The New York Times

Friday, September 10, 1999

Helping East Timor, and Indonesia

Time is running out for Indonesia to disarm and disband the army-backed militias that have rampaged through East Timor for the past week, killing hundreds of people and sending thousands into hiding and exile. The violence subsided somewhat yesterday. But unless Jakarta can bring these militias to heel in the next few days, which is unlikely, an international peacekeeping force will be needed to save lives and make sure that the results of last week's referendum approving independence for the province is respected.

Indonesia's consent is needed for such a force to function smoothly. That will require strong pressure from Washington. President Clinton applied some yesterday, announcing the suspension of military ties with the Indonesian Army and emphasizing that American support for future economic assistance will hinge on Indonesia's performance on the East Timor issue. He should be even more explicit and declare that billions of dollars in international loans will stay blocked until President B. J. Habibie accepts international peacekeepers.

Washington wants to save lives in East Timor without derailing Jakarta's transition to democratic government. This fall, a partially elected assembly is scheduled to choose Indonesia's next president. That would complete what, for all its deficiencies, would be the most democratic selection process the world's fourth-largest country has ever known. But American policy can advance both objectives at the same time. Democracy can take root in Indonesia only if its armed forces defer to civilian authority and respect election results. In East Timor, Indonesia's army is doing neither.

Last week's independence referendum was organized with the approval of President Habibie, who promised to abide by its result. But a significant faction of Indonesia's army fears that independence for East Timor could encourage secessionist movements elsewhere in Indonesia, and is therefore trying to subvert the referendum by creating so much chaos that Mr. Habibie will be forced to reverse course. If this succeeds, it would demonstrate that the military, which has ruled Indonesia for the past 34 years, remains the real power no matter who wins the presidential election. Many senior officers also oppose an international peacekeeping force.

Indonesian democracy requires that the armed forces obey civilian authorities in Jakarta. East Timor's safety and freedom require that Jakarta agree to international peacekeepers. Washington should use every lever at its disposal to make sure that both requirements are quickly fulfilled.