General Wiranto's surprise selection as a candidate for Golkar, the most prominent political party in Indonesia, pitches him into a three-horse race alongside sitting president Megawati Sukarnoputri and another retired general, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. His chances of success largely depend on the political alliances he is able to forge between now and 5 July and on his choice of a running mate.

He was indicted by the special panel of the United Nations Serious Crimes Unit in East Timor in February 2003 for war crimes committed there during the 1999 referendum. Wiranto is also known to be on the US government's Watch List for visa applications, although this does not automatically bar him from entry into the US.

Jose Ramos Horta, East Timor's foreign minister, is concerned about Wiranto's candidacy. In an interview on Radio Australia, he said: 'I would say it's going to be an incredible embarrassment. Some heads of states in the world, with far less damaging backgrounds, are ostracised and not invited to certain countries, let alone someone like General Wiranto.'

In voicing his concerns, Ramos Horta is in the minority - Wiranto's alleged crimes in East Timor are not regarded as a serious problem in Indonesia. The ex-general has popular support and many believe he will provide firm candidacy is also strong. However, public opinion on the East Timor debacle been so seriously distorted that few Indonesians would view Wiranto's indictment as an issue.

CIIR believes this could present problems for the international community and that Indonesia's diplomatic affairs would also be affected. There may be countries that would think twice before granting Wiranto entry - and he might run the risk of arrest in countries with universal jurisdiction for the prosecution of war crimes, where he could be arrested and extradited to East Timor. Human rights groups will be taking a keen interest in developments over the coming weeks.