Local scholar supported by Australian `Indonesianists'

JAKARTA (JP): Thirty-five noted Australian "Indonesianists" have signed a letter in support of George J. Aditjondro, a lecturer at Satya Wacana Christian University in Salatiga, who incurred the government's wrath for his study on East Timor.

The letter, addressed to rector John O. Ihalauw, calls for the continued support of academic freedom as well as the safeguarding of Aditjondro's career against any possible repercussions as a result of his work.

It was signed by noted experts on Indonesian studies such as Harold Crouch of the Australian National University and Herb Feith of Monash University, along with others from major Australian universities.

"Pressure to keep Dr. Aditjondro from continuing his work at Satya Wacana, if successful, would do irreparable damage both to the university's name and to the constructive role of academia in Indonesian public life," read the letter, a copy of which was made available to The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Aditjondro's thesis on East Timor was revealed by the West Australian newspaper last month, making him a target for widespread condemnation from both public and high ranking government officials.

The controversial study on East Timor charges that 270 people were killed in clashes between demonstrators and armed forces personnel in Dili in November 1992, and that over 200 others have been missing since.

This number contrasts sharply with the official version which lists 50 deaths, 91 injured and 57 missing.

Government officials have also challenged Aditjondro's claim.

When contacted at his home yesterday, Aditjondro told The Jakarta Post that he believes the letter came in reaction to an interview he gave on Australian television during which he expressed his fear of being expelled from the university.

However, Aditjondro acknowledged that there have been no official warnings jeopardizing his position at the university.

Academic freedom

The letter of support also failed to mention any clear warnings that threaten Aditjondro's academic career.

"I am quite grateful for their support...also for the support of church groups and Non-Governmental Organizations in Australia," Aditjondro said.

He added that the letter was not merely in personal support for him, but for academic freedom in general.

He elaborated the case in Satya Wacana where the rector has censored all academic material released under the university's name.

The rector is using political gauges to censor academic freedoms, said Aditjondro, a recipient of the President's Kalpataru environmental award.

Two other senior lecturers, Arif Budiman and Ariel Heryanto, have also recently been given stern warnings by the University Board for their harsh criticism of rector Ihalauw.

Aditjondro, who received a PhD from Cornell University in 1992, asserted that he would continue his efforts to reveal the truth about East Timor.

"This is more important than my own individual concern. I will continue to push the National Commission on Human Rights and the Legal Aid Foundation to pursue the matter," he said.

Aditjondro's house in Salatiga was stoned by unidentified men last month, only days after his return from an overseas trip. (07)