The people of East Timor have been given the chance to choose their own destiny. Indonesian President Bacharuddin Jusuf Habibie decided last week to hold a referendum on independence in the province. On Aug. 8, East Timorese will vote for independence or autonomy within the Indonesian state under an election plan sponsored by the United Nations. It is an admirable attempt to right a wrong committed 24 years ago, but there is still enough time for the plan to go astray. Opponents of independence are sure to step up their efforts to derail the vote. It is up to the Jakarta government to see that Mr. Habibie's pledge is honored: The people of East Timor deserve at least this.
In 1975, Indonesia's armed forces invaded East Timor. The next year, Jakarta annexed the region as its 27th province without the consent of its people. The U.N. and most nations refused to recognize this acquisition by force. Those opposed to the move have waged a guerrilla war against the Indonesian government. Leaders of the independence movement have been jailed, intimidated and killed. Violence has been a staple of life in East Timor.
After the resignation of President Suharto last year, Mr. Habibie has been trying to bring more democracy to Indonesia and strengthen the rule of law. One cannot proceed without the other. The problem is that Mr. Habibie is opposed by powerful forces -- many of whom are in the government and the armed forces -- that are doing their utmost to frustrate him. In East Timor, they have dug in their heels.