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The politics of violence in Indonesia

ASAP Media release - Sydney October 27, 2004

As East Timor-like tragedies unfold in Aceh and Papua, at both ends of our giant and important neighbour, how real is the democratic transformation of Indonesia? What is the relationship between terrorist groups and the Indonesian military? This is a rare opportunity for your audience to hear from an insider with a deep understanding of Indonesians problems; including the anti-Western terrorist groups that have emerged post-Suharto and their connections to parts of the military on whom Canberra relies in its war on terror.

Thousands of people have died in bloody conflicts between independence fighters and the Indonesian military. Recent reports from outline ongoing atrocities including systematic rape being used as a weapon of war against civilians.

Rafendi Djamin is from the Human Rights Working Group, an umbrella organisation for NGOs working to uncover and stop state violence against peaceful opposition groups, and find non-violent solutions in Papua and Aceh.

He is part of the generation of brave and idealistic young people who brought down the tyrant Suharto, in 1998, and have continued to combat the legacy of political thuggery in efforts to establish the rule of law and social justice.

Rafendi is a seasoned and experienced campaigner who has traveled widely outside Indonesia. He is in Sydney on November 1, 3, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13; Newcastle, November 2; Melbourne, November 4-7; Canberra, November 8.

He also has access to what is happening in the war in Aceh, where foreign media have been expelled and local media silenced by fear.

To get Rafendi on your program phone Eko Waluyo on 0405 371 567 or John Rawson on 9217 3874.