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Message to AKSI from Xanana Gusmao

In the lead up to the May 13, 1995 East Timor National Day of Action, organised by Resistance Youth Organisation, AKSI as one of the major sponsors.

Cipinang prison, Jakarta, 9 April, 1995.

Max Lane, National Co-ordinator, Indonesia Solidarity Action (AKSI) Broadway, NSW, Australia.

On behalf of CNRM and the Maubere people, I present my warm greetings and struggle greetings to you and all those in AKSI.

I have received your letter. Your plans and actions make me and the oppressed Maubere and Indonesian people very proud. Your plans point to a dawning in the darkness that engulfs the Indonesian and Maubere people.

Your initiative to intensify the co-ordination of your actions and activities with CNRM represent an honour for all of us fighting the dictatorial New Order regime.

I am in full agreement with you that it is time for all progressive forces and all the pro-democracy forces to unite to smash the fascist dictatorship of the New Order so that a new democratic climate can be instituted for the Indonesian people and liberation can be won for the Maubere people.

Your initiative is an expression of the reality of the commonalty of suffering of the Maubere and Indonesian people under the same oppressor. The solidarity that AKSI is building together with other organisations in Australia and in other countries is a solidarity between societies that shows that the suffering that is experienced by one part of society will always be felt by others.

My comrade, Max Lane ,and other honoured comrades, in the name of the Maubere people I welcome and value highly your initiatives which have been developed into concrete actions and plans. I hope that this can be an inspiration for other organisations, especially the non-government organisations in Indonesia.

Just recently one of our friends from PIJAR (Information Centre and Action Network for Reform) and three people from the Independent Alliance of Journalists have been arrested, and four more are being hunted out. In this regard I urge AKSI to launch continuous protests demanding their freedom and also freedom of opinion in Indonesia.

I am sure that the Indonesian people will be applauding the actions taken by our friends in Germany against Suharto. Perhaps this is the first time His Majesty this Javanese King has received such treatment. We know that in the future he or his ministers will receive this same treatment in the country of the Kangaroo.

... I promise to send such an address for May 13th, if there is nothing which prevents me. ...

A warm embrace for you and once again, warm greetings and solidarity for all the friends in AKSI.

Success to you always, your friend Xanana Gusmao