EAST TIMORESE PROTEST IN MELBOURNE, 1998-08-17 (photo)

Shirley Shackleton (R), wife of Australian journalist Greg Shackleton allegedly killed by the Indonesian military, is flanked by a member of Melbourne's East Timorese community (L) during a rally outside the Indonesian Consulate August 17. The city consulate was closed for the 53rd anniversary of Indonesia's declaration of independence from the colonial rule of the Dutch. East Timorese, backed by Australian students and other activists, lobbied the Indonesian government for an independence day of their own. Since the recent fall of disgraced President Suharto, the East Timorese have welcomed new reforms but are still pushing for autonomy after 23 years of rule under Jakarta. WB/CC