For a free East Timor and democracy in Indonesia

More than 500 protesters greeted guests arriving at the Indonesian consulate in Melbourne for the Indonesian independence day celebrations on August 17.

The demonstration, organised by the Australia-East Timor Association, was addressed by speakers from a range of organisations campaigning for a free East Timor and democracy in Indonesia who pointed out that the Indonesian regime is holding more than 100 recent political prisoners.

The protesters performed street theatre and chanted, "Viva Timor Leste, viva Xanana!" as guests entered the consulate.

On the same day in Perth, some 50 people gathered outside the Indonesian consulate at a ceremony organised by Friends of East Timor. A mock "human rights" award was presented to Indonesian President Suharto — a trophy depicting a soldier with rifle raised, and a scroll outlining his government's "proud record" in East Timor, including the massacre of 200,000 people, the capture of East Timor resistance leader Xanana Gusmao and continuing atrocities.

The protesters also condemned the Australian government for its support of the Indonesian regime and its recognition of East Timor as part of Indonesia.

In Canberra, the socialist youth organisation Resistance organised a speak-out in Garema Place on August 16 to demand an end to the Timor Gap Treaty, the withdrawal of Australia's military aid to Indonesia and the release of Xanana Gusmao.

Nico Warouw, international officer for the People's Democratic Party (PRD) in Indonesia, told the protesters about the PRD's support for East Timorese self-determination and the continuing struggle for democracy in Indonesia.

Passers-by were urged to support the August 24-25 national day of action rallies demanding withdrawal of Australian de jure recognition of the annexation of East Timor.

In Adelaide, following an address on August 9 by Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor representative Jon Lamb on the recent Indonesian military crackdown, the Trades and Labour Council agreed to endorse and support the August 17 and 24 actions in support of East Timor and the Indonesian pro-democracy movement, as well as the campaign to free recently arrested People's Democratic Party leader Dita Sari.

See pages 29-31 for details of the August 24-25 national day of action in your city.

From GLW issue 243