Gangs in East Timor

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Youth with slingshot in Dili

In the East Asian island state of East Timor , a diverse and widespread gang system has developed over the past few decades , in which unemployed young people, disappointed farmers, former freedom fighters and members of the former pro-Indonesian militias have come together to form sometimes aggressive associations. Active and former members of the police (PNTL) and the armed forces (F-FDTL) can also be found here. Some of these groups call themselves martial arts clubs , others have quasi-religious traits. In July 2013, the three largest martial art groups were banned, and two more groups followed in March 2014.

backgrounds

Historical background

East Timor

East Timor has had a violent past. Originally the island of Timor was split up into a multitude of small and small empires, which were ruled by Liurais ( petty kings). Despite a complex alliance system, the conflict between the empires was an integral part of the culture, even if the fighting was heavily ritualized. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the colonial powers Portugal and the Netherlands extended their sphere of influence over the entire island. Revolts (especially in the 19th century) were violently suppressed by the colonial powers. During the Second World War , the island was occupied by the Japanese . A guerrilla war broke out between the Allies and the Japanese, the so-called Battle for Timor , in which Timorese fought against each other on both sides. After the left-wing FRETILIN proclaimed independence on November 28, 1974, Indonesia began to occupy the country just a few days later. 183,000 people died as a result of the resulting guerrilla warfare and other consequences of the occupation. In 1999, the international community of states moved Indonesia to hold a referendum in which the residents of East Timor could choose between internal autonomy and complete independence from Indonesia. The clear majority spoke out in favor of independence on August 30, despite attempts to intimidate pro-Indonesian militias, the so-called Wanra . After the referendum, Operation Donner by the Indonesian army and the Wanra led to a final wave of violence that killed another 3,000 people. The United Nations then dispatched an international reaction force ( INTERFET ) to restore order and quiet. East Timor came under UN administration and finally gained its independence in 2002. Violent unrest broke out in 2006 , after which an international stabilization force (ISF) and a UN police mission (UNMIT) were deployed again. 155,000 people were displaced, 6,000 houses were destroyed and 37 people died. One element of the unrest was the various gangs. Street battles broke out between them.

PSHT members in Laclo

In November 2006 fighting broke out between the Colimau 2000 and Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (PSHT) groups. From the Ermera district they spread to Dili. Seven people died. The background is unclear, but it is said to be a centuries-old conflict between some villages. It could also have been about controlling smuggling across the border into Indonesia, especially near the city of Maliana . A broader alliance of several groups quickly formed against the PSHT, including Korka (KORK) and 7-7. The reason given was that the PSHT is being financed from Indonesia, the allegation that the PSHT had tried too aggressively in the time before to gain control of various areas and illegal activities there is more likely. The fighting between PSHT and 7-7 continued throughout 2007. The centers were the eastern districts of Baucau and Viqueque . Part of the conflict here was also land disputes between locals and residents who were forcibly relocated here by the Indonesians during the occupation. Only after the attack on February 11, 2008 in Dili , in which Prime Minister Ramos-Horta was seriously injured and the rebel leader Alfredo Reinado was killed, did PSHT and 7-7 sign an official peace treaty in August 2008.

On August 15, 2011 there were clashes between the martial arts groups PSHT and Korka from Tashilin and Galitaz (Cova Lima district), in which several houses were burned down. A policeman was stabbed to death. At the end of August 2011, four people died in a clash between two martial arts groups in Baricafa (Lautém district). As a result, Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão ordered the closure of martial arts clubs. After clashes between the two groups for months in Moris Foun (Dili), a new peace agreement between PSHT and 7-7 took place on December 1, 2011.

After 24 years of war, the inhabitants of East Timor still have problems finding their way in peace and resolving conflicts in a peaceful way. In addition, traditional Timorese society was characterized by constant battles between the many small kingdoms and there were several uprisings against the Portuguese colonial rulers. Some gangs trace their roots back to the Portuguese colonial times, others to the Indonesian occupation, but many seem to have emerged only afterwards. The influence of national history shows itself in different ways in the different groups. Some refer to the ancient traditions of Timor, others are a reservoir for the veterans of the resistance against the Indonesians and glorify the fallen folk heroes. In other groups there are also former members of the Wanras who first have to find their own role in the new state.

Social backgrounds

Destruction in Dili by the riots in 2006

Dili is a melting pot of the different ethnic groups of East Timor. Young men in particular come to Dili from all over the country looking for work. Therefore, the proportion of men is significantly higher than the proportion of women. In the entire Dili District, the population increased by 12.58% between 2001 and 2004. Almost 80,000 of the residents were born outside of Dilis. Only 54% of the population were born here. 7% were born in Baucau , 5% each in Viqueque and Bobonaro , 4% in Ermera , the rest in the other districts or abroad.

As a result of the evictions in recent years, unresolved claims to land, houses and land are the source of constant disputes. Cultural diversity does the rest when couples form in which the man comes from a patrilineal culture and the woman comes from a matrilineal culture. The dispute over the inheritance is preprogrammed. Social envy is also a common evil, known as kecemburuan in Indonesia . Property of those who are economically successful is destroyed in order to "cut back" them to the same level as the others. There is also a lot of civil violence, such as acts of revenge, fights over women and violence in families. Gender-based violence in particular is a widespread problem, against which national and international organizations are working intensively with a campaign against violence against women.

The reasons to join one of the gangs are different. Especially the simple gang members join due to the high unemployment (60% of the male teenagers and 50% of the 20- to 24-year-olds) for economic reasons and the hoped-for social prestige and contacts. Gang leaders sometimes gain a reputation similar to that of village chiefs. In addition, the gangs offer a certain degree of security from violence by other gangs and political reasons can also play a role. Belonging to a group with their own identity is particularly attractive for young men - a major problem for the country, as the proportion of the population under the age of 15 is 41.6%. Timorese society has yet to find its way between tradition and modernity. Something similar is known from gangs in Papua New Guinea . In addition, large parts of the population have been displaced three times since the late 1970s, most recently a tenth of the population in 2006, which destroyed established community structures and also resulted in many unresolved property claims. There was often a violent atmosphere in the refugee camps. The various existing parties failed to get these refugees involved. Instead, separate groups were formed here.

The members of the gangs are mostly young men, but there are women even in the leading positions. Mostly they are more of a follower or serve as welcome spectators who cheer on the men during the fights. Some groups even have offshoots abroad, for example in West Timor in Indonesia or overseas. For example, in October 2007 there was an argument between Timorese students in Yogyakarta who belonged to the warring groups Kera Sakti (KS) and PSHT.

Various groups were and are in conflict with one another, but also with the various political forces in the country. In addition to political, economic and territorial reasons, a front along the regional division into residents of the east ( Loro Sae ) and the western part ( Loro Munu ) of East Timor can be made out, even if many gangs deny that because they often do not appear to be national view regional organizations. Ultimately, however, it is now difficult to assess what is a fundamental cause and what is only the trigger of the current rivalry between the groups. Personal antipathies also play a role, or one is enemies with the other group, simply because it is the "other" group. The conflicts between the gangs escalate again and again in street fights, mainly in the west of the state capital Dili . The city is a melting pot in which residents from different parts of the country live in close proximity to one another. After the peak of the violence in 2006, the situation has calmed down but remains tense. In 2007 there were still throwing stones and collisions, injuries and deaths were the result again and again. Since 2008 there has been a fragile peace agreement between two of the largest groups that came about with the help of the new ruling coalition AMP . But gang violence has occurred and continues to occur in all other parts of the country. In August 2004, 50 houses were burned down in Ainaro .

Structures

Even if some groups are tightly organized, the groups often hold family ties, relationships and protection together. The focus is usually only on a single person who secures the loyalty of their followers through small achievements. Nationally operating movements consistently consist of networks of local groups.

The information on membership numbers is very uncertain and fluctuates. A study from 2006 puts the total number for the 15 to 20 large martial arts groups alone at 20,000, an estimated 90,000 more are said to be unregistered members. That would mean that 70% of young Timorese men practice martial arts.

A rama ambon . These approximately 15 cm long arrows are fired with slingshots

Conflicts between the groups are carried out not only with physical violence, but also with weapons. Industrially manufactured pistols and rifles are frowned upon due to an unwritten law of the gangs, so that the deadly violence does not get as far as in neighboring Papua New Guinea. However, it can be assumed that those groups that work as security services or have police officers as members have access to real firearms . There are simple, self-made weapons, such as simple firearms ( rakitans ) that shoot nails, small metal arrows ( rama ambons ) and real bullets , which are becoming more and more common. There are also stone and arrow throws, bows and arrows, knives, traditional swords ( suriks ) or, quite simply, stones. The arrows are prepared with poison or battery acid. Mostly they are shot down in a high arc at a relatively great distance and can therefore be found in tree tops or telephone poles all over Dili. Simple explosive bodies such as Molotov cocktails are still rare. In 2007 there were at least 100 deaths related to gangs.

Blackmail is a major source of income for most groups and is now a threat to business and investment. This applies to small stands as well as large construction companies and supermarkets. Some shops and companies have unofficially concluded "taxes" or "donations" contracts with groups in order to obtain protection from attacks and extortion, which is now widely accepted. In some cases, professional security services have emerged from the groupings. Most of the time, however, these are payments extorted by small, local groups. These small groups can work with larger organizations, such as crime organizations from Indonesia or the People's Republic of China . During the 2006 riots , some groups offered themselves, for a fee, as mediators in the conflict after they themselves had caused the problems. Some groups work for corrupt politicians, landowners or crime organizations as "mobs for hire". Just in 2006 there were credible reports of gang members being paid for provocations or attacks. Illegal gambling is carried out more by organized crime, but gangs also offer themselves as security services here, as well as at night clubs and brothels. The increase in human and drug trafficking offers additional funding opportunities. The trigger for this is the presence of international organizations and the military. Dili is divided into zones, which the individual groups regard as their territories for their "economic activities". Four gangs from the western part of the country control the center of the capital.

Differentiation of the different groupings

Even if the groupings can best be described with the collective term gangs, they are extremely different in their background. And the term youth gang, which is widespread, must be understood in the Timorese sense. The members can be over 30 years old, the leaders over 35.

It is difficult and also controversial to classify the groupings into different categories. Not only are there smooth transitions in the manifestations, many are members of several groups. Groups change their appearance again and again, practically reinventing themselves. Former independence fighters suddenly become protest movements, political parties or criminal associations. There is still a lack of in-depth investigations.

Martial Art Groups (MAG)

The central element of these groups are martial arts such as karate , pencak silat , wushu , aikido , judo or taekwondo . While some groups limit themselves to practicing their sport (“white-suited MAGs”), some groups also engage in other activities such as street fighting or blackmail. The biggest MAGs are the Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate (PSHT, Brotherhood of the Sacred Heart of the Lotus Flower ) Martial Arts Club, Kera Sakti (KS) and the Kung Fu Masters . There are also a large number of small groups, some of which do not even have a name or fixed membership structures. Fights between the individual groups for territory and influence are frequent. Many groups emerged during the years of the Indonesian occupation of East Timor, when today's members learned martial arts from Indonesian teachers, often from members of the army. However, this does not always mean that the MAGs emerged from the pro-Indonesian militias of that time. Often the connections were of a non-political and personal nature and have survived to this day, which can be clearly seen in the PSHT.

Particularly with MAGs, family relationships are often the bond that holds the group together. Within an Aldeia (comparable to a village or a city district), a widely ramified family usually dominates and it is not uncommon for this Aldeia to also correspond to the territory of a MAG. Conflicts between MAGs are mostly actually conflicts between families or villages that their youth mobilize as fighters. The dispute over the ownership of a field in the rural regions of the country can also spread to the relatives in Dili and escalate here. The parallels to the traditional small empires of Timor , who built their power on family ties and blood alliances, are striking here. The MAGs take on the function of a family's own fighting force or a vigilante group. Alliances against common enemies are not uncommon. In 2007, several family MAGs came together in Dili and displaced the PSHT from their Bairo Pite district .

Jaime Xavier Lopes , the former head of the PSHT

The PSHT, also known as Nehek Metan (Black Ants), is the largest MAG and one of the most controversial groups with, according to their own information, 6,000 members and 10,000 students who have committed themselves to a four-year training. It has its origin in Indonesia, but sees itself as independent from the Indonesian group. The PSHT was involved in fights with Korka, Kung Fu Master, Kera Sakti and Colimau in 2000. The boss was Jaime Xavier Lopes in 2007 . From 2012 to 2017 he was State Secretary for Land and Real Estate. A peace treaty was signed on August 27, 2008 with the 7-7 .

The Kung Fu Masters give their size with 7700 members. 30% should be women, while the proportion of women in other MAGs is less than 5%. Your guide was killed in a gunfight between police and army in Tibar in July 2006 . The KS has 6,700 members.

Ritual Arts Groups (RAG)

In contrast to the MAGs, the RAGs emphasize the Timorese origin of their rituals, even if many of these seem to have been invented instead of really having an old tradition. They often refer to themselves as Kakalok (magical / mystical group) or Isin Kanek (wound). RAGs seem to be particularly attractive to former fighters of the FALINTIL and other resistance groups who remained behind without any prospects after disarming, which is why the members are mostly older than other groups (between 20 and 50 years old). They often emerged from secret societies that fought against the Indonesian occupation. Some like the 12-12 claim they existed as early as Portuguese times. Overall, the RAGs are much more politically oriented than the MAGs. They are calling for “real independence”, similar to the Indonesian Permuda (youth) movement, which between 1945 and 1948 called for “100% merdeka” (independence).

Animistic wall paintings in Baucau

Many of these RAGs have come together in a loose association called Rai Nain . This association is in conflict with many MAGs, especially the PSHT. But even among the RAGs there are always fights.

The Korka (Kmanek Oan Rai Klaran, also KORK) is probably the largest RAG with up to 10,000 members. She has developed her own language and alphabet by mixing “traditional” Timorese with “universal” influences from other languages. The members are gradually taught the language as their rank increases. Other RAGs are the 5-5 and the 9-9 . The chairman is José dos Santos Naimori Bucar .

The members of 7-7 ( Sete-Sete, Seven-Seven, Seven ) believe they have magical powers that make them invulnerable. You are also active as a MAG. The group likely has close ties to the Sagrada Família . A peace treaty was signed with the PSHT on August 27, 2008.

The several hundred members of Colimau 2000 are mainly farmers, former pro-Indonesian militiamen and FALINTIL guerrilla fighters, mostly illiterate. She was involved in fights with the PSHT and appeared in international news reports several times due to various incidents. The Colimau 2000 has religious tendencies and close ties with the Partido Unidade Nacional PUN and Partido Democrática Republica de Timor PDRT .

Gangs and youth groups

Many different groups in East Timor, consisting of young people who live in the neighborhood, are called "gangs". Even if the names of the groups, which come from Indonesian rock bands or from Western films, often sound violent, it doesn't have to be. A member of the OBOR gang (which, when written out and translated, means something like “provoke me and I'll smash you”) is a member of the international Global Partnership for the Prevention of Armed Conflict (GPPAC) . Several groups get involved socially in their neighborhood, for example by collecting rubbish on the street or helping those in need. Some gangs simply consist of young people who hang out, drink alcohol and play guitar and call themselves "gang" only for reasons of prestige, while others are clearly criminal gangs. The boundaries between legal and illegal are fluid, especially when the gangs offer private "security services". This can quickly degenerate into protection racket by the neighborhood vigilante group. The number of members can go into the hundreds.

In Dili, where Timorese people from all over the country live, gangs have formed along the regional divide between east and west. Westerners ( Kaladi ) are for example the members of the Sintu Kulao and the Gaya Anak , while the members of e.g. Commando , Lito Rambo and Lafaek are Ostler ( Firaku ). Those groups that are organized more peacefully usually have members from both parts of the country. There are also many female members here. This also includes youth groups run by the Catholic Church.

Veterans organizations

Areas in East Timor with reports from "Ninjas" 2010 (orange)

Especially after the end of the Indonesian occupation, many freedom fighters felt left alone with their problems. The return to civilian life was made even more difficult by the general lack of jobs, so that veterans' organizations were very popular. These groups include the Sagrada Família ( Holy Family ), the Conselho Popular pela Defesa da República Democrática de Timor-Leste CPD-RDTL ( People's Council for the Defense of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste ) and the Forças FALINTIL SF75 . The veteran organizations are said to have close contacts to various MAGs and RAGs and to be involved in various incidents between 2002 and 2006, such as the unrest of December 2002. In spring 2010, the CPD-RDTL was accused of being members of them and the group Bua Malus (in German : Betel nut ) disguised as ninjas terrorized the population in parts of the districts of Cova Lima and Bobonaro district . The result was a massive police operation to find the "ninjas".

The predecessor of the CPD-RDTL split off from the rest of the resistance movement in the 1980s. The CPD-RDTL is one of the best organized gangs today with around 6600 members. His strongholds are in Dili and Baucau. The CPD-RDTL insists that East Timor has been in existence not just since 2002, but since the first declaration of independence in 1975. This means that the UN administration and the current constitution and government are illegitimate in his eyes. He rejects Portuguese as the official language. The CPD-RDTL boycotted the constituent assembly elections. He also sees himself as the only true successor to FRETILIN when it was founded.

The Sagrada Família has quasi-religious features, which makes it difficult to distinguish it from the RAGs. Their leader is Cornelio Gama , a former guerrilla fighter also known as L7 ( L-Sete ). The group is based in Laga in the Baucau district and parts of Lautém . L7 indicates its number of followers as 5000. Rumor has it that he is also one of the leaders of the 7-7.

The SF75 comes from Aileu and is in conflict with the Sagrada Família.

The link between society and the gangs

Flag of the UNDERTIM

Some groups are trying to establish themselves in new political parties, or they are said to have links to certain parties. Politicians are also alleged to have paid gang members for crimes. There are no party militias like the Satgas ( satuan tugas ) in Indonesia here. It is more likely that individual groups can be “hired” for demonstrations or protests. The MAGs and veteran organizations are less politically and ideologically determined, but support parties through middlemen due to personal, often family relationships and overlapping memberships. General hostility towards government without any party affiliation is not uncommon.

Cornelio Gama, the leader of the Sagrada Família, is also chairman of the UNDERTIM party , which is a member of the government coalition AMP.

The PSHT is said to be close to the Partido Democrático and Partido Social Democrata , which the PSHT denies. The Korka are said to have connections to FRETILIN. What is certain is that leaders of the Korka in Dili and other places are also members of FRETILIN.

Some gangs have also partially infiltrated the country's security forces. The PSHT has members in the country's armed forces. Leading police officers of the PNTL are said to be members of certain gangs or even to control them. The district head of the PNTL in Baucau was a member of the KS, where the latter is fighting with the PSHT over control of Baucau . The PSHT can in turn refer to a local police commander in a sub-district in its ranks. The former PNTL district commander of Dili Abilio Mesquito (also Mausoko ) is also suspected of being a member of the PSHT. He was sentenced to prison for his attack on Armed Forces Chief Taur Matan Ruak during the 2006 riots.

In addition, some gangs are involved as private security services. For example, the largest private security company, Ma Brille Security, has close ties to PSHT. Ma Clean Security works for many international NGOs and also for the UN mission .

Rituals and magic

Image by Che Guevara in Baucau

Belief in magic and rituals plays a major role, especially among potentially violent groups. Even the names of some groups, such as 7-7 or Sagrada Família, have a corresponding meaning. The members wear amulets ( biro ) and incantations are intended to offer additional protection in the event of upcoming battles. Traditional Timorese rituals and symbols are combined with Catholic and self-developed ideas, especially at RAGs and veteran organizations such as the Sagrada Família. Their leader L7 is said to have strong magical powers.

The members of the RAGs with numbers in the name (5-5, 7-7, 9-9, 12-12) carry a number of decorative scars according to the band's name on her arms. They are said to be created by a “magic powder”.

Since East Timor gained independence, graffiti and murals have increased significantly. In addition to symbols for territorial marking , Che Guevara , Bob Marley and other internationally known people and symbols are also shown. There are also political slogans or insults from other groups. Since 2006, graffiti like this can be found in even the smallest of places in the country.

Countermeasures

Attempts have been made to curb violence among groups for a long time. For example, the communication forum for Timor-Leste's martial arts groups (FORKAMTIL) was established under the patronage of the President and the Asia Foundation, and a code of conduct was adopted on May 27, 2005. Success has been achieved in mediating conflicts between the gangs. On May 27, 2005, the Asia Foundation created the Communication Forum for Timor-Leste's Martial Arts Groups (FORKAMTIL), which included 14 MAGs, including the two largest, PSHT and Korka. Various workshops on conflict resolution and group leadership were organized. A code was also agreed. However, the groups could not control their different factions, which is why the FORKAMTIL was closed in May 2007.

In late 2006, the President's Office, together with the leaders of the groups involved in the riot, organized a series of peace demonstrations on November 12, the anniversary of the Santa Cruz massacre . The aim was to overcome the conflict between the east and west of the country in memory of the victims of the independence struggle against Indonesia. In parallel, Prime Minister Ramos-Horta started mediation talks in the flaring conflict between PSHT and other MAGs. To contain the fighting, a "quick response team" was created, which consisted of members from all groups. This should become active when conflicts broke out between the groups. Except for the fights between PSHT and 7-7, which lasted until the end of 2007, this team was very successful. The Ministry of Social Solidarity (MSS) created a mediation team for each of the five Dilis sub- districts , which are deployed in the event of an outbreak of violence. The justice system is to be strengthened and a youth police force introduced. In addition, work is being done to resolve property disputes over land ownership and to increase the acceptance of settled and returning refugees. The security forces of the ISF and the UN police UNPOL stabilized the situation to some extent after the unrest of 2006. To combat gang violence, rapid reaction troops and permanent posts and regular patrols at the “hot spots” were created at the hot spots.

UNMIT set up a gang task force in January 2007 with members from UNMIT's human rights and political department and representatives from PNTL and ISF. This task force first tried to organize a meeting between the gang leaders at the police headquarters on January 24th. When this failed, a raid was carried out on the premises of the PSHT. The head of the PSHT and 47 other members were arrested as a result of the raid. Homemade weapons, arson materials, police uniforms and radios were confiscated. The consequences were mixed. Other gangs followed the PSHT's power vacuum and burned down buildings belonging to PSHT members and their families. As a result, acts of revenge broke out again.

A new PNTL task force was created at the end of 2007. It should be used quickly in rioting. This appears to be successful in street fights and local disputes, but voices criticize a lack of communication with ISF and UNPOL and the PNTL unit is considered violent.

Four non-governmental organizations from home and abroad invited two members of each of the nine largest groups to a one-year peace education course in the Philippines from September 2006 . There, the Timorese encountered groups that had played a crucial role in peacebuilding there, including imprisoned gang members and army officers. Members from 7-7 were initially not there, but joined the final course and then signed a peace treaty with the PSHT on August 27, 2008. Many other civil organizations have tried to mediate in the conflict between the gangs, but have problems because it is difficult to differentiate between gang conflicts and conflicts between communities. After all, the involvement of village chiefs from the home regions of the gang members can have an effect, as they still have a great influence today. This is what happened by UNPOL in November 2007 in Bairo Pite. The German GTZ , together with the European Union, also supported the national dialogue process between the groups. Youth centers have been established in the various districts of Dilis and attempts are made to keep the youth engaged in sporting activities. In addition, various NGOs are involved in youth work and offer, among other things, computer and language courses.

The Chinese action actor Jackie Chan visited East Timor in his role as UNICEF ambassador in June 2008, showed his new film, carried out public training with 3,500 young people and promoted the peaceful use of martial arts.

National Parliament of East Timor in Dili

As a legislative measure to curb gang violence, the adopted National Parliament of East Timor Law 10/2008 on the use of Martial Arts (June 23, 2008 Martial Arts ), which entered into force on 14 September. Existing institutions and organizations had a deadline of 120 days to implement.

The preamble draws attention to the dangerous nature of martial arts techniques and the link between the practice of martial arts and the rise in crime and violence in East Timor, with the emergence of networks that promote the principles of public order and respect for rights, undermine the freedom and security of citizens. The law aims to meet the need to regulate existing "martial arts" associations and exercise centers and to deter them from actions "without an appropriate legal framework".

The law allows punitive measures against persons and organizations who practice, teach, learn or incite martial arts people to do so without the appropriate authorization. In addition, a “Martial Arts Regulatory Commission MARC” was set up. The requirements for officially approved martial arts institutions are laid down in the law, as is an exception for the police and the armed forces.

Martial arts are defined by law as techniques consisting of traditional, indigenous and cultural practices learned through routine or training methods and often practiced as a sport or in conjunction with combat exercises. Likewise, according to the law, this also includes newly invented body movements that are introduced into such techniques so that they become dangerous. Centers, clubs and schools for the practice of martial arts are institutions or groups of people whose clear will is to promote or organize physical activities in order to learn or practice martial arts techniques for sporting, fitness, playful, social reasons or for the self-defense of those practicing . The martial arts organizations are prohibited from integrating or connecting in any way with political parties.

The establishment of such facilities and the teaching of martial arts is only permitted with the approval of MARC. In addition, the martial arts institutions must be a non-commercial, civil association according to Law 5/2005. For approval, the association must disclose its goals and name at least one person responsible for all 50 members. The person responsible must present an identity card, a police clearance certificate, a medical certificate stating that he is physically and mentally fit enough for martial arts lessons and written evidence of the necessary knowledge in martial arts and must be at least 21 years old. Only those who can prove their abilities and their moral and civic maturity can obtain approval from the MARC. Persons who have been convicted of crimes against the state, public order or the life, health or sexual self-determination of individuals cannot obtain authorization. The institutions must keep a register of their members.

The MARC is an institution of the Ministry of Youth and Sport. Four members and the chairman are appointed by the Ministry, one by the Ministry of Justice , one by the Ministry of Education and two martial arts institutions selected by the MARC. Subordinate commissions can be formed at the level of the individual districts and competencies can be assigned to the Suco bosses . In addition to the decision on the granting and revocation of approvals for institutions and persons, the MARC is responsible for guidelines on the dissemination, education and training of martial arts. In cooperation with existing facilities, the MARC should develop programs for martial arts activities and, if necessary, offer technical support. The facilities and their activities are monitored by MARC. In the event of violations, it can decide on punitive measures. The administrative penalties can consist of warnings, fines (up to $ 200 for individuals and up to $ 2000 for organizations), temporary and permanent bans from practicing martial arts. The administrative penalties are independent of the possible legal consequences of criminal offenses. Learning, training and practicing martial arts with the intention of committing a criminal act make it more difficult. The penalty can then be one third of the penalty provided for the crime in the penal code. Disregard of warnings is considered a punishable disobedience. The MARC has an advisory role for the Ministry of Youth and Sport, which also has to confirm the decisions of the MARC before they come into force. Objections are discussed with the working group for sporting ethics.

Critics see in the far-reaching competencies of the MARC, especially with regard to the possibility of imposing administrative penalties, a violation of the constitutional powers for an administrative authority.

In August 2011, the four martial arts groups Kera Seakti (KS), Korka, Kempo and Perisai Diri were initially legalized by the Ministry of Justice, but in July 2013 the government was forced to ban three of them due to the growing influence of the gangs: PSHT, Korka and Kera Sakti. The constitutionality of the ban is controversial, as the violence between the gangs is always attributable to individual members and not to the entire group. Since the training and wearing of the group uniforms and symbols is now prohibited, these groups now work covertly in secret. Some of the ceremonies are being relocated to West Timor, Indonesia. The widespread membership of members of the police and army remains problematic. To whom the loyalty applies in the event of a conflict is questionable. After all, 993 police officers and soldiers took off their MAG uniforms in an official ceremony. In January 2015, 288 members of the security forces at the government palace renounced their MAGs and publicly acknowledged their loyalty to the state. However, the vows to the MAGs are considered lifelong membership from which one cannot withdraw.

literature

  • German Society for Technical Cooperation : Securing a better future: Martial Arts Groups and their potential to become part of a peace constituency in Timor-Leste, Dili 2007.
  • Ricardo Neupert, Silvino Lopes: The Demographic Component of the Crises in Timor-Leste. London School of Economics, September 2006. online (PDF; 3 MB) .

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Monika Schlicher: Portugal in East Timor. A critical examination of the Portuguese colonial history in East Timor from 1850 to 1912 . Abera, Hamburg 1996, ISBN 3-931567-08-7 , ( Abera Network Asia-Pacific 4), (also: Heidelberg, Univ., Diss., 1994).
  2. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j k l Timor-Leste Armed Violence Assessment: Issue brief April 2009: Groups, gangs, and armed violence in Timor-Leste (PDF file; 341 kB)
  3. ↑ Herald Sun, August 17, 2011, Houses razed in East Timor mob rampage
  4. ↑ Diario Nacional, 23 August 2011, Gusmão calls for closing down GAM in Lautém
  5. ↑ Radio Timor-Leste, Martial arts clubs make peace through dialog, December 1, 2011
  6. ↑ History of Timor ( Memento of the original from March 24, 2009 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice. (PDF file; 805 kB) - Lisbon Technical University @1@ 2Template: Webachiv / IABot / pascal.iseg.utl.pt
  7. ↑ a b c d e f g h i j Henri Myrttinen: Timor Leste - A Kaleidoscope of Conflicts (2007)
  8. ↑ Census of Population and Housing Atlas 2004
  9. ↑ Fischer World Almanac 2009
  10. ↑ a b c d e f g h i ETAN, September 15, 2006, A Survey of Gangs and Youth Groups in Dili, Timor-Leste 2006 (PDF file; 2.92 MB)
  11. ↑ The main sources for the following descriptions of the groups are "Kalaidoscope of Conflicts" and "A Survey of Gangs and Youth Groups in Dili".
  12. ↑ Times, February 25, 2007, Jeff Kingston: Law and disorder
  13. ↑ Mameda Aileu Oan: Membru KORK 98 hetan Graduasaun , July 17, 2010 , accessed on August 11, 2017.
  14. ↑ cf. the article Colimau 2000
  15. ↑ Wikinews, March 24, 2010, “Ninjas” in Timor-Leste?
  16. ↑ a b East Timor Law Journal: 2009 ETLJ 1 The Regulation of Martial Arts in East Timor: An Overview of Law No 10 of 2008 on the practice of martial arts ( Memento of October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive )
  17. ↑ UNICEF, June 26, 2008, Jackie Chan brings a message of peace and harmony to young people of Timor-Leste
  18. ^ UN News Center, June 25, 2005, UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Jackie Chan visits Timor-Leste
  19. ↑ a b c Text from 10/2008 (English) ( Memento from October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  20. ↑ 10/2008, Article 16 (English) ( Memento of October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  21. ↑ 10/2008, Article 1 (English) ( Memento from October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  22. ↑ 10/2008, Article 3 (English) ( Memento of October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  23. ↑ 10/2008, Articles 2, 4 and 6 (English) ( Memento of October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  24. ↑ 10/2008, Article 7 (English) ( Memento of October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  25. ↑ 10/2008, Article 8 (English) ( Memento of October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  26. ↑ 10/2008, Article 11 (English) ( Memento of October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  27. ↑ 10/2008, Article 12 (English) ( Memento from October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  28. ↑ 10/2008, Article 13 (English) ( Memento of October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  29. ↑ 10/2008, Articles 14 and 15 (English) ( Memento of October 5, 2011 in the Internet Archive ) (PDF file; 37 kB)
  30. ↑ Televizaun Timor-Leste, August 8, 2011, Four martial arts clubs legalized
  31. ↑ Janina Pawelz: The withdrawal of Prime Minister Gusmão: Setting the political course in Timor-Leste , GIGA Focus Number 2, 2015 , ISSN  1862-359X , accessed on March 8, 2015.