EDITORIAL For East Timor, freedom finally an
option
For nearly a quarter-century,
relations between Indonesia, the worlds fourth most populous nation, and
the United States -- as well as the rest of the outside world -- have often
stumbled over the fate of half of an impoverished island, so small and remote
that even many Indonesians would have trouble finding it on a map.
That suddenly changed last year with the utterance of a few words
by Indonesia President B.J. Habibie. We dont want to be bothered by
East Timors problems anymore, he said. If someone asks me
about East Timor, my suggestion is, give them freedom. It is just and
fair.
Indonesia, on the verge of economic and political collapse as a
result of the Asian economic crisis, seemed eager to be rid of East Timor, a
former Portuguese colony that was invaded and annexed by Indonesia in the
mid-1970s, over international protest. Since then, the territorys name
has become a rallying cry for human rights campaigners.
Working against the freedom-seekers was the remoteness of the
island and the fact that Timorese supporters were dispersed around the world.
That changed in recent years with the advance of the Internet, where Timorese
rallying cries have been sustained.
East Timor has an estimated population of 750,000, nearly all
Catholic. International human rights groups have long accused the Indonesian
military of a campaign of killing and torture to enforce the annexation of East
Timor. Up to 200,000 East Timorese have died since 1975 as a result of human
rights abuses or fighting with government forces, the human rights activists
say.
For 24 years, the people of East Timor have awaited the agreement
announced May 5, which allows them the right of self-determination. They have
reason to celebrate; also much reason to be cautious. A fair election is by no
means certain and, if independence is chosen, there remains significant doubt
whether East Timor can endure as an independent nation.
The value of the agreement to decide their own future can only be
measured through its implementation. Under the agreement signed at the United
Nations, Timorese in Timor and abroad will be asked: Do you accept the
proposed special autonomy for East Timor within the Unitary State of the
Republic of Indonesia? or Do you reject the proposed special
autonomy for East Timor, leading to East Timors separation from
Indonesia?
An acceptance or yes vote will mean recognizing continued ties
with Indonesia. The central government in Jakarta would retain responsibility
for defense and keep troops in East Timor, as well as continuing to be
responsible for monetary and fiscal policies. Jakarta would offer East
Timors capital, Dili, possible cooperative or joint
undertakings in the key sector of oil exploration.
A rejection or no vote would mean that East Timor would be allowed
to secede from Indonesia.
Most analysts predict the majority will vote for independence Aug.
8.
There is also concern that not holding the referendum until then
will give pro-Indonesian militias time to mount campaigns of intimidation.
Thus, it is critically important that U.N. observers take their places on the
island as soon as possible.
A clause in the agreement says that Jakarta is responsible for
ensuring that voting is held in an atmosphere free of intimidation,
violence or interference from any side. If it does not uphold that
clause, a fair election becomes difficult if not impossible. Currently there
are 20,000 Indonesian military and police in East Timor. They cannot be allowed
to intimidate voters. Both pro- and anti-independence groups have called for an
end to the violence as the referendum approaches.
At a time when violence seems so prevalent on the world scene, it
would be uplifting to see East Timor experience a peaceful transition to
self-rule.
National Catholic Reporter, May 21,
1999
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