From the 16th century, East Timor was a Portugese colony, known as Portugese Timor. The country was neglected, and was used mainly as a place of exile for political and other prisoners of Portugal. The land was renowned for its sandalwood, now largely depleted, and for its quality coffee.
Japan invaded East Timor in 1942, when Australian and Dutch forces were in occupation. During the guerrilla war which followed, between 40,000 and 70,000 East Timorese lives were lost. Australian troops have written with affection and admiration for the courageous East Timorese who assisted them at that difficult time.
The Portugese government continued its neglect– there was little education, and small attention paid to the development of basic infrastructure. |
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When the Portugese regime fell in 1974, the new democratic government encouraged independence in Portugese Timor. Political parties were officially recognised. By 1975, political developments in the colony were largely ignored by the Portugese government. After local elections in 1975, when conflict arose between opposing parties, the Governor of Portugese Timor fled.
The Fretilin Party emerged as a strong political voice and in November 1975, made a unilateral declaration of independence of the Democratic Republic of East Timor. This was unrecognised by Portugal, Indonesia or Australia.
Indonesia invaded East Timor in December, 1975, aided by USA, and with the knowledge of Australia. Up to 60,000 East Timorese lives were lost during the dreadful events of the invasion.
In 1999, Indonesia offered East Timorese the opportunity to vote for independence. The result was an overwhelming vote for independence, but when the Indonesians left the country, there was further massive destruction and large loss of life.
Now, East Timor faces many difficulties as the new nation struggles to govern itself. There have been times of serious civil unrest and the support of the UN and of many countries has been enlisted. There is a wide range of developmental programs being conducted in the country. The political situation is not settled. There is a lack of sufficiently-qualified people to manage the public sector. The present government is doing its best to widen the peoples’ participation in the country’s development. The wealth of oil and gas in its seas is a major natural resource.
In a population of just over 1,000,000, with a very high birth rate, about 60% are young people. There are large numbers unemployed, and Education and Health priorities are urgent.
Many East Timorese express deep gratitude to Australians for the support which they provide them. It is important that such assistance continues for the benefit of our developing neighbouring country.
B.Esmonde, March 2010.
Ref: UN East Timor. |
