| Country: | Indonesia |
| Details of Formation: | With the financial support from the military, Eurico Guterres was given the task to revive the neglected militia organization Gada Paksi in January 1999. The new PGM was renamed as Aitark but consisted mostly of former members of Gada Paksi. It subsequently relocated to East Timorese refugee camps in West Timor. |
| Details of Termination: | On October 25, 1999 the UN Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) was established by resolution 1272 passed by the UN Security Council. The UNTAET was responsible for administration, security, and maintaining law in the transition period. Aitarak was still active in refugee camps in West Timor afterwards. On Dec. 13, 1999, Joao Tavarres, the self-proclaimed commander of the militia gangs (commander-in-chief), announced that all East Timorese militias will be dissolved. Even though Aitarak leader Guterres (arrested in 2001) said that his militia will continue the fight, he himself went into hiding and a member said that the militia had broken up. No activities and support reported afterwards. Evidence suggests that the group was disarmed by the Indonesian security forces. |
| Purpose: | Aitarak was used to counter the fight for East Timorese independence and provide security. It was engaged in fighting against Fretilin and deployed across the border to attack this group. It also suppressed pro-independence protesters. |
| Organisation: | The group was under the command of the military and led by Eurico Guterres (previously the leader of Gada Paksi). In military documents, it was considered a regular part of the armed forces. The internal cohesiveness of the group is reported to have deteriorated prior to the beginning of the disarmament process. |
| Weapons and Training: | The government provided weapons to the group (such as automatic weapons and M16s), but based on news sources it also possessed guns left behind by the Portuguese and self-made weapons. There are reports about members receiving training from the government. |
| Size: | In February 1999, the group had 1,200 members. At an unspecified other point, the group is reported to have consisted of 1,500 individuals. |
| Reason for Membership: | Sources reporting a readiness to die for their cause suggest strong ideological motivations for joining the group. There were speculations whether members were recruited based on prospects of material rewards. Members were referred to as undisciplined bandits, also indicating that looting could have been a further reason for becoming a member. The payment of $A43 was provided for a period of three months of activity. |
| Treatment of Civilians: | Aitarak was responsible for the killing of civilians (especially targeting pro-independence activists), linked to a massacre and committed arson. Many citizens were forcefully removed by the group. There were also reports about the abduction of civilians. |
| Other Information: | The group was responsible for the scorched earth withdrawal after the independence referendum. It was based in Ainaro. See also Gada Paksi. |
| References: |
Information was taken from news sources listed in the PGMD. Amnesty International. 1999. “Fear for safety / Possible “disappearance” / Fear of East Timor.” AI Index: ASA 21/124/99. 31 August. |