Interview: Xanana Gusmão

From a simple bungalow in Central Jakarta where he has been under house arrest since he was transferred from Jakarta's maximum-security Cipinang prison last February, East Timorese resistance leader Xanana Gusmão spoke with TIME reporter Jason Tedjasukmana just days before the vote to determine the fate of his homeland:
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TIME: What are your feelings on the eve of polling day?
Gusmão: I'm worried because much violence is still happening. I'm worried that the militias will not respect the rights of other people. We are doing our best to follow the code of conduct--but the other side is not. I'm worried that the Indonesian police is an inefficient security force.

TIME: Do you see an orchestrated campaign to keep East Timor part of Indonesia?
Gusmão: I think so. Anyone would be naive to think that the government doesn't have reservations [about letting East Timor become independent]. But mostly the problem is in the military.

TIME: How do you feel about the way President Habibie has handled the East Timor problem?
Gusmão: We praise him. Of course, it would be better for him if the people chose autonomy, but he had the courage to offer the option.

TIME: Would autonomy solve the problems in East Timor?
Gusmão: I don't think so. If the ballot is free, democratic and peaceful, we will accept a vote for autonomy, but we know that most of the East Timorese people reject the proposal.

TIME: What would your role be in an autonomous East Timor?
Gusmão: I will be a farmer.

TIME: What would your role be in an independent East Timor?
Gusmão: I will help prepare the people for independence and help them in the transition. I can play some kind of political role. Not as head of state, but I will help stabilize the situation under the auspices of the United Nations.

TIME: Many believe East Timor is not viable as an independent state.
Gusmão: I would just ask those people to come to East Timor in 10 years, and I believe then they will praise us. We know that we will face a difficult time, but if there is no more interference from the Indonesian military, the East Timorese will be able to control their future in 10 to 15 years' time.

TIME: Have East Timorese benefited at all under Indonesian rule?
Gusmão: Only a small group.

TIME: How do you feel about having to campaign while under house arrest?
Gusmão: I was authorized by the government to campaign by radio, but I have no radio; by newspaper, but I have no newspaper. Actually, the military has been campaigning for us for 23 years and we are very thankful. We do not need to campaign.

TIME: Foreign Minister Ali Alatas says you were not allowed to campaign for your own safety.
Gusmão: I'm very touched. It is a unique case in the world that a government can be so kind. I should ask for a life sentence--for my own security!