The head of Indonesia's highest legislative body has urged President Megawati Sukarnoputri to boycott East Timor's independence celebrations next month, reflecting a deep resentment of Timor's independence among Indonesia's political and military elite.
"It's better if Megawati is not present. Not to make enemies [of East Timor], but to preserve our dignity, our self-esteem, and our place in Southeast Asia," Mr Amien Rais, who chairs the 700-seat People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), was quoted as saying.
His latest call for the president to snub the formal handover of sovereignty to the territory, of which Indonesia lost control 31 months ago, adds to a chorus of opposition from other legislators.
Mr Akbar Tanjung, the feisty foreign affairs commission and house leader on trial for corruption, has repeatedly urged Ms Megawati to stay away from the May 20th celebrations in Dili.
Mr Rais said only the Foreign Minister, Mr Hassan Wirayuda, should attend.
Ms Megawati has been invited by East Timorese leaders and the UN, which has been shepherding the impoverished territory to statehood since the aftermath of its 1999 vote to split from Indonesia.
Mr Tom Hyland, coordinator of the East Timor Ireland Solidarity Campaign, said the pleas to Ms Megawati showed that the "parliament and senior Indonesian military have yet to come to terms with Timorese independence". Instead they should work with the Timorese government to become "good neighbours", he said.
President-elect Mr Xanana Gusmao reiterated the invitation to Ms Megawati during a stopover in Bali on Saturday, and pledged that her security would be fully ensured. She has made no public comment as to whether she should, or should not go.