The Wire

An arrest warrant for one of Indonesia’s most senior military figures has been issued for crimes committed against the East Timorese in the bloodshed of 1999. The international embarrassment is even more acute given the fact that General WIranto is now a leading presidential candidate for Indonesia’s national poll in July. Wiranto is accused of allowing militias as well as his own troops to kill some 1500 East Timorese at the time of Timor’s independence referendum. Wiranto has strongly denied responsibility. Although the United Nations backed East Timor Serious Crimes Unit indicted the General over a year ago, the delay in taking action reflects a process marred by controversy and political divisions at the highest levels. Professor Peter King is a research associate at the University of Sydney specialising in Indonesia and West Papua. He spoke with Paulina Vidal.