Parameswaran added that UNTAET, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have together carried out repatriation processes for the refugees. On the other side, he said, a security guarantee is required before the refugees decide to return and stay in East Timor. “Building a country isn’t an easy thing to do within one or two years. It takes time,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kristio Wahyono, Indonesian Chief Representative in East Timor, said that the refugees who have returned to East Timor are in a good condition. Those who were allegedly committing violations at first have even been accepted by local people. “It’s difficult out there. However, it’s better to experience difficulties at home than in a refugee camp.”
Wahyono said that campaigns to guarantee safety in East Timor are urgently required. The refugees are allowed to return to East Timor. According to him, attempts to repatriate the refugees have been carried out through land, sea and air routes. Up to now, some 180,000 refugees have returned to East Timor and 130,000 others are being taken care of by IOM.
At the same time, IX Udayana Military Chief Willem da Costa planned to invite government officials in East Timor to meet and have a dialog with refugees in West Timor. They’re expected to give information regarding the situation in East Timor. According to Willem, refugees who become Indonesian citizens will be “transmigrated” to other areas in the archipelago. Those who wish to return to East Timor will have to acknowledge the ideology and flag of East Timor.