--- Begin Forwarded Message --- Date: Tue, 09 Nov 1999 17:51:46 +1100 From: John Cain <[log in to unmask]> Subject: Re: Motaain incident Sender: John Cain <[log in to unmask]> With reference to the "Motaain incident", thanks to Peter Nugter for mounting the second extract from the Indonesian 1:25 000 topographic maps on his website, http://www.mapswap.nl/ This extract confirms my opinion that it was at this "Motaain" that the incident occured (8 degrees 58 minutes S, 124 degrees 57 minutes E). This location fits the news reports of a coastal location (description of "locals scattering from the beach") and also news reports of a difference in the border between the Indonesian and Dutch maps of about 600m. Having viewed these maps, I have the following observations and possible scenario. THE BORDER: It seems that the border between East Timor and West Timor is supposed to run down the watercourse, which is named "Mota Bico" on the Indonesian 1:25,000 map and "M. Halimeak" on the 1930s Dutch map. INTERFET troops were reportedly using the most modern and detailed map available, the Indonesian 1:25,000 map, on which the boundary is shown as being some 500m west of this watercourse. By contrast the Dutch map seems to show the boundary running along the watercourse (or perhaps just to the east of it?). It is also interesting to note the two "kilometre marks" on the 1:25,000 Indonesian map -- 114 just to the east of the border shown (which is about right measuring from Dili) and 314 about 1 km west of the border shown (which is about right measuring from Kupang). MOTAAIN: The location of the "Motaain" label on the Indonesian 1:25,000 maps (on the east side of the water-course) is probably mis-placed. The main part of the Motaain is probably on the west side of the watercourse, as indicated on the Dutch map, though some outlying parts of Motaain might be on the east side of the stream (where Motaain is labelled on the Indonesian 1:25,000 map). These being the case, the incident and reporting of it start to make a little sense: POSSIBLE SCENARIO: The Indonesian 1:25,000 map (1993) depicts the boundary in the vicinity of Motaain in the wrong location, placing it some 500m west of the watercourse when it should be along the watercourse. On 10 October 1999, INTERFET, relying on this map and patrolling along the road towards the border depicted on it, inadvertently crosses the border (note 1). Indonesians (militia? border police?) realise INTERFET has crossed the border and open fire (at INTERFET? into the air?). INTERFET returns fire, killing one Indonesian policeman and injuring two others. After the shooting finishes, the local Indonesian commander produces a 1930s Dutch map to show where the border should be. Unfortunately Indonesia's own "modern" and more detailed 1993 1:25,000 map shows the border in a different location. Both sides have reasons for embarassment: Indonesia that they fired first and their modern 1:25,000 map was incorrect; INTERFET that they killed an Indonesian policeman and may have accidentally crossed the border into West Timor. So neither side has much interest in providing a clear and factual account of what actually happened, though the Indonesians do complain to the UN (note 2). Note: (1) As I recall news reports at the time, INTERFET claimed that it had not in fact crossed the border, even if the border shown on the Dutch map was used, but that they had approached much more closely to the border than they would otherwise have done. (2) The Indonesian complaint to the UN, including the admission that their troops fired first, can be found at: http://www.deplu.go.id/new/excerptof14oct99.htm John Cain [log in to unmask] (Map Curator, University of Melbourne Library, Australia) (writing in a purely personal capacity on this occassion) John Cain [log in to unmask] --- End Forwarded Message ---