Subject: The People of East Timor Vote in the Face
of Violence
Date: Thu, 2 Sep 1999 10:21:28 -0700 (PDT)
From: Asia Pacific Center for Justice and Peace <apcjp@igc.org>The People
of East Timor Vote in the Face of Violence
Asia Pacific Center for Justice and Peace September 1, 1999
On August 30, the people of East Timor defied pervasive fear and intimidation and cast
their ballots in massive numbers for the territory's future. Over 98% of registered voters
turned out at the polling stations observed by the Asia Pacific Center delegation; similar
numbers were recorded by United Nations staff throughout East Timor. Entire villages
arrived at polling centers together and waited patiently for hours in the sun for their
turn to vote. The reverential atmosphere surrounding the vote reflected the admonitions of
Bishop Belo and other religious leaders for the East Timorese to vote their conscience.
Their courage and determination deserve international applause and support.
The United Nations Mission in East Timor (UNAMET) carried out a logistically difficult
operation under hostile conditions. In all locations we observed, we found the ballot
process to be technically clean and honest. UNAMET staff, especially local East Timorese,
performed their duties in a conscientious, unbiased fashion. While polling stations varied
somewhat in formality and procedures, we found no instance where voting was affected. When
voters needed explanation of the ballot, this was given impartially. We saw no attempt to
influence voters.
Indonesian authorities, however, attempted to influence the referendum at all levels.
We observed villagers trucked by coercion to pro-"autonomy" rallies during the
campaign period and brought by Indonesian police across the border with West Timor to
vote. We interviewed militia who were paid in cash and rice. Pro-Indonesian T-shirts and
hats were handed out widely. In several locations, armed police and local militia leaders
remained close to polling stations throughout the day, in violation of electoral
regulations. Local militia, pro-independence and religious leaders are certain that
Indonesian military provide the motivating force behind these cases of intimidation.
We observed blatant disregard by the Indonesian police (POLRI and BRIMOB) for their
security obligations under Article 3 of the May 5th bilateral agreement. In the town of
Gleno, Ermera district, four members of our delegation were held hostage yesterday along
with UNAMET staff. We heard automatic weapons, believed by local residents to come from
Kopassus special forces, firing on the UN helicopter as it attempted to retrieve the
ballot boxes. Militia burned houses and blocked a UN convoy for over seven hours. Heavily
armed police refused to intervene at any point.
Such violence continues to occur after the referendum. Our concern extends in
particular to local UNAMET staff who are the targets of Indonesia-backed reprisals.
Responsibility for their security lies solely with the Indonesian police. Yet Indonesian
authorities encourage militia groups to remain armed, using them as surrogates to
destabilize the territory. The militia in themselves are not the problem; the fundamental
conflict lies between the Indonesian military and the East Timorese people. Therefore, we
strongly oppose sending any further Indonesian troops to East Timor. Indeed, if Indonesia
would withdraw its forces, we believe militia violence would cease.
We appeal to the United States and the international community to exert pressure on the
Indonesian government and military in the strongest possible terms. Foreign aid should be
halted until Indonesia ends violence against UN personnel and respects the result of the
referendum. An increased security role for the UN in East Timor is imperative. We call for
an end to Indonesian interference so that the East Timorese people can work together for a
peaceful future.
The Asia Pacific Center for Justice and Peace is a non-profit advocacy organization
based in Washington, DC. Our ecumenical observer delegation to East Timor includes members
of the National Council of Churches (USA) East Timor Working Group along with
representatives of other denominations. We are hosted by the Christian Church of East
Timor (GKTT). Our team of 14 chose to concentrate our efforts in four districts of East
Timor - Ermera, Liquica, Bobonaro, and Dili where the GKTT expressed a need for foreign
observers. We accompanied groups of voters on foot from their villages to the polls and
stayed at polling stations throughout the balloting, allowing us to develop in depth
knowledge of local conditions.
Contact: Miriam Young Dili Phone # (0390)313-948
Asia Pacific Center for Justice and Peace, 110 Maryland Ave. NE, #504, Washington DC
20002 Tel: 202-543-1094 Fax: 202-546-5103 E-mail: apcjp@igc.apc.org
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