TNI general bids farewell to refugees

Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta post, Atambua, East Nusa Tenggara

As many as 1,175 East Timorese refugees, or 335 families, including 35 Indonesian soldiers and civil servants, left East Nusa Tenggara on Monday for their newly independent homeland.

The repatriation of members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) moved Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. William T. da Costa, who led their farewell ceremony at the border area of Atambua.

"I am extremely moved by this event because one of them, Chief Capt. Joachim do Santos, is my best bodyguard. He has worked with me for three years and now he has chosen to return to his homeland," he said.

Their departure for East Timor was marked by the removal of official TNI and civil servant badges. They received compensations of Rp 15 million to Rp 17 million each.

Up to 50,000 East Timorese are still staying in camps across this province. The repatriation is expected to finish by the end of the year.

William asked the returning refugees to start a new life, in harmony with other East Timorese residents, and live in peace with their Indonesian neighbors.

"For sure, you are no longer Indonesian citizens. Please go home and abide by all the regulations there. Respect your flag and sing the national Timor Lorosae anthem.

"But one thing that you should not forget is that we are all Timorese people," he said emotionally as the refugees sobbed.

Apart from household belongings, some of the returning refugees also carried the skeletons of members of their families and relatives who had died at refugee camps.

"Less than 20 human skeletons are being taken home with the refugees," Wirasakti military chief Kol. Moeswarno Moesanip, who oversees security in the NTT capital of Kupang, told journalists after the farewell ceremony.

Lt. Col. Tjuk Agus Minahasa, chief of the Belu district Military Command, said more refugees would be repatriated on Aug. 17.