Jakarta – Notorious Eurico Guterres, former commander of pro-Indonesia Aitarak East Timorese militia, has been awarded a "red-and-white award" by the State Defense Movement for his struggle to defend Indonesian rule in East Timor.

The movement's secretary, Rudy D. Johannes, presented the award to Eurico in the latter's cell in Salemba Penitentiary on Wednesday, two days before the National Hero Day.

"We chose Eurico Guterres because he is a young man with high spirit and nationalism that could be used as a model for our young generation," Rudy said.

When receiving the award, Eurico said he would not back down in his fight to defend Indonesia's right to rule in East Timor despite legal moves against his actions by the Indonesian government.

"I'm still defending the red and white until now, and will do so forever as a son of this nation. Whoever wants to tear the read and white is my enemy," he said, referring to Indonesia's red-and-white flag.

He added that what happened in East Timor and to the East Timorese was the result of foreign intervention in Indonesia's internal affairs. "I feel I'm a victim. But I don't mind being a victim as long as it is for Indonesia," he was quoted by Antara as saying.