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Timor-Leste

Australia's Commitment to East Timor: Balancing Regional Policeman and Humanitarian Concerns

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Australian troops' involvement in East Timor has sparked a mix of emotions, ranging from widespread support to growing criticism of the escalating costs and harm to Australian soldiers. The commitment to maintain the peacekeeping force in East Timor is long-term, and the support must be sustained despite the mounting costs. Meanwhile, the international community is urged to focus on humanitarian concerns and condemn only the New Order regime's excesses, avoiding nationalist backlash that strengthens the military and status quo. Australian leaders, including Mr. Habibie, are encouraged to acknowledge the country's brave and necessary role in East Timor, and the United Nations is cautioned against easing demands to avoid damaging Indonesia's democratization.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Australian troops' involvement in East Timor has created a complex situation, with both strong support and growing criticism.
  • The commitment to maintain the peacekeeping force in East Timor is long-term, and the support must be sustained despite the mounting costs.
  • The international community is urged to focus on humanitarian concerns and condemn only the New Order regime's excesses, avoiding nationalist backlash.
  • Demonstrators in Jakarta have attacked the Australian embassy, and tens of thousands of Muslims in East Java have signed up for a holy war against the foreign troops.
  • The Australian government has downgraded relations with Indonesia, and the multinational intervention has triggered a flare-up of Indonesian nationalism.
  • Australian soldiers constitute the prime contingent in the international peacekeeping force in East Timor, with 20% of their armed forces earmarked for the operation.
  • The advocates of the supposed special relationship with the Suharto regime have been criticized for failing to recognize where Australia's deepest interests lie.

Statistics:

  • 8,000-strong force is spearheaded by Australian troops in East Timor.
  • 20% of Australian armed forces have been earmarked for the international peacekeeping force in East Timor.
  • 20,000 Muslims in East Java have signed up for a holy war against the foreign troops in East Timor.
  • The Australian government has downgraded relations with Indonesia in response to the crisis.

Sources:

  • THE HUMANITARIAN (Australian newspaper)
  • Jakarta Post (Indonesian newspaper)
  • The Washington Post (US newspaper)
  • Globe and Mail (Canadian newspaper)
  • Ha'aretz (Israeli newspaper)
  • The Age (Australian newspaper)

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