Life's a Journey

Year 2010 & 2011

2012-01-04T18:45:00.000+09:00

This post is one year late. I did a visit to East Timor in 2010 and visited my friends in Dili, Liquica and also Hope Orphanage in Gleno. Nothing much has changed in Timor, things are running as they are.

There were more road signs, some new buildings(or newly coated buildings) and some taxis have a nice yellow colour now. Other than this, things are pretty much the same. The orphans I met in Gleno still struggled in the ever confusing education system. Mathematics in secondary school are taught using Bahasa Indonesia textbooks hence commas and decimal points are placed differently. It does not help that Timor is using American dollars and not Rupiah, so calculation can be a problem.

A teacher teaching youths English in Dili observed that gangs are still very much part of the communities and culture in Timor. It could be for protection, survival, identity etc and it is not that easy to get out of it once you're in. This thing about "brotherhood" and "loyalty" runs deep and bloodshed is not something hard to do. Law and order is still an issue in this new nation and maybe that is why there are gangs who either helped the police with order or set their own.

That being said, Timor is progressing in some ways. Some youths from Hope Orphanage came to S'pore in 2011 and it was a great eye opener for them. I hope they will be able to get sponsorship/scholarship for entry into United World College (ok, the fees are really steep for this international school but it's good). The boys(and girls) in the orphanage are growing and it is going to be a challenge as to where some of them will go once they finish high school. College and University can be expensive and I wonder about their future. 2011 is the 1st year I've not been back to Timor since 2006 and I hope to go this year with some good purpose. May the Lord continue to direct me.

Another Year- Some updates

2009-11-14T00:27:00.000+09:00

Ola! I made a short trip to East Timor last July and there were some notable improvements in Dili. Street lamps, a nice park(previously the IDP camp outside of Hotel Timor), relaxing benches and nice tables along the waterfront outside of Parliament House.

With the UN staying on for a while more, there were businesses to be made and things are picking up with a soon-to-be-built multi-million resort in Tasi Tolu.

The thing about money is that it always attract some form of vice. In Timor itself, prostitution is fast becoming a problem. Girls are being brought in from China and even after raids by the police, more are coming in. I bump into a Hotel boss at the airport and he told me the best business now is girls. And he said nothing seems to be able to stop the girls from coming in as agents continue to bring them as long as there is a demand. No one is afraid even after the raids on prostitution. This is not good for the country.

I can only hope things will look brighter for the future of the children. I did a profile of the 30plus children at Hope Orphanage and some of the older children aspire to study overseas. That is not too far-fetched. I recently met two East Timorese youth on facebook - both were studying and working with WorldVision East Timor at one point when I was teaching there. They are now studying in Indonesia. That's good. I hope to see more reaching greater heights and going back to their homeland to make a difference.

Let's continue to hope. Maromak Fo Bensa

End October East Timor Trip - A summary of current situation

2008-11-29T01:17:00.003+09:00

More cars, trucks and construction

A memorial for the policemen and women killed in the 2006 crisis in the Caicoli area.

More shops and restaurants. Here's a 'rare' book & stationery shop.

I would describe the current situation in East Timor as safe & volatile. By safe, I am saying that it is perfectly safe to walk in broad daylight without fear of rama ambon(deadly arrow-like darts), gunfire and gangs throwing stones at you. There are now streetlights in some areas at night and gang fights & crime are low. By volatile, I am saying that any violence might happen at any time depending on what fuses the situation. For example, a 'peaceful' political demonstration.

Most IDP(Refugee) camps have disappeared and the only ones left are those in the Catholic churches. The notorious ones like the one outside of Hotel Timor and another beside the airport have disappeared. These camps were a source of trouble during the unstable times but since their removal, there have been less trouble.

With more UN personnel stationed in Timor, the construction and property sector have become busier and so has the roads. There are certainly more vehicles on the road than last year and sometimes there were even traffic jams. The expats have also given a boost to the F&B industry with more restaurants springing up in the city and at the beach area. This provided more job opportunities but unfortunately, many are not Timorese owned.

Taxis are also charging slightly higher prices than before. I make sure I negotiate my fare now before I sat in if I have any doubts about how much to pay. This is especially so if it's late at night(by late, I meant 8pm++ where there are very few taxis). I paid US$3 for a night taxi ride when last year you would expect to pay only US$2. As for food, local fare is still cheap. US$1 would get you a plate of rice with a portion of chicken, vegetables and soup.

The education system is still as confusing for the students as ever. Teachers were made to attend intensive portuguese course so that they can teach in the language as many were not fluent in it. Students find portuguese difficult to learn and were not very keen in learning it. The teachers who themselves are poorly equipped with the language are not helping the situation either. While the government continues to push for a portuguese curriculum and learning environment, the Catholic schools got fed-up and uses their own Tetun school books for grade 1 to 6. It of course proof to be more effective and enjoyable for the students as most of them speak Tetun at home and uses it as their everyday language. The language medium to use for education is still a sticky situation which has not been resolved.

As my friend, Nelson da Silva, a 3rd-year engineering student studying in the national university told me - "Brother, I feel so confused. If the lecturer graduated in Australia, he will teach in English. If the lecturer graduated in Indonesia, he will teach in Bahasa Indonesia. If he graduated in Portugal, he will teach in Portuguese. I am very confused." You get what I'm trying to say now? So later on, I asked him to show me his thesis and it was written in Bahasa Indonesia. I certainly hope his lecturer is a graduate from Indonesia!

Aside from all this, I would say East Timor has certainly made some progress in the 2006 crisis aftermath. There may be still the problem of high unemployment and disgruntled youth, but I think many NGOs are realising this and are trying their best to help in these areas. Life has gotten back to normal for the average Timorese - without the kind of violence seen during the turbulent 2006 and early 2007.

So do pay East TImor a visit should you decided to do so. There are many opportunities to help as well as business opportunities. And if you're a mountain climbing lover or a diving fanatic, East Timor will be a dreamland for you. My recommendation? Go and see it for yourself. You'll love it there.

2nd Year Anniversary

2008-05-26T19:31:00.001+09:00

Time really flies by. This is the exact day I left East Timor 2 years ago. The immigration stamp on my passport reminded me of my short-lived days there. I have learned much in these 2 years and for that, I am grateful.

I am just wondering how long my patience will last. It is indeed wearing thin. Very soon, it will be the 3rd year. Will I be back by then? Or will I still be in Singapore? Am I now a bird in a cage? Or a bird in training? Maybe I am both. Both are well-fed and well-taken care of. But neither one taste real freedom.

Wait for me, I will return soon. Wait for me, I will see your smile and your beauty again. O Timor Lorosae, wait for me.

Crisis? I walk for almost a whole day in Dili town.

2007-10-01T13:29:00.003+09:00

Are things fine in Timor? I was back in Timor from 18 sept to 27 sept. and I must say that Dili is relatively calm. As you can see from the pictures, there is no problem walking in the streets in the day. Although I heard stories of troubles coming from IDP camps(mostly during night time), I didn't see any during my visit. Dili is brighter at night because there are street lamps now. The night picture was taken near the cathedral before going into Bairo Pitte, a supposedly 'hot' zone but troubles are sporadic and I had a safe trip home at 10pm - no problems.

Food is abundant in the grocery stores and supermarkets and the streets are really busy.
I was quite surprised that there are traffic jams in Dili!(maybe it is the traffic lights or the overcrowding of cars(from the UN) on the roads). Even till the early evening, the streets are busy with activities. I hope I have allay your fears if you are thinking twice about going to Timor. It is relatively calm with sporadic night troubles in 'hot' zones like Comoro. Ask a UN police if you're unsure which areas to avoid at night. Generally, I would say it is safe to travel in Timor.

Go to www.byjason.org/timor/index.html for more info on my recent trip that includes a trip to Hope Orphanage in Gleno and some faces of children at IDP camps, Dili town and Liquica.

Marungi (Moringa) - Ita hatene?

2007-09-13T16:06:00.001+09:00

Moringa Oleifera is a tree with highly nutritious leaves, flowers and pods, and it is known as Marungi in East Timor. Although the Moringa tree had been used successfully to combat malnutrition and high infant mortality rate in Africa, particularly Senegal, there appears to be either a lack of information or interest in the use of this tree in the health sector of Timor. I could be ignorant but in my seven months in Timor working with a large international NGO, I have not heard of the success or the consumption of its leaves as a means to alleviate the high infant mortality rate in Timor. I find it strange that this tree is not fiercely promoted to combat the many malnutrition cases and high death rates of babies and even mothers.

My web search on Timor NGOs yielded only one result of an organisation that uses the moringa tree. The organisation, Mary McKillop East Timor, has a community health program that features the Moringa tree as a rich source of nutrients and prepares the leaves for food supplement uses. The nutrients of the moringa leaves can be summarised by this:
7 times the Vitamin C of Oranges
4 times the Vitamin A of Carrots
4 times the Calcium of Milk
3 times the Potassium of Bananas
2 times the Protein of Milk
3 times the Iron of Spinach

The tree grows very quickly, is drought resistant, pest resistant, highly nutritious and readily available in the local market. Besides eating the leaves, pods and flowers, the seed gives a high quality oil(Ben oil) when pressed. Many parts can be used for medication and the seeds can be used to purify water. So why the lack of moringa promotion and usage? I have no anwers to this. If only someone will champion the use of it and see Timor's infant mortality rate dropped like flies as in the case of Senegal. If you happen to be working in an NGO in Timor(especially with interest in the health & agriculture sector), ask around, spread the message and champion the fall of malnourishment and high infant mortality rates.

Links of particular interest:
Combating Malnutrition with Moringa
Supplementation for pregnant and breast-feeding women with Moringa
Details of Moringa Leaves' Nutrients
Usage and cultivation of Moringa Tree
Excellent resources for Moringa Tree

Links Update

2007-04-21T20:37:00.000+09:00

Hello all, I just updated some East Timor links. Timor Cartoon is one very refreshing place to go to, and the cartoons are cool and will really crack you up. Other links offer some latest happenings in Timor especially on the recent presidential elections. Well, I will be visiting Timor-Leste somewhere in June and looking forward to meeting up some friends there again. I hope something will come out of this trip and I'll love to be back in Timor again. Hau sei fila fali Timor- Leste.... hein hau!

It's almost a year

2007-03-18T18:51:00.001+09:00

It's almost one year since I left East Timor abruptly. Bringing with me only few clothings, I thought I will stay in Bali for 2 weeks before returning. Never did I expect myself to stay out of the country for almost a year. Thanks to bloggers like Diligence and Tumbleweed and other news sources, I have been able to keep up with what's going on in Timor. Things are just as volatile as it was almost a year ago where the country was in a mess and it seems to have deteriorate. Whatever it is, I will be back one day and I will say "Hi!"to the children at Hope Orphanage again, and I will say "Hi!" to the students I have taught, and I will say "Hi!"to my friends who are there once again, and I will continue my life's journey in my beloved Timor once again. Atemanha!

Something Good

2006-12-17T20:12:00.001+09:00

About 2 weeks ago, I received some wonderful news from East Timor. I've had enough of depressing news of people getting killed almost every week in East Timor and this news really make my day. If you have read my previous post about 3 Timorese youth - Pete, Matt and Andy - guess what? They are all employed now.

Pete and Matt are now employed by WV in the child protection sector and Andy has started his own computer repair business in Baucau. I felt really so happy for them. That their persistence in staying on at WV to teach as volunteers and received further training had not gone unrewarded. One good thing that happened because of the unrest is that many NGOs have to expand and thus, have to employ more people. And I am so glad that many of the local youth who volunteered are now seeing the benefits of volunteering and are now employed. I can't wait to go back and shake hands with these guys and have a good long chat with them.

"For every bad situation, there is always something good. Positiveness is finding this good" ~ Jason Lee

Brazilian Missionary Killed

2006-11-21T19:43:00.001+09:00

When I receive the news, I felt so sad. My brazilian friend got it worse as he knew this missionary. I've met this missionary's sister before and she was the one who helped me arrange an appointment with Dr.Omar from Cuba to do a check on a suspected appendicitis. I felt so heavy and so burdened. I want to ask the question, "Why? Why him O Lord?" but I know that God knows better and all things are in His hands. Please pray for Elisama, Edgar's(the missionary) sister, and her family. That God will comfort them and give them His peace. May the Lord have mercy on the killers and may His love never stop flowing in Timor.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

Nai Jesus, ami hadomi o, ami hadomi Timor. Ami foti ami nia moris ba o tanba uluk o foti o nia moris ba ami. Ajuda ami hadomi ema Timor. Amen

Talk to the gang leaders please

2006-10-13T17:56:00.001+09:00

The situation in Dili has not gotten better. Sporadic outbreak of gang fights and violence still abound with mostly youth attacking each other with machete and those dreaded rocks. What is worse now is that gangs carry out random attacks as compared to selective ethic(east vs west) attacks in the past.

Foreigners are no longer 'immune' to attacks per se because even their cars got smashed up by rocks, even when they are inside. The gangs do not target foreigners but if you're unfortunately enough, a bored group of youth might want to burn some energy via your car.

Everyone knows that the gangs are controlled by some highly influential gang leaders. In some areas, there are not much violence/gang actitivities because the gang leaders warned their 'underlings' not to create any trouble. There are no reports of anyone from the government meeting up with these gang leaders nor are there any arrests made.

It is true that the president and prime minister are very busy at the moment but can someone tell them to go to the root of the problem? More policemen are good but that's not going to solve the problem. If the president or the prime minister or any influential govt.member would arrange to round up and meet the gang leaders, I am sure they will listen.

Not able to round them up for a peaceful talk? I don't think so. The Reinaldo case tells us how much each Timorese wants their country to be good and be proud of it, BUT right intentions can result in wrong actions as in the case of the rebel soldiers killing innocent soldiers, gangs fighting for 'no reason' etc.

So I plead again. Can somebody tell Maun Bot(President Xanana) and the Prime Minister, Ramos Horta about the need to talk to the gang leaders? Arresting a few 'underlings' will not solve anything.

Greetings! Ola!

2006-08-07T13:53:00.000+09:00

Hello all,
I'm back from the ship! This blog is now alive and kicking again. :)

Hau hakarak fila fali ba Timor Lorosae maibe agora hau la bele. Agora hau servisu iha Singapore. Favor ida halo orasaun mai hau atu bele fila fali ba Timor Lorosae. Ema Timor, hau hadomi o! Ate manha!

Oxfarm Australia Timor Leste Emergency Appeal

2006-08-04T15:53:00.001+09:00

If you've missed out on the MILK Timor Leste Appeal donation, don't feel so bad about yourself. Here's another place for you to contribute to the people of Timor Leste(East Timor). Oxfarm Australia is a NGO that has been working in Timor Leste since 1999 and their website tells of their mission - "In Timor-Leste, Oxfam Australia works with communities to help reduce poverty and build a better life for people."

To find out more about what Oxfarm Australia do in Timor Leste, click here
To donate to Oxfarm's Timor Leste Emergency Appeal, click here

Don't miss out on giving this time round. The people in Timor Leste really need your help. And don't forget about the orphans in Hope Orphanage too.

Hungry Timorese Youth: Pete, Matt and Andy

2006-08-02T23:26:00.001+09:00

After seven months in East Timor working with youths, I caught a glimpse of some of the culture and passion of the youth in East Timor. There's always lots to mention. Here's one that inspires me.

Pete, Matt and Andy are 3 close friends from Baucau, the second largest 'city' in East Timor. After completing their diplomas in office skills, they could not find jobs and when they were offered an opportunity to be further trained in computer skills, they snapped it up. So I trained them on how to teach the students in basic computing skills such as MS word, excel, powerpoint and access, classroom management etc etc. What surprised me one day was that I realised they were not receiving anything for their training work, which means that they have to pay for their initial trip to Dili, rent a house/room to live in and pay for all other expenses such as food and transportation on their own. Where did they get their money from(since they are not getting paid)? Why would they want to leave their homes in Baucau to come to Dili for an informal training and work that they are not paid for?

These guys are not lazy as many think Timorese to be. They had big dreams and aspirations. To earn some pocket money, they decided to start a computer repair service in their rented house in Dili. Of cos it wasn't easy as they had no money to buy hardware parts and could only help troubleshoot or reinstall systems & programmes, earning themselves only very little money. Nonetheless, they carry on with it and often come to me for advice in troubleshooting more problematic problems. They had this insatiable hunger to learn more and to experiment and be successful in applying their skills.

Is this the reason why they left their homes and be willing to pay for their considerable expensive stay in Dili? Yes. It is this insatiable hunger for education and for wanting to learn and be successful. Not only for themselves, but for the society and for the country. How do I know? As Pete said, "You know, we do not know what is the future ahead for us. We are not receiving any pay now and we will run out of money soon. If we get nothing out of this training, how are we going to face our families when we go back home?" Needless to say, they borrowed from their families and relatives in order to stay in Dili for that period of time. Their hope was that with the more advanced training that they could received, they could work in the training centre or be given support in their mini business endeavours. Again, Pete looked at me worriedly and said, "I don't know what we're going to do after this." As you might have guess, there was little support. In such a poor nation, I thought it was a wonderful idea for graduates to come back to the centre to be trained as trainers so that they could work as trainers. But it was not to be so. There was no plans for that to happen nor was there any plan to employ(pay) them on a part time basis so as to ease their living expenses.

Is that the fault of the centre? Not exactly. When I looked at how the budget is stretched, it is really difficult to get anything for them. The most I could do was to bring them out for a good meal to thank them for their hard work assisting me in teaching my students. We can give a thousand and one reasons, or worse, a thousand and one criticisms on what could or should be done for East Timor, the youth, the community etc etc but until we understand them as who they really are, things will never get going. Youth like Pete, Matt and Andy are in desperate need of support - unconditional support - i.e. you might get nothing out of supporting them in their studies/work. This is one of the thing we need to understand(if we want to help them). Forget about checking who is more worthwhile to "invest" in. There's no such thing there and there is no need of it. There are enough desperate youth out there who needs your unconditional help.

These 3 young men really amazes me. They are willing to sacrifice their time, their energy and their money to learn; so as to have hope. To go beyond, to fulfill dreams and aspirations, to help their country. We who are in the so-called developed nations sacrifice our time, energy and money to help ourselves(not all) but in general, don't you really think so? I cannot imagine someone who is already poor will sacrifice their whole life(and savings) on education, something which we 'first-world' people will never do or should I say, have the opportunity to do so. Education is such a common thing in our society that it is taken for granted. Someone somewhere else in the world doesn't think so. They are hungry and they will not be satisfied until their lives, society and country changed for the better.

Hey Pete, Matt and Andy, I salute the three of you. It is only now when I looked back at what you said and your passion that I saw the real courage you guys have. Don't stop learning and don't give up your dreams. Live to fulfill it.

Maun Jason
*names of the 3 youth have been changed

East Timor: Coup, Mismanagement, Future

2006-07-15T23:54:00.001+09:00

Here is one very good impartial analysis of the current events in East Timor.
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East Timor: Coup, Mismanagement, Future by Rob Wesley-Smith 7th July 06 (East Timor activist since 1974)

The recent sad events in East Timor ('Timor Leste') came out of the blue to most people. Yet was it a planned coup by Australia as some allege? In an article in The Guardian 6th July Peter Symond seems in no doubt. But to use as evidence that not long before the Australian forces were invited over to quell the lawlessness they had prepared for such an eventuality is rather tenuous. Blind Freddy could see the need arising. In early 1999 I led a delegation of activists to the North Australian military command to assure them that armed intervention to save the East Timorese from Genocide was supported by human rights activists. We had campaigned on the need for armed peacekeepers since late 1998. Blind Freddy could see the need then too.

Ironically in 1999 blind Alexander Downer could not see the need for armed peacekeepers, or so he argued, so the UN was powerless to enforce its boast to stay and protect the East Timorese in the lead up to the 30th August ballot and thereafter. A couple of years ago again it was blind Alexander who argued that East Timor did not need and could not expect a modest UN delegation including military and police to stay on and help it though its early democratic pains. It is also claimed that Australia deliberately mistrained or avoided training the army so it would be ineffective. Was all this grossly negligent policy an attempt to cause a failed state?

I think the jury is out on this one, but maybe. When you factor in Australia' unrelenting tough stance on negotiations over the oil and gas spoils of the Timor Sea, where the Australian government has taken from East Timor waters over 5 x what it has returned in civil aid, and is appropriating to itself half the% to East Timor, one sees a determined push to keep East Timor poverty stricken. They have not had an economic dividend from Independence, thus rightly fuelling discontent.

But what has Prime Minister Mari Alkatiri's role been in all this? Some Left commentators, ignoring all the uniting virtues required of a PM in his situation, have argued he is indispensable because he did not borrow from the World Bank or anyone else, and that he drove a hard bargain on Timor Sea issues. In 2001 he and Peter Galbraith the UN negotiator claimed they were threatened by Alexander Downer, exactly with what is not clear, but it could have been that Australia would withdraw from the UN over Maritime Boundaries, which it did in March 2002, showing a bonsai-Bush contempt for international law. But then Alkatiri with fulsome support from Jose Ramos Horta signed the Timor Sea Treaty on 20th May 2002, Restoration of Independence day, much to the delight of a beaming tricky Alexander, as he knew this would limit East Timor's negotiating position for other areas and for Maritime Boundaries. What brought about this change of attitude? The jury is still out on this one too. I hope Xanana puts a Moratorium on signing or endorsing any Timor Sea agreements until after a newly elected government has a chance to reconsider its whole position, with a view to getting a fairer share of what is theirs by International Law.

East Timor as a country was devastated by the almost complete looting, burning and destruction of its towns, many villages and its agricultural resources. You would have thought the UN and international community would take steps to help rebuild, but apart from some government buildings and some infrastructure this was not the case, leaving NGOs and the better off Timorese to shoulder most of the burden, and the majority poor population to suffer. Should Alkatiri have borrowed? Well, once Bayu Undan was locked in and substantial revenues were about to flow, then why not? This could be paid back in one year. Poverty reduction programs were urgently needed. Perhaps if meaningful poverty reduction programs had been implemented then the present discontent with the Alkatiri/Fretilin government would not have been so volatile. Whilst I blame Australia most for cutting off the funds, Alkatiri must shoulder some blame.

Again the further Left argued Alkatiri has prioritised Agriculture. This is poppycock, when the Agriculture budget was not much over 1% compared to Health being over 40%. Yet as I argued in 2000 in East Timor - Making Amends, (Lee/Taudevin, Otford), agricultural skills and resources could probably solve 80% of the Health problems by improved Nutrition (still and
even more lately a desperate need); improved clean Water supply (ditto); improved Sanitation (ditto for refugee camps); and improved Shelter (in Dili now so many houses have been destroyed by criminal acts); - the big 4 'NWSS'.

I notice Peter Cosgrove arguing that soldiers not police were needed this time around. This too is poppycock, few threats existed to the wellarmed ponderous soldiers, what was needed was police who could intervene and take thugs off the streets, and to find out who were the ringleaders. They should have been working with the loyal Timorese police, not marginalising them. Where was their intelligence coming from, and what was it if they did get any? How many houses were burned in Dili after the Aussie troops arrived until now? No one will say. Shades of September 1999 with Cosgrove in charge.

So is this recent unrest a coup, or simply discontent and impatience with the ruling hardline Fretilin party and its stern leader Mari Alkatiri with his negligible PR skills? Investigative journalist John Martinkus revealed that the Timor armed forces leaders had been approached by 2 Timorese and 2 mysterious foreigners about a military role in removing the government, but he didn't reveal names or nationality. So its still anyone's guess from Australia, Portugal, Indonesia, or USA - if forced to choose I would pick the USA, after all they have form in this area.

Has there been planning by marginalised groups in East Timor seeing no other way out from the Fretilin juggernaut? Yes. Does this amount to a coup? Not sure, it may depend on definitions. Do many Timorese welcome a government of national unity? Definitely. This should have been installed in 2002 as President Xanana wanted. Most international support groups fought for a human rights paradise, not for one party.

Deep divisions have now been burned again into Timorese society, so what needs to be done to restore a sense of unity and the way forward? Fretilin must accept some blame for the recent unrest, as apart from its hardline approach, in 2002 Alkatiri appointed as Interior minister Rogerio Lobato who had a record of corruption and manipulation, then failed at the least to stop him arming civilians. Lobato built up the Police at the expense of the Military, which had no meaningful role at all. Alkatiri was reelected recently at the Fretilin congress by shows of hands which is against the rules, then when Lobato was sacked in disgrace he was elected Fretilin vicePresident. And now they seem to want to change the parliament rules to protect themselves, though Alkatiri says he will not seek to evade the prosecutors.

Future:
Hopefully a government of national unity will now be installed. This is what East Timor most needs, an ethic of unity. Over the centuries it has been more tribal, with a 'winner take all mentality', and jealousy of the next person or group a defining factor - a major factor even now. Perhaps the Indonesian occupation united it against the oppressor, but then faced the challenge of a complete change of outlook towards constructing a better future. Many have not done this. The Falintil Defence Forces must be sorted out as an urgent first step, overall reduced and better educated, and provided with a meaningful role in border defence maybe, civil defence, green corps, overseas UN postings, etc, but the factions must be united as an example to the nation.

The public service must be chosen on competence not politics, and be given rigorous training to be efficient and noncorrupt. Efficient software for suitable accounting is needed, perhaps as developed in the NT for easy but comprehensive use by indigenous locals. A Public Service Commissioner to oversee appointments is a must. Women need to be supported for more jobs and less domestic violence. Education must urgently be got back on stream, improved, and made free, or many middle class students will be lost to Indonesian schools. Teacher training must be expanded. Those illeducated jobless macho males in Dili must be got into jobs in the countryside if possible. Poverty reduction programs which build better communications, health and environment must be implemented. (If people don't stop burning every leaf in sight East Timor will lose its soil,
water resources, food growing capacity, reefs and trees - this is an urgent national priority.) The border with West Timor should be open to free trade, both for competitive reasons and to foil corrupt cartels. Nationwide Cultural support and sharing, and Sport as intra and international activity given a chance to promote unity (Alkatiri did the opposite by banning participation in the last Arafura regional Games). Impunity for crimes especially war crimes must not be sacrificed in the
search for forgiveness and reconciliation. Discrimination based on alleged loromonu/lorosae origin must be outlawed. Industrial development was presaged on development on-land of the Greater Sunrise lng project, but this must now be a distant dream given the unrest. And so on.

News to hand is that President Xanana has appointed Jose Ramos Horta interim Prime Minister, with 2 of the more competent ministers Estanislaus da Silva and Rui Araujo as deputies, and I congratulate them all. Jose will have to act as a PM not a diplomat, (that is one who is sent overseas to lie for their country) - Timorese more than most need strong leaders.
A strong lead against all forms of corruption, which has become almost endemic, will be needed. Consistency will be important, but he has worked hard and courageously, and as chairman of the board can set a good example. Lets hope all get behind these new arrangements. As Jose is a communicator, lets see a flowering of all forms of communication - let the
100 flowers bloom.

Meanwhile East Timor will have to accept foreign peacekeepers until some of the above gets implemented and bitterness is reduced, until after the next election and then for many years a UN presence for stability and training. Should these forces be under UN or Aussie command? Maybe UN but with an Aussie commander. What we don't need is a UN of nationalities
doing training and in jobs like 2000/01 where 80 nationalities sowed confusion. Should English and Indonesian be official languages? I think so. In fact if one has to drop out it should be Portuguese. But maybe that's just my Darwinian perspective.

An important public seminar on the 'Humanitarian Response to the East Timor Crisis' is to be held next Saturday 15th in Sydney, at Petersham Town Hall, organised by AETA and 2 Sydney Councils. Speakers include the new East Timor ambassador to Australia, the CEO of Austcare ex General Mike Smith, and ngo and academic leaders. A concert forms the afternoon
aspect, and media and public are especially invited, further info (0428) 755 218 or (02)9519-4788.

Rob Wesley-Smith
mailto:rwesley@ozemail.com.au>rwesley@ozemail.com.au
61 8 89832113 0419 807175
'Australians for a Free East Timor' spokesperson
Darwin
30 years supporter of East Timor
30+ years as a tropical rural scientist

I'm free but how about them?

2006-06-29T18:20:00.000+09:00

While awaiting my return to Timor, I'm actually pretty free now. So I got myself another blog at yourwill.blogspot.com and write more personal stuffs there. My friend exclaimed the other day, "wah! now you have 2 blogs! you so free ah!" I laugh at it and smiled but sometimes having all the time in the world is not exactly a good thing. I'm sure you know what I'm saying.

Tumbleweed just posted a post about an attack on some local journalist in Timor bcos the crowds thought the journalists supported the ousted-prime minister by putting out the news about him. These people too, had a lot free time. Sadly, there's not enough jobs, not enough money, not enough food, not enough education, not enough role-models and many not-enoughs in East Timor; and this free time coupled with energy, anger, lies, manipulation and other no-goods have turn the people against each other. I am free(pun intended) but how about them? I'm free of poverty, of illiteracy, of needs and of many things but how about them? The world can't provide a solution. The freedom they got serves them no purpose nor has it benefitted them in this ever cruel world. What they really need is freedom in God. Jesus said he came to "give us life and life abundantly"(john 10:10) With such a promise of abundance, there is freedom in everything - freedom from fear of having not enough food, of not getting a job, of rejection, of disease, of poverty and of hell. They need God, they need to hear God's word, and they need to see God's love. But how to achieve this unless someone goes to them? You are free, but how about them? Go.

"The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor" Luke 4:18-19

The Real Issue

2006-06-27T07:19:00.001+09:00

The Prime Minister of Timor had resigned yesterday morning and many people in Timor are very happy. They are happy that they have gotten rid of a PM that is alleged to have a secret hit squad and responsible for the killings and violence in recent times. While the resignation of the PM might help in calming the situation further, there is still this one evil lingering behind the scene. And that is unforgiveness and grudges - between the east and west part of Timor Leste. While it is true that many people do not like the PM, blamed him for the unrest and the "rebels" cited him as the cause of their "rebellion", removing him only solve part of the whole big problem. Reconciliation between the wounded east and west of the country will take a long long time and it will be a difficult and challenging task for the interim/new government. Should President Gusmao choose not to stand for election next may(which he already indicated that he will not contest), one can only wonder whether this outbreak of violence will happen again. We all know how much the people respect and listen to the President.

Rumours and accusations can very easily re-open old wounds and cause another round of civil unrest. Unless the government deal with this east-west issue and not sweep it under the carpet(again), Timor will always be a dormant volcano. It will be calm until shaken - and then the explosion will destroy again. And this time, there will not be a xanana firefighter to put out the flames. I really hope the interim government and the UN advisers will see this as a major issue and seek to reconcile the east and west as soon as possible. Delaying it will only make Timor dormant again, preparing it for another round of explosion.

People of HOPE

2006-06-15T22:22:00.001+09:00

"Bon dia Maun, Bon dia Mana", 24 children came out to greet the visitors a good morning. These are no ordinary kids - they are kids without parents but are facing their world with a big smile each day. Hope Orphanage is the place they lived in and family is everyone. I was priviledge to have visited it and so have others and it's just mind-boggling how much the founders loved the children, or rather THEIR children. Isa and Ina, the founders, went through quite a lot to start the orphanage and to keep it going. With 3 children of their own to take care of and running Timor Sun, a local English newspaper, it's not easy but Hope prevailed(even with the amount of bills per month). In case you think the newspaper business is giving them tons of money, it isn't but like I said, Hope prevails and a guy called Jeremy Ballenger come into the picture.

Jeremy visited Hope Orphanage some time back and started a website for it. He even got the website google advertisements and a PayPal donation system. Like Isa and Ina, he's paying from his own pocket to help Hope and I think the world can take comfort that there is still very much unconditional love around. If you haven't visited the website, click here and help support Hope Orphanage.

These are the people of HOPE. Nobodies in this world, but a big heart for the unknowns of this world. Giving hope to 24 orphans and making them known.

Over 2000 years ago, Jesus said,"...it is more blessed to give than to receive", Acts 20:35.
How true.

Editing photos using Curves

2006-06-04T20:20:00.001+09:00

Ok, let's take a break from all the gunshots, violence and sad news. Recently, I learned more about curves and how it works. As a photography newbie into my 8th month, I realise this 'discovery' should have been made months ago as it's so useful. I used to shoot in RAW format but because it's so slow to process my files(on my pentium 3, 128mb laptop!), I've switch to jpeg.

RAW format used to give me the extra edge in adjusting my exposure and colour balance in Nikon Capture but I discovered that curves can also do almost the same job. The RGB curve helps in adjusting the lighting of my photos - the highlights(making it brighter) and the shadows(making it darker). If my colour balance is not good, I'll adjust the curves of the individual colour channels. eg: if too green(eg:flourescent lit room), adjust curve of green channel(which can be selected from the drop list) Another useful tool in Nikon Capture to help in the lighting of your photos is D-Lighting. You can try D-lighting it first before adjusting the curves. (Sometime it's better, sometimes it's not.) For my recent photos of Dom Bosco and the violence in East Timor, I've tweaked some photos using curves to make the colours more vivid.

If you want to create your own custom curves or find out more about curves, a good website to go to is Komin. There's even a free custom tone curve download for the D70 & D100 in his website. Thumbs up to ppl like him who bothers to spend time writing and posting these useful information. Arigato.

Gunshots - hear them yourselves and pray

2006-06-04T20:02:00.002+09:00

My brazilian friend recorded some of the gunshots near Audian on 25th may and I recorded them in my handphone. Here are the files in mp3 format. 1. with portuguese commentary, 2. more shots, 3. the loudest of the lot Well, I must say it is only interesting if you haven't hear gunshots upfront before(so NS guys in s'pore, you can skip this).

I can't do much now except to pray for the situation in East Timor. Will you join me in prayer together? please pray for:
1. Wisdom to be with the government and international forces as they deal with the situation.
2. God to keep every Timorese safe and provide for them.
3. God to protect missionaries, church pastors and workers that are still in East Timor.
4. Sound thinking and peace in the hearts and mind of the people. Especially those causing trouble right now and those in much fear.
5. Comfort for those who are now in mourning over the loss of their love ones.

Pray. It does wonders.

Driving through Crossfires

2006-05-29T21:54:00.004+09:00

During the shootings, one of our korean friend was hit by a stray bullet in his neck when he peered out of his window. Thank God that the bullet miss his artery and he was quickly rush to the hospital by his korean housemate. Yeap. This is the guy who told me how he had to drive with his head down and gunshots were fired all over the place near his house along the Jacinto De Candido road. In the hospital, he saw 2 poliewomen died as they both couldn't survive their injuries.

Another stray bullet hit another friend's house in Vila Verde and richochet off the wall onto the roof. Again, they thank God that they were all in their bedrooms and not in the living where the bullet came in. Other places of action included Audian where an uncle said he watch the action from atop his apartment. He said, "this is like watching real-life movie" as the soldiers and police shot at each other along Audian. There was no shooting in my area at Bairo Pitte but I caught sight of this at Caicoli where shooting was also intense on 25th May. Although I was not in the thick of the action, I could feel the sadness and solemn mood of fellow friends and locals in Timor at that time. Right now, I wonder how they are feeling. I wish I could stay to do something but there was really nothing I could do except to pray. Hope I can be back soon.

Are lives that cheap?

2006-05-26T20:17:00.001+09:00

Sadly to say, after 4 years of near stability, East Timor is going back to the days of violence. I tried to gather as much information as possible from locals and other foreign workers and here's what I've got thus far.(remember, it is not 100% accurate. perhaps close to it)

Yesterday(25 may), soldiers surrounded the Police HQ in Caicoli and fought with them. According to various sources, some police officers resigned(or left the force) and took weapons with them with the intention of joining the renegade soldiers. The army got wind of the news and quickly surrounded them to prevent them from joining the opposing forces. One soldier started shooting and all hell broke loose. A ceasefire was negotiated(the police force must surrender their arms). However, when they did that, some soldiers shot at them and killed 9 and injured 27 others. Some police fled to the UN compound(Obrigado Barracks) and seek refuge there.

This morning, shots were fired at Obrigado Barracks by the army and their target is an obvious one; the police.(the military and the police force has not seen eye to eye in the past but this is too much!) The UN clinic now is a busy one with wounded police from yesterday's shootings. Read timorsunhine.blogspot.com for more details.

The shooting of the police is beyond logic. Some soldiers had become bloodthirsty for the police had did them no harm at all but they are bend on killing them. No one knows why. It seems that their aim now is to kill, kill and kill. I already don't understand why the rebels, led by Major Alfredo, shot at innocent soldiers collecting their paycheck. And now, even the soldiers themselves begin to behave like the rebels. Are lives that cheap???? This is really disturbing.

Dying for Nothing

2006-05-24T10:55:00.001+09:00

There are now recent shootings in Dili(just this morning, there is an exchange of gunfire near the airport between soldiers and renegade ones). Yesterday 2 soldiers were killed and 8 others were injured by renegade military police. The soldiers, who were receiving their pay, were caught off-guard at Fatu Ahi, a place near the Becora bus terminal. Previously, we thought the ex-soldiers may be the ones staging an attack but now, we have another problem - the ex-military police(also soldiers).

Background: Major Alfredo, the commander of the Military Police, voiced his unhappiness on two things: 1. He did not liked the leadership of the military(F-FDTL) and 2. He was unhappy that the military shot the protesters on 28 April, killing an unknown amount of people(news report 5 killed, many said more than 50 were killed). So he decided to use violence to convey his message. Some of them left their barracks from F-FDTL HQ and carried off a container of weapons with them to Aileu, citing that they are going there to calm the situation. However, Tuar Matan Ruak, the commander of F-FDTL said F-FDTL did not gave them that command. The renegade soldiers refused to return to their barracks after going to Aileu and are now causing unrest in Dili.

For what? All for the sake of conveying his message of unhappiness and disatisfaction of F-FDTL and the government. They NEVER pause to think:"Are the lives worth it?". 2 soldiers were killed and who knows how many family members they left behind and depend on them for food and money. I feel very sad that 2 persons died for nothing. A few days ago, Alfredo said he wanted a dialogue with the government to resolve the issues, but now he has chosen to kill. Why are we so foolish at times?

"O Lord, please save us all. The world needs you badly. Call us from darkness into your marvellous light" ~ "...that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light" 1 Peter 2:9b(NASB)

Is East Timor safe?

2006-05-19T10:48:00.002+09:00

Although Dili has not been as busy as it used to be, there are people walking on the streets and taxis, buses plying the streets. The market in Mercado Lama and Comoro is also bustling with activities - people buying, selling and chatting away. No doubt the situation is volatile but as of now, it is peaceful and calm. There are rumours that gun shots are heard in Comoro yesterday but Timor is always full of these rumours. If it's true, the market will be empty already. Nevertheless, the police and military are on high alert and ready to tackle any trouble if it arises.

As I went to the Malaysia Embassy yesterday to collect my certificate of good conduct(to apply for my working visa), I asked my taxi driver, "Are you from Dili?" He replied, "No, I'm from Baucau". I was pleasantly surprised and asked, "Oh, you're from Baucau(the east). Aren't you afraid of the current situation?" He smiled at me and said, "Afraid of what? I have to work. My stomach is more important." We both had a good laugh. So is East Timor safe? To each his own.

Fretilin Congress Countdown - 17,18,19,20

2006-05-17T11:37:00.001+09:00

Today, East Timor's governing political party, Fretilin will be holding a congress till 19th May. Fretilin's secretary-general, Mari Alkatiri, who is also the Prime Minister of East Timor is challenged by Jose Luis Guterres, the Ambassador to the US and UN, for the position. The Secretary of State for Region III, Egidio de Jesus, is challenging current Fretilin President, Francisco ‘Lu’Olo’ Guterres for his position. There are rumours that should PM Mari Alkatiri be re-elected as secretary general of Fretilin, there will be trouble again as the petitioning ex-soldiers do not like him and may caused trouble on 20th May, East Timor's Independence Day. If you have followed the situation in Timor up till now, you can't help but wonder whether the case of the sacked ex-soldiers is part of the whole political game.

Why do I think so?
1. It is strange that the soldiers from the west side of the country took that long(East Timor has been independent since 2002) to staged a protest of discrimination.
2. Although an establishment of a commission of investigation was agreed on 27th May, the demonstration went out of control the next day where the riot started.
3. The news said 5 were killed. The leader of the protesters, Salsinha said that 60 of his people were missing. Some locals said more than 50 were gunned down at Tasitolu and their bodies thrown into containers. The 60 people are still missing. Were they gunned down? It was the PM who gave the military the go-ahead to open fire if necessary. Was his decision based on controlling the situation or silencing troublemakers?
4. Rumours of US providing weapons or backing the protesters. The US ambassador to Timor has denied the allegations. The person contesting PM Mari Alkatiri is East Timor's Ambassador to the US and he has used this latest incident to discredit the PM. What if the rumours are true? Could the US be backing the challenger AND the protesters?
5. Brigadier-General Taur Matan Ruak, commander-in-chief of the army, said this to the protesters,"If you want war, we are ready for it". This was way before the demonstration took place. During the demonstration, the protesting ex-soldiers demanded an explanation of this remark. Was there something that Taur Matan Ruak knew which the ex-soldiers didn't know? Was he informed of a possible coup or 'war' and hence making the remark?
6. Australia sent 4 warships to their northen borders in the sea, just outside of East Timor. Do you need warships to crush riots? I don't think so.

So much for my conspiracy theory. Most sources of information from UNMISET Media Monitoring, a website with news from the various national news sources of East Timor and sometimes including ABC news network from Australia.

Dangerous Bridge!

2006-05-17T10:29:00.001+09:00

Near my office are some shops that are surrounded by drains and you have to cross some makeshift wooden bridge to get across. I was very thirsty so I went over to get myself a drink when one piece of the wooden plank broke! My entire left leg went right down and thank God my reflexes were fast enough! Both my hands grab on to the side so that I don't fell face down and go down into the dark pool of kangkong(vegetables that are sold in the market, drinking from this dirty pool of drain water) Really thank God that there was no serious injury; only some bruise and graze. Here's the picture of the bridge and shop. So be careful when you cross such bridge, especially if you're heavy.(I'm only 60kg and the plank broke!)

The situation in Timor now

2006-05-16T11:53:00.002+09:00

Things have calmed down in Dili but many people are still away in the districts. My computer classes in World Vision are now half(or less than that) full as many students are away. Rumours are flying all over the place that there will be further troubles especially on Independence Day(20th May). Things looked normal as of now - cars and taxis in the streets, some shops are opened and people walking in the streets. But no one really knows when another attack will come. Australia had deployed 4 warships near the Timor sea and had told the Timor government that should they need troops, they are ready to send them in. Everyone hopes that there will be a close to this chapter but it seems that this unresolved soldiers case will continue to mar the stability of the country until next year's election. As I've always told my friends, "Anything can happen in any place at any time in East Timor". No wonder my passport and my camera is in my bag everyday now.

Background of the recent Riot and Thoughts

2006-05-16T11:49:00.002+09:00

Here's a summary on what led to the recent riots in Dili.
Background: Soldiers from the west of East Timor claimed that the army favoured the eastern side of East Timor; that the western side are not given proper facilities and overlooked in promotions. These soldiers left their barracks and held a protest in February. The commander of the army warn them to return to their barracks or faced the axe for indiscipline. Some returned but 591 did not and they were sacked. These sacked soldiers then appeal to the president to look into their case(of discrimination). However, the government was slow in setting up a committee to investigate and on the 24th of April, the soldiers held a 5-days demonstration(approved by the government). Before this demonstration,there were already some trouble in Dili; some stone-throwing, fights in Taibessi market and a stabbed ploiceman.

Riot: The 5-day demonstration were peaceful for the first 2 days but got worse on wednesday and thursday. On the last day of the demonstration(28th April), the situation worsened as the ex-soldiers were not satisfied with the government's answer. Many of those who joined them(we called them the third party or hooligans) in the demonstration began to caused trouble by burning vehicles and throwing stones near the government building. It got worse when they started burning shacks and houses in the Tasitolu area. The riot was quickly quenched as riot police and the military sprung into action. The riot resulted in about 100 burnt buildings, some damaged and burnt vehicles, at least 5 persons killed and more than 50 injured. Some locals claimed that more than 50 people were killed in the shooting in Tasitolu.

Aftermath: In the District of Ermera, third parties surrounded a government office in Gleno and killed one policeman and injured another one. It came as a surprised as all the troubles were happening in Dili only and many people consider the other districts to be safe. There are now rumours that they will be further trouble.

My Thoughts
Who's at fault: I would say the government. They should have addressed this issue in the first instance by responding to the protest and reassuring the soldiers that they will look into their grievances. Timorese soldiers are still new and some of them are guerilla veterans who might still not be used to army discipline. If the government had responded, there will not be sacked soldiers and certainly not a demonstration that was blown out of proportion into a riot.

Questions: Then again, no one really knows what's going on beneath all the decisions and politics. Could it be that someone overlooked the protest intentionally? Is there really a plot to overthrow the government as the PM claimed? Could this be the catalyst to the supposed coup? Will East Timor be returning to the days of unstability? Everyone is waiting for an answer.

Medical Work in East Timor

2006-05-16T11:39:00.003+09:00

The team arrived on the 28th of April and as we were about to go to Gleno, we found that the road to Gleno was blocked by a group of rioters at the round-about outside of the airport. The road is on the way to Tasitolu, which is a hot zone as quite a number of timorese from the east lived there, and the rioters had made the place their 'base'. They blocked the road by burning tyres and as the rioters approached us, we turn our vehicles around and head for Baucau, the eastern side. On the way up to Baucau, we saw from the hills that Dili was burning. We found out later that about 100 buildings(houses and shacks) and 5 vehicles had been burnt. It was good that we did not manage to get to Gleno, otherwise we would have been stuck there and not able to carry out the medical work in district Lautem.

The roads to Baucau and Los Palos are good but the roads from Los Palos to Iliomar are terrible most of the time. The roads are much narrower than the Baucau and Los Palos roads and many parts of the tar road have deteoriated. Averaging a speed of 20-30km, it took us about 2 hours to reach Ilioma from Los Palos.

We visited one village(called Desa in Bahasa Indonesia) in Iliomar and the people there can speak Tetun but some older folks can only speak their own local dialect. Most of the adults and some youth speak bahasa indonesia but the children no longer understand bahasa indonesia because it's no longer taught in school. Using my basic bahasa indonesia and tetun, I gave them instructions for their medication. Some of the locals helped in intepreting the instructions into the local dialect for the older folks. We discovered many of the adults had backpain and we think it's probably due to continuous back stress(like drawing water from well, working since young). There are also many cases of cough and skin diseases. It was the same in Los Palos where we did our last medical work the next day. It was a great experience meeting the people and serving them. You can see some of the trip's pictures here. More stories and pictures at www.intomarvellouslight.com

Other Info
Places we stayed in: Lorosae Guesthouse in Baucau. AVR Guesthouse in Los Palos. Hotel Audian in Dili.

Fear Factor: The narrow roads and blinding late noon sun. Blinded by the sun, we nearly crash head-on with a van.

What you must know: Changing tyres. One of our tyres deflated overnight after we hit some rocks.

Bring along: Medication for food poisoning and gastrictis. One of us worked up at 2am, vomitted and suffered from stomach pain.

Experience: Invaluable and much joy.

Nikon 18-200mm VR Lens

2006-05-16T11:22:00.002+09:00

I finally got my dream lens!!!! Although many people said that a lens with a long zoom range is not good, Nikon did a very good job with this lens. It's sharp, fast and even have VR to reduce shake. The recent photos in Cameron Highlands are taken with this lens. Check it out

Updating my webby

2006-05-13T02:13:00.001+09:00

Halo visitors! I've finally got myself a blog and made it easier for myself to post stuffs. I'm now in the midst of changing my website's navigation as it's not too friendly now with more photos coming in and more babbling. There's a a few updates now with my dad's photos inside and recent trips to cameron highlands.