Militia rallies at The Habibie Center
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)