How Did East Timor's Fight For Independence?

Timor has been fighting for its independence ever since it was established as a trading port by the Portuguese in the 1600s. After a conflict with the Dutch in 1749, the Portuguese subsequently retreated to the eastern side of Timor and asserted their claim over the Timorese resources and people. Despite Portugal’s neutral stance in World War 2, Portuguese Timor was occupied for a brief period of time by the British and Australians to prevent a Japanese invasion but despite their efforts, in 1942, the Japanese invaded West Timor, which previously had been a part of the Netherlands, and Portuguese East Timor. After the retreat of the Japanese, Portugal returned to stake their claim on East Timor. Following the ‘Carnation Revolution’ in Portugal, the new government preferred a gradual decolonisation process for countries under Portuguese Rule in Africa and Asia

Protesters were gathered in the cemetery, and at the funeral procession for Sebastio Gomez, an independence supporter. Indonesian military opened fire into the crowd and afterwards, sealed off the area so that religious workers and paramedics could not come in. In the later years, foreign embassies saw East Timorese fleeing to countries like Jakarta to seek political asylum. In 1999, Indonesia decided to consider independence if the East Timorese rejected the idea of a special autonomy for them within the Unitary Republic of Indonesia. Later that year, both Indonesia and Portugal signed an agreement to let the East Timorese vote on their future. After the result of the referendum showed that 78% favoured independence, the anti-independence militia, assisted by the Indonesian military, resumed their campaign of terror and martial law was imposed. Australian peace-keeping forces restored order and the Indonesian government was forced to recognise the outcome of the