In the March 1996 edition of Matra (pp.14-24), the criminologist Prof. Muladi foreshadows the possibility that East Timorese will resort to international terrorism. Unfortunately, he does not go on to prescribe a solution. Prof. Muladi is rector of Diponegoro University in Semarang, Central Java, a member of the National Human Rights Commission, and a frequent representative for the Indonesian government at UN human rights conferences. The interview, extracts of which appear below, was conducted by Arif Bargot Siregar and Arief A. Kuswardono.
Following discussion on East Timorese embassy fence jumpers, Muladi said:
'I think there is something unhealthy there from a national point of view. Of course East Timorese who are anti-integration may see it differently. Over there people value the International Committee of the Red Cross and Bishop Belo more than the Indonesian government apparatus. If anything happens, let's say a conflict with Indonesia, they run for cover there.... At some point, I think, a highly strategic problem will arise that will put an end to the whole conflict with a final decisiveness. It will burst like a boil. We have to wait and see how the boil develops.
Q: What form will this take?
A: It could be the determined attitude of East Timorese society. The strategic forces there at some point suddenly realize who the enemy is. As for Indonesia, I think we are ready for anything.
Perhaps most disappointed of all is ABRI. Let's say they succeeded in implemening integration, but then it turned out we were challenged with social and economic problems that remain unsatisfactory. ABRI's position has become difficult.
With the East Timorese running away overseas, a crystallisation will occur, it will become increasingly visible. What needs to be investigated is, how great is the potential of these East Timorese emigres to replace Indonesia's existing foreign enemies? That includes a vigilance against terrorism.
Q: Is there any evidence of that?
A: There it is! The movements in Australia were pioneered by them. Also the demonstrations against Mr Suharto, against the embassies, burning the Red and White flag. That is them - besides the East Timorese refugees from earlier times perhaps there are our Chinese who have run away there, assisted by the original inhabitants [Australian citizens], and the families of Australians killed in East Timor. It is not impossible they will do something even more negative. And we have to be ready. That includes a vigilance in the area of national aircraft flights and our interests overseas.'
Gerry van Klinken, editor, 'Inside
Indonesia' magazine.
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