Xanana e a Indonésia: os equívocos

Editor Update (Global Indonesian Voices): The news article published by Liputan6.com, which was entitled ‘Xanana Gusmao Isyaratkan Timor Leste Kembali ke Pangkuan NKRI’ has been corrected by the publisher into an article titled ‘PM Timor Leste Xanana Gusmao: Terima Kasih Indonesia’. In the revised version, it has straightened the information pertaining to the original story, supported by a quote from the Indonesian Deputy Minister for Defence. “I would like to underline that the news in the media does not exist,” said Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as quoted by the Liputan6.com The original GIV article entitled ‘Timor Leste Should Rejoin Indonesia, Said Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao’ is hence updated to reflect the new information from the news source. Surabaya. The Prime Minister of Timor Leste, Xanana Gusmao, was wrongly quoted for saying that he wants to rejoin Indonesia. Xanana was quoted in the midst of an anniversary celebration event of the Indonesian army in Surabaya on Tuesday, 7 October 2014. Whether his statement represents an official commitment from the Timor Leste government or the country’s citizens is not reported. Xanana Gusmao previously led the movement leading to separation of Timor Leste from Indonesia in 1999. “I am grateful to the Indonesian government for the invitation and collaboration all this time. I also wishes the TNI (Indonesian Army) a happy anniversary,” said Xanana as quoted by Liputan6.com. Located at the eastern part of Timor island, the now independent country was previously regarded as an Indonesian province carrying the name East Timor (Timor Timur). In contrast to other Indonesian regions that were all colonized by the Netherlands, Timor Leste was previously occupied by Portugal for 450 years prior to joining the Indonesian Republic as its 27th province. It was an Indonesian province for 24 years before an independence referendum took place in 1999. Following the controversial referendum under the United Nations, East Timor became separated as a new country officially called Timor Leste.