Why did the Indonesians invade Timor?

The Indonesian invasion of East Timor, known in Indonesia as Operation Lotus (Indonesian: Operasi Seroja), began on 7 December 1975 when the Indonesian military (ABRI/TNI) invaded East Timor under the pretext of anti-colonialism and anti-communism to overthrow the Fretilin regime that had emerged in 1974.

Where did Timorese people come from?

INTRODUCTION. The Timorese people live on the island of Timor in Southeast Asia and also on some nearby islands. Because of their colonial history —the Portuguese occupying the eastern half of the island and several enclaves in the west and the Dutch the remainder —important differences have emerged over time.

Who were the victims of the East Timor genocide?

In June 1976, TNI troops badly battered by a Fretilin attack exacted retribution against a large refugee camp housing 5–6,000 Timorese at Lamaknan near the West Timor border. After setting several houses on fire, Indonesian soldiers massacred as many as 4,000 men, women and children.

What race is Timor?

The Timorese are a racially mixed people composed of Melanesian and Malay genetic elements. In addition, in common with other former Portuguese colonies where interracial marriage was common, there is also smaller population of people of mixed Timorese and Portuguese origin, known in Portuguese as Mestiço.

What nationality are the East Timorese?

Their different ethnic affiliations reflect those in their homeland – 61 per cent were Chinese, 40 per cent Timorese, and 10 per cent Portuguese. Most recent arrivals speak Bahasa Indonesia, the only permitted language under Indonesian rule, and many are bilingual but do not speak English.

Why did the East Timor genocide start?

In an attempt to terrorize the populace to vote against independence, the army unleashed local paramilitary forces known as ninjas to murder hundreds of people. Despite this effort, 78.5% of East Timorese voted for independence, setting off another round of massacres.