Atambua murders

We, the whole family, wish to express condolences over the murder of three UNHCR relief workers and 11 locals as a result of the assassination of Olivio Mendosa Moruk.

One thing that needs clarifying is that it was reported one of the victims, Carlos Caceres, had sent an e-mail message to a friend of his six hours before he was murdered saying that a band of militiamen was heading towards his office to destroy it and that they would kill him just like killing a mosquito in a bedroom.

My question is that why, after learning of this threat, they did not flee the area as there was still ample time to do this. According to Indonesian sources, they did leave the UNHCR office but then returned. So, what for?

According to news reports, a procession of thousands of people took to the street in protest at the assassination of Olivio, an East Timorese refugee. Then, part of the procession decided to go to the UNHCR office and thousands of other protesters followed them. The reason why they later vented their anger on the UNHCR office must be ascertained so as to prevent the recurrence of a similar incident.

As had been expected, the entire blame is being laid on the Indonesian government, particularly the security forces. What could some 20 security officers do in the face of some 5,000 protesters armed with offensive weapons. Unlike in the New Order era, today protesters no longer heed warning shots fired by security officers. They are convinced that the security officers will not dare to shoot protesters dead.

All this has set me wondering. What would have happened if some UN troops had been stationed to guard the UNHCR office? Feeling safe and secure, none of the UNHCR staffers would have left their office. What would the UN troops then do when confronted by some 5000 protesters all consumed by rage? Open fire at the protesters? Their shots would result in all of them and all the UNHCR staffers being killed. Of course, hundreds of protesters would also be either killed or wounded.

SUNARTO PRAWIROSUJANTO

Jakarta