Jakarta – Influential security minister General Wiranto on Monday denied allegations of a systematic effort by militias to prevent East Timorese refugees in West Timor from returning to their homeland.

"There are accusations that the late return of the refugees ... is due to intimidation by the auxiliary security members or the so-called militia," Wiranto, the coordinating minister for political affairs and security, said.

"But after conducting intensive observations ... [there were] only one or two incidents. Conceptually there's no such thing [as intimidation]," the former military chief told journalists after a cabinet meeting.

"It is feared that the refugees are reluctant to go back to their homeland because they are worried that what they will get in their home country such as security guarantee, facilities and welfare will not be as good as in the refugee camps."

There were also concerns that "their home country is not well-managed by UNTAET," he said, referring to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor, which is overseeing the territory's transition to full independence.

Wiranto gave assurances the Indonesian government would cooperate with the UNTAET to help with the return of about 140,000 East Timorese still in West Timor. "It means if the refugees return, their welfare and security must be guaranteed," the general added.