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