A group of U.S. Senators introduced legislation Sept. 8 to cut off military assistance and require the U.S. to oppose further World Bank and International Monetary Fund aid. Hampering any solution is the political vacuum engulfing Indonesia. President B.J. Habibie, a lame duck until a new government takes over in November, clearly does not control the military. There is debate over whether armed forces chief General Wiranto entirely controls his soldiers either. The militia members running amok in East Timor mostly are jobless youth recruited by Wiranto's former rival, Gen. Prabowo Subianto, who fled the country following the downfall of former President Suharto.
Witnesses say they saw Indonesian soldiers help the militia.
Wiranto imposed martial law in East Timor on Sept. 6 and replaced the region's military commander. But the situation continued to deteriorate. Ending East Timor's turmoil is vital for Wiranto's political aspirations. The general is a leading contender for Indonesia's vice-presidency. But analysts say he has little regard for international opinion.