With such circumspection in the face of the public outpouring for Belo, some optimists see a new era for East Timor. We will try to solve these problems through peaceful approaches. Undoubtedly, the heavy hand of the military still presses down in many places. Senior officers can order restaurants to open and serve them at any time. Community leaders, including Bishop Belo, say they have been the victims of terror.
Ordinary people walk the streets with caution, and stay home at night.
And while some locals praise provincial commander Col. Simbolon and regional chief Rivai for a much calmer atmosphere, others fear this could be just a lull. When these two go, things could easily get worse. But many ordinary people have also come to believe that peaceful coexistence with the rest of Indonesia is the only way forward. East Timor Governor Abilio Soares, a Jakarta appointee like other provincial heads, believes economic development will eventually reduce resentment toward Indonesians and opposition to Indonesian rule. He blames Timor's poor economic prospects on activists who scare off investors.