Eyewitness report: repression and resistance

May 15, 1996
Issue 

Nick Everett is a member of Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET) in Brisbane. He recently spent ten days in East Timor, travelling to Dili, Bacau, Los Palos and a number of other towns. He was able to observe the situation of East Timorese people and meet with a number of activists in the struggle against the Indonesian occupation.

Q: What did you observe of the Indonesian presence in East Timor?

We were told by a contact that there were 35 batallions of 1000 troops each in the territory of East Timor, and we witnessed the arrival of two more batallions in Dili. The military presence was very visible, although there was some attempt to conceal it by having troops operating in plain clothes. There was a real atmosphere of tension and distrust.

Q: What is the role of the military in East Timor?

They have a number of roles. They play the role of maintaining security and assisting the small number of uniformed police. There are special police units which carry out surveillance on the population. The troops also work on road construction and the construction of military facilities. Their main role is a combat role — to repress the East Timorese armed struggle, mainly in the eastern part of the island. This involves the use of troop carriers, helicopters and aircraft.

Q: What level of resistance did you observe to the Indonesian presence?

There was a general anger and tension at the presence of the military. There was also resentment of the Indonesian transmigrants who are given a privileged role in East Timor.

We found that once people gained our trust they were quite willing to speak about the occupation. In the streets people would call out "Viva Timor Leste" and "Twenty years too long". A group of young people who had been involved in a demonstration before we arrived showed us the banners they had made.

Q: What is the role of young people in the resistance movement?

Young people are a key part of the urban clandestine movement. It is young people who are the most visibly involved in protest actions, and who are a major target for the military and security forces. Many youth face daily harassment, beatings, torture and interrogation.

There are a number of networks, such as high school networks and university student networks that operate amongst young people. Many students also have contact with the East Timorese students in Indonesia, and some travel to Jakarta to be involved in protests such as the embassy occupations.

Q: Are the East Timorese people aware of the role of the Australian government in supporting the Indonesian occupation?

There is a strong awareness, due to information from ABC International and Portugese Television. People were aware of the change of government in Australia, and the continuation of the friendship between the Australian and Indonesian governments, and the way that Australia has jumped to the defence of Indonesia so many times.

They are also aware of the existence of the Australian solidarity movement, and through information from Jakarta people heard about the embassy actions and the solidarity protests in Australia.

Q: What are the risks for those involved in the resistance?

The costs of participation in the struggle are evident. Many people spoke of having a brother or other family member killed; either in the invasion or more recently in the Dili massacre or the ongoing guerilla struggle.

One activist had just spent six months in jail for participation in a demonstration, and a number had suffered torture such as electric shocks while in detention.

Q: Did you feel that you were in danger while you were travelling?

We were asked a lot of questions and harassed when taking photographs. The Timorese we met with were very careful to distract the security personnel; their courage was amazing because they were taking huge risks in even speaking to us.

Q: What can people in Australia do to help the East Timorese struggle?

The Timorese people that we met were excited and inspired about the organised solidarity in Australia; it gives them real strength. So we need to increase this solidarity, to support unified actions such as the National Day of Action on August 25 and to bring increased pressure on the Australian government.I

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