The Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975 marked a tragic chapter in the nation's history. Indonesia's military intervention came just weeks after East Timor had achieved independence from Portugal. Indonesia's pretext for invasion was the alleged communist ties of East Timor's political party and resistance organization, FRETILIN, which they used to evade international condemnation. The invasion resulted in widespread violence and brutality, displacing millions of people and causing the deaths of approximately one-third of the population by 1978.
Indonesia's motivations for the invasion were multifaceted. They perceived FRETILIN's communist affiliations as a security threat, sought control of the Timor Sea for vital trade routes, considered East Timor a part of their territory due to historical and cultural ties, and coveted the region's rich oil and gas reserves.
The invasion, known as "Operation Seroja" or "Operation Lotus," destabilized East Timor and led to human rights abuses by Indonesian troops, including illegal killings, kidnappings, sexual violence, and unlawful arrests. One tragic incident occurred in Dili in 1991, when Indonesian forces opened fire on a peaceful procession, resulting in the deaths of around 250-300 people, including students and innocent citizens.
The international community faces a critical decision on whether to support East Timor's fight for freedom and sovereignty or recognize Indonesia's claim to the territory. It is imperative for delegates to address the ongoing human rights abuses and reach a consensus on immediate social and political actions to combat the mass genocide in East Timor.
Committee locations are TBD.