Indonesians have their say on East Timor

Indonesians have their say on East Timor

JAKARTA (JP): The time has come for the East Timorese to
decide their own fate. Will they become an independent country or
will they still be part of Indonesia, but have a greater
autonomy?

On Monday, the people will cast their ballot to express their
decision. The Jakarta Post interviewed people about their
opinions on the issue.

Eka Yunita, a psychologist who runs a non-governmental
organization for social welfare and education in Jakarta:

East Timor, which has been annexed by Indonesia, benefits only
the armed forces.

It (the armed forces) uses East Timor as a touchstone for
military officers who want to further their careers and
accelerate their rank promotions.

The cost of keeping East Timor as a part of Indonesia is
bigger than the benefits that may result, if any.

It is like nurturing an adopted daughter who has grown up and
wants to separate. Why should we hesitate to let her free and
choose her own life?

Anton Saksono is the owner of fish exporter PT Lovina Laras:

The autonomy proposal as offered by the government of
Indonesia is the best choice for both parties. However, the
government should not force the East Timorese otherwise if they
chose to separate from Indonesia.

The government should compromise to avoid further unbearable
conflicts, which could mar the reputation of the whole of
Indonesia as a civilized nation.

The deteriorating image of Indonesia as a violent country has
changed the way people of other nations have treated me when I
was abroad doing business.

If I lose their hospitality, I will also lose business.

Agoeng Djoko Pitono, director of engineering consultancy firm
PT Manna Protama:

Whatever the result of the ballot, there are consequences East
Timorese will have to take. The new development will impact
people's social and economic realms.

For years the East Timorese have been neglected. They lack
human resources and infrastructure.

Yes, they are part of this nation, yet they have the right to
be independent. Well, I think we should leave the decision to
them.

I don't believe that if East Timor becomes independent this
will encourage separatist movements in other provinces,
unless ... there is another country involved in the matter.

Iman Taufik, Vice Chairman Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and
Industry (Kadin):

The autonomy proposal is better as the overhead to run the
province would be covered by the government. According to the new
Intergovernmental Fiscal Balance Law, the East Timorese can still
retain 85 percent of their natural resources.

If they choose independence, nobody will pay for the overhead.
They can not depend fully on the UN or other countries.

Independence is expensive. The cost of building a country's
infrastructure is great, such as printing its own currency and
building its own government.

East Timor has been subsidized by the government for all these
years owing to the fact that it has not been profitable so far.
The Timor Gap has not been exploited and coffee plantations in
the area have collapsed.

A mistake that the government made for all these years is
allowing too much military intervention in business deals as well
as in other aspects.

I think other provinces should have autonomy, too, but that
also depends on the capabilities of each province.

If Aceh and Irian Jaya were given autonomy and stern measures
were taken against people who have slaughtered and tortured
people in the provinces all these years, I don't think they would
demand independence.

Ramadhan HA, co-director of the Institute for Community and
Development, a Jakarta NGO:

It is a big loser if we retain East Timor.

What has Indonesia gained in the 24 years of integration?
Where is the so-called oil, if any?

East Timor is a barren and arid land ... so we have to spend
much money to feed them (East Timorese).

It's better to explore wells and exploit and cultivate natural
resources in other provinces and share it fairly between local
and central governments.

About the possibility of other provinces rebelling for
freedom, it is the consequence of the offer made by President
Habibie for East Timor.

Bambang Trisulo, a chairman of the Association of Indonesian
Automotive Industries (Gaikindo):

I think the East Timorese should accept the autonomy proposal
because Indonesia has made a huge effort to improve the quality
of life, economy, education and may other things of the East
Timorese in the past 24 years.

What has happened in East Timor, the separatist movement and
the strong demand for independence, has proven that the East
Timorese feel that the government's approach in the past 24 years
has been unfair.

Although I do not have any East Timorese friends, I would feel
disappointed and embarrassed by the separation of East Timor.

Of course an independent East Timor will encourage separatist
movements in other troubled provinces. That's why autonomy should
be extended to other provinces, to avoid jealousy.

Fadli Zon, is a Crescent Star Party research division
executive and a graduate of Russian Studies at the University of
Indonesia:

I think the best choice for the East Timorese is to remain
within the republic. Even though there were mistakes made in the
past, we have come to see the issue as part of our problem, as
one country.

It is still difficult to say that the ballot will be free and
fair in light of the many instances of injustice, for example, in
the registration of local observers.

In comparison to Aceh and Irian Jaya, East Timor has had more
(attention) and the largest budget. However, the differences
between the two sides have remained unsettled and both seem
equally determined.

Habibie's government has no empathy toward (maintaining) the
integrity of the republic. This will lead to a domino effect.

It is fine if (wanting a separation) is purely the will of the
people concerned, but in the case of East Timor there has been
too much foreign interference.

I think regardless of who wins, East Timor will still be a
trouble spot given the long history of violence.

What should the new government do? ... There is no choice but
to respect the result of the ballot.

The government should provide autonomy to all provinces.

It is still better to remain one large country rather than
becoming several small countries.

Bambang Haryanto, 29, a staffer at Bekasi Penitentiary and a
graduate of the Correctional Science Academy:

If the East Timorese prefer to abandon Indonesia and establish
their own state, I strongly support their move.

East Timor is like having a small stone in a shoe. It doesn't
make a tremendous impact to the country, but it becomes something
that weighs on citizens' minds. So please feel free to let it go.

I prefer it to be released from our grip since it has nothing
to offer.

The future government should choose independence for East
Timorese because they will always be a burden to this country.

Regarding a possible separation of other provinces following a
result of independence for East Timor, I don't think other
provinces will also attempt to separate from Indonesia. East
Timor is culturally different from other provinces.

Mardiyono, an official of Cipto Mangunkusumo General
Hospital's morgue:

Who is Habibie, and who dares to let it separate from us? If
East Timor separates from Indonesia, other provinces will be
encouraged to ask for the same opportunity. Then what will happen
to this country?

East Timor should stay with Indonesia. It would be funny to
see a small foreign country in the middle of Indonesia.

The new government should think of a better way to deal with
the problem.

To stop the separatist movement, the government should pay
more attention to areas outside Java, instead of offering special
autonomy.

Basically I do not agree with the ballot.

Imam Ahmad, director of the Institute of Research, Education
and Information of Social and Economic Affairs (LP3ES):

It is not what they will choose, but how they will accept
whatever the result will be.

Surya Tjandra, a lawyer at the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute:

I think East Timorese should reject Indonesia's autonomy
proposal. East Timorese have been suffering for years. Thousands
of people have been killed during the 24 years.

If the ballot runs honestly without any intimidation, East
Timorese will reject the autonomy proposal.

I have many East Timorese friends from when I was studying law
at the University of Indonesia. They seemed unhappy with the
integration with Indonesian. They are very poor.

I'll be glad if East Timor separates from Indonesia.

I'm not sure that the separation of East Timor would trigger
separatist movements in other provinces. It's different.

Marni, a 22-year-old student of law at the University of
Indonesia:

It would be better if East Timor remains with Indonesia. With
greater autonomy, people can manage their own province at first.
Afterwards, they can judge how well they can manage themselves.
If they feel capable, then they should take the option for
independence. If not, they should remain with Indonesia.

Has the Indonesian government been right or fair in its
approach to the East Timor question these past 24 years? I am not
sure about that since I am not familiar with the history of East
Timor.

I think the special autonomy powers offered to the East
Timorese should also be extended to other provinces in the
country. But we should introduce such autonomy to other provinces
with step-by-step measures.

I agree with the theory that an independent East Timor will
encourage separatist movements in other provinces, because they
will feel that they too deserve a referendum. Just like during
the early reform days when suddenly everyone wanted to form
political parties.

Christiawan, a student from Brawijaya University in Malang:

I do not agree with independence for East Timor since it will
be colonialized by another country as soon as it separates from
Indonesia. Personally, I think the proindependence group is a
bunch of arrogant people who think that they know everything.

The ballot and offering of special autonomy will also
encourage other troubled provinces, such as Aceh and Irian Jaya,
to ask for the same chance and the Indonesian government should
avoid that.

East Timor is geographically a part of Indonesia so it should
stay with Indonesia. Hopefully, if a new government is formed, it
will stop East Timor's separation.

Yayat Supriatna, a journalist: I think the East Timorese
should accept the autonomy proposal. I also think they will. I am
optimistic about it.

The Indonesian government has used improper measures by using
the security approach. The approach is very excessive because it
does not consider people's needs.

I have a friend from East Timor but we haven't met for a long
time.

I think, even if they choose independence, the government
should respect the result of the ballot, whatever it will be.

There is no necessity to form a special area of autonomy in
other provinces, because East Timor is a special case with a
special history -- except maybe for Aceh. Aceh is already a
special province, even though the government has never given it
rights as a special region.

Should the East Timorese choose to be independent, it would
not encourage separatist movements in other provinces.

Yanti Sukamdani Hardjoprakoso, head of the Jakarta branch of
the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association.

Why should we let East Timor go while it has long been a part
of us?

About the approach, I think the government has done a
tremendous effort. I know that some may think that East Timor
will only be a burden to the state budget, but it's a
consequence.

I'm not an expert in politics, to analyze whether or not the
move to include East Timor in 1975 was a good judgment. Maybe at
that time it was important that the country took it in based on
the defense and security considerations. It might be seen as a
strategic border area. On that base, I don't think it was a wrong
move.

Mr. X, a civilian security guard at the Jakarta Administration
Office, who spoke on the condition of anonymity:

I think the East Timorese should choose not to separate from
the Indonesian government because it will be more difficult for
them to build their hometown under a new government.

From another point of view, the blood of Indonesian troops
struggling for East Timor's integration will also be meaningless
if the area is then separated from the country.

Moreover, I have also some East Timorese friends who have
become part of the country. Should they become foreigners then?

The government's decision to give East Timorese self-
determination will, indeed, trigger other disputed areas like
Aceh and Irian Jaya to demand the same treatment.

But I think if the government has a good approach toward all
regions, separation won't occur.

Muchlas Suseno, lecturer at the Jakarta State University:

The most important thing in the so-called East Timor
referendum is the process of fair play. The result is number two.

Whatever the result -- freedom or autonomy -- could cause
worse trouble if the self-determination vote is not conducted
fairly and transparently.

Other provinces such as Aceh, West Irian and maybe Ambon
should learn from the East Timor case and boost their demands for
greater autonomy or even freedom.

The civilian government and the armed forces must have
anticipated the repercussions.

It is a challenge for the coming administration to ensure good
governance -- a legitimate, clean, fair and democratic
government.

Julie Indahrini, a reporter from Gamma weekly:

I think the ballot is the best thing that can happen in East
Timor. I don't have East Timorese friends but personally regret
that they have had to endure decades of military oppression
committed by both groups (the military and the separatists), but
now they can decide their own future.

Should the East Timorese chose independence, it will provoke
disintegration in other troubled provinces.

A wide autonomy option should be implemented in every province
throughout Indonesia to encourage smoother development in every
province for the welfare of its people.

F.X. Sugiharto Gunawan, owner of an advertising agency:

The East Timor people are now divided into two groups. Those
who have been neglected and those who have received favor from
the central government. Of course the neglected people will opt
for independence, and I am afraid that the Aug. 30 ballot will
result in an independent East Timor.

The government has long been treating the East Timor people
unfairly and ignoring the welfare of the people. And the
government has not been honest with the people.

If the government was honest with the East Timor people, I
think they will choose autonomy status.

I am afraid that an independent East Timor will trigger other
provinces like Aceh and Irian Jaya to also demand independence
because the two provinces have also suffered unfairness for quite
a long time.

Mario Ximenis, 31, an employee at state-owned housing company
Perum Perumnas in East Jakarta.

As a native East Timorese I feel very sad that I cannot
participate in the direct ballot, but I do not have the documents
required by the UN.

I was born in Laga district in Baucau in June 1968. I was
separated from my parents, my two sisters and one brother in 1980
because my village was torn by war. I followed a Navy battalion
and worked as a cook. One of the soldiers then adopted me as his
son and brought me to Jakarta in 1980. I later converted to
Islam. My wife is Javanese.

I cannot imagine needing a passport to visit my home. For me,
integration is the only choice for East Timor. We only have
stones, how we could we otherwise survive?

But I also know that my brothers there suffer a lot. When I
was with the military in Baucau I often saw how villagers were
killed and girls were raped by soldiers.

I hope the East Timorese, especially my sisters and brothers,
will choose the best for their future.

Richard Sam Bera, a national swimmer and a graduate of the
School of Economy and Political Science at Arizona State
University, the United States:

If East Timor was independent, it would be like a box of
chocolates: You never know what you're gonna get. I think it's
like opening Pandora's box. I tend to agree with the theory that
an independent East Timor would encourage other provinces to
detach from Indonesia. At least they'll try, however small their
efforts.

But if East Timor wants to be independent, we have to respect
that.

I will wait and see the results of the vote. My only concern
is East Timor could be used as a tool to destabilize Southeast
Asia. Indonesia is the biggest piece in the region's stability.

Putu Suasta, a Denpasar-based sociologist:

We have to accept whatever the result is. If the pro-
independence group wins, we have to accept it without any grudge.
Indonesia even has to offer assistance as it is unlikely that
East Timor will be able to be really independent right away.

On the other hand, if the pro-integration group wins,
Indonesia has to accept the supporters of the pro-independence
group and the Falintil. We have to treat them like brothers and
sisters.

Hendri Ridho ST, a businessman living in Medan:

I'd like to see East Timor as a part of Indonesia. When it was
under Portugal, it got nothing. Since it joined Indonesia in the
1970s, it has seen an improvement in development.

East Timor wants to be separated from Indonesia because of the
central government's mismanagement. The government has failed to
empower the region.

Hadi Prayitno, a 49-year-old parking attendant in Yogyakarta:

Don't let East Timor separate from Indonesia. We have made
every effort to keep it, and now why should we release it?

What's more, if it becomes a U.S. army base, it will be very
dangerous.

The ballot is good to prevent civil war. The problem is, we
should not let it become the base of American soldiers.

I am proud to see East Timor as a part of Indonesia because
Indonesia covers a very wide area...

Kusar Bailusy, a political observer from Hasanuddin
University, Ujungpandang:

The prointegration group will make every effort to keep East
Timor as a part of Indonesia. However, if they break the law
Indonesia will face a hard job.

If prointegration wins, this will help Habibie in the upcoming
General Session of the People Consultative Assembly.

From the very beginning, Habibie's decision to hold a ballot
was a big mistake. Since 1945, East Timor has rightfully been a
part of Indonesia, while since 1976, it has legally been a part
of Indonesia. (team)