The suffering East Timorese endured under Indonesian rule will define relations between the two countries for generations. Apologies and half-hearted trials of alleged perpetrators will not erase the 24 years of massacres, rapes and destruction of property.

There is no doubt the people of the world's newest nation want reconciliation with their neighbour. East Timor's livelihood and security is dependent on such a process taking place. Yet Indonesia seems determined not to act responsibly.

A human rights court in Jakarta yesterday sentenced the last governor of East Timor, Abilio Soares, to three years' jail for failing to stop military-backed militias from causing havoc on the eve of 1999's independence vote. Another 17 former government officials, army officers and police commanders face trials in coming months.

That the prosecution and defence in Soares' trial showed little enthusiasm to present and refute evidence revealed Indonesia's true level of resolve for justice. The case and those remaining will surely not placate East Timorese.

Those before the court are, after all, the wrong people. They were small fish in the sea of atrocities that took place. Those behind the activities which scarred East Timor the generals who gave the orders – are still free.

Indonesia's leaders had previously been seen as trying to make amends. President Megawati Sukarnoputri attended independence celebrations in Dili and she has welcomed her East Timorese counterpart, Xanana Gusmao, in Jakarta. Both sides are reportedly close to ending border and refugee disputes.

But there can be no reconciliation while the men behind Indonesia's ignoble occupation of East Timor elude justice. This is unlikely given the powerful influence still wielded by the military.

The international community must exert pressure on Ms Megawati and her government to ensure the perpetrators are arrested, charged and put on trial.

If necessary, the United Nations should step in to maintain international standards of justice. Only then can the ghosts of East Timor's past be exorcised.