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Indonesian Pres. offers no apology to Timor-Leste
by luis Tuesday, Jul 15 2008, 9:46am
international / injustice/law / commentary

The longsuffering people of Timor-Leste received no apology today after an inquiry revealed that the Indonesian military and Indonesian security forces were responsible for committing and inciting murder, rape and torture in Timor-Leste in 1999. Approximately fifteen hundred Timorese were murdered by militias and an indeterminate number were raped and tortured after militias went on a rampage killing and destroying crucial infrastructure in East Timor!

Ramos-Horta and Yudhoyono, sick bastards!
Ramos-Horta and Yudhoyono, sick bastards!

It is a very poor show when a national leader cannot accept responsibility for his armed forces when it is widely known that security forces acted in the interests of the Indonesian government at the time – you are kidding no one, ‘Bangbang!’

Kopassus was also responsible for the cold blooded murder of five Australian journalists in Balibo in ’75 and the kidnapping and murder of West Papuan leader, Theys Eluay in 2001.

President Yudhoyono in a feeble effort to evade responsibility stated that "we must learn from what happened to find out the facts over who has done what to whom, and who must be held responsible." Rubbish! The murderers are KNOWN; Major General Soenarko presided over the slaughter in East Timor in ‘99 and Yunus Yosfiah issued the command, “don’t think just shoot” that ended the lives of five Australians!

The murderers of Theys Eluay were given 12–24 month sentences by an Indonesian military court! Perhaps the ICC may be required to dispense justice in this region!

The world expects sincere apologies, heart-felt contrition and the prosecution of known murderers, you lying, barbarian, bastard! Furthermore, we would remind you of the seasonal persecution of ethnic Chinese in Indonesia and the Chinese government’s position on the matter. Additional information supplied to the Chinese government would invite intervention in the region! Be aware that some Australians DO NOT answer to spineless Australian politicians or corporate interests!

We suggest you surrender KNOWN criminals to Timor-Leste and Australia and allow the LAW to take its course. In the event you fail to meet your obligations and responsibilities we draw your attention to the Balkans and remind you that several new nation-states have been formed since the break-up of Yugoslavia – it could happen to any criminal regime, be advised!

As for you Jose, do you really imagine that petro-dollars absolve crimes and vindicate murderers? The blood of your people is not so easily washed from memory and the land of Timor-Leste – Viva!

Perhaps the following may serve to refresh your memory:

Kopassus and its predecessor Kopassandha were involved in East Timor from the pre-invasion incursions that led to the deaths of five Australian-based journalists in Balibo to the Indonesian military’s final destructive campaign following the pro-independence vote in 1999. An Australian inquest into the murder of the journalists, singled out Kopassandha commander Captain Yunus Yosfiah (later information minister) of directly ordering the murders.

Numerous cases of human rights violations by Kopassus troops are documented in the final report of East Timor's Commission on Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR).

Kopassus has been explicitly linked to the recruitment, training and funding of the Gadapaksi (Young Guard Upholding Integration) militia, along with the Saka/Sera militias that were responsible for the violence and destruction in the run-up to and after the referendum for independence. The Saka/Sera militia was headed by Kopassus Sgt. Joanico da Costa.

September 1999: A Kopassus unit member ordered the Tim Alfa militia to attack a church group travelling in Baucau, East Timor. Nine people were killed.

Kopassus led the special forces Intelligence Task Force SGI (Satuan Tugas Intelijen) based in Dili, where torture was routinely conducted. Involved were top officials from Kopassus: Col. Anwar and Lt. Col. Yayat Sudrajat. Sudjarat was recommended for prosecution by the Indonesian government-sanctioned Commission of Inquiry into Human Rights Violations (KPP HAM) in East Timor for passing weapons to militia groups. SGI was first headed by Brig. Gen. Muahidin Simbolon in 1992. In 1995, the SGI was commanded by Kopassus Brig. Gen. Amirul Isnaeni and by Kopassus Lt. Col Wioyotomo Nugroho between June 1998 and 1999.

Among the military officers with Kopassus links who trained and directed militias in 1999: Major General Adam Damiri, Brig. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon, Brig. Gen. Amirul Isnaeni, Col. Gerhan Lentara, Lt. Col. Wioyotomo Nugroho, Gen. Subagyo, Maj Gen. Zacky Makarim, Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Syamsuddin, Maj. Gen. Kiki Syahnakri, Col Sunarko, Col. Pramono Edhie Wibowo, Lt. Col. Noer Muis.

September 1999: Kopassus soldiers backed Aitarak militia in the attacks on the official residence of Bishop Belo. More than 5,000 refugees sheltered in the residence were moved to the police headquarters in Dili, then into Indonesian-controlled West Timor.


 
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