Militia rallies at The Habibie Center

JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of East Timorese militia members rallied at The Habibie Center on Jl. Kemang Selatan, South Jakarta, on Friday, demanding that its founder B.J. Habibie, who is also a former president, take responsibility for last year's ballot in the former province which led to its independence.

The militia members broke a glass door of the building but perpetrated no other violent acts.

According to the protesters, the foundation, inaugurated by President Abdurrahman Wahid in May, should be closed as the institution, originally intended to promote democracy and human rights in the country, had failed to contribute to the welfare of the East Timorese refugees' currently displaced to neighboring East Nusa Tenggara.

A staffer at the foundation, Tengku Arlan, said the group arrived at the building at around 1:30 p.m. and climbed over the gate which had been locked since early morning by staff, who had been informed in advance about the protest.

Most of the militia members sat in the building's front yard during the protest, while several others entered the building to talk with the foundation's executive director Ahmad Watik Pratiknya.

Coordinator of the rally, Munawir Ali, said that Habibie, should be put on trial for allowing East Timor to be expunged from the country's map as he had allowed the independence option to be included in the United Nations-sponsored ballot.

"Habibie's decision has resulted in thousands of East Timorese people now languishing in refugee camps," Munawir said.

Munawir demanded that Habibie come to the building to directly speak to the militia members, or otherwise they would refuse to leave the compound.

Munawir also demanded that Dewi Fortuna Anwar, special advisor for foreign affairs during Habibie's presidency, come to speak to them.

According to Arlan, Habibie was currently in Germany while Dewi was in India for unknown reasons.

About two hours after the militia members arrived at the building, Habibie's brother, J.E. (Fanny) Habibie, an executive of the center, came to meet the militia members.

In a heated debate, Fanny defended his brother saying that Habibie's decision had been approved by the House of Representatives (DPR).

"It was not Habibie's decision alone. It was the country's decision," Fanny said emotionally.

After debating for about 45 minutes, Fanny left.

The militia members also left the building peacefully at about 6:30 p.m. (07/jaw)