral malaria in that week. lution 384(1975), General Assembly Reso- governments. Both were in their early twenties. I asked: lution 3485, and a copy of a Joint Statement “You have the will but do you have the to the European Community Summit on the U.S. URBAN SERVICES LOAN means to achieve independence?” situation in occupied East Timor. I also put “John” replied: “Nothing is impossible. a little cover letter with lines like, “These Xinhua, Jakarta, July 18 - Indonesia will It is only impossible if you are too lazy to documents reflect not only my concerns but obtain from the U.S. Agency for Interna- utilise your talents. See this eagle that sits also my wishes,” and “I urge you to do tional Development (USAID) 25 million on my shoulder? I waited patiently for it to anything in your power to allow this bill to East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 47

U.S. dollars in loan, according to Antara, the the release of any funds which would be We hope the bill you enact will not cur- national news agency of Indonesia. used for purposes other than those de- tail economic assistance such as: commercial Quoting the U.S. Embassy here, the scribed in (1) and (2) of the quoted language. and agricultural loans, technical assistance agency said that this loan will support the This could substantially affect the level of for private power and telecommunications provision of urban infrastructure to help economic assistance. development, grants for economic law and low-income Indonesians gain greater access If you feel that the consequences of the entrepreneurship development, and business to water, waste water treatment and other legislation as passed by the House with the education grants. This would lead to more basic urban services. accompanying report would have a detri- jobs for European and Japanese firms and The loan will support Indonesia’s new mental effect on your business or would less jobs for US companies. Starting in initiatives to expand the role of the private otherwise unfavorably affect US-Indonesia 1988, the US began on a selective basis to sector in financing municipal services and relations, you may wish to contact your mix traditional aid assistance with EXIM give priority to the basic needs of Indone- Senator and/or the members of the Senate export finance. Thus, more US firms are sia’s urban poor in the rapid growth of ur- Foreign Operations Sub-Committee. We winning contracts in Indonesia. US AID- ban areas. have enclosed a model letter for your con- funded technical advisors in power and venience. telecommunications have helped bring US AICC ENTERS TIMOR We will continue to monitor this bill and technical standards and US equipment into POLITICS! others that may be proposed and keep you Indonesia. informed. The Economic Law and Improved Pro- AMERICAN INDONESIAN CHAMBER Wayne Forrest curement Project (ELIPS), a US AID pro- OF COMMERCE Executive Director gram to help Indonesia write modern busi- “for business and understanding” –––––––––––––––- ness laws and government procurement July 21, 1992 1. The bill provides the appropriation for procedures, is an example of economic aid many forms of economic assistance to for- about to implemented by US AID. In our MEMBERSHIP ALERT eign governments and provides certain opinion, ELIPS is a crucial program with the Dear Chamber Member, conditions for use of the funds. potential to greatly improve the business I would like to alert you to legislation climate in Indonesia for US firms. now pending in the US Congress that could 711 3rd Ave, 17 fl, NY, NY 10017 American companies and those they curtail economic assistance to Indonesia and (212) 687-4505 Fax: (212) 867-9882 employ continue to enjoy the benefits of as a result adversely affect US-Indonesia DRAFT SAMPLE LETTER: doing business with Indonesia. We have all relations, HR 5368 (Foreign Operations, learned to be patient and persistent in our Dear Senator, Export Financing, and Related Programs attempts to expand, and most us have been Appropriation Bill 1993)1 , recently passed I am writing to express our views on rewarded. A steady, guiding hand is what is by the House, asks the US government to provisions of the foreign operations appro- called for in helping Indonesia cope with penalize Indonesia for the recent events in priations bill you are considering. In our East Timor. East Timor. Such penalties may directly or opinion, the House version of this bill (HR Sincerely, indirectly impact US firms doing business in 5368) unreasonably threatens US trade and Who To Write To: Indonesia. A Senate version of HR 5368 is investment flows to Indonesia, an important now being prepared by the Sub-Committee US market now and in the future. We dis- 1.) Senators from your firm’s state on Foreign Operations of the Senate Foreign agree with those sections of the report that 2.) Members of the Senate Foreign Opera- Relations Committee. accompanies HR 5368 which recommend tions Committee: HR 5368 ends International Military restricting aid to humanitarian, non-com- Education and Training (IMET) for Indo- mercial purposes. In an increasingly com- Majority - D nesia. The bill also imposes special notifi- petitive global economy, foreign economic Patrick Leahy, Chairman Daniel Inouye, cation provisions upon economic assistance assistance has become an important tool to Dennis DeConcini, Frank Lautenberg, Tom to Indonesia. It is our understanding that support exports and maintain and expand Harkin, Barbara Mikulski this would require the Administration to employment here in the US. Minority - R We believe the State Department and consult with Congress before obligating for Robert Kasten, Jr., Mark Hatfield, Al- Indonesia any funds appropriated by the Embassy in Indonesia have adequately re- sponded to the events that took place in fonse D’Amato, Warren Rudman, Arlen bill. The House Foreign Operations Sub- Specter, Don Nickles Committee (Appropriations) Report ac- East Timor. Although the deaths in Timor companying the bill contains the following are deplorable, it does not make sense for Addresses: statements with regard to Indonesia: the US to take steps that could lead to less SD-137 Dirksen Senate Office Building “The Committee also believes that US trade and investment between our two Washington, DC 20510 economic assistance should be limited to countries and the weakening of other part- programs, projects, and activities that (1) nerships such as military training. directly enhance basic human needs among We believe that you should oppose any ETAN/US SENATE UPDAT E the poor majority or (2) that address com- Senate version of HR 5368 that limits US pelling environmental problems. Cash economic and military training assistance. From Richard Koch, 31 July. transfers shall not be provided to the Go- Already Indonesia has taken actions rare in · Action in Senate Delayed vernment of Indonesia.” Asia to court-martial soldiers who fired on demonstrators and removed commanders. · Counterattack Against House IMET The combined effect would, we under- Cut Begins stand, allow Congress to put a hold on any US- trained officers have been moderates · Please Contact Senators Leahy, Kas- assistance to Indonesia and force the Ad- who have worked to reform the Indonesian ten, Hatfield and Byrd ministration to negotiate with Congress for military and other aspects of society. Page 48 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

A previous ETAN/US alert indicated that ING ON INDONESIA Held in Conjunction the Senate Foreign Operations Sub- with The United States Department of REPRESSION AND committee would mark up the foreign aid Commerce and The United States Depart- EVENTS IN EAST TIMOR bill the week of July 20. That action has ment of State and the Embassy of Indonesia. been delayed until September. You now Spend a day in Washington with U.S. have more time to phone/write/fax Senators government and private sector experts DEFENCE SPEECH OF concerning the appropriation for Indonesia. knowledgeable about Indonesian affairs. GREGORIO DA CUNHA Senator Leahy (D-VT), the chairman of The program will offer sessions covering: the Foreign Operations Subcommittee. · Key foreign affairs and bilateral issues SALDANHA should continue to be a focus of action. We · Prospects for the Indonesian economy (alias GIRY alias MOURIS) have learned of reports that the State De- · New developments in power, telecom- ‘THE TRUTH UNDER WRAPS’ partment has enlisted Senator Kasten (R- munications, banking, and other key sec- WI), the ranking minority member on the tors DILI, 30 MAY 1992 Translated and Foreign Operations Subcommittee, and abridged by ALISON MURRAY Senator Byrd (D-WV), the chairman of the · U.S.-Indonesia trade relations and trade entire Appropriations Committee, to try to legislation 1. INTRODUCTION restore the IMET (military training aid) cut Sessions will be held on September 22, I give thanks and praises to God for the that was made by the House. Another key 1992 at the State Department from 9:00 to opportunity to give this simple defence person is Senator Hatfield (R-OR), the one 4:00. speech. My intention in this speech is not Republican on the subcommittee who is A special lunch featuring Indonesia’s to lighten or oppose the Public Prosecu- most likely to be supportive; Hatfield’s Minister of Finance, Johannes Sumarlin, will tor’s accusations but to assist in my peo- staff has indicated that he takes some inter- be given at noon in the elegant Franklin ple’s struggle for freedom. The reason I sit est in East Timor and in the past he has Room on the 8th Floor. A reception in this defendant’s chair is because I love taken good positions on Central America. (starting at 5:30 p.m.) will follow at the freedom, my people, my land, and our Everyone should phone/write/fax Senators Embassy of Indonesia. human rights. I know this court is a place Leahy, Kasten, Hatfield and Byrd. People You will be sent more information in the for establishing truth and justice, so I will who live in a state with a Senator on the near future, but you may contact the do my best to describe honestly my aspi- Foreign Operations Subcommittee should Chamber office at (212) 687-4505 for ad- rations, my actions and my experiences up also contact their own senator. vanced reservations. The cost of the full to now. We have also learned that the American program will be $140 for Chamber members. On 12 November 1991 occurred a mass Indonesian Chamber of Commerce has sent demonstration of about 10,000 people. It AICC SUMMER GET-TOGETHER a letter to its members requesting that they began at Motael Church, passed in front of contact senators to oppose the IMET or The American Indonesian Chamber Of Seroja Theatre, turned left at KODIM 1627 any other foreign aid cut for Indonesia. Commerce cordially invites you to a and proceeded to Santa Cruz Cemetery. The following senators are on the Foreign “Summer Get Together” Some of the demonstrators carried banners Operations Subcommittee: August 20, 1992 From 5:30 - 7:00 Pm and flags, and the march was enlivened with Democrats: At Restoran Indonesia Nusantara, 219 shouting of slogans. East 44th Street (between 2nd and 3rd The demonstration was a reaction to the Leahy, VT 202-224-7209 Avenues) attack on Motael Church by intelligence Inouye, HI 202-224-3934 To celebrate Indonesian Independence forces (intel) on 28 October. The attack Johnston, LA 202-224-5824 Day, the Chamber will host a “Summer resulted in the death of a nationalist youth, DeConcini, AZ 202-224-4521 Cocktail Reception.” We will sample SEBASTIAO GOMES, and injury to an- Lautenberg, NJ 202-224-4744 authentic delicacies, enjoy the beautiful other nationalist youth, Felix Amaral, who Harkin, IA 202-224-3254 surroundings of Indonesian decor and mix was seeking refuge in the church. One of the Mikulski, MD 202-224-4654 among ourselves for an evening to spend intel group also died, Afonso Henriques. Republicans: time relaxing. Who knows, there may even The banners included: Kasten, WI 202-224-7274 be a ‘surprise’ guest. · XANANA GUSMAO IS A SYMBOL Hatfield, OR 202-224-3753 Please feel free to invite your friends and OF NATIONAL UNITY D’Amato, NY 202-224-6542 colleagues and join us as we escape the heat · SEBASTIAO IS DEAD, WHAT Rudman, NH 202-224-3324 and humidity of a New York summer. ABOUT THE FATE OF THE REST Specter, PA 202-224-4254 For reservations, please call Kamisah OF US? Trautman or Wayne Forrest at (212) 687- Nickles, OK 202-224-5754 · UN SECRETARY-GENERAL, WE The phone number for Senator Byrd is 4505 COST: $25 Per Person (Member and ARE WAITING FOR THE 202-224-7200. PORTUGUESE DELEGATION For a copy of the original Senate alert Guests), $30 Per Person (Non-Members) send e-mail to [email protected] Please mail checks in advance made · DIALOGUE IS THE ROAD TO A payable: The American Indonesian Chamber SOLUTION FOR EAST TIMOR AICC WASHINGTON of Commerce. 711 Third Avenue, 17th The flags included: Floor, New York, NY 10017 · UN, FALINTIL, UDT, FRETILIN, BRIEFING We regret that we cannot accept cancel- OJETIL lations after 12 noon, August 18. Reserva- DAY IN WASHINGTON: SEPTEMBER The slogans included: tions may be made up till the day of the · LONG LIVE SEBASTIAO 22, 1992 event. Your American Indonesian Chamber of · LONG LIVE XANANA GUSMAO Commerce invites you to attend A BRIEF- · LONG LIVE THE MAUBERE PEOPLE East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 49

· LONG LIVE THE TIMORESE (He discusses the history of the inde- nist, frustrated, are applied to those who NATIONAL COALITION pendence struggles of colonised peoples and arrest, kill, attack homes and people in the On the way to Santa Cruz the march be- the school lessons and films about In- street, destroy sacred sites (lulik), rape, hit came bigger and livelier, but this liveliness donesia’s achievement of independence and our priests etc? was instantly silenced by gunfire from the the constitution of 1945. Indonesia’s I was head of a group of youths called security forces. The corpses were laid out, struggle against the Dutch colonists is an CANJT (National Resistance Committee for the wounded were hit with rifle butts, inspiration and motivation for his people to Timorese Youth), with the aim of helping stabbed, beaten and dragged away. The free themselves from foreign domination) achieve freedom for East Timor, and joined a cries of the victims filled the area, which The 1945 Constitution states: That free- group called EC (executive committee) as a became red with a lake of the blood of the dom is the right of all peoples and because mediator for the aspirations of the CNRM young heroes who were the hope of the of that, colonialism must be wiped out (Council of National Maubere Resistance), Timorese people. across the world because it is not in ac- which sought to find a peaceful solution That was the tragedy called the SANTA cordance with humanity and justice. through open dialogue between CRUZ MASSACRE which I experienced. We learn at school that the human rights representatives of the Portuguese The human rights of the Timorese people of a nation are extremely valuable and parliament, Indonesian parliament and UN are silenced by the power of arms, and the cannot be exchanged for big buildings, tar- who were to arrive in November 1991. The solution to problems arising in East Timor is mac roads, modernised education etc. We EC would mediate if the CNRM itself was at the end of a gun. The price of our can see that development by the Indonesian obstructed. freedom is very dear: to get it we have sac- government has rapidly advanced in the last CANJ believes the best future for East rificed everything, and our souls, for more 16 years, compared with what Portugal Timor is FREEDOM according to funda- than 16 years. achieved in 500 years. But has the mental human rights... however we are well After the demonstration on 12 November Indonesian government implemented its aware that other roads to the future may be I was hospitalised for 6 days at RS infrastructure development as exchange for chosen by our people, as is also their right. Wirahusada (military hospital) because of a our self-esteem, dignity, identity, and the We do not dismiss the possibility of accept- gunshot wound, then taken by police to the extermination of our nation? If this is so, ing and respecting any choice made by our regional police office (POLWIL) to be in- then we of the PEOPLE born in this LAND, people as long as the choice is made in a terrogated up until I now sit in this defen- absolutely REJECT IT! safe, free, democratic situation under the dant’s chair. (he discusses the process of decolonisa- auspices of the UN. tion and integration and the role of the UN. As a Timorese nationalist youth I feel 2. BACKGROUND The formation of political parties, the dec- proud to sit in this defendant’s chair... this (The factors which influenced his in- laration of independence by Fretilin in 1975, is not the end of a problem which has gone volvement in the anti-integration struggle: the reactive Balibo declaration by the other on for 17 years, it is an encouragement to the invasion of 1975, massacres, the fence- parties, the UN’s resolutions on East the children and grandchildren to become of-legs operation, forced movement of Ti- Timor’s right to self-determination, Portu- candidates for the defendant’s chair in the morese people and filling of areas with gal’s continuing role) future, so the problem will not go away. As transmigrants) (he quotes from church leaders’ letters in a Timorese nationalist youth I believe that The army destroyed traditional sacred support of a referendum for the Timorese, to sit in this chair is a political victory places (uma lulik), e.g. those I know of at including Bishops Belo) which will be recorded in the history of my Bibisusu, Holulu, Hoholau, Fatubosa, In welcoming the proposed visit by a people’s struggle and will inspire national- Aileta, Ailalek .... Portuguese Parliamentary delegation (DPP), ism and patriotism in the children and They formed armed groups, such as the area commander (PANGALAKOPS) grandchildren. The arrogance and strength of Makikit Team, Sera Team, Railakan Team, Brig. Gen. Warouw said in an interview with arms has been able to kill our people since 7 among the people in order to divide and Radio Australia on 15 October 1991, December 1975, but it has not killed our rule, to induce mutual animosity and at- ‘During the Portuguese parliamentary patriotic spirit.... future generations will tacks. Intel groups called NINJA attack our delegation’s visit to East Timor, we will continue the struggle. If we have lost today, houses in order to terrify the people (gives guarantee the safety of anyone who wishes tomorrow we will surely win... examples including the 28 October attack). to demonstrate - as long as they do not Sitting in this chair I represent one of the They do not respect our religion or our disturb the general order and security.’ victims of the continuing problem of East priests (gives examples including the de- This statement gave me the inspiration, Timor. However I feel very lucky because I struction of holy objects and statues of the motivation and awareness to become part of still have the chance to speak here before I Virgin Mary, shouting of insults “Mother the opposition to integration, which is not become a corpse, unlike my compatriots of Mary doesn’t wear underpants”) such right. As a son of this land and integral part the last 17 years and those slaughtered at things had never occurred in 500 years of of the Timorese people I feel responsible to Santa Cruz on 12 November 1991. They Portuguese rule or 3.5 years of Japanese do my best to retain the identity and dignity had no chance to open their mouths like me; occupation. of my people..... they were silenced by bullets and that All these events are facts which have re- Nevertheless, whatever we do we are la- silence was immediate. They were true he- sulted from the concerted efforts to shove belled security disturbing group (GPK), roes. Their blood and souls carve the history aside our cultural values, destroy our relig- communists, frustrated youths who cannot of our struggle. ious values, smash our self- esteem and get work etc. We are not seen as an integral national identity and even to systematically 3. ARREST AND DETENTION part of the Timorese people demanding our While I was hospitalised at RS Wira- exterminate my people and our right to live most basic human right according to the on this earth. The indiscriminate slaughter of husada I was interrogated by an SGI mem- Universal Declaration of Human Rights ber for 2 days. After 6 days, on 18 No- the demonstrators at Santa Cruz was which is repeated at the beginning of the clearly part of the effort to exterminate my vember, I was taken by police to POLWIL. Indonesian constitution.... Isn’t it more While I was held at Rutan POLWIL I was people. appropriate that the labels GPK, commu- Page 50 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. interrogated in rotation day and night. On a When I was first interrogated at RS -that his role in CE was to prepare ban- date I don’t remember in November, I was Wirahusada by an SGI member, Lt. Edy, he ners and to contact the youth, not to incite interrogated from afternoon until morning. showed me a photo of a youth called Aje the demonstrators; At the time even though I was very weak Nuno who lives on the north side of Santa -that the CE only sought to assist in due to my gunshot wound, I was hit and Cruz. In the photo he posed holding a ban- achieving dialogue between all parties and it threatened by the interrogator Martinus ner with a picture of Xanana at the time of would accept the end result of that process Wae. I was surrounded by other police, the demonstration in front of the cemetery whether it be independence, integration or some of whom pulled out my beard. I was gates. Edy said this youth is a member of whatever; forced to say what the interrogator wanted, SGI. As well as that, I knew that 3 of the -that he did not see any weapons among which was not according to the true facts. wounded who were in the same hospital the demonstrators, nor hear shots from On a date I don’t remember at the end of confessed to being intel agents. And in fact, them, nor hear warning shots from the se- November I was interrogated in the middle while the march was proceeding, these curity forces: of the night by prosecutors and deputy youths and others I didn’t know carrying “Were any security forces wounded or police chief in the data room of Polwil. The banners ran in front of the march and ig- killed at Santa Cruz by bullets from the deputy police chief hit me in the presence of nored our requests to walk slowly and be demonstrators? Were any of them wounded the prosecutors, including the Pubic disciplined. or killed by demonstrators attacking them Prosecutor, to force me to give names of At the end of November the Assistant in- with knives? Or were the arms carried by native officials, priests and business owners tel, Col. Gatot Purwoanto said in the in- the demonstrator then used to kill them- who supported our struggle. Because I could terrogation room of Polwil that Constancio selves, and that caused the great pile of no longer bear this inhumane treatment and Pinto (member of EC) was one of his men. corpses at the Santa Cruz cemetery?” because I was weakened by my gunshot He repeated this when I met with Major- -he did not see a pistol fired or grenade wound, I carelessly gave names of high General Sintong Panjaitan (East Indonesia thrown by the demonstrators; officials, priests and business owners who commander) in the presence of the East -the T-shirts, banners and flags were knew nothing and had no link with me, Timor police chief. brought by the demonstrators and not from following the saying, “As long as the boss is My conclusion from the above is that: a stock at Motael church; happy.” ‘The intel purposely infiltrated their agents -he did stand on the wall of Santa Cruz At the beginning of December I was into our side to influence us and to incite the with a megaphone, in order to say to the urged by the assistant public prosecutor, demonstrator to take actions which would people: “everybody stay quiet and enter Tamher, to give names of youths in CRNJT, invite a reaction from the security forces, the cemetery to pray.” and say that they carried firearms and such as occurred at the demonstration of 12 -in response to the objects produced in knives in the 12 November demonstration, November’ It is clear that if the evidence, he acknowledges flags, banners, with the guarantee that I would be free, demonstrators had any firearm or knife or T-shirt saying OJETIL and a camera. He lightly or at least responsibly treated. But fired any shots, then this was a pre-ar- does not acknowledge as being at the demo: because I felt this was not true, I refused. ranged plan by intel. broken glass, stone thrown at windows, At the beginning of February, I was urged 4/5. RESPONSE TO THE CHARGES various knives, axes and lengths of iron, by Martinus Wae to give a false statement (Charged under the Anti-Subversion Law firearms including 3 mausers, 1 G-3 rifles, 3 against a demonstrator called Antonio Belo, of 1963) - I have no intention of subverting pistols, 6 grenades and tens of bullets. aged 30 and illiterate, that he carried a the power and authority of the legitimate (7. - deals with the events leading up to banner and flag. The interrogator said government of the Republic of Indonesia. I and during the demo, following the prose- Antonio had already confessed his in- respect the Republic of Indonesia, the cution’s allegation) volvement. But because I believe true evi- Pancasila and constitution are wrongly and 8. CONCLUSION dence is that which is seen, heard and ex- inappropriately applied in East Timor. Looking at the background I have ex- perienced, I refused. (repeats argument about human rights plained above which influenced my actions, At the beginning of May I was advised and the role of the UN and that feelings of I feel that I was not mistaken and that my by the public prosecutor, Supardi, that I enmity, confusion, disturbance, are the actions were right. It is appropriate and should choose a local lawyer, Ponco. If I creation of the Portuguese who abandoned responsible for a son of East Timor such as chose a lawyer from the YLBHI Jakarta their colony and did not take responsibility. myself to look and learn from the past, and there would be a conflict between the law- His struggle is not ‘subversive’ but a le- to act and prepare for the future. yers and the victim would be the defendant. gitimate expression of the right to oppose However, today I put my life into the This was repeated by police lieutenant colonial and foreign domination). hands of the honourable judge, who will Bambang. Prosecutors said the same thing to decide my life or death. other defendants. Because I believe that the 6. RESPONSE TO WITNESSES STATEMENTS Like all that is conscious in this world, I choice of lawyer is the defendant’s right, I wish for freedom like the birds in the sky said nothing. -emphasises that the CRNJT had nothing and the fish in the sea! May be the demand for a life sentence, to do with previous demo for John Monjo So this is my defence speech to the court, the heavy load which I received on 20 May as it was not formed then; not forgetting to offer my deepest apologies in this court, is the result. I am surprised -that the CE was a temporary group set if there is anything in it to offend the that the prosecutors and police would be up to mediate between CNRM and the feelings of any party, especially the worried about the YLBHI team defending Portuguese delegation; honourable gentlemen I have offended here. I me. The members of this team are sons of -Xanana chose the road of peaceful dia- only do this because I want to open my Indonesia from birth, who wish to support logue, not because Fretilin has no arms, but heart and speak with complete honesty to the process of the law in East Timor. Does because armed struggle will only prolong the court. Finally I give my thanks to all the legal establishment here have as little the suffering of the people; parties who have assisted in this court faith in Jakarta lawyers as it does in people process. In the hope that God Almighty will like me, who were not born Indonesian? East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 51 forgive us all for our mistakes and show us ARMY CHIEF VIEWS The questionnaire was drawn up by the right path. BAKORSTANAS, the notorious security EFFECT OF DILI ON FURTHER NOTES agency headed by armed forces commander- DECISION-MAKING in-chief, General Try Sutrisno. Our source 1. The Jakarta (YLBHI) lawyers’ defence referred to it as a ‘clearance test’ [using the for Gregorio and Francisco: Hong Kong AFP in English English phrase] and said that the students - This is largely based on historical and Jakarta, July 6 (AFP) - Indonesian Army were required to fill in their bio-data. legal argument and analysis of the 1963 Chief General Eddy Sudrajat has told bat- They then had to state in writing their presidential decree known as the Anti- talion leaders that the Dili shooting last personal opinion of the reports of the Na- Subversion law: November should not deter them from tional Commission of Inquiry (KPN) and -this law was made during a time of making prompt and firm decisions, press the Honorary Military Council (DKM), emergency and military confrontation with reports said Monday. regarding the Santa Cruz massacre. They Malaysia, and is not appropriate after the “The November 12 case in Dili can give were asked their opinion about the Balibo return to a more democratic government. us many lessons to draw on.... It should not Declaration issued in November 1975 by - The law itself contains internal con- be the case that because of that event, four East Timorese parties; this Declaration tradictions and does not follow the proce- commanders become afraid or uncertain in called on the Indonesian government to in- dures set down for laws. It is against the making a decision,” Sudrajat told 121 offi- tegrate East Timor. 1945 constitution and against Pancasila cers here Saturday, the MEDIA INDONE- [All the Balibo signatories were under ideology. SIA daily said. Indonesian control at the time. This docu- -Whereas laws should fundamentally Sudrajat was referring to the shootings in ment was used extensively during the recent contain clarity and fairness, this law is East Timor, when Indonesian troops shot trials of East Timorese in Jakarta and Dili as vaguely written and has been used against into a crowd of East Timorese demonstra- the justification for Jakarta’s decision to all kinds of people, from peaceful demon- tors, killing some 50 people, injuring 91 annex East Timor.] strators to electricity thieves. others, while around 90 people have re- The students also had to say what they -In 1966 Suharto’s New Order govern- mained missing since, according to official felt about the process of integration. ment decided that all previous laws should counts. After completing the questionnaires, the be re-passed within 2 years if they were to Jakarta has since removed the top mili- students were told to report to the local remain valid. This law was re-passed in tary brass responsible for security affairs in military command on 13 and 14 July to be 1969. However, the charges in these Dili the former Portuguese colony, which Indo- interviewed on the same questions. cases refer to the 1963 law. nesia unilaterally declared its 27th province 2. Constancio Pinto is mentioned in several in 1976. OPERATION TO END documents so we have to ask why he It has also discharged three officers from TIMOR RESISTANCE? was not charged: The charges against the forces, transferred three others to Francisco state that Pinto was head of [words indistinct) and jailed 10 army and UPI, Jakarta, July 13 - Three East Ti- the CE and received/sent messages to police members for between eight and 18 morese guerrillas were killed and two others Xanana. He invited an Australian Ti- months for neglect of duty or disobedience were captured in armed clashes with morese to a CE meeting and introduced during the massacre. government troops in the troubled former Fernando from Ball to the CE, and ar- “We all understand that there are no Portuguese colony, Kompas reported ranged the visit of English journalists in perfect decisions. There is no decision Monday. September 1991. On 10 November Gre- without risk. It is upon these decisions and The fighting occurred Friday between gorio received the order for the 12 No- risks that the honor of a commander rests,” members of the East Timorese Fretilin vember demo from pinto. Sudrajat said. guerrilla movement and Indonesian troops in Juvencio de Jesus Martin’s defence He said that for an army commander, Ainaro district, said Brig. Gen. Theo Syafei, speech questions why CE members Xavier belated decision making, inability to make the East Timor military operations and Pinto were not charged: quick decisions, and fear of taking risks were commander. ‘Constancio Pinto, who as head of the “unforgivable weaknesses.” “The armed clashes began when Ind- CE caused the defendant to be sitting in onesian troops on a military patrol in the court, and Agusto Filipe Gama Xavier ‘CLEARANCE TESTS’ FOR East Timor jungle were ambushed by whose status is completely uncertain, TIMORESE STUDENTS members of the guerrilla movement,” Syafei whether purposely or not purposely have told the newspaper. never appeared or been made to appear to From a protected source, received by “But the gun battle did not last long be- explain this matter, which can be called a TAPOL on 11 July 1992. cause the guerrillas were outnumbered ” he great mystery.’ All East Timorese who are studying in said, adding that three guerrillas were killed Martins’ defence says that it was Pinto Java and Bali were summoned to report to and two were captured. who informed the others about the Portu- the local military commands where they are The Fretilin guerrilla movement, which guese delegation and proposed organising a living on 10 July and required to answer launched its armed rebellion against the demo. Later he told them that the Portu- detailed questionnaires. The orders to ap- government in 1976, is still in active in East guese were not coming but the UN repre- pear were transmitted to the students by Timor, although in greatly reduced numbers. sentative was, and changed the plan. their university deans or academy directors. Syafei said only about 200 Fretilin Pinto’s proposal for the 12 November demo The questioning has created renewed guerrillas remain in the region, clustered in was opposed by Francisco, but Martins did anxiety among the students and came just as 10 small groups with an estimated total of not know the outcome of this conflict. the trials of East Timorese in Jakarta and about 120 weapons. Dili drew to a close. He said a recent change in government tactics, without elaborating on them, will Page 52 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. mean a continued upsurge in the number of army opened fire. Witnesses put the death THE TIMORESE armed clashes with the guerrillas. toll as high as 180. There previously were only about two Amnesty said it wanted a more complete ‘DISAPPEARED’ armed clashes in a month, but now such investigation. Reuter, Jakarta, July 14 - Indonesia’s battles take place seven to 10 times in a The organisation also accused Indonesia military forces on Tuesday said it was month, Syafei said. of routinely torturing political prisoners and seeking 66 East Timorese missing after an Two Fretilin guerrillas were killed and said peaceful protests were treated as sub- army massacre in the former Portuguese one government soldier was injured in armed version, the maximum penalty for which is colony last year. clashes June 21 in Manifahi district of the death. Only 18 bodies were found after soldiers province. It estimated there were 150 possible opened fire on mourners at a cemetery in the Syafei said the increased frequency of prisoners of conscience in Indonesia, con- East Timor capital of Dili on November 12. clashes between rebels and government victed in unfair trials for political activity. Some reports say up to 180 people died. troops will not affect plans already made to At least 29 political prisoners had been “The armed forces is very serious about end military operations in the East Timor. judicially executed since 1985, it said, adding searching for the missing people. It’s not It was widely reported earlier that the that most were elderly men who had served that easy,” an armed forces official said. government considers the security situation more than 20 years in jail for suspected Military investigators concluded that 115 in East Timor to be secure and plans to end membership of the Communist Party of people were reported missing but 31 had its military operations by September. Indonesia. since returned home and another 18 buried, The party was banned when a coup sus- he said. A.I. APPEALS AGAIN pected to have been instigated by leftists An earlier government report had said 50 TO INDONESIA was crushed in 1965. people died and 91 were missing. Amnesty said severe restrictions on the “We didn’t find anymore dead bodies but Reuter, Jakarta, Moses Manoharan, July rights to freedom of expression had resulted we’re still searching for the remaining 66. 13 - Amnesty International appealed to in widespread human rights violations Some of them could have died and some are Indonesia on Monday to prohibit summary especially in three regions – Aceh, Irian Jaya still alive and hiding in the jungle,” the executions and torture which the London- and East Timor – where security forces are official said. based human rights organisation says are fighting rebels. One of the missing, Constantio Pinto, widely used to suppress political dissent. It urged Jakarta to allow a United Nati- was suspected of masterminding a march of “If those who violate human rights can ons representative to visit Aceh and North mourners on November 12 and might have do so with impunity, they inevitably come Sumatra, where it said more than 2,000 joined the dwindling Fretilin guerrilla to believe they are beyond the reach of the civilians were believed to have been killed movement which is fighting Indonesian rule, law,” the organisation said. since 1989. he said. “Acts such as extra-judicial executions Hundreds of others had been arrested in The armed forces called for survivors to and torture must be explicitly prohibited by Aceh, Irian Jaya and East Timor since 1989, return home and promised not to take legal law,” it said in a report. it added. action against those who were not directly Indonesia routinely denies accusations of involved in the anti-Indonesia demonstra- abuses levelled at it by international human THREE REBELS KILLED tion. rights organisations and governments of BY TROOPS countries such as the United States and SUHARTO RECEIVES Australia. Kyodo, Jakarta, July 13 - Three rebels But Amnesty said: “The evidence sug- were shot dead in a clash with Indonesian REPORT FROM gests that a clear and persistent pattern of troops in East Timor, a leading Indonesian MILITARY CHIEF human rights violations has been practised newspaper reported Monday. by the Indonesian authorities as a means for Kompas, Indonesia’s largest daily, ANTARA in English 14 Jul. 92 suppressing dissent.” quoted Gen. Theo Syafei, commander of the Jakarta, July 14 (OANA/ANTARA) - The report coincides with a meeting of military in East Timor, as saying that two Chief of the Armed Forces Gen. [General] Indonesia’s foreign aid donors in Paris this others were detained in the clash, which Try Sutrisno here Tuesday reported the week. Human rights groups have urged do- took place in the village of Migasa on results of an investigation carried out by the nors to link their aid the Indonesia’s rights Friday. Armed Forces (ABRI) of last year’s No- record. The clash was the second major incident vember 12 Dili incident to President Suharto In a clear reference to last November’s in East Timor since the killing of unarmed in his capacity as the supreme commander army massacre in East Timor, Amnesty civilians last November 12 at Santa Cruz of ABRI. called for members of the security forces cemetery in Dili, East Timor’s capital. The report made by a team instructed by suspected of human rights violations to be Two East Timorese were killed in an- the Armed Forces chief to investigate the tried in civilian courts. other incident last month. incident in the capital of East Timor last Human rights organisations have criti- It was not reported how many troops or year said that the incident claimed 115 cised harsh sentences imposed on East Ti- rebels were involved. people who are either dead or still missing, a mor separatists compared to the lighter Syafei said there had been seven to 10 spokesman for the Armed Forces Brig. Gen. punishments military tribunals have given to gun clashes a month in recent months, up [Brigadier General] Nurhadi Purwosaputro soldiers involved in the massacre of civilians from one or two previously, and the initia- M.Sc. said at the ABRI headquarters in in the territory’s capital, Dili. tives for the clashes had mostly come from Cilangkap here Tuesday. A government inquiry concluded that 50 Indonesian soldiers. The number does not include a foreign people died and 90 went missing when the journalist [sic], Kamal Bamadhaj, who was also killed in the Dili Incident. East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 53

Of the 115 people previously reported defence plea, read out in the Dili district of tens of metres from the church; they told missing, 31 have returned to their villages up court on 23 May 1992, gives some very the people to go home. to June 28, 1992. The team led by Insp. pertinent facts. This account, slightly Brig. General Warouw’s 5 October re- Gen. [Inspector General] Vice Admiral abridged below, highlights the need for a marks and the fact that troops were on Sumitro, who is also a member of the Na- thorough investigation to discover what guard to prevent people from getting near tional Investigation Committee (KPN), did triggered the events on 12 November. A the church have led people to suspect that not find any new graves in addition to the religious dignitary believes that what hap- the death of Sebastiao was pre-arranged. 18 graves found at Hera. pened on 12 November has its roots in ear- Later, troops entered the church and carried Some of the 66 missing people are be- lier events when a number of youths who out a search. Some weeks later, reports ap- lieved to be dead while the rest have re- felt threatened sought refuge in Motael peared in the press that a number of sharp portedly joined a troublemaker group Church. Security officials said they had implements, banners and other things had (GPK) which is hiding in forest, according nothing to fear and they should go home, been found hidden away in the church. The to Nurhadi. but when they did, they were threatened parish priest, Father Alberto Ricardo da Among those believed to be in hiding is and others in their families were threatened Silva, said he knew nothing about any such Constantio Pinto, a driving force behind the as well. things being found; he only saw them later demonstration on 12 November 1991 in On 5 October 1991, during the Army when summoned by the police. The police Dili. Day celebration, the military commander, admitted that it was an ‘oversight’ on their It has not been easy to find those still Brig-General Warouw, made a remark ex- part not to draw up a record of confiscation. alive or the graves of the victims despite pressing his dissatisfaction with this state of Another aspect confirmed by Fr Ricardo ABRI’s diligence in carrying out President affairs. is that an escaped prisoner, known to his Suharto’s instruction, according to Nurhadi. On 27 October in the late afternoon, ac- friends as ‘Aliong’ had taken refuge in the The ABRI team has utilized all possible cording to the same source, several people church. This gave the security forces an sources of information for the investigation, on motor-bikes who were shouting loudly, excuse to enter the church in the days prior including the police and village heads who rode round and round the church, occa- to 28 October in order to search for him. gave information on the people who they sionally throwing stones at it. Soon after According to another version, Aliong was believed became victims of the incident. midnight, on 28 October, several people ‘let out’ and told to take refuge in the church The ABRI official is of the view that who were also shouting, started throwing some days before 28 October to give the based on past experiences, those who are stones more persistently in the direction of security forces an excuse to search the still alive will come back to their homes the church poly-clinic. The young people church. [This is undoubtedly the man who sooner or later. inside rushed out to chase these trouble- escaped from prison with José Antonio Except for those who were the driving makers off. It was not possible to avoid a Joaquim Galucho, whose wife is shortly to forces behind the demonstration, most of fight in which Sebastiao Gomes was in- go on trial.] these people would be set free, he said. volved. He was shot by someone firing from On comments from foreigners that the the direction of the sea-front to the north, as AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL Indonesian court gave heavier sentences to he came through the front gate. He fell to the REPORT ON EAST TIMOR civilians than to ABRI members involved in ground, hit by four or five bullets. Another the Dili incident, the ABRI spokesman ex- bullet hit a tree in front of the church; that INDONESIA/EAST TIMOR: THE SUP- plained that the civilians were tried not just bullet is still embedded in the tree. His body for staging the demonstration but also for was found in front of the church gate. An PRESSION OF DISSENT subversive acts. autopsy was performed at the hospital and JULY 1992 They are conspiring against the Indones- he was buried at Santa Cruz Cemetery. SUMMARY ian authorities, and their network extends An eye-witness added that at almost the AI INDEX: ASA 21/09/92 not only to Dili and Jakarta but also to other same time, the body of Afonso [Hendrigues] countries, Nurhadi said. was found on the same road with injuries In November 1991, an estimated 100 The military officers were punished for inflicted by a sharp implement. It is not people taking part in a funeral procession acting beyond their authority when they clear who killed him. According to the eye- were shot by Indonesian troops at the Santa were dealing with the demonstrators in Dili. witness, the body of Afonso, who was Cruz cemetery near Dili in East Timor. In If the ABRI members had been found guilty known in the community as an agent response to strong international protest the of subversive acts they would have been working for the security forces, was lying Indonesian government insisted that the given heavy penalties too, he added. about 20 metres from Sebastiao’s body. massacre was a regrettable but isolated in- Blood was smeared several metres away cident, which did not “in any way reflect WHAT REALLY HAPPENED from the body, to the west. There is strong the policy of the Government of Indonesia.” However, for more than 20 years Amnesty ON 28 OCTOBER? reason to believe that Afonso was not killed at the place where the fighting took place International has documented gross and The following article will appear in TAPOL but had been killed earlier, somewhere else, systematic human rights violations not only Bulletin, No 112, August 1992. In the ab- and his body put in front of the church. in East Timor but throughout Indonesia. sence of the possibility to carry out on- the- This was done so as to create the The evidence suggests that a clear and per- spot investigations in Dili, some of the impression that he was killed with a sharp sistent pattern of human rights violations material contained in the trial documents is implement used by youngsters taking refuge has been practised by the Indonesian invaluable. in the church. authorities as a means for suppressing po- Local inhabitants who had been awak- litical dissent. Lawyers defending Francisco Miranda ened by the continuous ringing of church In regions where the government is Branco have shed new light on the incident bells rushed out to see what had happened combating armed opposition groups, the in Motael Church on 28 October 1991, at the church but were held back by security merest suspicion of sympathy with the when Sebastiao Gomes was killed. Their forces who were standing guard in a radius opposition cause is sufficient to define in- Page 54 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. dividuals or their relatives as targets for of imprisonment after unfair trials. Access MOST EAST TIMORESE “disappearance” or extra-judicial execution to the country by international or- by the military. In Aceh and North Sumatra ganizations wishing to investigate human WANT NATIVE AS NEXT an estimated 2,000 civilians are believed to rights violations continues to be severely GOVERNOR have been illegally killed since 1989. In East restricted or denied outright. Since the Santa Timor, countless real or suspected political Cruz massacre East Timor has been THE JAKARTA POST in English, 3 Jul. 92 activists had been killed or “disappeared” effectively closed to human rights investiga- Jakarta (JP) - A legislator has added to before the Santa Cruz massacre. Hundreds tors despite a February 1992 appeal by the the growing pressure to Jakarta to let East of people have been arrested since 1989 in United Nations Commission on Human Timorese have a native as its next governor. Aceh, North Sumatra, Irian Jaya and East Rights. The appeal called upon the Indones- “All East Timorese I talked to during my Timor on suspicion of pro-independence ian Government “to facilitate access to East recent visit (to the former Portuguese col- activity. Many have been detained without Timor for additional humanitarian ony) want their next governor to be an in- trial for months on end. Severe forms of organizations and for human rights organi- digenous East Timorese,” Salvador Januario torture are routinely inflicted on political zations” Despite many requests, Amnesty Ximenes Soares told the JAKARTA POST prisoners, sometimes resulting in death. International has not been permitted to visit on Wednesday [1 July]. Peaceful protest, including demonstration Indonesia or East Timor for more than 17 Salvador argued that the appointment of against human rights violations, has been years. a non-East Timorese governor would create treated as “subversive activity” by the The Indonesian Government has persis- the wrong impression among foreign coun- authorities. Those who voice even the tently failed to respond substantively to tries and dissatisfied local people that mildest criticism of government policy have detailed reports of human rights violations. Indonesia meant to colonize East Timor. been dubbed opponents of the state. More It has instead preferred to issue generalized The statement by the DPR [House of than 150 alleged government opponents are statements about national sovereignty and Representatives] member from East Timor prisoners of conscience or possible prison- to question the universality of international was the latest contribution in the heated ers of conscience, held throughout Indonesia human rights principles. For example, In debate over who should replace governor and East Timor. The majority are serving February 1992 President Suharto rejected Mario Viegas Carrascalao when his term of lengthy sentences after conviction in unfair attempts by some governments to link eco- office expires in September. trials. Hundreds of other political prisoners nomic aid to human rights issues. He stated Carrascalao, a popular indigenous gov- have also been sentenced to years of that attempts to impose human rights ernor, has ruled out local people’s proposal imprisonment in unfair trials. At least 29 “based on foreign values” would not flourish to stay in office, saying that taking a third political prisoners have been judicially exe- and would constitute a “violation of the five-year term would represent a violation cuted since 1985, most of them elderly men human rights of that nation’s people and the of the law. who had served more than twenty years in sovereignty rights of that nation.” The local legislative council (DPRD) is jail for suspected membership of the Amnesty International believes that the yet to formally propose the gubernatorial Communist Party of Indonesia (PKI). right to life is fundamental and universal. candidates to the home affairs minister but The Indonesian Government has repeat- Likewise, the rights to freedom from arbi- their names have been widely publicized. edly stated that military and police officials trary detention, torture or “disappearance” Home Affairs Minister Rudini and the are punished when found guilty of human by state forces transcend national bounda- local Military Field Commander Brigadier rights violations, but Amnesty International ries and apply equally to all human beings. General Theo Syafei have in various occa- knows of only a handful of such cases. Prior State abrogation from responsibility to up- sions said that the origin of the next gover- to the Santa Cruz massacre all those known hold these rights cannot be justified under nor is not important because East Timor has to have been tried were police officers any circumstances. Amnesty International been an integral part of Indonesia since accused of ill-treating criminal suspects and appeals to the Indonesian Government to 1976. they had generally received light sentences. take decisive action to prevent human rights Among the names believed to have a good After the massacre the government violations and to implement the preventive chance to replace Carrascalao are announced a series of unprecedented and other measures set forth at the end of Clementino Dos Reis Amaral (a DPR investigative and disciplinary measures. By this report. It believes that, if implemented, member), A.B. Saridjo (vice governor), June 1992 a number of officers had been these measures would serve to protect basic Armindo Mariano (Dili regent), Rui Tesseira dismissed or transferred from their posts human rights in Indonesia and East Timor. Lopez (Kovalima regent), Mariano Lopez and ten military men had been convicted in This report summarizes a 27-page Da Cruz (Maliana Regent), and Lopez Da military courts for their actions during the document (8,741 words), Indonesia/East Cruz (a member of the Supreme Advisory massacre. However, the soldiers were tried Timor: The Suppression of Dissent (AI Council). before a military tribunal and the charges Index: ASA 21/09/92), issued by Amnesty The official statements have been gen- against them were primarily disciplinary, International in July 1992. Anyone wanting erally interpreted as a support for the can- rather than criminal. None of those tried was further details or to take action on this issue didacy of Saridjo, who is a Javanese. The charged with murder, only one was charged should consult the full document. final decision will be in the hand of the with ill-treatment and all were sentenced to INTERNATIONAL SECRETARIAT, 1 president. short terms of imprisonment. EASTON STREET, LONDON WC1X Salvador said the appointment of a native The government has persistently ob- 8DJ, UNITED KINGDOM as the next East Timor governor was structed the monitoring of human rights in +44-71-413-5500 E-mail: amnestyis@gn important to “win back the local people’s Indonesia and East Timor. National human heart” hurt by the November 12, 1991 rights organizations have been subject to bloody incident in Dili in which about 50 intimidation. Individual human rights advo- people were killed. cates have been arrested and tortured. “Efforts to win back East Timorese’s Human rights protesters have been charged heart can succeed if they are made by a with subversion and sentenced to long terms East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 55 governor who has emotional ties with the September has called on East Timorese to the military attitude in its “peace contact” local people,” he said. support his successor in continuing the with the Fretilin [Revolutionary Front for East Timorese Bishop Carlos Filipe development programs in Indonesia’s an Independent East Timor] members. The Ximenes Belo has also stepped in the de- youngest province. Fretilin guerrilla organization is seeking an bate over the best choice for the next gov- “The new governor will not be able to independent East Timor state. ernor of predominantly Roman Catholic fulfill the people’s hopes without adequate “Colonel Purwanto, then East Timor East Timor. support from the people,” Carrascalao told military commander, did something signifi- In a rare press meeting at his residence in THE JAKARTA POST in an interview held cant between 1982 and 1983 when he called Dili two weeks ago, Belo said he would in connection with the celebration of the the Fretilin members to surrender and write President Suharto, asking him to name 16th integration of East Timor into Indo- acknowledge the East Timor integration into an East Timor native as the next governor. nesia yesterday. Indonesia,” he said. The bishop’s involvement, however, has The former Portuguese colony integrated The bitterest memory was when famine also caused confusion as a similar request into Indonesia on July 17, 1976. hit the district of Iliomar in 1985, he said. circulated by him and addressed to various Local people have expressed the hopes “Transportation was very poor at that public figures were declared fake by Brig. that the gubernatorial post will go to an time until 6,000 Armed Forces members Gen. Theo who claims to have discussed the East Timorese native. Government officials, were deployed to construct a 50 kilometer matter with him. including Minister of Home Affairs Rudini, road to transport food items and medicine to have emphasized that the ethnic origin of the district.” GOLKAR FOR TIMORESE the next East Timor governor is unimpor- GOVERNOR? tant because East Timor is an integral part OZORIO SOARES TO BE AFP, Jakarta, July 14 - The East Timor of Indonesia. GOVERNOR? chapter of the ruling Golkar party has pro- The provincial branch of the Golongan Portuguese Radio reported Thursday 16 posed three natives as candidates for the Karya (Golkar) [Functional Group] political July 1992 that Abilio Ozorio Soares, cur- next governorship of the former Portuguese organization has proposed three local lead- rently bupati of Manatuto, has been ap- colony, the Jakarta Post daily said here ers, all province natives. The three are pointed to become the next governor of East Tuesday. Abilio Osorio Soares, the Manatuto region, Timor. The daily quoted Salvador Januario Rui Emiliano Taxeria Lopez, the regent of Soares is known as a leader of Apodeti, Soares, an East Timorese Golkar member, as Kovalima, and the provincial legislative the pro-integration party. Reports of his identifying the three as Manatuto Regent council speaker Guilherme dos Santos. appointment have not been seen elsewhere Abilio Osorio Soares, Kovalima Regent Rui “The next governor should be able to which makes us wonder whether Portuguese Emiliano Tezeira Lopez and East Timor’s develop East Timorese to be “real” Indo- Radio may have wrongly interpreted a House Speaker Guilherme dos Santos. nesians. The new leader must be honest, decision by the East Timor Provincial Current Governor Mario Viegas Carras- ethically clean and familiar to the people, or Assembly (DPRD) as being the final deci- calao is scheduled to end his second five- he will achieve nothing.” sion. Even though the DPRD may have year term in office in September and is Carrascalao also called on the Roman voted for him, the decision rests with Inte- barred by regulation from holding the post Catholic Church to help maintain justice rior Minister Rudini and Suharto. for a third successive term. among the people. “Better cooperation with A fierce battle has raged between the Many East Timorese, including dos San- the government and the Armed Forces military and senior East Timorese officials tos, have privately expressed their prefer- (ABRI) is needed in the future.” over the governorship. The military want ence for a native, saying East Timorese He also criticized the rural development deputy governor Saridjo, an army man, to would reject any non-East Timorese candi- programs in East Timor, which he alleged to take the post while the others have de- dates nominated by Jakarta. have ignored the people’s aspiration. manded a ‘native son.’ Golkar in East Timor Speculation, widely reported in the local “Not all policies can be implemented in has come out in support of three Timorese press, has it that the Indonesian military the province,” he said, citing as an example candidates, with Soares the front-runner. favors current East Timor Vice Governor the existence of the village resilience body This makes it likely that a vote in the Brigadier General Sarijo, a Javanese, for the which he said was meaningless. He did not DPRD would reflect that view. next governorship. go into details. If the Soares story proves correct, this The leading Tempo magazine in June Carrascalao was appointed the East Ti- may well be seen as a further swipe from quoted unnamed sources as saying Sarijo mor governor for two terms of office based Suharto at the army. also had the support of President Suharto. on the Law No. 5/1974 which stipulated TAPOL Salvador Soares refused to comment on that a governor has full authority to admin- ister and manage the development of a the exclusion of Sarijo from the list of can- SYAFEI: ‘MISSING’ didates, but said “the list is still open for province. revision.” “But I had not been given the full TIMORESE BEST DEAD Under the law, the president holds the authority to carry out my jobs, especially in UPI 20 July 1992, Abridged right to overrule the candidate chosen by social guidance, which was done by the regional parliaments for the governorship military until 1988,” he recalled. The military commander in East Timor and propose another instead. He said that development in East Timor said Monday he would prefer that 66 East had created social jealousy among some Timorese dissidents missing since the No- EAST TIMORESE URGED TO BACK people. vember Dili massacre were either dead or NATIVE SUCCESSOR “The governor’s special attention is re- fled to join separatist groups in the jungle. THE JAKARTA POST in English, 15 July quired to eliminate social jealousy which Brig. Gen Theo Syafei said the missing pro- could jeopardize stability,” he said. testors, who survived the massacre in which Dili (JP) Governor Mario Viegas Car- Asked about impressions gained from his more than 50 separatists were killed by rascalao, whose term of office will end in time as governor, Carrascalao said he praised Page 56 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. government troops, could only cause unrest rapid promotion because of this. Some have Private Dominggus carried in, bleeding, after by remaining among the general population. retired from active army and hold senior being stabbed by demonstrators. They all “It’s okay if the missing persons enter posts. Lt. General Sugiarto is Minister of admitted shooting at demonstrators. None the jungle and join the remnant East Ti- Transmigration, Major- General Sembiring was wearing full military dress when they morese Fretilin guerrilla movement, rather Kami Meliala is a member of the People’s rushed to the scene of the demonstration. than remaining in town and continuing to Congress (MPR), Major-General Dading The two privates were assigned to drive agitate innocent people,” he said. That way, Kalbuadi is Inspector- General at the Major Lantara to the hospital and admitted “we know clearly that they were the en- Defence Ministry. Lt. General Sahala shooting at random at demonstrators from emy,” because if these people joined the Rajagukguk and Lt. General Harsudiono the car. community in town, it would be difficult to Hartas are top ranking officers at ABRI The three sergeants were in command of charge them as enemy,” he said. headquarters. three platoons (72 men) as riot control units “But,” said Syafei, “the best would be The relative independent Feisal Tanjung for the demonstration. The front line was a that these people were already dead.” is Dean of SESKOAD (the Army Higher Brimob (Mobile Brigade) unit, while pla- Military authorities said last week that Staff School). The rather messy job of toons II and III were from Battalion 303. At an estimated 66 East Timorese people were cleaning the stable (the army command in one point the two platoons moved forward, still missing in the aftermath of the Novem- East Timor) needed to be done by someone as instructed by Lt. Mursanib and after ber 12 massacre in Dili. outside headquarters. hearing shooting from other, unidentified Syafei said the missing people included a The DKM findings were spectacular: six forces, they also opened fire. man, identified as Constancio Pinto, the officers disciplined, three dismissed from The fourth group were assigned to moni- most wanted by the military, allegedly the the army and the three removed from their tor the demonstration. Lt. Penpada, deputy ring-leader of the Dili massacre (sic). positions. The entire top echelon in East intelligence officer at the district military Timor was removed. On top of that, the command KOREM 164, after learning about THE MILITARY TRIALS AND DKM ordered the court martial of nine the stabbing of Major Lantara, rushed to THE TRUTH BEHIND THE soldiers and a police officer. Suharto risked grab his pistol. He said he slapped open revolt in the army. The DKM’s pro- demonstrators but denied using his gun. DILI MASSACRE (TAPOL) posals were devastating for the rank-and- Marthin Alau was the only police officer file. Officer corps discontent bordered on put on trial (see Box). The following is an article that will appear in the brink. All were tried under Article 103 section TAPOL Bulletin No. 112, August 1992 To repair the damage, Suharto this month 1, for disobeying orders, despite the fact Short sentences were meted out to sol- invited all 121 battalion commanders to his that nine admitted shooting at the crowd. diers by military courts in connection with private ranch in West Java after chief-of- Frame-up? the Santa Cruz massacre. A Timorese stu- staff General Edi Sudradjat, likely to become Till now, all the burning issues regarding dent at the trials felt sure they were held to the next commander-in-chief, gave 11.2 the massacre remain unresolved. With the satisfy foreign governments. They took billion rupiahs (about US$3.5m) to the exception of the 19 graves, no other graves only 8 days to complete. But more seri- commanders to improve conditions for the have been disclosed. The first official ously, the question of which military unit troops. President Suharto addressed the casualty figure of 19 dead was changed to 50 fired first at the defenceless crowd is still commanders as a father-figure, concerned dead and 90 missing but no names have been unresolved. with the economic welfare of the soldiers. revealed. The KPN, the National Inquiry The military trials took place as a result To boost morale, Sudradjat told the officers: Commission, issued its final report which is of Suharto’s decision to adopt several “The Dili incident should not make you yet to be made public by Suharto. measures after the massacre. The installation afraid or hesitant in taking decisions.” There is every reason to be suspicious of of the DKM (Dewan Kehormatan Militer, The military trials Council of Military Honour) to investigate the military trials. How were the ten defen- and take disciplinary action in the army was All the military trials were held at mili- dants selected? Everybody in platoons II unprecedented in the 26 years of Suharto’s tary courts in Den Pasar or the regional and III had fired at the demonstrators (93 rule. In the face of stinging criticism, Suharto police headquarters. They were open to the rounds). The defendants gave the impres- realised he had lost his grip over the public and British and Japanese embassy sion of a chaotic, poorly disciplined Ind- military, especially in East Timor. The staff were present. Press reporting was onesian army. This reinforces the amok DKM had to sort things out. Disciplining extensive. theory propagated by the army. Though officers and punishing soldiers would The ten defendants can be divided into admittedly, a demonstration of 5,000 high- impress foreign governments and restore four groups. Three were NCO officers: spirited people can throw troops into a Suharto’s hold over the military. Suharto Sergeants Udin Syukur, Aloysius Rani and panic, the truth lies elsewhere. knew he could not take things into his own Petrus Saul Mada and two were privates, Portuguese Parliamentary Visit Mateus Maya and Afonso de Jesus. The hands so needed the DKM as broker. Preparations for the visit of the Portu- third group consisted of low-ranking offi- guese MPs (PPD) were proceeding at a high Cleaning the stable cers: 2nd Lieutenant Mursanib, 2nd Lt. John pitch. Months in advance, fresh troops had It is no accident that Lt. General Feisal Arlan Aritonang and Handrianus Eddy arrived in East Timor as if a second invasion Tanjung was chosen to chair the DKM. Sunaryo. The others, Lt. Yohannes was under way. In 1991, a new intelligence Known as one of the few intellectuals Alexander Penpada and Police Corporal operation, Operasi Elang (Operation Eagle) among the today’s generals, he is not loyal Marthin Alau (see box) are the fourth group. was installed to deal with the Frente to General Benny Murdani in the Hankam The three sergeants had been assigned to Clandestine, the Clandestine Front of youth group. A common feature of the members of stay at the subdistrict military command, in the cities. From captured documents the this group are their interest in East Timor. KODIM 1627. According to their testimo- aim was to expose clandestine networks in Practically the entire top brass of ABRI has nies, they went into action on seeing their Dili, Baucau and elsewhere and discover the done combat duty in East Timor or won superior, Major Gerhan Lantara and his aide plans for the MPs’ visit. The intelligence East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 57 operations were coordinated by BAIS ordered the 303 platoons to ahead of the (where no-one is seen bearing weapons) to (Strategic Intelligence Agency) which had Brimob troops and claims that the first be shown the judge said it was not relevant. been created by Benny Murdani to consoli- command to shoot did not come from him. Mursanib claimed that there was shoot- date his power base. As his troops neared the cemetery, they ing from the crowd. But the crucial point is Besides BAIS, there is the older BAKIN. heard shots from the main gate. “There were not whether some demonstrators were car- But in East Timor things are even more unidentified troops. We only heard the rying firearms, but whether they were complex as several lines of command exist shots” [Editor, 13.06.1992]. SM said the genuine demonstrators or intelligence plants. side by side. order to go to the cemetery were so hasty, Reliable sources insist that intelligence Kolakops he had no time to dress properly. agents were in the crowd and behaved When Yorkshire’s Cold Blood was provocatively. The verdict against Gregorio Unlike other territorial commands, East shown on TV, Timorese refugees in Lisbon listed firearms - Mauser and Garrand rifles, Timor has Kolakops interposed between recognised SM, in a T-shirt, giving orders to FN 46 and Colt 36 pistols, Korean hand- KODAM, the Area Military Command, and troops around the cemetery. Former pris- grenades and ammunition - as having been KOREM, the Regional Military Command. oner Donaciano Gomes told Channel Four confiscated; no evidence was produced With KOLAKOPS, territorial forces in East News that SM had interrogated and tortured about who from. Timor can bring in reinforcements from him. other military commands. KOLAKOPS is What happened to Battalion 700? Besides this shooting, a hail of bullets both territorial and operational and divides The missing link is Battalion 700, in came from the southern side of the ceme- East Timor into three regions - A in the east; particular because the trials pinned the tery. JA confirms that shooting came from B, centre and west; and C, Dili. East Timor blame squarely on Battalion 303. But this two directions and identified the troops as is also classified into zones, ‘red’ zones only reinforces the amok theory. It was coming from A Company, Sector C of Bat- where guerrillas are active, ‘green’ zones shown that shooting came from three di- talion 303. He said some wore uniforms where guerrillas are less active, and ‘yellow’ rections; two from 303 troop. But the cru- while others wore a variety of clothing. zones where they are practically non- cial shooting, starting first and ending, last On hearing the shooting, the two 303 existent. The red zone, mostly in mountains, remain a mystery. platoons joined in. People were falling to the are battle zones where skirmishes take The first version claimed that troops ground but the shooting continued, es- place. The yellow zones require a were infuriated on hearing that Major Ger- pecially from the unidentified troops. The combination of territorial and combat han Lantara had been stabbed, rushed to the judges did not probe further. The unidenti- operations. Military units in East Timor scene and started firing at random. This can fied pasukan liar (irregular troops), as the include troops from KODAM Udayana in only be part of the story, as the shooting Indonesian press calls them, remained liar Bali and units from other KODAMs. The from the unidentified troops seems to have (the word also means ‘wild’). battalions brought in are territorial or com- been less ‘accidental.’ The Timorese bat. Provocation and amok theories Battalion 744 was not on the spot, while In November 1991, the Dili Military The trials of Lt. Mursanib and Lt. Arito- Battalion 700 was on duty that day as con- Command, KOREM 164 Wiradharma, was nang support the amok theory but leave firmed by Brig. General Rudy Warouw who run by Colonel J.B.Sepang (since removed) many questions unanswered. Both spoke was then in charge of East Timor. with 6 territorial and 4 combat battalions, about the unidentified troops. The other Major Gerhan Lantara, deputy-com- including Battalion 744 (mainly East Ti- defendants also stuck to the amok theory mander of Battalion 700, is a very interest- morese) an Udayana battalion, Battalion 303 with no suggestion of provocation. ing figure. His battalion was sent to East from West Java, and Battalion 700 from The provocation theory suggests that the Timor on special assignment to deal with South Sulawesi. The latter are combat forces Santa Cruz massacre was premeditated the clandestine front. Unlike most soldiers who were stationed in the red B zone but murder, a traditional intelligence operation who regard service in East Timor, Major were transferred to Dili for the expected of letting the enemy (here, an unarmed Gerhan accepts his tours of duty in East demonstrations. Battalion 303 is from crowd) come into the open so as to strike. Timor with missionary zeal. As a young KOSTRAD, the elite reserve troops. The killings in Tanjung Priok in 1984 had cadet from the military academy, he spent Together with Battalion 700 (an airborne the same ingredients. They give the military time fighting the guerrillas. After graduation, battalion) they were given a 10-day crash justification to hit hard. Another justifica- he was assigned to East Timor and has course in riot control. tion for the use of violence in Dili was the altogether spent eight years there. Law and order are now taken care of by claim that the demonstrators were carrying During the demonstration Major Lantara the police so Dili has well-trained Brimob weapons and started the shooting. got into a scuffle with demonstrators after (Mobile Brigade) unit and anti-riot police The prosecution took care in the trials of taking out a camera to make photos, and squads. the East Timorese to produce evidence to was allegedly stabbed. Private Second Class Who fired first? support this version. In Gregorio da Cunha Dominggus, who rushed to help him, was Saldanha’s trial, it was claimed that some also hurt. The next day Lantara was rushed The trials of 2nd Lts Sugiman Mursanib demonstrators were carrying firearms and to the Army Hospital in Jakarta and was (SM) and John Aritonang (JA) produced grenades. They dragged along Afonso seen on the plane by some eyewitnesses. some far from conclusive bits of evidence. Gomes, father of the murdered Sebastiao Four days after the massacre, Battalion 700 SM was in command of an anti-riot force Gomes, to say this as a witness, though he was quietly withdrawn from East Timor. consisting of Brimob platoon 5486 and pla- was clearly under strain; one press report Two weeks later, Battalion 303 left East toons II and III from Battalion 303, in that said that his words were scarcely audible. Timor amid great fanfare. Why was Major order. His task was to monitor and report A hearing in Gregorio’s trial was held at Lantara never summoned as witness? Why every move of the demonstration. JA was the police weapons depot to display the were all the military defendants from 303? commander of platoon II. When they arrived weapons which had been confiscated; when Why did Lantara and Battalion 700 at the cemetery, they faced thousands of Gregorio asked for the Yorkshire film disappear? demonstrators. SM told the court that, confronted by an uncontrollable crowd, he Page 58 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

The disputed ‘opening up’ months before and show that living But he denied the church was opposed to A detective story always needs a motive. conditions are extremely difficult for the integration with the rest of the Indonesian If Battalion 700 was involved in the pre- resistance fighters. (Expresso 23 May) archipelago or that it had encouraged dis- meditated killings, what was the motive? To gruntled urban youth to demonstrate. find the answer we must look at the conflict GOVERNOR CARRASCALAO East Timor’s military commander, in in Jakarta over military rule in East Timor A HERO - BISHOP BELO charge of at least 10,000 troops in the small between Suharto and his kitchen-cabinet and territory, last month publicly warned Belo the HANKAM group. East Timor News, Monthly Memo No. 5. to keep out of politics. For external reasons Suharto was in fa- Original language of item: Portuguese. 28 Belo did not refer directly to those vour of “keterbukaan” (opening up) in East June 92. Dateline: Lisbon. comments but said accusations against him only made the church and military more Timor. Access to East Timor became easier Bishop Belo, speaking to Radio Press, but with negative consequences for the suspicious of each other. Oporto, described retiring governor Mario “If both of us have the same intention to military. The flow of information from East Carrascalao as “a great hero” and “a great Timor became easier, the clandestine create peace in East Timor I think civilian man” who “is worth more than Xanana and supremacy should be the priority. The movement became stronger and bolder. The the others who go about sounding off. I visit of US ambassador John Monjo when a armed forces should only do a purely mil- have to confess that Mario Carrascalao is itary job,” the bishop said. well- publicised demonstration took place, superior to myself.’ was an embarrassment for the security He urged the government to let East Ti- Responding to reports of a likely visit by morese take more control of the territory. forces. The military knew that preparations Ali Alatas to Lisbon (which did not come were under way for a huge rally originally “We East Timorese are just like robots. about) he appealed to Portugal to “finally We’re told to go here and there. But who intended for the Portuguese MPs and re- take the step of going to Jakarta, as the placed by the Santa Cruz demonstration, told us was not obvious. They play behind Indonesians now go to Lisbon.” He went on the stage,” he said. and used it to make their point. Their mes- to reaffirm the necessity of talks and to say sage to Suharto was: the people have be- “Give us special status or more auton- that he considered it “very important that omy. We have a different history and cul- come uncontrollable, we had to step in. the two countries re-establish diplomatic What we do in East Timor is our business, ture...I know we’re going to be sunk if we relations, and that there should be talks live on our own. We don’t have skilled don’t let foreigners interfere. between the two presidents, because the The final word has not yet been spoken. workers and infrastructure, that’s why we problem is in their hands.” (Publico 22 joined Indonesia.” The several groups are still at odds and, as May) one Indonesian oppositionist says: “East Timor can become Indonesia’s Mozam- bique.” INTERVIEW WITH BISHOP AFP, Jakarta, July 27 - The Roman Catholic bishop of East Timor has made a Further reading: BELO IN MATRA strong plea in an interview published Mon- Who gave the order?, FITUN no.6, Reuter, Jakarta, July 27 - East Timor’s day for Indonesia to allow greater freedom Jan.1992, pp 1-8 Roman Catholic bishop, likening his people and autonomy for people in the troubled East Timor, the Courts-Martial, Asia to robots, said Indonesia’s military should former Portuguese colony. Watch, vol.4 no.16. get out of civilian life and urged Jakarta to “The main thing is, we want to be a little Whatever happened to Gerhan Lantara?, consider giving Timorese some autonomy. more free, and that is fundamental. Not free Tim Kell, Jan.1992 “I am very worried. Everything is made from Indonesia, but free as citizens of this and built by the military,” Bishop Ximenes unified country,” Bishop Carlos Filipe BISHOP BELO Belo said, in an interview with the Indones- Ximenes Belo said in an interview published PARTICIPATION IN TAL KS - ian monthly magazine Matra published on by the Matra monthly magazine. Monday. VATICAN AND XANANA Belo said that for him, the question of the The Indonesian army, which invaded the “integration” of East Timor into Indonesia SUPPORT? former Portuguese colony of East Timor in in 1976 was no longer a problem but the 1975, continues to control most aspects of people of East Timor should be “given the East Timor News, Monthly Memo No. 5. life there and has been criticised for human key” so that they could involve themselves According to Expresso, sources in the rights abuses. in the life of the nation. Vatican have unofficially indicated that it Criticism of Indonesian rule, which is still “People should be free to move, free to would be willing to authorize Bishop Belo not internationally recognised, has risen think, free to express opinions, free to say to go to New York as a member of the since the army fired into a crowd of that they are not pleased,” Belo said, adding Portuguese delegation in talks between mourners in the local capital Dili last No- that “conditions here are still unrestful in Indonesia and Portugal. vember, killing up to 180 people. general, there is still something wrong.” The paper goes on to say that a recent “The military’s vast involvement here Indonesia unilaterally declared the former letter from Xanana Gusmao, dated 17 could mean there’s no chance for civilians to Portuguese colony its 27th province in April, let it be known that the resistance carry on with development. The people and 1976. The United Nations still views Lisbon leader had recently spoken to the Bishop civilians should be encouraged and allowed as the legitimate administrator of the area. concerning the question of the Bishop’s to carry on the development, while the As a bishop of the Roman Catholic participation in such talks which he consid- military withdraws,” Belo said. Church, the dominant religion in East Timor, ered an “extremely positive” step. Belo has often criticised Indonesian rule Belo is directly responsible to Pope John The same issue of the Portuguese weekly and locals say he carries considerable in- Paul II in the Vatican and is not a member of published two photographs from 30 which fluence among the predominantly Catholic the Indonesian Council of Bishops like other recently arrived in Portugal depicting life in Timorese. church leaders in the country. a guerrilla camp. The photos were taken two East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 59

“Continue to give attention to East Ti- the mats. They also used other forms such NEW TIMOR OFFENSIVE? mor. If possible give it a wider or a special as withholding water for drinking and autonomy. This is because we are different washing. The lawyers themselves were also Horta’s claim has not yet been confirmed by in history, different in culture,” Belo said. the target for all kinds of persuasion: ‘they’ any other source. Indonesian had been a Dutch colony for would go up to them and say that the AFP, Lisbon, Aug. 8 - Indonesia is pre- more than 350 years until it gained inde- Timorese have the bad habit that once you paring a vast military offensive for the end pendence in 1945. help them they never stop demanding of the month against resistance fighters in Belo, 44, also criticized the Indonesian things. East Timor, a Timor independence struggle military’s “territorial operation” in East (...) How terribly difficult it is for a na- official said here. Timor in which troops are stationed at vil- tionalist to choose between two options, Ramos Horta of the National Council of lage level to help in the construction of in- one being the Family and the other the Fa- Timorese Resistance told a press conference frastructure. therland. This is the situation in which I find Friday that he had been given the in- myself at this moment. I think I have truly formation by a resistance fighter in the LETTER FROM sacrificed the well-being of my children and former Portuguese colony, which was an- TIMORESE JAIL their future. But I do not regret it. nexed in 1976 by Indonesia. (...) In prison I have being trying to de- Horta said he feared the military action This appeared originally as East Timor velop myself more; in the first place I have would become “as violent as those in 1977 News, Subject Memo No. 3, 27 July 1992. been trying to improve my English, because and 1988 during which 90 percent of the I can see that the English language is the key Extracts from a letter to his family by one of guerrillas were killed or captured.” to open many doors in life. ‘Here’ in this He said Indonesia still refused to negoti- those on trial in Dili. The letter was little corner, by candlelight I am writing to smuggled out of Timor and these extracts ate with the Portuguese and the Timorese. you. News has reached us of great hope Last year Portugal and Indonesia broke were later published in the Portuguese which uplifts our spirits. For our part, re- newspaper “Publico” of 10 July. off all relations, maintained since 1983 under gardless of the sentence ‘they’ pass down, the auspices of the United Nations. The “As you know, I am ‘here’ because I up- we do not accept it and we will take the government in Lisbon has since demanded hold a right which I think you also uphold. matter to the High Courts. Although ‘they’ that an East Timorese delegation take part in So I think that you are not ashamed of me have held out two alternatives for us to any new negotiations, but Indonesia has for this. Thanks to the principles passed on choose: refused on grounds that the East Timor to me from our father, who always defended 1 - Receive the sentence, that is, plead guilty Liberation Front, Fretilin, is not representa- moral integrity, both individual and and later ask for clemency or amnesty tive. collective, I am defending here today, before from the President. Most U.N. member states have not rec- the court of the occupiers, our truth, our 2 - Not accept the sentence and have re- ognised Indonesia’s claim to East Timor and Rights and Dignity as a people. I am also course to the High Courts. consider that Portugal is still the admin- safeguarding the memory of our heroes and The former is without any doubt a po- istrative power of the territory pending a martyrs who laid down their lives for this litical attitude. What ‘they’ want is that we referendum on self-determination. truth. (...) plead guilty so that ‘they’ can justify before (...) From the beginning I have refused to the world their designs, and show that the use the local lawyer and have attempted demonstrators were armed and were pro- through friends to get in contact with the ARMS SALES & vocative and that the troops only reacted in lawyers of Jakarta, who have a broader ju- BUSINESS IN INDONESIA self-defense. The judges themselves and the ridical perception and who are also defend- public prosecutors have made represen- ers of human rights in their own country and tations to us to discourage us from taking who are flexible regarding the situation in OFFICIAL ON U.S. ENVOY’S the case to the High Courts and to induce us Timor. They are neutral and not easily to accept the first alternative. We have CRITICISM ON INVESTMENT influenced (...) Thus, in spite of a series of refused because we respect the memory our difficulties, the Jakarta lawyers succeeded in ANTARA in English martyrs and those who were slain at Santa arriving in Dili (...) I was the first [to be Cruz, and we have decided to sacrifice our- Jakarta, July 6 (OANA-ANTARA) - tried]. Although handcuffed, I felt proud. selves. (...) Criticism on the investment climate in Ind- The lawyers were in fact good defenders (...) In our defence at the trial we suc- onesia launched by the U.S. ambassador to and because of this they put their own ceeded in recounting the history of Timor Indonesia, John C. Monjo, is considered as a physical safety at risk. During their stays in which serves to make youth of our land reflection of management problems that are Dili, they were always followed and more more aware and to help them see the real being faced by the United States. than a few times they were subjected to face of the process of integration. The po- Head of National Investment Coordinat- intimidation and even interrogation. The pulation of our country received our contri- ing Board Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo at a occupiers used various forms of persuasion bution to the common good with great ac- hearing with the House Commission dealing to sabotage our intention of using these claim, The bonds among ourselves, and with with economy, banking, and investment lawyers. For example they came to us and ‘our Family’ and our ‘brothers abroad’ affairs here Wednesday said that the criti- said that using the Jakarta lawyers would continue as strong as ever.” cism should be viewed on the basis of how make things worse for us. When ‘they’ did the Americans invest their funds in Indones- not succeed with this tactic, they resorted to ia. a terrorization process. They gave orders for We have never intended to hamper the sleeping mats to be removed from the American investors, he said. In the last three cells so that we had to sleep on the ground years, the U.S. has invested some 1.85 without any cover; but the International Red billion U.S. dollars in Indonesia, occupying Cross came and ‘they’ had to give us back Page 60 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. the seventh rank of countries investing in Hercules C-130 planes and a special He made the remarks after signing a Indonesia. squadron of the Indonesia Air Force are technical cooperation agreement with Ambassador Monjo at a seminar on the being used for transportation purposes. President Wage Mulyono here Monday. U.S-Indonesia business relationship recently This is for the second time that joint ex- The agreement allows KLM to deploy its stated that U.S investments in Indonesia are ercises have been staged in Pakan Baru. The experts at the Garuda maintenance facility hampered by bureaucracy, monopoly, and first joint exercises took place in 1985. at Jakarta’s international airport. economy inefficiency. Bouw said that KLM wants to make use According to Sastrowardoyo, the de- of its experience and experts to help pro- crease of the U.S. investments in Indonesia INDONESIA ORDERS ARMS mote Garuda as a world class airline. was caused among other things by its “old FROM NETHERLANDS, U.S. Mulyono expressed satisfaction with the fashioned” management. relationship between the two airlines and The U.S. management system is now one AP, Singapore, July 20 - Here is a review said that he would seek ways to find the step behind the Eastern countries’ of recent arms purchases and orders as maximum benefits of cooperation. management system applied by Japan, announced by member nations of the Indonesia plans to float a portion of its Hong Kong, and Taiwan, he said. It needs Association of Southeast Asian Nations or share on either the Jakarta Stock Exchange three to eight months observation from an reported in defense publications: or on international money market to collect American company to determine an agree- INDONESIA – Received the last of six about 500 million U.S. dollars to finance its ment for launching a project, he said adding Van Speijk class frigates from the Nether- 4 billion U.S. dollar program to purchase 40 that such a condition has led the company lands last year and earlier took delivery of new wide-body jets and to lease eight other to lose the project. 12 F-16 Fighting Falcons from United wide-body jets to replace its aging aircraft. The American businessmen somewhat States. Defense spending increased to $230 Mulyono said Garuda considered it quite prefer to apply “text book thinking” cover- million this year from $177 million. urgent to operate wide-body jets and airbus ing steps that should be taken to determine types to maintain its competitive stance on whether a project is feasible, he added. INDONESIA TO BUY LAR GE the global market. Therefore, the decrease of the U.S. invest- ment in Indonesia was not caused by what PART OF FORMER EAST TOURISM UP, STILL LOW Ambassador Monjo has criticized, he said. GERMAN NAVY The hearing, which was led by chairman of Xinhua, Jakarta, July 30 - The number of the commission Tajudin Nur said also dis- (AFP, Bonn, 23 July) Indonesia has been tourist arrivals to Indonesia in the first five cussed other economic problems like “tax authorised to buy 39 warships from the months of this year reached 940,280, an holiday” and the government regulation stocks of the former East German armed increase of 23.4 percent over that in the number 17 on foreign investment in Indo- forces, the Defence Ministry said same period of 1991. nesia. yesterday. The deal, which will enhance According to data issued by the Ministry Indonesia’s ability to launch amphibious of Tourism, Posts and Telecommunications, JOINT AIR EXERCISES WITH operations, comprises nine mine-sweepers, if the growth rate can be maintained in the 14 landing craft and 16 fast patrol boats. coming months, the target of three million SINGAPORE LAUNCHED Bonn authorised the contract because tourists visiting Indonesia will likely be met Indonesia is not considered to be an area of Jakarta ANTARA in English or even surpassed. tension or combat, (the ministry spokes- The data revealed that the total amount Pakan Baru, July 8 (OANA/ANTARA) - man) said. of spending made by foreign tourists during The Indonesia Air Force and the Republic of Indonesia is one of three dozen countries their stay in Indonesia in 1991 reached Singapore Air Force (RSAF) launched joint which have asked to buy parts of the enor- 2,518.2 million U.S. dollars, up by 19.6 exercises here on Wednesday involving a mous arsenal left by the National People’s percent over 2,105.3 million U.S. dollars in variety of aircraft, including A-4 Skyhawk Army when it was dissolved upon German 1990. tactical fighters from both countries. unification in October 1990. It is learnt that with the increase in the Indonesian Air Force Operation and Some of it, mainly chemical suits and amount of earnings from the visits of foreign Training Director First Marshal Richard detection gear, was sent to Germany’s allies tourists, the tourism industry at present Haryono opened the exercises at the Pakan during the Gulf War, and part has been sold ranks fourth after the oil/gas sector, the Baru Airbase, saying that previous joint to Finland. textile industry and the plywood industry in exercises have enhanced the operational The BBC World Service adds: the creation of export revenue. capacities of both countries and have as- Indonesia is to buy most of the warships According to a survey conducted by the sisted the air forces in their task of protect- owned by former East Germany. A Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the ing and defending their respective nations. spokesman said Indonesia would buy 39 of collection of foreign exchange earnings in the Flanked by Colonel Goh Yong Siang, sixty warships. Negotiations on the price tourism sector in the first five months of head of the RSAF Air Operations, the di- are still going on. this year reached 844.61 million U.S. dol- rector went on to say that the aim of the lars. exercises, which will continue until July 14, KLM TO PURCHASE There are 472 star-rated hotels with was to increase the pilots’ air-to-ground and PART OF GARUDA 43,290 rooms, and 5,410 non-star hotels air-to-sea firing techniques, as well as their with 97,400 rooms available in Indonesia at other operational air skills. Xinhua, Jakarta, July 28 - KLM Royal present. The exercises make also use of the Ind- Dutch, the Netherlands’ flag carrier, would Indonesia now ranks 38th among the 40 onesian Puma SA-330 helicopters and the purchase shares of Garuda, Indonesia’s flag main tourist destination countries in the RSAF’s Bell helicopters. carrier, after Garuda goes public, said Pieter world. Bouw, KLM Royal Dutch President, However, the 10 billion Rp (five million according to Jakarta Post here today. U.S. dollar) allocation of funds for promo- East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 61 tion in the tourism sector is still limited. “When I look at the crimes that go on EAST TIMOR UPDATE IN THE According to the result of survey with every day, I believe that perhaps the technical assistance from the United Nations authorities have got the wrong people this AC TIVIST, JULY-AUG. 1992 Development Program, some 50 billion Rp time,” Ms Young said. Toronto, Number 13 – August 3, 1992 (25 million U.S. dollars) is needed annually. The demonstration at the Indonesian consulate on University Avenue last Feb- Contents this issue: ruary 24 was held during the visit of Ind- – Ontario East Timor conference held EVENTS IN CANADA onesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas to – Timor massacre survivors jailed for Canada. Protesters erected a wooden cross “subversion” in front of the building, laid flowers in front ONTARIO REGIONAL EAS T of it, and distributed information about – US Representatives cut military aid to TIMOR CONFERENCE Indonesia’s brutal occupation of East Timor Indonesia (which has claimed the lives of one third of – Indonesian army goes shopping in Europe Saturday, August 1, 12 Noon-5 p.m. 519 the Timorese people). Young and Helwig – Canada silent at aid meet Church Street Community Centre, Toronto then threw the blood on the doors of the – Indonesia slammed at UN Decolonization All supporters of East Timor are invited building as a symbol of the blood that has meeting to attend an afternoon meeting of East Ti- been shed in East Timor since Indonesia – Intimidation stepped up mor Alert Network members and support- annexed the country. ers in Toronto on Saturday, August 1 at the The damage to the building was described Ontario East Timor conference held 519 Church Street Community Centre. The as “minor and transitory.” The East Timor Alert Network launched conference will be a forum to plan future The two were defended by lawyers who several new campaigns at a regional con- activities, let East Timor activists know the work with civil libertarian Clayton Ruby. ference in Toronto on August 1. The 31 latest news from East Timor and what’s Their argument that the right to freedom of participants from ten communities agreed happening internationally, nationally, and expression took precedence over the prop- to organize a national action and release an locally, and to meet others working in sup- erty rights of building owner Jubilee Canton open letter to the Canadian government on port of East Timor from across the prov- Inc. was rejected by the court. November 12, the first anniversary of the ince. “The real criminals here are not the Santa Cruz massacre (in which Indonesian If you need more information on any- people who threw their own blood on the soldiers opened fire without provocation on thing, call David Webster at (416) 539- Indonesian consulate, but the governments a crowd of East Timorese civilians, killing 9589, or Maggie Helwig or Mary Hutchin- of Indonesia and Canada,” said David between 100 and 200 people) and to focus son at (416) 531-6154. Hope to see you at Webster of the East Timor Alert Network’s on a speaking tour of universities in the conference! Toronto local group. “The Indonesian gov- September and October. Other actions ernment is responsible for the deaths of agreed to included a demonstration during TORONTO GRANDMOTHER thousands, and the Canadian government the Non-Aligned Movement summit in JAILED FOR EAST TIMOR has helped to give them the money and Indonesia in September; a petition to Bata weapons that has made the East Timor PROTEST Shoes to divest from Indonesia; pressure on tragedy possible.” universities to consider human rights in EAST TIMOR ALERT NETWORK NEWS For more information: Maggie Helwig or their dealings with Indonesia; a project RELEASE 31 July 1992 Mary Hutchinson, 531-6154; David Web- linking community/campus radio shows ster, 539-9589 that cover East Timor; a popular education Two Toronto women were found guilty kit aimed at high schools; and petition drives of mischief today for throwing blood on the TORONTO TIMOR ACTIVISTS to collect 5,000 signatures apiece in ten Indonesian Consulate last February. The PROTEST SENTENCES: communities in Ontario. two threw the blood as part of a protest Speakers at the conference included Abé against continuing atrocities committed by The Globe and Mail, Toronto, 3 August Barreto Soares, a Timorese refugee now Indonesian soldiers in East Timor, a south- 1992. representing the National Council of east Asian country Indonesia invaded in Maubere (Timorese) Resistance in Canada 1975. Comment: similar stories on two local TV stations. and Liem Soei Liong of the London- based Sixty-five year old peace activist Joanne Indonesian Human Rights Campaign Young was sentenced to three days in jail East Timor supporters from across (Tapol). For more information on any of after she refused to pay a $400 fine imposed Canada attending a regional conference of the campaigns, contact ETAN/Toronto. by the court. Maggie Helwig was sentenced the East Timor Alert Network rallied out- to one year probation and 100 hours of side the Old City Hall courtrooms on Sat- Timor massacre survivors jailed for community service. urday at Queen and Bay Streets. They were “subversion” There will be a protest against the sen- protesting against a three-day jail sentence On Nov. 12, 1991, a crowd of thousands tences on Saturday (August 1) at 5:30 p.m. of 65-year old peace activist Joanne Young of unarmed Timorese civilians marched to outside the Old City Hall courtroom (Queen for refusing to pay a $400 fine and a the Santa Cruz cemetery in Dili to lay & Bay). East Timor supporters from across sentence of a year’s probation and 100 flowers on the grave of slain independence Canada, who will be in Toronto to attend a hours community service imposed on activist Sebastiao Gomes. Indonesian sol- regional conference of the East Timor Alert Maggie Helwig. The two were found guilty diers opened fire on the crowd without Network, will be in attendance at the rally. of mischief on Friday for throwing blood at provocation, killing at least 100 people. “As a Christian it is incumbent on me to the Indonesian Consulate last September The Indonesian government promised to bear witness” to the killings in East Timor, during a protest against actions by punish the guilty. Two generals were fired Ms Helwig told the court, adding “If I was Indonesian soldiers in East Timor, which and replaced with more hard-line generals. Timorese, I would already be dead.” Indonesia invaded in 1975. Ten soldiers were court-martialled, and Page 62 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. sentenced to jail terms ranging from eight to tive action to support the East Timorese among all recipients of Canadian develop- 18 months. Eight Timorese survivors of the people. The arena now moves to the Sen- ment aid. Santa Cruz massacre, meanwhile, have been ate, which will vote in September on cutting Indonesia slammed at UN Decoloniza- jailed for “subversion” or “anti-government IMET to Indonesia. Indonesian armed tion meeting activities” for periods ranging from five forces commander, Gen. Try Sutrisno, at- Petitioners on behalf of East Timor out- years to life. tacked the House vote, saying “they should numbered delegates to the UN Special Two survivors of the massacre were not use their yardstick to evaluate our per- Committee of 24 on Decolonization, which jailed for subversion. Gregorio da Cunha formances (on human rights) because we met in New York in July. For the first time, Saldanha received a life sentence, while have our own yardstick.” the committee heard eyewitness reports Francisco Miranda Branco was sentenced Indonesian army goes shopping in from East Timor, from American journalists to 15 years in prison. Six other Timorese Europe Amy Goodman and Allan Nairn. ETAN activists were found guilty of “publicly Despite a vote in the European parlia- was represented by Li-lien Gibbons of expressing hostility towards the govern- ment last year to ban weapons sales to Vancouver, whose step-brother Kamal ment” and sentenced to jail terms ranging Indonesia, two European Community mem- Bamadhaj was shot by Indonesian soldiers from five to ten years. ber states are close to making lucrative sales during the Santa Cruz massacre last In Jakarta, Indonesia, two Timorese stu- to the Indonesian armed forces. British November. Ms Gibbons was also speaking dents, Joao Freitas da Camara and Fernando Aerospace PLC has nearly completed the on behalf of her family and Canadian de Araujo, were found guilty of subversion sale of 44 Hawk-100 and 200 training jets, Parliamentarians for East Timor. and jailed for nine and ten years despite a motion of censure tabled by The committee was also addressed by respectively for organizing a demonstration opposition parties in the British House of three East Timorese representatives, five on Nov. 19, 1991, in protest against the Commons. Germany, meanwhile, has international organizations (Amnesty In- Santa Cruz massacre. Three more were authorized the sale of a large part of the ternational, Asia Watch, Pax Christi, War sentenced to shorter jail terms for expressing former East German navy to Indonesia. Resisters International, and the Interna- hostility towards the government. Fourteen landing craft, 16 fast patrol boats, tional Platform of Jurists for East Timor) Amnesty International, Asia Watch and and nine minesweepers will be sold in a deal and East Timor solidarity activists from other human rights groups have condemned expected to give Indonesia increased seven countries. It is expected to make its the harsh sentences imposed on non-violent capacity to launch amphibious operations. recommendations to the General Assembly demonstrators and declared them prisoners The German foreign ministry said it in early September. of conscience. Portugal has been authorized the sale because Indonesia is particularly strong in calling for the Ti- Intimidation stepped up “not an area of tension or hostility.” morese prisoners to be freed. US Senator The 10,000 Indonesian armed forces in In the United States, recently declassified Patrick Leahy said the Indonesian govern- East Timor continue to step up their secu- documents have revealed that Indonesia re- ment had “perverted justice,” and even rity controls of the indigenous population. sold several French-made Puma helicopters close Indonesian ally Australia said it was Indonesian army chief Gen. Edi Sudrajat set to Iraq in 1989, with the approval of the “disturbed at the apparent discrepancies so the tone for the army this month when he US State Department. Indonesia may also far in the sentences that have been admin- declared that “all kinds of separatist have been the conduit for other weapons istered for civilians and the military.” Can- movements led by any group of extremists sales to Saddam Hussein’s Iraq prior to the ada, in contrast, has welcomed the verdicts. that want to divide the unity of the Indones- 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. In East Timor, hundreds more youths ar- ian Republic must be wiped out.” rested since November, but not charged Canada silent at aid meet In one telling case, Timorese housewife with subversion or expressing hostility, are The July inaugural meeting of the Con- Yoanita de Yesus Viegas Galochu was still being held in groups of two or three in sultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) gave charged with slander in June for writing a isolated “slave houses and torture cham- the Indonesian government $4.94 billion in private letter to the governor of East Timor bers,” according to José Ramos Horta, ex- aid for the coming year, slightly more than alleging that security forces were planning ternal representative for the Timorese re- the Indonesians had requested. The CGI is to murder her imprisoned husband, José sistance movement. The Indonesian gov- a new donor forum chaired by the World Antonio Joaquim, who is serving a 2-year ernment says they are “receiving mental Bank that replaced the old Netherlands- sentence for taking part in an anti- govern- guidance.” based Inter-Governmental Group on Indo- ment demonstration in early 1991. US Representatives cut military aid to nesia when Indonesia refused to accept Indonesia further aid from the Netherlands (which has a policy of linking aid with respect for The House of Representatives voted EVENTS IN BRITAIN human rights). Canadian representatives at unanimously on June 25 to stop funding the CGI meeting ignored appeals from the the Indonesian military. The vote came on East Timor Alert Network and 16 Canadian LUCAS AND LIEBHEFF TO an amendment introduced by Ronald Parliamentarians for East Timor that Machtley (Republican–Rhode Island) and SELL AIRCRAFT PARTS TO Canada use the forum to advance its stated Tony Hall (Democrat–Ohio) which re- INDONESIA policy of linking aid and human rights. moves $2.3 million in International Military Canada will give Indonesia another $46 Education and Training (IMET) for Indo- Reuter, London, July 13 - British aero- million in aid this year, but is still maintain- nesia from the Foreign Operations, Export space and automotive components group ing its freeze on $30 million in further aid Financing, and Related Programs Appro- Lucas Industries Plc together with German that was to be given to Indonesia. The $30 priations Bill for fiscal year 1993. computer company has won a contract to supply advanced Santa Cruz massacre. Last year’s $46 mil- passed at various times, this is the first flight control systems to Nusantara Aircraft lion aid package placed Indonesia third time ever that Congress has taken substan- Industries Ltd of Indonesia (IPTN). East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 63

Analysts said the contract could be investigation into the Santa Cruz massacre DEMO AGAINST SENTENCES worth up to $350 million over a 20 year take place, that future aid be conditional on span if the systems were incorporated on the withdrawal of the Indonesian army, and IN LONDON 700 N250 airplanes. true Timorese representatives be involved in Lucas and its German partner are to all negotiations about their future. SAVAGE SENTENCES ARE UNJUST supply fly-by-wire controls on the 50-seat In Timor itself, there has, of late, been a AND ILLEGAL: commuter turboprop planes. rigorous suppression of all dissent. Bishop BRITISH DEMONSTRATION Analysts expect that the order will cover Belo, the Catholic Ordinary, has forcefully AGAINST MILITARY REGIME OF between 500 and 700 turboprop planes and asked that the next governor of East Timor INDONESIA be worth $250,000 apiece to Lucas, but this should be East Timorese. Reliable sources cash figure is expected to double over a 20- suggest that the next incumbent will be an All are welcome to attend the demon- year span to cover after sales. Indonesian general. stration, organised by the British Coalition The award comes after Lucas/Liebheff for East Timor (BCET) and Tapol pioneered fly-by-wire technology (Indonesia Human Rights Campaign), to HOUSE OF LORDS protest against the sentences passed against (electronically controlled actuation) on all DISCUSSES EAST TIMOR three axes of flight control with the four- East Timorese citizens by Indonesian authorities. A letter of protest will be sub- nation European consortium Airbus Indus- TAPOL report trie. mitted to the Indonesian Embassy. The N250 has fly-by-wire technology Peers from all parties spoke in a debate in DETAILS OF THE DEMONSTRATION the House of Lords on 16 July on the applied to flap, aileron, spoiler, elevator and Thursday 30 July 1992, 11.00 onwards question of ‘Indonesia: Aid and Human rudder circuits and a back-up system on Venue: Indonesian Embassy, 38 Grosvenor aileron and elevator. Rights.’ All expressed deep dismay with the situation in East Timor and urged the Square, London, W1 (Enquiries to government to suspend aid and stop selling gn:tapol welcome) PETITION PRESENTED TO arms to Indonesia. The one-and-a-half-hour Savage sentences have been meted out to DOWNING STREET discussion included substantial contribu- the East Timorese who took part in the tions from Labour peer Lord Rea who vis- peaceful demonstration in Dili, East Timor The following Press Release was issued by ited East Timor in March 1989 and who on 12 November 1991, where hundreds of the British Coalition for East Timor on 15 opened the debate, Conservative peer Lord East Timorese were massacred by Indones- July 1992: Finsberg (who was making his maiden ian troops. Gregorio da Cunha Saldanha, a On Wednesday, July 15, a small group of speech), Liberal Democrat Lord Avebury 24 year old former civil servant, was sen- people including Ann Clwyd MP, Fr Sarath (chair of the Parliamentary Human Rights tenced to life imprisonment at the end of Wasanta and the East Timorese refugee Group), the Bishop of Worcester, Labour’s June 1992 for alleged subversion: subversion Estevao Cabral, representing the British Lord Hatch of Lusby, Independent peer amounting to no more than attending a Coalition for East Timor, knocked at the Lord Haden-Guest, and Labour’s Lord peaceful demonstration. Harsh sentences of door of No 10 Downing Street and Judd, until recently director of OXFAM. between 6 and 15 years have been handed presented a petition on East Timor to the All who spoke roundly condemned the down to Timorese students who protested Prime Minister, John Major. This symbolic brutalities of the Indonesian army and dis- the Dili massacre through a peaceful dem- act was the culmination of months of cam- played an intimate knowledge of the situ- onstration in Jakarta on 19 November 1991. paigning since the massacre of 150 peaceful ation in East Timor, up to and including Yet, those who perpetrated the Dili mas- demonstrators by Indonesian soldiers on recent events and statements made by senior sacre, the officers of the Indonesian Armed November 12, 1991, at a cemetery in Dili, army officers such as the latest outburst by Forces, have escaped justice: not one officer the capital of East Timor. Major-General Mantiri. The recently has been tried for organising and executing Many hundreds of people representing announced British Aerospace deal to supply the massacre. Ten lower rank officers, who all levels of society gave their names to the 40 Hawks to Indonesia and the latest reve- admitted opening fire on the Timorese in petition. Among the Church representatives, lations about Indonesian officers who will Dili, were tried for “disciplinary” offences politicians and academics who signed were be getting training in the UK were also and given sentences from only 8 to 20 Archbishop Michael Bowen, Bishop John condemned. months. Rawsthorne, Abbots Dominic Gaisford and The government’s replies to numerous The Draconian sentences are unjust and David Charlesworth, Professor Michael questions asked during the debate were inequitable. The murderers remain unpun- Dummett, and the rock band, U2. given by Baroness Trumpington, who ished while innocent people have either been The petition reflects the increasing con- showed a surprisingly shallow understand- killed or imprisoned for disproportionate cern felt by many over the delay in effective ing of the matter. periods which in no way reflect their action by the international community fol- The full transcript of the discussion is “crime": peaceful demonstration calling for lowing the draconian sentences given to East available from TAPOL or ETAN/US. self-determination. In fact, the legality of the Timorese survivors of the massacre (up to trials in Jakarta, and therefore the sentences, life imprisonment) and the token sentences is extremely dubious. Trying the defendants (maximum, 18 months) meted out to under Indonesian Law is contrary to the soldiers who carried out the slaughter. Indonesian Constitution of 1945 due to the However, despite widespread condemnation illegal annexation of East Timor in 1975 by of human rights abuses in East Timor, the Indonesia after the country had already Consultative Group on Indonesia meets in declared independence. The numerous UN Paris this week (16- 17 July) to agree to Resolutions calling for the withdrawal of further substantial aid to Indonesia. The Indonesia from East Timor reinforce this petition demands that a full international argument. Page 64 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

The UK Government is tacitly condoning BRITISH AEROSPACE SHARE RISE and Tino Rangatiratanga (Maori sover- the human rights abuses in East Timor. Reuter, London, July 30 - British Aero- eignty) in New Zealand. Since the 1980s, the UK has been the sec- space Plc shares were 15p higher at 210 by In a chapter about Bougainville, Roger ond largest supplier of military aircraft, 1110 GMT after news a defence source in Moody, coordinator of the International naval vessels and advanced weapons sys- Indonesia said the country is close to order- Minewatch, says dissident landowners were tems to Indonesia. In the wake of the mas- ing 40 BAe Hawk 100 and 200 series trainer provoked in their secessionist struggle by sacre in Dili, British Aerospace is close to aircraft, dealers said. the “worst human-made environmental signing a deal for 40 Hawk trainer/fighter Immediately prior to the news BAe was catastrophe in modern times.” aircraft worth more than PS600mn. Hawk showing a 7p rise mainly on a view that the He believes that even if more aircraft have been seen in use in East Timor. stock has been oversold recently. “Bougainvilles” do not erupt in the South Selling anything to the Indonesian armed Turnover was 1.4 million shares. Pacific, “less bloody or newsworthy tactics forces signals British condonation of the will proliferate as not only Melanesian, but Indonesian crimes against humanity. More Polynesian and Micronesian landowner concretely, the deal violates the European RESOURCES AVAILABLE communities perceive the diminishing gains Parliament resolution passed in the wake of to be obtained from mortgaging rapidly the massacre (December 1991) calling for dwindling agricultural resources, or potential the UN and the EC to ban arms sales to BOUGAINVILLE ‘GENOCIDE’ tourist attractions, to foreign transna- Indonesia. tionals.” COMPARED TO EAST TIMOR Moody cites examples such as the pro- INDONESIAN AIR FORCE IN NEW BOOK longed strike of Fijian workers at Vatukoula NEGOTIATES TO BUY gold mine; the struggle by a Maori tribe, The Australian government and mining Ngati Te Ata, to stop New Zealand Steel BRITISH HAWK FIGHTER companies have been attacked over Papua desecrating burial grounds at Waikato PLANES New Guinea’s Bougainville crisis in a new Heads; and Nauru’s compensation case book about the region’s social, environ- against Australia for phosphate exploitation AFP, Jakarta, July 30 - The Indonesian mental and political conflicts. of the atoll. Air Force is negotiating the purchase of Australian mining giant CRA’s Bou- The outcome of the Nauru case was several Hawk fighter planes from Britain, gainville legacy trails behind it ‘like a ball crucial, “because it centres on the poverty the Kompas daily Thursday quoted Air- and chain,’ claims the book Tu Galala: of options left to Pacific Islanders after force Chief Marshal Siboen as saying. Social Change in the South Pacific which mining has dominated the economy and The paper quoted Siboen as saying at a warns of other potential “Bougainvilles” in profoundly affected the water, land and air.” ceremony at the air force academy in the future. The above is a media release from Pluto Yogyakarta on Wednesday that Indonesia Citing human rights violations on the is- Press uploaded on behalf of David Robie by was considering buying several British land and a policy of “genocide,” the book Eve Sinton (peg:esinton). Aerospace Hawk 100 and 200 tandem says the embittered conflict is comparable fighter planes. only to the war of aggression by Indonesia “Two squadrons for the first phase against the indigenous peoples of colonised SOUTHEAST ASIA (which) is currently being negotiated,” Si- East Timor. PUBLICATIONS boen was quoted as saying. Bougainville was likely to have been a An Indonesian air squadron usually sensitive behind-the-scenes issue at the Some available resources on Southeast comprises 16 planes with two to four addi- South Pacific Forum meeting in the Solomon Asia as described in a recent flyer from tional planes in reserve. Islands capital of Honiara on 9-10 July. Southeast Asia Publications. Industry sources here said the negotia- Tu Galala, edited by New Zealand SOUTHEAST ASIA PUBLICATIONS tions were for 44 planes and put the value author David Robie and published by Pluto 7538 Newberry Lane, Lanham-Seabrook, of the contract at around 800 million dollars. Press Australia, has been written by 21 Maryland 20706, USA Pacific activists, journalists, academics and The spokesman’s office of the air force Phone: (301)552-3251 Fax: (301)552-4465 decline to confirm the report. an MP - Tongan pro-democracy campaigner Siboen said the Hawks would allow pi- ‘Akilisi Pohiva. E-mail: [email protected] (Internet) or lots to prepare themselves for higher-tech- The book was assisted by the Pacific 72436.3621 (CompuServe) nology aircrafts such as the U.S.-made F-16 Development and Conservation Trust, a John A. MacDougall, Editor fighters. fund set up in New Zealand by former Southeast Asia Publications periodicals “The F-16 type with high technology is prime minister David Lange with the French cover current events in all areas of Southeast for the future while the Hawk type is to government compensation money for Asia except Indonesia. Our comprehensive prepare for that. We have to train first and sabotage of the Rainbow Warrior in 1985. and convenient regional periodical Southeast we cannot just go straight to that (the use of Robie is the award-winning author of Asia Reports_ provides you extensive and high-tech planes),” Siboen said. books on the Rainbow Warrior bombing timely news, analysis, and commentary not Siboen declined to say how much each (Eyes of Fire, 1986) and Pacific nationalist easily available elsewhere. aircraft would cost. struggles (Blood on their Banner, 1990). A full line of single country Reports is Indonesia’s air strike force has so far Topics covered include hazardous waste also available for those following events in been composed of U.S. built jets such as dumping and the Johnston Atoll chemical only certain countries of the region. A64 Skyhawks, F-5 and a squadron of new weapons burn-off controversy; human If you order Southeast Asia Reports (50 F-16 ordered in 1989. rights violations in Fiji, Papua New Guinea, packed 12-page small-print issues, no ad- the Philippines and East Timor; vertisements), you automatically receive all ‘development’ in Kanaky/New Caledonia, the material published in the single country East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 65

Reports (12 packed 18-page issues per Student Union Theatre, opens here on Au- letters to us. There is no overt military ac- single country periodical). gust 6. Zero Sum is based on the events tivity on our half of the island, but we ap- You may also, if desired, enter a trial surrounding the death of Kamal Bamadhaj, a preciate your concern nonetheless. (For a subscription to any Southeast Asia Publica- human rights activist and University of New more detailed account of the November 12th tions periodical for a quarter or half the South Wales student. killings, see “Over the edge,” by Adam subscription length for a quarter or half the Kamal was killed in the November 12 Schwarz, Far Eastern Economic Review, 28 price. Dili massacre. He was travelling in East Nov. 1991, pp. 15-18.) Over time, all Southeast Asia Publica- Timor as an interpreter for a Community Although numerous improvements to tions periodicals come to comprise formi- Aid Abroad worker. East Timor’s infrastructure have been made dable reference sources. This feature of the The play was written after extensive re- since “integration” with Indonesia in 1975 periodicals is enhanced by their availability, search. Ironically, foreign minister Gareth (now schools, roads, and hospitals have if desired, through email (electronic mail) Evans agreed to be interviewed. Interviews been built), the region has also experienced over the Internet, Bitnet, UUCP and certain were also conducted with members of the great repression. The border between East other networks. Timorese community, activists and friends and West Timor was opened only in 1987 The resulting database on disk may be of Kamal. This was then transformed into when the military declared victory in its war easily searched for keywords of your choice improvisation and recorded on video. Zero against pro-independence guerrillas and using almost any word processing program. Sum utilises multimedia material, such as removed combat units. Yet stories that have More sophisticated easy-to-use search-and- footage of the massacre, slides from the made their way across border and sea since retrieve software may be purchased from Fretilin forces in East Timor and contem- then suggest a land under siege. In a country most software retailers. If you plan to use porary music. where the military is partly self- financed, our periodicals for research, please seriously According to Rose Myers, artistic direc- losing control of East Timor (and its consider the email subscription option. tor for the department, the theme was cho- lucrative coffee plantations left behind by An electronic subscription requires ex- sen because it seemed a relevant issue for the Portuguese) would mean grave financial change of a test message and an undertaking university students and young people in losses for the Indonesian armed forces. An by the subscriber not to circulate the general. Zero Sum promises to serve as a acquaintance who works in East Timor told periodical through electronic media. timely reminder of the human rights abuses us that farmers are forced to sell their coffee If you need authoritative information on occurring on our doorstep. As well, it will to the militia for only about 12 cents a Indonesia, we suggest you order the peri- highlight the people who risk their lives in pound. odicals and Briefing Books available from the struggle for change and social justice. On March 9, 1992, a Portuguese ship, our officemate, Indonesia Publications. The play will run from August 6 to 15 at Lusitania Expresso, left Darwin, Australia. ORDER FORM 8 p.m. at the Union Theatre, Melbourne The passengers’ expressed mission of peace Name and street or email address to University. Matinees on August 14 and 15. was to lay flowers on the graven of those which order should be sent: For bookings phone 344 3994. Don’t miss who died as a result of the November Southeast Asia Reports ($250 the East Timor Benefit Night on Monday, massacre. They also clearly hoped to draw U.S./Canada, $350 elsewhere) August 10. international attention to the problem of Burma Reports ($100 U.S./Canada, $155 East Timor and garner support for a refer- elsewhere) endum that would permit the East Timorese Thailand Reports ($100 U.S./Canada, MISCELLANEOUS to freely determine their own future. $155 elsewhere) ARTICLES Indonesia rejects the call for such a refer- Cambodia Reports ($100 U.S./Canada, endum, claiming the area is already a le- $155 elsewhere) gitimate Indonesian province. Vietnam Reports (includes Laos) ($100 REPORT FROM KUPANG Lusitania’s mission was viewed by Ind- U.S./Canada, $155 elsewhere) onesia as a provocation to national security, Malaysia Reports (includes Brunei) The following report was written by two and the military prepared itself accordingly. ($100 U.S./Canada, $155 elsewhere) American Protestant seminarians working We live about an 18 hours’ drive from Dili. Singapore Reports ($100 U.S./Canada, in Kupang, West Timor, in April, 1992. On March 7, we saw six busloads of sol- $155 elsewhere) ETAN/US has removed their names and diers speeding east. On March 9 and 10, Philippines Reports ($100 U.S./Canada, addresses, but can supply them to interested supersonic jets were heard screeching over $155 elsewhere) (and trustworthy) people. Kupang. Eight Indonesian battleships and some helicopters were positioned around Make checks/money orders payable to Dear friends, SOUTHEAST ASIA PUBLICATIONS. the eastern tip of our island to confront the On November 12, 1991, Indonesian Mail everything to SOUTHEAST ASIA Lusitania as it approached. The captain of soldiers opened fire on demonstrators visit- PUBLICATIONS, 7538 Newberry Lane, the Lusitania has stated he will bring a case ing the gravesite of a young activist killed in Lanham-Seabrook, Maryland 20706, U.S.A. before the United Nations because his ship, Dili last October. Many of the demonstra- Phone: (301) 552-3251. Fax: (301) 552- coming on a peaceful mission, was inter- tors were also protesting Indonesia’s 16- 4465. Email: [email protected] on Internet, cepted by warships. year effort to integrate the former Portu- 72436.3621 on CompuServe. When the Lusitania returned to Darwin guese colony. A number of foreign journal- on March 11 without event, the Indonesian ists were present at the time of the shooting, press was quick to hail it as a resounding EAST TIMOR ON STAGE and their eye witness accounts, along with Indonesian victory. Foreign press coverage Green Left Weekly, Issue 65, August 5, by footage, were aired around the world. of the event was seen as insignificant, Vannessa Hearman Estimates of the death toll have ranged from making the voyage even more of a failure. 50 to more than 300. Not a few of you, “Dili is slowly returning to normal,” claimed MELBOURNE - A new play on East realizing that we live in Timor, voiced the mass media here. Perhaps, but what Timor, staged by the Melbourne University concern for our safety in your Christmas about the rest of East Timor? Page 66 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

According to reliable sources, the Lusi- than half a million. If that isn’t May you also lift up the people of East tania’s voyage was the pretext for a signifi- genocide I don’t know what is. But I Timor in your prayers during the coming cant military build-up in East Timor. know something else – you can’t kill months. “Security” forces, comprised of about 34 to everyone. It isn’t over ... there’s al- 40 soldiers from both combat and territorial ways someone else who’ll stop for- NEWSWEEK INTERVIEWS units were placed in each village. A third ward. Even a tiny society like ours RAMOS-HORTA unit of intelligence personnel is also present had the capacity to throw up any in East Timor and although concentrated in number of superior people. There’s no Hidden Terror in East Timor Dili, is highly mobile. such thing as a hero – only ordinary At a recent workshop on women and de- people asked extraordinary things in Interview on the back page of Newsweek, velopment that one of us attended, a catho- terrible circumstances – and delivering. International Edition, June 1, 1992. Original lic sister, in East Timor since 1975, shared The Danuese might have thought language English. Unabridged. sobering stories of the reality there. Most they’d lost their leaders, that there In 1975, after Portugal freed its colony of Indonesian soldiers in the villages come from was no one else, and that’s the East Timor, Indonesia forcibly annexed the islands other than Timor. Without family moment a frizzy-haired messiah will territory as its 27th province. Ever since, they soon turn to the young women of East choose to come upon the scene ... The the Timorese people have been waging a Timor for entertainment. As the sister said, malais might have put the torch to the struggle for independence. José Ramos- ‘And what makes our efforts to protect field, they might think they’ve ex- Horta fled just before the army invasion and them so difficult is that most of the girls terminated all the creatures in it, but has been one of his country’s main really love to be invited to berdansa (go there’ll always be one woodchuck left. spokesmen abroad. Now special rep- dancing) with the soldiers.” Promises of There always is.” resentative for the National Council of marriage that never materialize, as well as Proof is in the November 12th incident. Maubere Resistance, a coalition of Timorese rapes, are not uncommon. Neither are But with the resurrection of protest has parties and organizations, he spoke recently stories of young men taken from their come the resurrection of violence. So what with NEWSWEEK’s Anne Underwood in homes by soldiers “to go to school in Java.” are Christians, concerned about human New York. Excerpts: Most East Timorese now realize that “going rights and the right to self-determination, to UNDERWOOD: What brings you here? to school” is the code for being dropped do? Our church here, GMIT, remains pub- RAMOS-HORTA: I came to deliver a le- from planes into the Timor sea. licly quiet, and not only because East Timor tter from resistance leader Cmdr. Xanana We lift up the case of East Timor for a is seen as “Catholic turf.” GMIT refrains Gusmao to the U.N. secretary-general, reit- couple of reasons. One is to illustrate the from making a public outcry for much the erating our willingness to engage in dialogue moral dilemma of protest. On the one hand same reason even Indonesians critical of the without preconditions, under the auspices it was an act of courage and good-will for government label the Lusitania protest as of the U.N., between Indonesia on the one the Lusitania to make its voyage. On the ultimately misdirected: there was and is hand and East Timor and Portugal on the other hand that trip seems to have only more to be lost than gained. other. We are willing to explore all ideas, but exacerbated the plight of the East Timorese. As members of a Christian community so far Indonesia has refused the inclusion of East Timor has seen an incredible military that stresses partnership, it is important to East Timor in the talks. build-up over the past month, the long-term remember there are things you can do that implications of which are frightening. your Indonesian partners cannot. As US How would the peace process unfold? In his novel The Redundancy of Courage citizens with a responsibility to understand As a first step, we would recommend (London: Chatto & Windus, 1991), US foreign policy, you can seek to influence giving East Timor special status as an Timothy Mo presents a fictionalized ac- it. For some time the US has had much more autonomous territory. This could last five count of the 1975 Indonesian occupation of than a passing interest in Indonesia and its years, during which we would elect a local East Timor and the nature of guerilla warfare affairs. It is no longer a secret that the CIA assembly and enact our own domestic laws. there. In his rendition, Timor has become supplied the Indonesian military with hit- At the end of five years, it could be re- Danu and the Indonesians are malais lists in 1965 during the “Communist” purge. newed, or we could hold a referendum on (Malays). For us the novel is painfully It comes as no surprise, then, that since our future status. This would save face for powerful. At the end, the protagonist, who Indonesia has recently rejected Dutch aid Indonesia and also prevent any aggravation has experienced both sides of the conflict, (claiming the Dutch manipulated it as a way of the situation. finally escapes to Brazil (another place of influencing internal affairs) they are likely How active is the resistance now? where Portuguese is spoken), but not with- to look to not only Japan but also the US to If you refer to the guerrillas alone, they out haunting memories. Nevertheless, Mo’s fill the gap. do not present a major threat to Indonesia. conclusion is given to hope. Our hope is that the US will care enough Actual numbers of people engaged in armed “If I thought I could unmake my to seek a political end to the madness in resistance number only a few hundred. They old self so easily I was a fool ... I was East Timor, something that is more likely to serve mainly as a powerful symbol for the trying to accomplish within my own happen with a little prodding and informed people, who are constantly engaged in small person what the malais hadn’t questioning to congressional representatives political, cultural, religious and been able to do to a nation. An iden- from a concerned electorate. What is the US psychological resistance. tity and a history cannot be obliter- position on East Timor? Is there anything Passive resistance? ated with a switch of a name or the US leadership can do to influence Indo- The most important form of resistance is stroke of a pen... nesia’s policy? joining the [Roman] Catholic Church. Ca- “And if I couldn’t make away with If you or your congregation would like tholicism in East Timor exploded from a myself, how could the malais make more information or suggestions about how mere 30 percent of the population to almost away with a whole nation? Before the you might make a difference please contact 100 percent in a little over 10 years, because invasion there were seven hundred ASIA WATCH or TAPOL. the church has stood firmly on the side of thousand Danuese. Now there are less East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 67 the persecuted. So many priests have been Very well. Rep. Tony Hall has just in- Daniel Dhakidae, Herb Feith, Max Lane, beaten severely in the countryside, spat at, troduced a bill that calls for mandatory Dan Lev, Bill Liddle, Anton Lucas, Jamie their houses searched. The bishop himself is sanctions against Indonesia, cutting off trade Mackie, Andrew McIntyre, George and under constant surveillance and harassment. and military assistance until Indonesia Audrey Kahin, Ruth McVey, Goenawan You’ve been out of the country nearly 17 agrees to a referendum. Mohammad, Deliar Noer, Richard Robison, years. How do you get your information? As a result, have you seen any changes in Krishna Sen, Marsillam Simanjuntak, Ulf An underground network smuggles out the State Department position? Sundhaussen, Richard Tanter, Paul Tickell. letters, photographs and reports. I also get Absolutely not. I met with them in a To take advantage of the wide range of information from specialists I send to East clandestine fashion. They asked me to see participants attending the conference a small Timor – mostly foreigners who go as tour- them at the Hilton Hotel instead of the State number of one-day post-conference ists. Other important sources are churches, Department, probably because a meeting at workshops is being organized. The topics diplomats, foreign embassies in Jakarta, the State Department itself would upset are likely to include Media, State Ideology, Asia Watch and Amnesty International. Indonesia. Diplomats do not like to disturb the Arts, Biography. The conference will be held at Monash We heard a lot about the massacre last the status quo. But if the State Department, without calling for sanctions or anything of and will begin on the morning of Thursday November 12 because two Western jour- 17 December and end on the afternoon of nalists happened to be there and were the sort, were to state unequivocally that Indonesia has to move toward holding a Sunday 20 December. A dinner will be held beaten. Would you say this massacre was on the Thursday evening. unusual? referendum under U.N. supervision, Indonesia would start to rethink its policies. A registration form and programme with It was not an aberration. In the Indones- further details of costs, accommodation and ian military culture, violence is an instru- venue will be available in September. Please ment of policy and a means to extract loy- AUSTRALIAN CONFERENCE return the expression of interest slip to the alty and obedience. ... It’s hard for people ANNOUNCEMENT Centre of Southeast Asian Studies if you abroad to believe because they don’t know wish to be sent more information. the nature of the Indonesian Army. One day INDONESIAN DEMOCRACY: 1950s Participants from overseas are warned a history of all this will be done. People will AND 1990s that flights into Australia in December are say, “My God, it was true.” But by then it Thursday 17 to Sunday 20 December likely to be heavily booked and are encour- will be too late. 1992, Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, aged to book early. Is the government still claiming that only 19 Monash University, (Sponsored by The To register contact: people died in the November attack? Australia Indonesia Institute). Indonesian Democracy Conference, The No, they’re now saying that about 50 This conference will examine past and Centre of Southeast Asian Studies, Monash were killed and 91 “disappeared.” We be- present interpretations of the parliamentary University, Clayton 3168, Australia lieve that more than 200 died. democracy of the 1950s in Indonesia with a Fax:(61 3)565-2210, Ph:(61 3)565-4993 What documentation do you have about the view to assessing their contemporary rele- Email:[email protected] current situation? vance. Discussions about the events of the Information I received indicates that there 1950s, and divergent explanations of why RAMOS-HORTA PLAN GETS parliamentary democracy failed, form an are 500 to 600 people detained in the QUALIFIED SUPPORT countryside. Many are held in military important element in current political de- camps; others are imprisoned in private bates in Indonesia. The conference will look East Timor News, Monthly Memo No. 5. homes of military officers, which are in fact at interpretations of that period developed at the time, and at re-interpretations being Although Ramos-Horta’s peace plan had slave houses and torture centers. Indonesia been public since the previous month, it denies the existence of these places, and developed in Indonesia and elsewhere at the moment. Attention will be given to current was only when he was reported as saying in they are beyond the reach of any interna- an Australian radio interview that the three- tional organizations. What [Red Cross] of- Indonesian thinking about future democratic possibilities. The prospects for democracy phase process would imply an acceptance ficer would dare ask to investigate a private of Indonesian sovereignty over the territory home? will be considered in the light of the ways in which Indonesia has changed since the for an interim period which could extend for Part of the reason the Western powers did 1950s, looking particularly at class as long as 12 years, that attention was not support East Timor was that they saw formation, religion and ethnicity, gender focussed on the proposal in the Portugal the conflict In East-West terms, claiming relations and regional society and politics. media. that the resistance was communist. Is that The conference will also address the Although the FRETILIN and UDT lead- a valid argument? Was it ever? question of whether authoritarian rule is ership in Portugal refrained in general from There were perhaps half a dozen Marx- necessary to sustain fast economic growth formal comment on the plan, Sebastiao ists. But the West still continues to support and whether such rule is necessary to Guterres (UDT) accused Horta of having Indonesia, which shows that the old argu- maintain the unity of the country. “betrayed those who had placed their ment was a false one. Now they claim that The conference will be organized on the political trust in him.” Misgivings were an independent East Timor would cause the basis of three types of sessions: plenary expressed by individual Timorese in radio disintegration of Indonesia – the Yugoslavia sessions, concurrent sessions and small and television interviews. In Australia, scenario. There is no such parallel. There are discussion groups. Proceedings will be FRETILIN leader Alfredo Ferreira described no forces pulling in different directions that conducted in English and Indonesian with the plan as a good step to initiate dialogue make conflict resolution difficult. A solution simultaneous interpretation. but said that the Timorese could not trust would be easy if only there were political Speakers will include Fachry Ali, Ichlasul Indonesia. (Publico 23 May) will. Amal, Ben Anderson, Sue Blackburn, David Ali Alatas, speaking to the press in How were you received in Washington? Bourchier, Arief Budiman, Ali and Mil Jakarta, was dismissive of the Horta pro- Budiardjo, Robert Cribb, Harold Crouch, posals asking “what is the weight of this Page 68 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. statement, in whose name does he speak and being between pro- and anti-integration “blistering critique” of the Indonesian Gov- who does he represent?” (Publico 26 May) groups whereas before they had always ernment. maintained that the conflict was confined to During recent months Indonesian judges UDT RIFT DEEPENS a group of guerrillas in the mountains. Fur- have imposed harsh sentences on five Ti- thermore Ali Alatas, speaking to the press morese protesters who were fired on, while East Timor News, Monthly Memo No. 5. in April had referred to the Timor question handing out relatively mild punishments to Australia-based UDT leader Joao Car- as being like “a stone in your shoe” which Indonesian soldiers accused over the rascalao has instructed his lawyer to sue although tiny in itself is very painful when shootings. fellow UDT leaders Paulo Pires and Vicente you walk and he had gone on to say that Last week, a 29-year old student leader, Guterres because they accused him publicly Indonesia had two options - either to con- Gregorio da Cunha Saldanha, was jailed for of collaboration with the Indonesian tinue to try to walk on, or to take off the life for having organised the protest which occupation of East Timor. (Publico 12 shoe and remove the stone. Although it is lead to the massacre. May) unclear what the minister meant by remov- Military tribunals have sentenced nine ing the stone, this comment represents an soldiers and one policeman to jail terms FUND RAISING FOR enormous shift in the attitude of the Ind- ranging from eight to 20 months for onesian powers-that-be according to Prof. “violating military regulations” during the RESISTANCE Anderson. demonstration. The professor was in Portugal to speak Although an official Indonesian report East Timor News, Monthly Memo No. 5. on the theme “East Timor and the end of put the death toll at 50 - including New Former Portuguese president and member the Indonesian regime” at Oporto univer- Zealand student Kamal Bamadhaj - inde- of the Peace in Timor Mission, Ramalho sity. (Publico 23 May) pendent sources, human rights agencies and Eanes has announced the creation in Lisbon eyewitness journalists have estimated at of a new fund-raising scheme whereby INDONESIA MAY least 150 died. members of the public can donate money to FACE JURISTS “We believe the actual figure is 198 a fund which will be passed on to resistance killed, based on hospital records, mothers’ leader Xanana Gusmao. (Diario de Noticias AUCKLAND: 19 July 1992 by David Robie testimony and the number of disappear- 24 May) in the Sunday Star ances,” claims Pereira. “Seven victims were Meanwhile in the north of Portugal, actually buried under an asphalt road. $140,000 was reported to have been raised Human rights advocates are planning a “New Zealand should ask questions at a special dinner for business people and “people’s tribunal” of international jurists about the dead and missing.” industrialists to raise money to pay off the to put Indonesia on trial over violations in The New York-based international rights debts incurred by the Lusitania Expresso East Timor. group Asia Watch has condemned the light peace voyage. The hearing is expected to be convened in punishments imposed on soldiers, saying Bangkok in September to coincide with the the courts martial were “stage managed” to DILI MADE HONORARY Non-aligned Movement summit in Jakarta. appease international criticism. Concern over the ambivalent Indonesian LUSOPHONE CAPITAL CITY The trials revealed a “sloppy, ill-pre- response to last November’s massacre of pared, ill-informed, poorly disciplined and un-armed mourners in an East Timorese East Timor News, Monthly Memo No. 5. poorly led army,” says the Asia Watch cemetery, when a young New Zealander The annual meeting of the Union of report, adding that they did nothing to died, the advocates hope to increase inter- “pierce the secrecy surrounding how the Lusophone Capital Cities in Praia, Cape national pressure on the Suharto regime. Verde, unanimously voted Dili as an hon- shooting started or what happened to the A Timorese campaigner visiting Auck- bodies of those killed.” orary member of the Union and the aspira- land last week revealed the plan and also tion was expressed that it would one day appealed for an international investigation come to “occupy its rightful place” as a into the Santa Cruz massacre. NAM SUMMIT SHAPING UP member. (Publico 19 May) “After Kuwait, Timor is now the big test Kyodo, Jakarta, July 21 - Seven heads of for international human rights,” says Aglo state, including Cuba’s Fidel Castro, have ANDERSON: EAST TIMOR Pereira, project officer of the Sydney-based confirmed that they will attend the WILL GET INDEPENDENCE East Timor Relief Association. “The peo- Nonaligned Movement summit in Jakarta in ple’s tribunal could be a catalyst for justice September, local news reports said East Timor News, Monthly Memo No. 5. and self-determination.” Tuesday. Leading US academic expert on Ind- Pereira says a peace plan advocated by a The Kompas daily said the heads of onesian affairs Prof. Ben Anderson said former United Nations envoy, José Ramos- states include those from Singapore, Ma- that Jakarta has realized that it has lost the Horta, and other Timorese resistance leaders laysia, Iran, India, Kenya, and Gabon. game with regard to East Timor. “Whether was the best hope for his country’s future. “The Cuban government has requested [the Indonesian empire] enters into collapse Both the New Zealand and Australian special facilities for its delegates,” the governments have reacted coolly to the or not, Timor will one day be independent. I Kompas quoted Rais Abin, secretary general am certain of that,” he said in a Publico proposal. of the committee for the summit, as saying. interview, adding that this would probably Supporters of East Timor self-determi- Another newspaper reported that India come about within 10 years. nation are pressing for the release of a con- plans to send about 100 people to the Prof. Anderson drew attention to the fidential report submitted to the UN summit, giving it the largest delegation to the changed attitudes towards East Timor Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali, September 1-6 summit. within Indonesia since the November 12 by his personal envoy Amos Wako. The summit will be preceded by senior massacre last year. The press and military The envoy visited East Timor in Febru- officials and ministerial meetings in the third now refer to conflicts in the territory as ary and is understood to have written a week of August. East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 69

India and Indonesia are among the Arismunandar cautioned residents living But now that you know the other side of founding members of the Nonaligned near the site against protesting the proposed Indonesia, if you still plan to visit Java or Movement, born out of the Asia-Africa nuclear project, saying a thorough study Bali, do something about the situation. Even conference in Bandung, Indonesia in 1955, would be conducted before approval is given if it is only to raise your glass to the and launched in 1961 to steer a middle path for construction. thousands of Timorese dying while you in a world divided by blocs of communism An Indonesian environmental forum and enjoy your trip in Indonesia ... and capitalism. other non-government organizations already Indonesia is sending ministers, parlia- have warned against the potential dangers of TIMORESE DEMONSTRATE mentarians and high-ranking officials to 104 such a facility, as well as predicted the cost AT EXPO ‘92 IN SPAIN countries to deliver letters of invitation to would be far more expensive than other the summit from President Suharto. alternatives. Lisbon RDP Antena 1 Radio Network in Meanwhile, 860 imported luxury cars Environmentalists said they were par- Portuguese 25 Jul. 92 have arrived in Jakarta to serve the coming ticularly concerned by the prospect of nonaligned countries delegates. building the plant in Central Java, the most [Excerpts] The Peace in Timor Mission The import was made despite govern- populated of Indonesia’s 13,000 islands, is in the news again. Dozens of Timorese ment’s regulation to ban cars from devel- with 100 million of the country’s 193 mil- young people, and not alone, today entered oped nations. The luxury car imports were lion citizens. the Indonesian pavilion at the Expo ‘92 in the first in 17 years. They noted that Indonesia, formed from Seville. The Indonesians did not like it very a chain of volcanic islands, also suffers much and turned their noses up. More de- FIDEL OR NOT FIDEL AT NAM relatively frequent eruptions and earth- tails from Seville with Carlos Barros: AFP, Jakarta, July 24 - Whether or not quakes. [Barros] The Peace in Timor Mission Cuban President Fidel Castro attends the struck again, this time at the Indonesian Non-Aligned summit in Jakarta in Septem- pavilion at the Expo ‘92. ... VIETNAMESE PM Some 100 young people went in the In- ber will depend on “threats” posed by the VISITS JAKARTA United States, Cuban ambassador Jorge donesian pavilion wearing T-shirts bearing Cubiles said Friday. the inscription “In 16 years you have killed Reuter, Jakarta, July 25 - Vietnamese 200,000 Timorese - Is that what you are Speaking to reporters ahead of Sunday’s Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet met Indone- anniversary of the start of the Cuban insur- coming to show at the Expo?” ... sia’s President Suharto on Saturday for talks It was 1100 hours precisely when secu- gency in 1953, Cubiles said his Caribbean which touched on the sensitive issue of nation – one of the world’s last remaining rity asked for a banner to be removed from demarcation of territorial waters. the Indonesian pavilion balcony. ... communist states – has been under constant It was not known if Kiet, who arrived on threat from its superpower neighbor. Friday on a three-day visit, discussed the Changes in the nature of threats posed by six-nation dispute over the Spratly chain of MANTIRI: TIMOR VIOLENCE the United States “is one of the fundamental islands in the South China Sea. “UN’S FAULT” reasons” why Castro might not attend the Jakarta believes the Sp ratlys are a po- summit, he said. tential flashpoint in the region and has Kyodo, Jakarta, July 31 - The Indonesian “We cannot confirm, we cannot say if hosted three rounds of discussions among army has blamed the United Nations for its President Fidel Castro can come or not,” he its six claimants, who include Vietnam and continuing skirmishes with the secessionist said, adding that, in any event, Cuba would China. East Timorese, a leading daily newspaper be represented by “a very high-level dele- Indonesian State Secretary Murdiono reported here Friday. gation.” said after the meeting that it was cordial and Maj. Gen. H.B.L. Mantiri, who heads the Threats listed by the ambassador in- centered mainly on the Non-Aligned Udayana military command which covers cluded U.S. military exercises on Florida Movement’s summit in Jakarta from Sep- Bali and East Timor, said the Fretilin state beaches, violations of Cuban air space, tember 1 to 6. Both countries are members independence group in East Timor has lost a crippling U.S. trade embargo and of the 105-nation movement. much of its military clout, the Jakarta Post “assassination attempts” against Cuban Kiet leaves Sunday for Kuala Lumpur. said. leaders. Mantiri said Fretilin has only small am- munition and arms in its arsenal and must Indonesia will formally take over the PORTUGUESE RADIO leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement rely on “hit and run” tactics to preserve its from Yugoslavia when it hosts the summit. APPEAL ON TIMOR’S PLIGHT existence. “They are doing this partly because the Seven heads of state, out of a list of 105, Antena 1 Radio Network in Portuguese, 23 have already said they will attend. U.N. has not recognized East Timor’s inte- Jul. 92 gration into Indonesia,” he said in Denpasar, NUCLEAR POWER ON JAVA (“Message in English” with background of Bali’s capital. classical music] Jakarta annexed East Timor, a former UPI, Jakarta, July 22 - The government [Excerpt] If you are listening to us via Portuguese colony, between 1975 and 1976. said Wednesday it has chosen a site in Java satellite in Europe, Africa or Asia, and if But the U.N. does not recognize the as a possible location for the country’s first there are any foreigners nearby, ask them to territory as a legitimate part of Indonesia. nuclear power plant and advised local resi- listen to the following message in English: Several alleged East Timorese members of dents not to protest against it. There is an island in South East Asia Fretilin were reportedly killed in recent The site at Mount Muria in central Java split in two. Part belongs to Indonesia, the armed clashes. was chosen for a feasibility study from other is East Timor which Indonesia forc- The Indonesian army has imposed tighter among 26 locations throughout the country, ibly seized 16 years ago. Since then more security in East Timor following its killing said Artono Arismunandar, director of the than 200,000 Timorese have been massa- of civilians on last November 12. state-owned electricity utility PLN. cred, exterminated, and nothing was done. Page 70 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT Merdeka Selatan 5, telephone 360-360, East Timor at a later stage of the talks, Extension 2050, to register their presence which would be sponsored by the U.N. TRAVEL ADVISORY and receive current travel information. In Participation of guerrilla movements ac- addition, those traveling to Aceh should tive on the former Portuguese colony, is also INDONESIA - CAUTION contact the Consulate General in Medan, at one of the conditions of the East Timorese No. 92-152 August 3, 1992 Jalan Imam Bonjol 13, telephone 322-200. Liberation Front (Fretilin), which has bases Summary: The Department of State ad- This replaces the advisory dated January in Australia and Portugal. vises U.S. citizens to exercise caution when 14, 1992 to provide additional information Fretilin leader (sic), José Ramos Horta, traveling to Aceh, Irian Jaya, and East Ti- on travel requirements to and within Indo- has demanded the withdrawal of Indonesian mor provinces, areas which are far removed nesia. troops from the island and free and from the major Indonesian tourist attrac- democratic elections under U.N. supervi- tions. End Summary. SECRET PORTUGAL - sion. Aceh Province – Located at the extreme INDONESIA EAST TIMOR But the Indonesian diplomat said that his northern tip of the island of Sumatra, Aceh government “prefers to tackle the problem has been the site of limited civil unrest TALKS IN NEW YORK? step by step.” He said the secret talks at the U.N. which has led to isolated incidents of vio- By Bob Mantiri lence. While neither private Americans nor headquarters in New York still continues foreign businesses have been targeted in any This story has not yet been confirmed by any despite the fact that Lisbon blocked the EC- such incidents, U.S. citizens should exercise other source. ASEAN cooperation agreement. caution, particularly at night or in rural IPS, Brussels, Aug. 3 - Portugal and In- “We understand that most of the twelve areas. donesia are engaged in secret talks on East EC members did not support the Portuguese Irian Jaya Province –- Americans travel- Timor, a senior Indonesian diplomat said view during the meeting of foreign ministers ing to Irian Jaya, the eastern-most province today – negotiations that he said could later on July 20 in Brussels ” he said. of Indonesia and the western half of the include representatives of Timorese guerrilla Indonesian leader President Suharto or- island of New Guinea, must obtain from movements. dered the invasion of East Timor and an- local authorities a special travel permit, According to the Indonesian diplomat, nexed the country as Indonesia’s 27th Surat Keterangan Jalan (SKJ). Americans who spoke on condition of anonymity, the province, claiming that it could develop into considering travel to Irian Jaya should con- secret talks are currently being held in New a “communist bastion” on his doorstep. tact the American Embassy in Jakarta for York under the auspices of U.N. Secretary- “At that time there was a considerable information on how to obtain the required General Boutros Boutros-Ghali. communist threat from North Vietnam and permit. The diplomat said that Jakarta prefers to the People’s Republic of China,” said the Restricted areas in Irian Jaya: Border area follow a ‘quiet diplomacy’ away from the diplomat. He also cited the “thousands of with Papua New Guinea, Enarotali, Wagate, controversy that has dogged the issue since former members of the PKI, the Indonesian Akimuga, Illaga/Maumane, all areas along Indonesian troops killed dozens of pro-in- Communist Party, which was the biggest in the Mamberamo River, and the Agats area dependence demonstrators in East Timor Asia in the sixties. are restricted to travelers. Climbing Mt. last year. “Many of them went underground,” said Jayawijaya (Cartenz Pyramide), river rafting “You cannot solve that problem in one the diplomat. “We could not afford another and exploring caves, also require a special day,” he said. “It is a process and it may Cuba in our back garden.” permit issued by local authorities. In the last a month, a half year or even a year. But Since the invasion tens of thousands of Agats areas, only the Asmat Cultural Center at this moment it looks like that both parties Timorese have died at the hands of the oc- is open to foreigners. A special permit to are willing to look for a solution.” cupying Indonesian forces. visit Agats must be obtained from the The Portuguese Foreign Ministry in Lis- Diplomatic circles in Jakarta attributed Indonesian government prior to travel. bon refused to comment and an official of the talks initiative to the country’s Foreign East Timor – This province, located ap- the Portuguese Permanent Representative at Minister Ali Alatas. proximately 300 miles north of Australia, the European Community (EC) in Brussels He has been quoted by journalists as has experienced periodic unrest since 1975. would neither deny nor confirm the report. saying that the East Timor problem could be In November 1991, a number of demonstra- But he added that Portugal and the EC’s a serious obstacle for the development of tors were killed when Indonesian security position on East Timor – occupied by Indonesia. “Foreign investors will stay units reacted forcibly to a political demon- Indonesia since 1975 – still stands. away as long as East Timor attracts inter- stration; two U.S. journalists at that dem- Portugal blocked an EC cooperation national criticism,” Alatas said. onstration were injured. Americans have not agreement with the six members of Asso- Western diplomats in Jakarta said that been the target of violence, but U.S. citizens ciation of South East Asian Nations the general opinion in Indonesia is in favor traveling in East Timor should be aware of (ASEAN) at a recent meeting in Manila, to of giving East Timor its independence fol- the potential for civil disturbances. underline its concern at human rights viola- lowing the collapse of communism in East- U.S. citizens may travel to Indonesia for tions by Indonesia in East Timor, a former ern Europe and the former Soviet Union. tourism purposes without a visa. Upon Portuguese colony. Similarly efforts in Vietnam and China to arrival in Indonesia a tourist pass with a ASEAN comprises Indonesia, Malaysia, introduce a free market-oriented economy stay permitted for two months will be Singapore, Thailand, Brunei and the Phil- indicated that these two nations were no stamped in the passport. The passport ippines. The Portuguese government, ac- longer a threat, they added. must still be valid for at least 6 months and cording to an U.N. resolution condemning the traveler must have an onward or round- the invasion, is granted administrative re- trip ticket. sponsibility for the territory. U.S. citizen travelers to Aceh, Irian Jaya, According to the diplomat Indonesia is and East Timor are advised to contact the also willing to meet resistance movements in U.S. Embassy in Jakarta, at Medan East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992. Page 71

HORTA FAULTS ABRI FOR dents not to respond to “memos” from on A. My idea for peace has been wrongly high asking for favours and to stick to the interpreted. For instance, the term ‘limited TALKS FAILURE rules. autonomy’ has been mentioned. I never said Reuter, Jakarta, Aug. 4 - East Timorese Charges of abuse of power have reached anything about that. My idea has nothing to rebel leader José Ramos Horta has blamed the top of government, with frequent criti- do with limited autonomy. The second Indonesia’s military presence in the former cism that President Suharto’s children owe point is that my peace proposal says Portuguese colony for the failure of peace their business successes more to their father nothing about the possibility of accepting talks. than entrepreneurial skills. Indonesian sovereignty over East Timor for “The core of the problem is military Rudini said he did not even hand out a period of time. I am prepared to have talks presence in East Timor. This has caused all name cards any more because they had been with Indonesia without any pre- conditions, formulas of negotiation between Indonesia used in the past by people claiming they so don’t expect us to accept integration. At and Portugal to fail,” he said in an interview were close to him. the end of the process, the two sides will with the Indonesian weekly Tempo Indonesians say it is widely understood deal with the question of sovereignty. That published on Tuesday. that though government salaries are low, will be resolved by means of a referendum Ramos Horta, linked to the dwindling senior officials would normally expect to or an act given a name that both sides can Fretilin guerrilla movement still battling become reasonably wealthy during their accept. Indonesian rule in East Timor, is rarely tenure and frequently use their position to Q: Which groups would participate in the quoted in the local media. He lives outside help family and friends. talks? Would your group participate as the territory. The need for bribery can be so important part of the Portuguese delegation? Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 in cutting through Indonesia’s red tape and A: No discussions will take place with- shortly after the Portuguese rulers left. winning contracts that some U.S. busi- out East Timorese being involved. I will Its annexation in 1976 is still not recog- nessmen complain they are put at a severe propose that anti-integration East Timorese nised by the United Nations. Portugal in- disadvantage by laws in their own country should be part of the Portuguese delegation. sists Indonesia hold a referendum in East forbidding payment of bribes. The basis for this, in my opinion, is that Timor on whether it should stay. Jakarta Outgoing U.S. ambassador to Indonesia Portugal is still the administering power in refuses. John Monjo said last month that corruption East Timor. “Indonesia should realise that its 17-year could deter foreign investment in Indonesia Because 75 per cent of East Timorese are rule in East Timor hasn’t brought any result unless it was checked. Catholic, the Vatican and the Catholic but political defeat,” Ramos Horta said in Church should play a role in the discussions the interview conducted in Geneva. TEMPO INTERVIEWS HORTA as independent observers. They would not Jakarta has been internationally censured be part of either the Portuguese or the for an army massacre there last year when The following interview of José Ramos- Indonesian delegations. I am quite convince up to 180 people were killed. Horta, official spokesperson of the East that, in this way, the problem of East Timor He urged Indonesia to withdraw its Timor National Council of Maubere Resis- could be solved. armed forces, estimated at about 10,000, tance, was published in the Jakarta weekly, Tempo, on 8 August 1992: Q: Indonesia has already turned down your from the territory. Jakarta says the troops formula for negotiations which you pre- are mostly there to develop the region. Q: What are the contents of your proposal sented to the UN, because tripartite talks “You cannot buy human rights, freedom (for a solution to the question of East - Indonesia, Portugal and the UN - have and people’s pride with building roads and Timor)? already been held. If this formula is telecommunication facilities...the East Ti- A: My proposals contain the best and adopted against your wish, what would morese should have the right to determine most appropriate way to bring an end to the you do? their nationality,” Ramos Horta said. conflict that has dragged on for years. I can’t A: The core of the problem is the mili- Talks between Portugal and Indonesia to see any other way. The first step - lasting tary presence in East Timor. This is what solve the East Timor issue collapsed shortly one or two years - is for the military to has resulted in failure of all negotiation before the November massacre. withdraw. The second step would be to formulas between Indonesia and Portugal. increase the involvement of international Indonesia should understand that 17 years RUDINI ATTACKS agencies like the UN, the International of military occupation of East Timor has GREEDY OFFICIALS Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), or produced nothing for Indonesia. All it has Amnesty International. This would give got is political failure damaging Indonesia’s Reuter, Jakarta, Aug. 5 - Indonesian In- proof of Indonesia’s credibility to the inter- credibility in the eyes of the international terior Minister Rudini has attacked senior national community. community. government officials who shamelessly use Then there would be general elections Q: If your proposals fail, what is the next their position to win business deals and help monitored by the UN and other regional and step? their families. international bodies. An East Timorese A: It is too early to make predictions. “High-ranking officials who are also ac- would be elected as governor with a five- One thing is certain - time is on our side. tive as businessmen should have a sense of year term of office. This would give Indo- The pressure on Indonesia can only in- shame because of their undue advantage,” nesia seven years to prove to the East Ti- crease. Sooner or later, Indonesia will have Rudini was quoted by the Jakarta Post on morese people and the international com- to face an intensification of demands on the Wednesday as saying. munity that it has adopted a new approach. world stage. He is the second minister in the past This would be a good opportunity for Indo- week to complain about senior bureaucrats nesia. Q: Some of your followers have accused you using their position to get special treatment. of going your own way, without first Q. You have spoken about autonomy for consulting representatives of groups in Finance Minister Johannes Sumarlin at East Timor. What do you mean? the weekend urged new state bank presi- Page 72 East Timor Documents, Volume 15. July 12 - August 9, 1992.

Australia and East Timor, for example. them whether they want Indonesia or Por- What do you have to say to that? tugal, you won’t get a clear answer. The 12 A: They don’t represent anything. My November event was an answer. Many of proposals have been discussed with Xanana those who died were youngsters who were Gusmao and the East Timor Catholic born after Indonesia came to East Timor. Church and they have given their approval. Q: It seems that had it not been for the 12 And anyhow, what you say is simply not November event, East Timor would have true. I sent the broad lines of my proposals gradually disappeared from the world’s to Fretilin in Australia. They have asked me attention. What’s your opinion? for ideas about making approaches to A: I don’t think that’s true. Just see how Australian politicians. members of the US Congress and the Japa- Q: You say you often have contact with nese Diet still follow the issue. Xanana. Is this a sign that Fretilin’s military activities have come to an end and they are now relying on your struggle through diplomatic channels? A: For the past 17 years, Indonesia has officially proclaimed that Fretilin has been defeated and many have surrendered. Now, they say that there are only 100-150 left. But in my opinion, Indonesia has not yet won. We propose a peaceful solution. Q: Don’t East Timorese people realise that they suffered greatly under Portuguese colonialism for 300 years? Don’t they consider themselves freer now? There has been far greater progress in devel- opment in recent times. A: You say they are more free today? Just consider the number of people who have been killed. Portugal never murdered thousands of people. If they talk about development, it’s just propaganda. They are not free to do anything. Q: What about the progress that has been made in developing East Timor? A: You cannot buy human rights, free- dom, personal dignity just by giving roads and telecommunications. The people of East Timor do not have the freedom to make contact with the outside world. They should have the right to decide on their own citizenship, especially those waging a guerrilla struggle. Q: In view of the way the people of East Timor voted in the general elections for Parliament, isn’t it so that they have chosen Indonesia? A: You should consider the question of democracy. What does democracy mean if there is no freedom to choose, no freedom of assembly, no freedom to organise their own political parties and no way to achieve their aspirations. Q: The living conditions of the East Ti- morese are much better today. What don’t you stop doing things that only cause conflict? Your struggle is not realistic anyway because it is not based on the actual situation in East Timor... A: You may be right. But the best thing for you to do would be to ask the people of East Timor what they want. If you ask