Take care of your people

Take care of your people

From Suara Karya

East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmao has expressed his support for a judicial process for former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Wiranto and a number of other military officers. Ramos Horta made a similar statement, stressing that the Indonesian government should refrain from extending immunity to Indonesian Military officers involved in human rights violations in East Timor.

These two East Timorese leaders have been unethical in publicly making these statements considering that these Indonesian Military officers have only been alleged to have been involved in human rights violations in East Timor. These allegations must first be proved true. Besides, human rights violations in East Timor were only the consequence of what these East Timorese leaders did. So, it is really improper for Xanana and Ramos to be so arrogant as to voice their support for taking Gen. Wiranto to court.

These two leaders had better take care of their own people, some of whom are still in Indonesian territory as refugees, because their condition is worsening to the point they are on the brink of starvation. In the meantime, these two leaders have a good time, enjoying their positions and power, and do not seem to be concerned with the fate of their people in refugee camps in Indonesian territory. In fact, these East Timorese refugees were promised a better and more prosperous life after East Timor became independent from the Republic of Indonesia. The reality is that these people lead more miserable lives and have become burdensome to the Indonesian government. Whether these East Timorese refugees can free themselves from their plight depends very much on Xanana Gusmao and Ramos Horta, because it is these two men who have promised their people a better life.

Now, where have Xanana and Ramos been all this time? Their people in the refugee camps in Indonesian territory need them and hope that they keep their promise. Do not take care of other people's internal affairs before your own internal affairs are well taken care of. So, Xanana and Ramos, please look at your people in the refugee camps. Do not just forsake them and leave them to the Indonesian government. Do not go back on your promise to provide a better and more prosperous life to the East Timorese.

CECILIA CARDOSO

Dili, East Timor