PAN regrets govt inconsistency

PAN regrets govt inconsistency

President Habibie's statement that a referendum in East Timor
is not necessary is to be regretted and shows the arrogance of
the government of Indonesia and is inconsistent with the spirit
of reform. Habibie's justified this stance by stating that East
Timor was integrated into Indonesia by a People's Consultative
Assembly (MPR) decree. This reasoning should be roundly condemned
because the relevant MPR decree was a product of the New Order
and thus manipulated and passed with scant regard to the
humanitarian aspects of the East Timorese issue at that time.

We believe that there is a strong element of blackmail in the
suggestion that East Timor could be granted independence if
Indonesia's proposal of greater autonomy is rejected. It appears
as if the people of East Timor are being forced by fait accompli
to accept the offer of the autonomy. "If autonomy is not accepted
then we (the Indonesian government) will leave."

If the government lets East Timor go overnight, this would
constitute an highly irresponsible act because it could give rise
to a civil war in the territory. Recent events in East Timor such
as the clashes between rival groups proves that such a risk
exists. As has been stated by the Bishop of Dili, Carlos Belo, if
Indonesia lets East Timor go now, "Indonesia would be worse than
the Portuguese colonial administration."

The problem of East Timor has to be resolved once and for all.
Therefore, as stated in the National Mandate Party (PAN)
manifesto, a referendum is the best solution. However, a
referendum need not necessarily take place after a transitional
period of ten years because there is the possibility of the
territory descending into a civil war. A referendum could take
place after a transitionary period of between three and five
years. In this era of reform, with a new democratic government in
Jakarta after the June election, the people of East timor may
choose to stay within a democratic Indonesia. Indonesia should
nevertheless be prepared for the eventuality that the East
Timorese will choose to set up an independent state. We are
confident that in the event of this happening, Indonesia will not
feel exploited and trust can be developed as the basis for
managing future bilateral relations.

BARA HASIBUAN

Head of International Relations Dept.

The National Mandate Party

Jakarta