Resistance campaigns to free Indonesian political prisoners

Wednesday, October 2, 1996 - 10:00

By Jo Brown

Members of the socialist youth organisation Resistance have pledged their support for the campaign to defend Indonesian democracy activists arrested in the recent government crackdown.

Resistance branches around the country have passed motions of support for the campaign and for the October 28 international day of protest for human rights and democracy in Indonesia. A national target of $1000 has been set for fundraising towards the campaign, with Melbourne and Sydney branches pledging to raise $200 each.

After a successful tour of People's Democratic Party (PRD) representative Nico Warouw to NSW campuses and to Brisbane, Resistance has organised meetings on campuses in Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth and Hobart to further publicise the plight of the political prisoners.

Members of Students in Solidarity for Democracy in Indonesia (SMID) and the PRD are facing jail and torture, and the charge of subversion, which carries the death penalty. Resistance members are gathering support from student unions and other student groups for the October 28 day of protest, and collecting donations to help the democracy movement continue its work.

Sydney Resistance activist Wendy Robertson points out, "The increased spending on training Indonesian troops in Australia comes at a time when education funding is being slashed. We have to question the priorities of the Howard government, and demand an end to all military ties with the Suharto dictatorship."

As part of the October 28 protest, Resistance high school activists and other members will be participating in a 24-hour hunger strike. There will also be actions outside the Indonesian embassy and consulates, organised by Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor. In Perth, a week of solidarity is planned on three campuses.

Resistance members will be approaching student guilds at Curtin, Murdoch and the University of Western Australia to adopt one of the many student activists from SMID who are in jail. In Melbourne, campus meetings are planned at Melbourne and La Trobe Universities.