Time to start rebuilding independent East Timor

As the peacekeeping forces steadily gain control over the territory of 
East Timor and disarm or immobilse the pro-Indonesian militias the question 
of establishing a government and rebuilding the country will come to the 
fore.

A major step in this direction will be the expected return to Dili of 
Xanana Gusmao this week. He will undoubtedly take with him an embryonic 
government and ideas as to how the rebuilding can be accomplished in the 
shortest time.

From guerrilla fighters to government with all its responsibilities, is no 
easy task.

Food and shelter have to be provided. The economy got moving again. A 
police force and other administrative institutions established. Trade 
opened up. The Timor Gap oil treaty re-negotiated. Schools re-established 
and medical services built up.

This can only be done with the full participation of the East Timorese 
people who have already shown by years of struggle against Indonesian 
occupation that they have the determination and the capacity. But they 
start with no capital, little experience and a very low level of economic 
development.

Help, not control

It is essential that all outside governments and Australia in particular, 
should help this process but not attempt to control it. The hard-won 
independence and now the sovereignty of an independent East Timor must be 
respected.

A start has been made by the tacit acceptance of a role to be played by 
Falintil — the armed forces created by the people in the struggle for 
independence. The Falintil fighters must not be disarmed but should become 
the core of an East Timorese police force or army — AS THE EAST TIMORESE 
GOVERNMENT DECIDES. It is their decision that has to be respected.

There will be those who think otherwise as last week's Guardian 
indicated in reporting suggestions of East Timor becoming an imperialist 
base to be used against a turbulent and fast changing — perhaps 
revolutionary — Indonesia.

There is talk of peacekeeping forces staying in East Timor for years. Why? 
Once an East Timorese Government is established and the independence 
process completed all outside military forces — whether wearing UN blue 
berets or not — should be withdrawn.

As The Guardian goes to press the crucial vote to elect Indonesia's 
next President is about to be taken by the Indonesian People's Consultative 
Assembly.

Indonesia's workers and students continue to demonstrate in city streets, 
making clear their demands for democratic change, not only in the 
Presidency but also in the social and economic circumstances of millions of 
people who live in poverty and squalor.

It is these forces which brought about change in Indonesia and East Timor 
and can be expected to keep up their demands for real change — not just 
changes at the top.

Back to index page