Solution for East Timorese refugees

Indonesia has decided to halt aid to refugees from East Timor starting on March 31, 2000. The decision has been protested by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHCR).

So far the United Nations has accused Indonesia and the "militias supported by the Indonesian military (TNI)" of intentionally slowing down the repatriation of these refugees.

The main reason East Timorese refugees in camps in the western half of Timor island are hesitant to return to East Timor, is because they hear from relatives and friends who are in East Timor that life there is difficult. Food is expensive and employment is scarce. Those who have returned to East Timor are disappointed that the prosperity promised by their leaders before the referendum has not arrived. The result is that some 10,000 East Timorese have been returned silently by UNHCR to Indonesian territory.

The East Timor refugees who are in Indonesian territory are East Timor citizens who need to attention and aid from their leaders and the United Nations.

I propose the UNHCR gives financial aid of US$1,000 to each refugee who wants to return to East Timor and $500 to each refugee wishing to settle in Indonesia. The money is needed by the East Timorese who want to return to their homeland to cover living expenses before they can find work and earn an income. Farmers can use the money while waiting for the harvest.

Refugees wishing to settle in Indonesia can use the money to prepare for being transmigrated to other regions.

The funds required for this purpose would not exceed $100 million. I have heard that the UN/UNHCR has earmarked $3,000 for each refugee in Kosovo.

SUNARTO PRAWIROSUJANTO

Jakarta