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East Timor - Indonesia
The story of East Timor highlights the difficulties that multi-ethnic countries in the developing world face when trying to build a unified nation. Once a Portuguese colony, East Timor was invaded and ruled by Indonesia in 1975, leading to years of conflict, suffering, and a long struggle for independence. The conflict between East Timor and Indonesia during the partition period (1975–1999) was marked by widespread violence, human rights abuses, and displacement. After Indonesia's invasion of East Timor in 1975, thousands of East Timorese were killed, and many more were forcibly relocated, imprisoned, or disappeared. The violence escalated after the 1999 referendum for independence, with pro-Indonesian militias carrying out acts of retaliation. Both East Timorese citizens and Indonesian settlers faced dire consequences. Below are two case studies that provide insight into how families on both sides of the conflict were affected by the partition.
Case Study 1: Maria’s Family – Loss and Displacement in East Timor
Maria, a resident of Dili, is one of the many East Timorese civilians who experienced the horrors of the Indonesian occupation. Her story began in 1975 when Indonesian forces invaded East Timor, leading to widespread violence and the systematic targeting of civilians. Maria’s husband was arrested by the Indonesian military, suspected of supporting the pro-independence movement. She never saw him again, as he disappeared without a trace, like many others in East Timor during that period. Left to raise her five children alone, Maria endured years of hardship under occupation.
In 1991, her eldest son joined a peaceful protest in Dili, known as the Santa Cruz Massacre, where Indonesian forces opened fire, killing more than 250 protesters. Maria’s son was among those who lost their lives. In the aftermath, her family had to flee into the mountains to escape further military repression. For years, they lived in fear, constantly relocating, with limited access to food, water, and medical care.
The situation worsened after the 1999 referendum, which saw East Timor vote for independence. Pro-Indonesian militias, backed by Indonesian forces, launched a campaign of terror, destroying homes and displacing thousands of families. When Maria returned to Dili after independence, her home was in ruins, and her remaining family had to start from scratch to rebuild their lives.
This case illustrates the profound loss, trauma, and resilience of East Timorese families during and after the conflict.
Case Study 2: Agus Santoso’s Family – Indonesian Settlers in Crisis
Agus Santoso and his family were among the thousands of Indonesian settlers encouraged by the government to move to East Timor after its annexation by Indonesia in 1975. The Santoso family settled in Dili, hoping to build a new life under Indonesian rule. However, their presence in East Timor was met with growing resentment from the local population, who saw the settlers as part of Indonesia’s effort to dilute the Timorese culture and identity.
The situation turned violent after the 1999 independence referendum. As East Timor overwhelmingly voted for independence, pro-independence groups began targeting Indonesian settlers. Fearing for their lives, Agus and his family were forced to flee to West Timor, part of Indonesia, leaving behind their home and possessions. They joined thousands of other Indonesian families in refugee camps, where conditions were harsh. Overcrowding, lack of sanitation, and limited access to basic necessities such as food and medical care made life difficult for these families.
The camps were temporary solutions, but for years, Agus and his family remained displaced, unable to return to their former lives in East Timor due to the ongoing instability. This case demonstrates the plight of Indonesian families who were caught in the middle of the conflict, facing violence from the pro-independence militias and abandonment by the Indonesian government.
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