Subject: RT: E.T remembers its dead, forgets Jakarta
meet
Date: Wed, 11 Nov 1998 10:02:16 -0500
From: "John M. Miller" <fbp@igc.apc.org>E.Timor remembers its dead,
forgets Jakarta meet 03:14 a.m. Nov 11, 1998 Eastern
By Lewa Pardomuan
DILI, East Timor, Nov 11 (Reuters) - A political drama is unfolding in Jakarta which
will determine Indonesia's future, but East Timor has little interest.
The priority in Dili is to remember a massacre by Indonesian troops just seven years
ago.
Thursday is the anniversary of the 1991 killing of unarmed protesters at the town's
Santa Cruz cemetery. East Timorese say about 200 people were killed when troops opened
fire on a funeral march. The Indonesian government puts the death toll at 50.
Indonesia's top legislative body, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), began a
four-day assembly in Jakarta on Tuesday amid protests and violent clashes. The special
session is to set dates for next year's general and presidential elections, as Indonesia
lurches towards real democracy.
But many East Timorese do not see themselves as Indonesians and have little interest in
the meeting -- or none at all.
``The MPR meeting? I know nothing about it. Does it talk about East Timor?'' asked
Amaro, a taxi driver in Dili, which is 2,250 km (1,400 miles) east of Jakarta.
Remembering the massacre is more important for this territory of 800,000. Student
leader Januario Da Silva said President B.J. Habibie was no improvement on Suharto, who
resigned in May amid riots in Jakarta which killed 1,200.
Suharto oversaw the 1975 invasion. The subsequent conflict and famine killed about
200,000 East Timorese.
``I think most people here do not care about the MPR meeting. Our attention is on the
anniversary of a tragedy which should not be repeated,'' said Da Silva. ``I am not sure
either if the meeting will mean something for reform. Indonesia's new leaders are just as
authoritarian as Suharto. Habibie is the same.''
East Timor's charismatic Bishop Carlos Belo said he had no plans to organise a special
mass for Thursday's anniversary, but urged people in the predominantly Catholic region to
remain calm.
Da Silva said Dili residents planned to hold a mass at a church near the cemetery
before marching to Santa Cruz itself to lay a wreath.
But jailed guerrilla leader Xanana Gusmao had advised against organising protests, he
said.
``We have received a message from Xanana not to hold a big demonstration during the
anniversary,'' he said without elaborating.
Gusmao is serving a 20-year jail term at a Jakarta prison for opposing Indonesia's rule
in East Timor, and has emerged as a key figure in attempts to find a solution to the
conflict.
Habibie has offered more autonomy to East Timor but pro-independence groups have
rejected the offer, preferring a referendum.
In 1976, Indonesia declared the territory its 27th province, in a unilateral move which
few nations recognise. The United Nations still regards Lisbon as the administering power.
Armed resistance to Indonesian rule continues. The Fretilin movement carries on a
low-level insurgency from the jungles of the rugged region, sometimes attacking military
targets. Indonesia estimates the number of the rebels at 200.
One attack occurred on Monday. Three soldiers were killed in Alas district, 200 km (120
miles) south of Dili when about 50 people locals and disguised Fretilin members attacked
the local military headquarters and stole guns. One attacker also died.
East Timor military commander Colonel Tono Suratman has said he would not ban
commemoration of the 1991 killings, but has promised to take action against disturbances.
However, residents said there was no sign of increased military presence in Dili ahead of
the anniversary.
In contrast, in past years more troops would be deployed around the town, they said.
And the Santa Cruz cemetery -- where on November 12, 1991 the world was violently
reminded about East Timor -- would be tightly guarded.
END
John M. Miller Internet: etan-outreach@igc.apc.org Media & Outreach Coordinator,
East Timor Action Network PO Box 150753, Brooklyn, NY 11215-0014 USA Phone: (718)596-7668
Fax: (718)222-4097 ETAN's new web site: http://etan.org
Send a blank e-mail message to timor-info@igc.apc.org to find out how to learn more
about East Timor on the Internet
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