INDEPENDENT NEWS

Seize New Zealand Suharto Assets

Published: Thu 2 Mar 2000 09:54 AM
Campaign against Foreign Control in Aotearoa
Towards Democracy in Indonesia Seize New Zealand Suharto Assets
Conference Centre University of Auckland 22 Symonds St, Auckland. Saturday April 1, 2000 9am to 4pm
A seminar
* to explore the ways in which New Zealanders can support human rights and the restoration of democracy in Indonesia * to launch the Indonesia Human Rights Committee in Auckland * to promote the campaign for a parliamentary enquiry into the Suharto family assets in New Zealand
About the speakers:
Dr George Aditjondro, PHD Cornell.
George is the foremost international expert on the Suharto family fortune and influence - his key role in researching Suharto Inc' was acknoweldged by Time in their May 24, 1999 exposé of the Suharto billions He is an Indonesian academic who was exiled in 1995 due to his criticism of the Indonesian occupation of East Timor, Suharto family nepotism and the role of the Indonesian military.
Currently teaching in the Sociology Department at Newcastle University, NSW, he is widely sought after for his commentary on Indonesian political and environmental issues. He is a champion of the rights of the oppressed and of the peoples of West Papua, East Timor and Aceh. The author of many books and academic papers, he is an engaging and challenging speaker.
Murray Horton
Veteran activist and writer. Organiser for the Christ-church based Campaign against Foreign Control in Aotearoa (CAFCA) and the Anti-Bases Campaign and editor of the Philippines Solidarity Network newsletter, Kapatiran. He has an encylopaedic knowledge of the extent of foreign ownership in Aotearoa, and a longstanding interest in Indonesia and the close links between New Zealand and the Suharto regime.
CAFCA has taken a leading role in exposing the issue of Suharto assets in Aotearoa such as the Lilybank luxury lodge near Tekapo - hideout for Tommy Suharto. Murray is renowned for his inimitable style of delivering complex information in a direct and entertaining way.
About the Indonesia Human Rights Committee
This new group aims to develop solidarity links with the groups in Indonesia who are working for human rights and democracy and challenging the repressive role of the Indonesian military.
The group will foster awareness of Indonesian peoples' movements, including labour, environmental and pro-democracy movements. IHRC plans to maintain a watching brief on NZ Government policy and to lobby against NZ support for repressive forces in Indonesia - such as economic ties to Suharto family linked companies and NZ defence equipment contracts (eg. Skyhawk refurbishment). There will be active encouragement for our government to support the pro-democracy movement and human rights in Indonesia. The group will advocate for an independent UN war crimes tribunal to try those responsible for East Timor's tragedy.
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Seminar Programme
8.30am Registration
9.00am Keynote Address Dr George Aditjondro Suharto Inc' worldwide tentacles of the Suharto oligarchy.
9.45am Murray Horton NZ assets of the Suharto family followed by discussion.
10.30am Introduction to the Indonesia Human Rights Committee: Maire Leadbeater.
10.45 - 11.15am Morning tea
11.15 - 12.45am Workshops include * Indonesian language workshop on recent developments in Indonesia: conducted by Sony Wreksono MD MQIH,public health specialist involved in community development in Indonesia since 1987. * Video showing Indonesia in Revolt - democracy or death on the student-led struggle for social justice. * CAFCA workshop - focus on the campaign. * New Zealand military links to Indonesia; Maire Leadbeater.
12.45am - 2pm Lunch - light lunch provided
2.00 - 4.00pm Politicians forum Rt Hon Phil Goff, Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon Matt Robson, Minister for Disarmament Keith Locke, MP Green Party Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Defence
4 pm Close
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PUBLIC MEETING - FRIDAY 31 MARCH
Dr George Aditjondro Public Meeting Friday March 31 7.30 pm
Pioneer Women's Hall (Ellen Melville) High St, Auckland, opposite the Metropolis.
Launch of the Indonesia Human Rights Committee * Support the struggle for full democracy in Indonesia * The Suharto Legacy in New Zealand - seize the NZ assets - proceeds of crime against the Indonesian people Dr George Aditjondro and Murray Horton speak chaired by Maire Leadbeater Please give your support to the Indonesia Human Rights Committee and the Campaign against Foreign Control in Aotearoa
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Registration Form: Seminar - Saturday April 1, 2000 Please clip off and return to: Indonesian Human Rights Committee, PO Box 68 418, Newton, Auckland. Name: Address:
Phone: Email:
Waged ($20.00) q Unwaged ($10.00) Registration fee includes morning tea and a light lunch
To give us an idea of numbers please either contact one of the following or return this form to the above address. Maire: ph/fax 09 356 9098 or email maire@clear.net.nz, Sony ph 09 480 4588 or Dougal: ph 09 378 8279 ----------------------------------------------------
CAFCA and IHRC acknowledge with gratitude, support and co-operation from the New Zealand Asia Institute and the Indonesian Section, Department of Asian Languages and Literatures, Auckland University.
The New Zealand Asia Institute of the University of Auckland provides the public interface between New Zealand's largest grouping of academic resources on Asia and government, business, NGOs and the community both in New Zealand and in Asia.

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