[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 38 (Wednesday, March 10, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E378-E379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR FREE, FAIR, AND TRANSPARENT ELECTIONS IN 
                               INDONESIA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                            HON. LANE EVANS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 1999

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in support 
of H. Res. 32, a resolution calling for free, fair and transparent 
elections in Indonesia, but also to commend the attention of my 
colleagues to the plight of the people of East Timor, the tiny island 
illegally occupied by Indonesia for over 25 years.
  I have been greatly encouraged by recent demonstrations of reform in 
Indonesia, yet the post-Suharto government still has far to go to prove 
that it is serious about addressing basic human rights. Most urgent is 
the humanitarian crisis that continues to embroil the people of East 
Timor. Even as President Habibie announces that he will support 
independence for East Timor should its citizens reject an autonomy 
plan, I receive daily reports indicating a serious increase in violent 
actions by several armed militias, including those by the Makihit, 
Alfa, Saka and Mahidi. In the last two months, these groups have 
reportedly attacked villagers in several areas, most recently around 
Sua, killing civilians and precipitating a refugee crisis with over 
5,000 seeking refuge on the grounds of a local church and school. 
Indonesian Generals have admitted to arming

[[Page E379]]

these groups. In this supposed era of promise, turmoil and unrest 
persist.
  In addition, there are reports of on-going and extreme human rights 
abuses on the part of the Indonesian military in the areas of West 
Papua, Irian Jaya, Aceh, and Ambon. The summary executions, 
kidnappings, arbitrary arrest, beatings and torture of civilians 
continue to create a climate of fear, intimidation. I believe it will 
be virtually impossible to hold a truly democratic election.
  While I support the spirit in which H. Res. 32 was written and 
support its intentions wholeheartedly, Congress must take this 
opportunity to encourage the Clinton Administration to press the 
Indonesian government to address the civil and human rights issues 
plaguing this nation and its provinces. In addition, we must continue 
to call for the withdrawal of Indonesian troops, the introduction of 
U.N. monitors and the immediate and unconditional release of political 
prisoners in East Timor. Without these crucial steps, Indonesia will 
not be on a true path to reform.

                          ____________________