`Timor prospects good' -- activist

By Bernie Brian

DARWIN -- A well-known commentator on Indonesia and co-convenor of Aksi (Indonesia Solidarity Action), Max Lane, was here last week for a series of lectures.

On September 22, Lane gave a lecture sponsored by the East Timorese Studies Project at the Northern Territory University. On September 23, he addressed a public meeting at the East Timorese cultural club, Lafaek, sponsored by Green Left Weekly and the Northern Territory University Resistance club.

He also took the opportunity to have discussions with leaders of the East Timorese community.

Lane revealed to the well-attended meetings that the emerging democracy movement in Indonesia is increasingly realising the importance of supporting some form of self-determination for East Timor. This domestic pressure, combined with international pressure and the resistance to Indonesian authority inside East Timor, made the prospects for an independent East Timor good.

“As the inevitable weakening of central control in Indonesia continues, the public debate on East Timor will increase and the democratic groups will seize the opportunity to promote the right of the East Timorese to self-determination.”

Even under the tight control inside East Timor, there is strong resistance and protest, Lane said. “Once the control weakens, the protests will be even stronger.”

At the moment Suharto's biggest problem is the international pressure, and “he would be keen to remove this acute embarrassment to Indonesia, preferably without providing any real independence or autonomy”.

Speaking after the meeting at Lafaek, Jose Gusmao from the National Council of Maubere Resistance (CNRM), warmly thanked Lane for coming to Darwin to inform the East Timorese community and Australian supporters of developments in the struggle inside Indonesia. “I have heard of your name many times during the Manila conference on East Timor, and it is good finally to meet you.

“It gives us encouragement to know we are not alone and that our friends are increasing. Personally I feel privileged to have heard about those fighting for democracy in Indonesia.”

Gusmao asked Lane to convey to “our brothers and sisters” inside Indonesia greetings from the CNRM and to thank them for their support.

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