The price of freedom

The price of freedom

Just what motivates the Indonesian government in the face of escalating violence in East Timor remains uncertain. But the time has come for others to increase pressure on Jakarta to take, for a change, some honest and effective action.

Despite an overwhelming vote for independence, East Timor remains Indonesian territory until Jakarta passes laws to set it free. That is unlikely before November, leaving Indonesia responsible for basic law and order until then.

Indonesia has sent troops and police to maintain order since militia forces, themselves allegedly armed by Indonesian Army units, went on a violent rampage against those who want their freedom. But so far, these forces have done nothing to stop the killing and intimidation of East Timorese and foreigners, including United Nations staff members. In fact, they socialize and even collude with the rebels.

There are no positive ways to explain this sorry state of affairs. It may be simply that Army units in East Timor will not obey orders to enforce the law. When the Army chief paid a visit on Sunday, he did not dare leave Dili. That would suggest Mr. Habibie does not really control his own government, or at least some of its armed forces.

Either way, the status quo is intolerable. Other nations are reluctant to dispatch their own peacekeepers without an invitation from Jakarta. But they should seek that permission actively and be ready to follow through.

Meanwhile, they should tell Jakarta that World Bank and other loans are blocked until the government honors its many pledges to maintain order.

-- The South China Morning Post, Hong Kong