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On 7 December 1975, East Timor was invaded by the Indonesian army, during a difficult decolonization process. The United Nations didn't acknowledge the annexation, demanding since then a fair and internationally accepted solution, towards the self-determination of the Timorese. During these last 21 years, the Indonesian army has carried out a terror policy creating a holocaust in which more than 250,000 people, about one-third of the population, have died.President Suharto (pictured top left) has been Indonesia's leader for most of this period. He stood over a repressive regime and a military involved in many massacres. When he invaded East Timor both America and Australia did nothing.
A separatist movement existed in East Timor led by their charismatic leader Xanana Gusmao. The resistance movement, the Falintil fighters, were involved in a campaign of war against the paramilitary forces who were being armed by Indonesia. Xanana was arrested on the 20 November 1992 and sent to Cipinang prison in Jakarta. His place was taken by Jose Ramos Horto. Thousands of East Timorese were being massacred each year by the paramilitaries.
Two major events helped to bring East Timor to world attention: the massacre in Santa Cruz (12 November 1991) and the awarding of the Nobel prize for peace (11 October 1996) to Horto and Bishop Belo, a man who campaigned throughout for human rights. Campaigns were also started around the world, like Tom Hyland's campaign in Ireland, to publicise the plight of the East Timorese.
Suharto resigned on the 21 May 1998 to be replaced by Habibie (pictured bottom right). In February 1999 Habibie unexpectedly announced that he was willing to hold a referendum for East Timorese independence reversing 25 years of intransigence by the Indonesians. The elections were eventually held on 30 August 1999.
Xanana
Horta
Belo