Protests at NT Trade Expo
By Sally Anne Watson
DARWIN — More than 400 Indonesian visitors have arrived to attend the Northern Territory 1994 Trade Expo. On June 23, the day before the expo opened, a large number of Indonesian businessmen attended a cocktail party at NT House and met with Chief Minister Marshall Perron. A lively protest of 60 Timorese and Australian supporters gathered outside waving banners and shouting "Free East Timor!" and "No Blood for Oil".
Local politicians lowered their eyes — embarrassed and not commenting — as they sidled past the rally. None accepted the leaflets explaining the cause of the protest. "As you drink your cocktails, remember you are also drinking the blood of my people!", one person called. Another pointed out one of the Indonesians walking into the building: "He was one of the supervisors of the enforced work gangs in East Timor".
Protesters moved on to the Indonesian consul-general's house and lined up in front of the fence. Higher ranking invited officials could be seen through the glass foyer doors, eating the best of the food, while about 50 men — presumably not so as "important" as the others — ate in the garage, talking in low voices. Representative of CNRM (National Council of Maubere Resistance) Jose Gusmao addressed the Indonesians in their own language.
"I am Jose Gusmao, the cousin of Xanana Gusmao", he said. The chatter ceased. "Fighting for freedom is in our blood. We will never surrender, no matter what. If you are free to accept these information leaflets, say so, and I will send my young son to give them to you. He is not afraid. However, if you are not free, we understand." No-one moved. "We want you to join us to fight the common enemy, the Indonesian military dictatorship."
The following day, Timorese and Australians entering the expo wearing T-shirts with "Free Xanana" and "Fighting Indonesia's Brutal and Illegal Occupation of East Timor" were followed closely and escorted out of the area when found distributing information leaflets to the public. One activist kept handing out leaflets outside the gate and was arrested and charged with trespass.
"The Expo is a fraud", said East Timor activist Robert Wesley-Smith. "The Indonesian businessmen here do not represent private business in Indonesia; it is all set up by the Indonesian government."
Four Indonesian governors have indicated they are not attending the Trade Expo for security reasons. According to Jose Gusmao, the governors are staying home due to internal problems within Indonesia, and so that they don't see the extent of support for East Timor independence in Australia.