Louise Williams, Jakarta – Indonesian community groups have for the first time formally joined East Timorese activists in calling for a referendum on independence for the troubled province, saying the East Timorese conflict remains a "major problem" for Jakarta.

Over the weekend a group of Indonesian and international non-government organisations called on the Habibie Government to withdraw Indonesian troops, release jailed East Timorese leader Xanana Gusmao and allow the people of East Timor to vote on their status in a fair referendum.

"The so-called integration of East Timor into Indonesia has turned out to have been a result of a large-scale military invasion which was preceded by various military operations which were concealed from the Indonesian people," their statement said. "Gross human rights violations on a daily basis ever since have increasingly stained Indonesia's name."

The statement, signed by 40 organisations, is the first formal support for East Timorese activists from national Indonesian community organisations, and represents a stepping up of domestic pressure on the Habibie Government.

Under President Soeharto restrictions on freedom of speech meant pressure on East Timor was limited to international diplomacy, and few Indonesians were willing to challenge Indonesian rule. East Timor's largely Catholic population of about 800,000 is a tiny ethnic and religious minority within predominantly Muslim Indonesia.

"In the past Indonesian individuals have supported our position, but this is the first time Indonesian national organisations have supported our demands for a referendum. It is very positive for us," said one East Timorese activist.

The statement, which was also signed by the Australian Council for Overseas Aid, pointed out that East Timor was in the process of decolonisation from Portugal when Indonesia invaded in 1975. Indonesia, formerly a Dutch colony, was formed on the principle of decolonisation and self-determination, processes which were then denied the East Timorese people, the statement said.

"The claim by the Soeharto Government that East Timor is an internal Indonesian problem did not solve the issue, but the current Habibie Government is continuing with this claim. In the international community, East Timor has become a major and very serious obstacle for Indonesia. "Additionally, the East Timor problem has clearly become a heavy economic burden. State expenditures for the military presence and operations have become an increasingly expensive burden."