Why did Indonesia invade East Timor?
The Indonesian invasion of East Timor, known in Indonesia as Operation Lotus (Indonesian: Operasi Seroja), began on 7 December 1975 when the Indonesian military (ABRI/TNI) invaded East Timor under the pretext of anti-colonialism and anti-communism to overthrow the Fretilin regime that had emerged in 1974.
When did the East Timor genocide start?
1975 – 1999East Timor genocide / Period
Who attacked East Timor?
IndonesiansShortly after obtaining independence from Portugal in 1974, East Timor (or Timor-Leste) was invaded by Indonesians who occupied the country until 1999. During the 25 years of Indonesian rule, armed and peaceful East Timorese groups struggled to overthrow the occupier.
Does Indonesia slaughter East Timor?
The East Timor genocide refers to the "pacification campaigns" of state terrorism which were waged by the Indonesian New Order government during the Indonesian invasion and occupation of East Timor....East Timor genocideTargetPopulation of East TimorAttack typeForced disappearance, Genocidal massacre6 more rows
Why did East Timor leave Indonesia?
Indonesian dictator Suharto, who had ordered the 1975 invasion, was ousted from power in 1998, and East Timorese renewed their calls for independence. In 1999, the people of East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence in a referendum, leading to bloody attacks by Indonesian militia forces.
Why did the Japanese want Timor?
Timor was as important to Australia's defence as New Guinea because it could be used to launch attacks on northern Australia. It was vital to the Japanese. In Allied hands, it could be used to launch an offensive against Japan's forces in Indonesia, then known as The Netherlands East Indies.
What did Japan do to East Timor?
Japanese forces landed in East Timor on February 20, 1942, as part of Imperial Japan's campaign to secure Timor in preparation for an assault on Australia. Eventually, the total number of Japanese soldiers in East Timor numbered 12,000.
Why did Japan invade Timor?
Neutral Portuguese Timor had not been originally included among the Japanese war objectives, but after Allied occupation violated its neutrality the Japanese decided to invade.
When did the East Timor genocide start and end?
1975 – 1999East Timor genocide / Period
What was the cause of the violence in East Timor in 1999?
The 1999 East Timorese crisis began with attacks by pro-Indonesia militia groups on civilians, and expanded to general violence throughout the country, centred in the capital Dili. The violence intensified after a majority of eligible East Timorese voters chose independence from Indonesia.
How long did East Timor crisis last?
The 30th of August marks the anniversary of East Timor's 1999 vote for independence from Indonesia, bringing 24 years of occupation to an end. We spoke to UNSW Canberra Professor Clinton Fernandes, the author of 'Indonesia's war against East Timor: how it ended', about this historical event.
What was the outcome of the East Timor genocide?
Close to 2,000 civilians were publicly decapitated, hacked to death, or killed in other horrific ways. Among the many women and girls who were raped, a noticeable amount were members of the Catholic Church. By the time the violence ended, over four hundred thousand people had been displaced.
What is the UDT?
The União Democrática Timorense ( Timorese Democratic Union, or UDT), was formed in May by a group of wealthy landowners. Initially dedicated to preserving East Timor as a protectorate of Portugal, in September UDT announced its support for independence.
Why did Indonesia shut off East Timor?
Indonesia kept East Timor shut off from the rest of the world, except for a few years in the late 1980s and early 1990s, claiming that the vast majority of East Timorese supported integration. This position was followed closely by the Indonesian media such that an East Timorese acceptance of their integration with Indonesia was taken for granted by, and was a non-issue for, the majority of Indonesians. East Timor came to be seen as a training ground for the officer corps in tactics of suppression for Aceh and Irian Jaya and was pivotal in ensuring military sector dominance of Indonesia.
What happened to East Timor in 1974?
After centuries of Portuguese colonial rule in East Timor, a 1974 coup in Portugal led to the decolonisation of its former colonies, creating instability in East Timor and leaving its future uncertain.
How many people died in the Indonesian annexation of East Timor?
In an interview on 5 April 1977 with the Sydney Morning Herald, Indonesian Foreign Minister Adam Malik said the number of dead was "50,000 people or perhaps 80,000". The Indonesian government presented its annexation of East Timor as a matter of anti-colonial unity.
How many people died in East Timor in 1999?
The Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor estimated the number of deaths during the occupation from famine and violence to be between 90,800 and 202,600, including between 17,600 and 19,600 violent deaths or disappearances, out of a 1999 population of approximately 823,386.
When did East Timor become independent?
Fretilin took power after the civil war and declared an independent East Timor on 28 November 1975.
Which country was the only to recognise East Timor as a province of Indonesia?
After winning the December elections, the Fraser government took the approach that trade with Southeast Asia and political ties with Southeast Asia were too important to be put at risk for what was seen as a lost cause. Australia abstained from the 1976 and 1977 UN General Assembly Resolutions, and by 1978 became the only government to recognise East Timor officially as a province of Indonesia.
What happened in East Timor?
On November 28, the democratically elected government of East Timor, fearing an imminent Indonesian invasion, proclaimed the Democratic Republic of East Timor. On the morning of December 7, Indonesia responded by initiating a naval bombardment of the city of Dili, followed by landings of paratroopers from the air and of marines on the beaches.
When did East Timor get independence?
Indonesian dictator Suharto, who had ordered the 1975 invasion, was ousted from power in 1998, and East Timorese renewed their calls for independence. In 1999, the people of East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence in a referendum, leading to bloody attacks by Indonesian militia forces.
When did Indonesia invade East Timor?
The Portuguese departed East Timor in August 1975 , and Indonesian troops soon began infiltrating the border from Indonesian West Timor. On November 28, the democratically elected government of East Timor, fearing an imminent Indonesian invasion, proclaimed the Democratic Republic of East Timor.
What happened in 1975?
On this date in 1975, the Indonesian army invaded the small nation of East Timor. East Timor to the north of Australia. The Indonesians launched an early morning attack. The invasion came as a complete surprise to the East Timorese. East Timor occupies half of the island of Timor, the western half is part of Indonesia. East Timor had been a Portuguese colony for centuries and was culturally and religiously distinct from its much larger neighbor Indonesia, which had been a Dutch colony. The Portuguese had a revolution and the old authoritarian regime was ousted. The new government wanted to withdraw from the remaining Portuguese colonies, including East Timor. They left their colony of East Timor in August 1974. The government of Indonesia began to try to subvert the new government and Indonesian troops began to move into remote areas of East Timor and had occupied several areas of it by December 1975. The East Timorese immediately held an election and the new government declared the Democratic Republic of East Timor. Indonesia wanted to annex East Timor as they believed that it was historically part of their nation. The Indonesian army crossed the border into East Timor and marines were landed on beaches. There was also a landing by paratroopers. The main target on the first day was the East Timorese capital, Dili. On December, the 19 th that the second largest East Timorese city was captured. A few days later they captured the capital of East Timor. The Indonesians had completely overwhelmed the small nation.
How many people died in the East Timorese war?
It is believed that in the first few years of military occupation that the Indonesian army and security forces were directly responsible for the deaths of 100,000 East Timorese. Many starved to death in camps or in the jungle. Many atrocities were carried out by the Indonesian army, but this did not end the East Timorese resistance. The Suharto government in Jakarta brutally repressed any form of East Timorese resistance. The Catholic Church was a great support for many East Timorese at this dark time. The world was increasingly appalled by the Indonesian occupation of the small nation.
When did East Timor get independence?
This was held in 1999 despite massive intimidation from Indonesian-backed militias. In 1999 the East Timorese voted for independence. The UN put pressure on the Indonesians and an Australian-led peacekeeping force was allowed into the country. East Timor secured its independence in 2001. The final death toll as a result of the Indonesian occupation of East Timor was possibly 200,000 (1975-1999).
How many observers did the EU send to monitor the election?
The EU sent five election experts, four long-term observers, and 32 short-term observers headed by John Bowis of Britain to monitor the presidential election from March 31 to April 30, 2002. East Timor formally achieved its independence from Indonesia on May 20, 2002. UNTAET was disbanded on May 20, 2002.
How many observers were there in the referendum?
Japan sent thirteen observers headed by Yasuko Takemura to monitor the referendum. Australia sent ten observers headed by Tim Fischer to monitor the referendum. Some 1,000 individuals were killed and some 250,000 individuals were displaced as a result of referendum-related violence.
How many observers were sent to monitor the 1999 referendum?
The Carter Center (CC) sent 20 observers to monitor the referendum from July 9 to September 4, 1999. The Australia East Timor International Volunteers Project (AETIVP) sent 30 observers to monitor the referendum. Parliamentarians for East Timor (PET) sent observers to monitor the referendum.
What was the crisis in East Timor?
Crisis Phase (July 17, 1976-July 31, 1983): East Timorese nationalists, the Frente Revolutionario de Este Timor Independente (FRETILIN), began an independence movement against the Indonesian government following the annexation of the territory by Indonesia on July 17, 1976. On August 27, 1976, the government announced that East Timor had become the 27th province of Indonesia. The US and West Germany provided military assistance (military weapons and funds) in support of the Indonesian government. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly appealed for the withdrawal of government troops from East Timor on December 1, 1976. Australia provided diplomatic assistance (recognition of Indonesia’s annexation of East Timor) to the government on January 20, 1978. Nicolau Lobato, leader of FRETILIN, was killed by Indonesian troops on December 31, 1978. Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) heads-of-state expressed support for East Timorese self-determination on September 8, 1979. Xanana Gusmai was appointed as leader of the armed wing of FRETILIN in 1981. Some 25,000 individuals died during the crisis.
When did the EU lift the arms embargo?
The EU lifted military sanctions (arms embargo) against the Indonesian government on January 17, 2000. The International Commission of Inquiry on East Timor issued its report to the UNCHR, UN Security Council, and UN General Assembly on January 31, 2000. INTERFET ended its mission in East Timor on February 23, 2000.
When did East Timor annexation happen?
The Indonesian People’s Consultative Assembly approved the result of the East Timor referendum on October 20 , 1999, and invalidated the annexation of the territory. Some 500,000 individuals were internally displaced between May 6 and October 20, 1999.
When was the UNAMET disbanded?
UNAMET was disbanded on September 30, 1999.
What is document 6?
Document 6 is a transcript of a June 17, 1976 staff meeting between Kissinger and his State Department bureau chiefs. The meeting recommended against sending a representative to accompany an Indonesian parliamentary delegation to East Timor.
What did Suharto say about East Timor?
Apparently encouraged by his meeting with Ford, Suharto returned home to make his first public statement declaring that an independent East Timor was not viable.
What documents did Kissinger prepare for Ford?
Documents 3 and 3a, from November 1975, are memoranda that Kissinger prepared for Ford. After outlining the full extent of the Indonesian manoeuvres to take control of East Timor, Kissinger clearly anticipated an Indonesian invasion, and alerted Ford to a potential problem—the use of US-supplied weaponry ...
Why did Kissinger chastize his staff?
At a meeting on December 18, 1975 Kissinger chastised his staff for writing a memo recommending that arms sales to Indonesia be cut off. Kissinger was angry that word might leak out that “Kissinger overruled his pristine bureaucrats and violated the law”.
What was the document that Ford and Suharto discussed?
Revealing documents. Document 1 , dated July 5 1975, is the record of a discussion between Ford and Suharto held at Camp David in the United States. The two leaders met just two months after the final US defeat in Vietnam, discussing their joint interests in suppressing political and ideological ferment in South East Asia.
What is the Whatsapp icon?
Previously secret documents published by the National Security Archive at George Washington University prove that the United States government gave the green light for the 1975 Indonesian invasion of East Timor, which resulted in the deaths of some 200,000 Timorese people over the ensuing quarter century.
Why did the White House and Pentagon raise the issue of Timor?
The White House and Pentagon claim to be motivated by concerns for the security, liberty and democracy of ordinary people in America and internationally. The Timor documents demonstrate that US governments pursue their strategic and commercial interests with brutal indifference to the fate of the masses of people, whether in Timor, Afghanistan or anywhere else.
Why did UDT and Apodeti ask for Indonesian help?
Then why did UDT and Apodeti ask for Indonesian help? Because Apodeti was the East Timorese party which expected the country to join Indonesia for they have cultural similarity with West Timorese which is part of Indonesia. Initially, UDT meant to stay with the Portuguese but since they were the weakest party, they decided to join Apodeti’s cause.
What was the goal of Indonesia and the United States?
United States and Indonesia had the same goal : to stop Timor Leste for being independent and became Communist state.
Why was East Timor about to become independent?
East Timor was about to be independent state because of political turmoil in Portugal, the colonizer. It was about to become a communist country since the communist leaders were so dominant. Learn Fretilin!. Knowing the fact that there will be a communist at Indonesia’s door, Soeharto regime which was anti communist, invaded and annexed East Timor to be part of Indonesia.
What did the UDT ask Indonesia for?
So in response, the UDT asked Indonesia for Help and gain political Monopoly in East Timor, Indonesia which was not particul
Which communist party was growing strong and nearly successful in pushing for independence?
But then Fretilin, a Timor Leste communist party, was growing strong and nearly successful in pushing for the independence. Defeating both rivals by reasonable distances.
What would the United States fear if they won the war against Fretilin?
United States feared that victory for Fretilin means they would establish Communist state in between Indonesia and Australia. Such a situation would be disadvantageous for United States.
Which country annexed Timor Leste?
Indonesian military backed by United States launched a huge military operation and Timor Leste then finally was annexed by Indonesia as the 27th province.
What was Gusmao's response to the violence?
In response to increasing violence by anti-independence activists, Gusmao orders guerrillas to resume independence struggle. 1999 May- Indonesia, Portugal sign agreement to allow East Timorese to vote on their future. Deal endorsed by UN.
How many people died in the Santa Cruz massacre?
1991 - Santa Cruz cemetery massacre in which troops fire on mourners at a funeral in Dili of Fretilin supporter, killing more than 100 people.
Why did the Foreign troops arrive in Dili in 2006?
2006 May- Foreign troops arrive in Dili to try to restore order as clashes involving former soldiers, who were sacked in March, descend into wider factional violence as well as looting and arson. At least 25 people are killed and about 150,000 take refuge in makeshift camps.
Why did the UN evacuate West Timor?
2000 September- UN evacuates staff from West Timor after murder of three refugee agency workers by pro-Indonesian militia gangs. An Indonesian court jails six men for up to 20 months for the killings, earning international outrage for being too lenient.
How many people died in the Indonesian famine?
Strong resistance to Indonesian rule followed by repression and famine in which 200,000 people are thought to have died.
How many East Timorese died during Indonesia's rule?
It finds that the occupation was directly responsible for the deaths of more than 100,000 East Timorese.
Why were Australian journalists killed?
2007 November- An Australian court rules that five Australian-based journalists were deliberately killed by Indonesian troops in 1975 to stop them exposing the invasion of East Timor.
Overview
The Indonesian occupation of East Timor began in December 1975 and lasted until October 1999. After centuries of Portuguese colonial rule in East Timor, a 1974 coup in Portugal led to the decolonisation of its former colonies, creating instability in East Timor and leaving its future uncertain. After a small-scale civil war, the pro-independence Fretilin declared victory in the capital city of Dili and d…
Background
The Portuguese first arrived in Timor in the 16th century, and in 1702 East Timor came under Portuguese colonial administration. Portuguese rule was tenuous until the island was divided with the Dutch Empire in 1860. A significant battleground during the Pacific War, East Timor was occupied by 20,000 Japanese troops. The fighting helped prevent a Japanese occupation of Austr…
Invasion
On 7 December 1975, Indonesian forces invaded East Timor. Operasi Seroja (Operation Lotus) was the largest military operation ever carried out by that nation. Troops from Fretilin's military organisation Falintil engaged ABRI forces in the streets of Dili and reported 400 Indonesian paratroopers were killed as they descended into the city. Angkasa Magazine reports 35 dead Indonesian troop…
Indonesian hegemony
On 17 December, Indonesia formed the Provisional Government of East Timor (PSTT) which was headed by Arnaldo dos Reis Araújo of APODETI as president and Lopez da Cruz of UDT. Most sources describe this institution as a creation of the Indonesian military. One of PSTT's first activities was the formation of a "Popular Assembly" consisting of elected representatives and leaders "from va…
1990s
Major investment by the Indonesian government to improve East Timor's infrastructure, health and education facilities since 1975 did not end East Timorese resistance to Indonesian rule. Although by the 1980s Fretilin forces had dropped to a few hundred armed men, Fretilin increased its contacts with young Timorese especially in Dili, and an unarmed civil resistance seeking sel…
End of Indonesian control
Renewed United Nations-brokered mediation efforts between Indonesia and Portugal began in early 1997.
Independence for East Timor, or even limited regional autonomy, was never going to be allowed under Suharto's New Order. Notwithstanding Indonesian public opinion in the 1990s occasionally showing begrudging appreciation of t…
International response
Indonesia used fear of communism to garner varying degrees of support among western countries, including the United States and Australia, for its East Timor invasion and occupation. The invasion and suppression of East Timor's independence movement caused great harm to Indonesia's reputation and international credibility. Criticism from the developing world undermined effort…
Consequences
Precise estimates of the death toll are difficult to determine. The 2005 report of the UN's Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation in East Timor (CAVR) reports an estimated minimum number of conflict-related deaths of 102,800 (+/- 12,000). Of these, the report says that approximately 18,600 (+/-1,000) were either killed or disappeared and that approximately 84,000 (+/-11,000) died from hunger or illness in excess of what would have been expected due to peac…