Just as refugees were initially forced across the border in societal groups, so they remain, and so they must now return. The militias also control humanitarian aid inside the camps. This means that international NGOs have no control over distribution once food has been delivered. Militias are known to demand food from families. Such racketeering not only ensures that militia members and their families are kept healthy but it also perpetuates their power and authority within the camps.
Disinformation serves to impress upon the refugees the militias continuing power.
Rumours are constantly circulated about bad conditions in East Timor but more persuasive are reports in the local press. All five local newspapers publish propaganda articles by the militias and full page adverts advocating their cause. Many of the refugees are ex police, army and civil servants who continue to receive salaries and rations from the Indonesian Government. Were they to return, their wages would cease as would their pension rights, so there is a financial incentive not to return. Their staff only enter camps with TNI escorts and have abandoned repatriation operations after intimidation by militias.