Indonesian, East Timorese militants tour
By ROHAN JOSEY
BRISBANE — More than 130 people, some who travelled from as far away as Lismore and Toowoomba, packed the Queensland Council of Unions auditorium on April 11 to hear the Budiman Sujatmiko, a central leader of the radical Indonesian People's Democratic Party, and Avelino da Silva, secretary-general of the Socialist Party of Timor.
The meeting was opened by Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET) activist Afonso Corte-Real, who reflected on the successes of the East Timor solidarity campaign since he first became active after the Dili massacre in November 1991.
After the speeches, discussion ranged over a number of questions related to the current situations in East Timor and Indonesia. The role of foreign investment in rebuilding East Timor was queried, and information was sought on the progress being made to bring the perpetrators of the post-referendum violence to justice.
Sujatmiko was also asked about the campaign to bring Suharto and Indonesia's generals to trial. The extent of military control of Indonesia's civilian affairs was discussed and the possibility of a military coup inside Indonesia was also raised.
As a tribute to the fight for freedom in East Timor, the Trade Union Solidarity Choir sang songs of struggle.
Earlier in the day, da Silva and Sujatmiko were interviewed for the Brisbane Courier-Mail and SBS radio. Sujatmiko was also enthusiastically greeted at an Indonesian language meeting.
In Sydney, reports John Gauci, around 200 people attended the Sujatmiko/da Silva public meeting at Trades Hall on April 12.
Sujatmiko outlined the character of the Abdurrahman Wahid-Megawati Sukarnoputri government. He explained that its roots lay in the old independence movement dominated by the urban and rural petty bourgeoisie. The government continues to orientate to this class.
The Wahid government is similar to other governments in underdeveloped countries that must follow the directions of the International Monetary Fund and foreign investors and also appease elements in society who are suffering as a result. This leads to contradictory policies.
Da Silva explained how the East Timorese struggle to end the occupation has transformed into a struggle for genuine freedom and how the Indonesian scorched earth policy has resulted in dependency on the developed countries.
Around 120 people attended a public meeting with Sujatmiko and da Silva in Melbourne on April 14.