One of Indonesia's main opposition leaders, Amien Rais has supported the idea of giving the people of East Timor a referendum to decide whether or not they should leave Indonesia.

Mr Rais's remarks follow the government's surprise announcement that it might grant East Timor independence.

The BBC Jakarta correspondent says the offer has prompted an unprecedented debate over the future of East Timor, which Indonesia invaded in 1975.

One of the best known opposition figures, Megawati Sukarnoputri has surprised many people by arguing that East Timor has been legitimately incorporated into Indonesia -- a position at odds with international opinion.