Solidarity with Indonesia goes international

Solidarity with Indonesia goes international

By Chris Latham

Between May 21 and 23, protests actions were held in a number of countries in support of the struggle for democracy in Indonesia and independence for East Timor.

On May 21, supporters of Indonesian democracy in the Philippines held a protest outside of the Indonesian embassy in Makati city. The protest sought to highlight the limited democratic gains following Suharto's resignation a year ago. Protesters distributed a list comparing the demands of the people and what has been allowed by the Habibie regime.

Activists took turns grading the Habibie government for its implementation of democratic reform. The regime was given a resounding fail.

In the Netherlands, a picket was held outside the offices of Indonesia's Garuda airlines. It was organised by the People's Democratic Party, the Movement for Coordinating Support for the People's Struggle in Indonesia, Student Solidarity for Indonesia, the Socialist Party, the Socialist Workers Party and the socialist youth organisation Rebel.

The demonstrators outlined the undemocratic nature of the Indonesian election campaign. Protest demands included: abolish dwi fungsi (the dual role of the military which allows it to interfere in civilian life); stop military suppression of East Timor, Aceh, Ambon, West Papua and all regions in Indonesia; and unconditionally release all political prisoners.

In New Zealand on May 23, a protest was held against Safe Air and its parent company, Air New Zealand. Safe Air refurbishes Skyhawk jets used by the Indonesian military in East Timor.

Protesters called for the refurbished jets not to be allowed to return to the Indonesian government and called on supporters to boycott Air New Zealand.

From GLW issue 363