Jakarta – More than 200 East Timorese have reportedly been paid sums equivalent to between 50 and 100 euros to take part in a Wednesday pro-Indonesia demonstration in front of the Jakarta residence where East Timor resistance leader Xanana Gusmao is held under house arrest.

A source close to Gusmao told Lusa Tuesday that the protest was being planned by a group called the Movement of Youth Supporters of Autonomy for East Timor and that it was financially backed by the Indonesian secret services.

Demonstrators have been recruited from among East Timorese left hanging since government work contracts offered during the period 1991 to 1995 did not work out as promised, the source said.

Jakarta has said it will withdraw from the territory it has occupied since 1975 if the East Timorese reject a proposal for enhanced autonomy within Indonesia.