Sydney solidarity with East Timor and Indonesia
By Jenny Long
SYDNEY — On June 18, 60 people attended a forum here on the results of the Indonesian elections, to discuss the prospects for democracy in Indonesia and independence for East Timor, West Papua and Aceh.
Exiled Indonesian academic George Aditjondro and Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET) national coordinator Max Lane spoke about the results of the elections, the policies and social bases of the mainstream Indonesian parties and the likelihood of further economic and political unrest in Indonesia.
ASIET is also presenting, jointly with Green Left Weekly, the Australian premiere of a new documentary by John Pilger, The Timor Conspiracy, which condemns the complicity of Western governments with the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. Bookings and ticket purchases for the night, June 25, should be made to guarantee a seat and can be arranged by phoning ASIET on 9690 1032.
Amnesty International is having an event marking the International Day for Survivors of Torture on Saturday, June 26, at Bondi Pavilion from 1pm. Phone Amnesty on 9217 7671 for details.
The Australia-East Timor Association (AETA) has planned an "East Timor Freedom Rock" on July 15 at the Metro, George Street, Sydney, between 7pm and 1am. AETA has a photo and information display at Hurstville library on now.
On July 16, the National Council of East Timorese Resistance will hold a public meeting with Jose Ramos Horta and John Pilger.
The Christian Brothers Ulmurra Community has organised an awareness evening on East Timor for July 30. The speakers will include Brisbane community development worker Paul Toon, ASIET member Jon Lamb, Sister Josephine Mitchell from the Mary McKillop Institute for East Timorese Studies and a representative of the East Timorese community. The meeting will be held in St Patrick's Parish Hall, 54 Belmont Street, Sutherland, from 7.30pm.