Street theater portrays justice Indonesia-style.  Photo by Tristan Vazquez.

On June 9, 2003 about 60 activists and human rights supporters gathered at the Washington, D.C. Indonesian Embassy to protest the Indonesian military (TNI) war on Aceh. Indonesian, Acehnese, East Timorese and North American protestors also demanded justice for TNI crimes committed during the 24 year occupation of East Timor, leafletting passersby and holding signs reading Stop the Killing in Aceh and Justice for East Timor for late afternoon traffic. Drivers responded by honking and extending clenched fists in solidarity, showing that widespread U.S. coverage of Indonesian military atrocities, including killings of Acehnese children, has had an impact in Washington.

Organizers of the event presented a street theater satire of the recent Indonesian Ad Hoc Human Rights Court for East Timor. The court, which has been characterized by an intimidating courtroom atmosphere and poorly drawn indictments, has acquitted 12 and delivered 5 light sentences. The final verdict is due July 1st, yet the prosecution has already announced it would request an acquittal of Major General Adam Damiri, the highest-ranking officer prosecuted. The court has allowed General Adam Damiri to absent himself from testifying to oversee scorched earth operations in Aceh much like the ones he is charged with responsibility for in East Timor.

Many of those protesting were in Washington to educate Congressional offices about the ongoing lack of accountability for Indonesian military crimes committed in Aceh and East Timor. Though spirited and lively in their chanting, those participating were also notable for their spiffy attire, most wearing suits and ties.

The demonstration was sponsored by the East Timor Action Network (www.etan.org) and the Indonesia Human Rights Network (www.indonesianetwork.org).

Demonstration to Call for an End to Military Assault on Aceh and for Justice for East Timor

June 9, 2003

Contact: John M. Miller, 917-690-4391 
Kurt Biddle, 510-375-2114

Today, Monday, June 9, at 5:30 p.m. demonstrators will gather at the Indonesian Embassy to protest the Indonesian military assault on Aceh and the Indonesian military's ongoing impunity for crimes committed in East Timor. The embassy is located at 2020 Massachusetts Ave., NW.

In a street theatre performance, activists from around the country will recreate the Indonesian Ad Hoc Human Rights Court for East Timor with an interpretation that gives voice to the East Timorese victims of past military crimes.

"We stand in solidarity with the people of Aceh and East Timor. The world must not watch silently as the Indonesian military slaughters the people of Aceh. Nor will we be silent while the demands of the East Timorese people for genuine justice are mocked," said Stefanie Collins of Texas. Collins and dozens of others are in Washington to educate members of Congress about recent developments in Indonesia and East Timor.

The Indonesian military (TNI) launched a massive military offensive in Aceh on May 19 using U.S.-supplied weapons, obliterating an internationally-supported ceasefire agreement. The government has imposed martial law and restricted media access. Civilian casualties, including children, are mounting rapidly. Human rights monitors and nonviolent advocates have been targeted.

The Indonesian military has thus far successfully evaded accountability for crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in East Timor. Poorly drawn indictments, an intimidating courtroom atmosphere and distortions of events that took place in 1999 have characterized Indonesia's Ad Hoc Human Rights Court for East Timor. To date, the court has acquitted 12 and convicted five delivering light sentences. The final verdict is due July 1st, yet the prosecution has already announced it would request an acquittal of Major General Adam Damiri, the highest-ranking officer prosecuted. Damiri has missed several court appearances because he is involved in the military assault on Aceh.

"The U.S. government must not allow U.S.-supplied weapons to harm civilians in Aceh," said Ben Terrall of California. "The Bush administration and Congress must support an international tribunal for East Timor. Only a tribunal can provide meaningful justice for the much-wronged people of the world's newest nation."

The demonstration is sponsored by the East Timor Action Network (www.etan.org) and the Indonesia Human Rights Network (www.indonesianetwork.org).

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