On decolonization

On decolonization
of East Timor

I would like to refer to the May 21 letter from Onghokham
titled Decolonization of East Timor.

It is surprising that the noted historian categorically
described the integration of East Timor (1976-1999) as
"colonization and imperialism". The facts provide a different
picture.

East Timor was the 27th province of Indonesia for 23 years,
making the East Timorese Indonesian citizens during this time.
They enjoyed the same rights as any other Indonesian living in
the other 26 provinces. They could join any of the three
political parties that existed at the time, and if eligible could
run for any public office they wished to.

On the other hand, during Dutch colonial rule in the East
Indies, according to the law, the population was divided into
three socio-juridical categories: 1) Europeans, 2) Foreign
Orientals (Asiatics) and 3) Indigenous (Natives), in that order.

To the late PK Ojong, the publisher of Kompas, the groupings
were simply no different from castes, and the indigenous
population was treated as third-class citizens.

Besides, for over 300 years, the colonial rulers rapaciously
exploited the natural resources of the archipelago. Only much
later did they, in return, reluctantly introduce limited measures
for the benefit of the indigenous population, like education in
schools and the creation of a representative body.

In the case of East Timor, whatever the contentions of critics
of Indonesia and despite notorious pecuniary leakage, the 27th
province annually received one of the largest development budgets
of all the provinces. The integration, in a very significant way,
improved the standard of living of the people in the province.

Admittedly, grave mistakes were committed in East Timor.
Mostly, it seems, in the implementation of policy, which
practically negated the results and progress of the development
that had been achieved. In short, all the efforts to win the
hearts and minds of the people failed.

What prompted Indonesia's involvement in East Timor, and is
commonly known, was a combination of unforeseen developments
suddenly taking place in the adjacent colonial territory. So this
involvement was not planned in advance. The Cold War seemed to
have played a crucial role in the involvement.

SOEGIO SOSROSOEMARTO

Jakarta