Military backs Aussie rejection of Timorese
Military backs Aussie rejection of Timorese
JAKARTA (JP): A senior military official proposed yesterday that Indonesia close its territory to young East Timorese whose political asylum bid has been rejected by Australia.
"They'd better seek political asylum in other countries like Portugal," Chief of the Udayana Military Command Maj. Gen. Adang Ruchiatna, who oversees security in East Timor, Nusa Tenggara and Bali, told journalists.
Adang was commenting on press reports that the Australian government has rejected a request for political asylum by East Timorese who entered the neighboring country using tourist visas.
Visiting Australian Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs Senator Nick Bolkus said Tuesday, "They have come as tourists, they have sought asylum and my understanding is that they have been rejected for asylum status."
Also yesterday, Minister of Defense and Security Gen. (ret) Edi Sudradjat welcomed the Australian government's turning down the request for asylum made by the Timorese.
"This is a gesture that signifies the improving bilateral ties between the two countries," he said after attending the ceremony commemorating the 43rd anniversary of the Special Forces (Kopassus).
In the East Timor capital of Dili, a local senior legislator also hailed Australia's refusal of the asylum seekers.
"The Australian government's refusal is just natural and the asylum seekers deserve it," deputy chief of the provincial legislative council Maria L.V.C. Quintao told Antara.
She argued that the 700 East Timorese came to Australia on tourist visas and they were not under political pressure of any kind from the Indonesian government.
"They have lived comfortable lives in East Timor ... They went to Australia for pleasure and meant to exploit Australia's acceptance for political asylum. That doesn't make sense," she said.
Late last year, 30 East Timorese were granted asylum by Portugal, the colonial administrator of East Timor until 1976 when the territory integrated into Indonesia. (rms/pan)