Jakarta – Tens of Timorese students demonstrated on Monday in Semarang, in the centre of Java, against the "police terrorism" and the recent kidnappings of students and an university teacher.

Mariano Lopes, one of the Timorese student leaders told by phone that the demonstration was held in front of the regional parliament of Semarang, 400 km of Jakarta.

The demonstrators called for an end to a series of kidnappings of students who were tortured before being released in an action described as an intimidation manoeuvre.

They also demanded an explanation over the whereabouts of university teacher Lucas da Costa who has been missing since 23 December from University of Surabaya where he has taught Social Sciences.

Da Costa is the only Timorese university teacher in Indonesia and heads a foundation that raises funds to support the education of Timorese students.

The Indonesian authorities have cancelled the scholarships of the students supported by the foundation as a reprisal for their political activities.

Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and annexed it one year later but the United Nations still regards Portugal as the territory's administering power.