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Indonesia

Diplomatic Tensions Rise Over East Timor Security Force

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Diplomatic tensions have deepened between Australia and Indonesia over the planned deployment of an international security force to East Timor. Indonesia's political affairs minister, Feisal Tanjung, accused Australia of interfering in Indonesia's internal affairs, citing its "attitude and actions" over East Timor. The move comes as Australia has taken the lead in international lobbying for a peacekeeping operation in East Timor. Australia had previously signed a security pact with Indonesia in 1995, which was largely symbolic and aimed at fostering open discussions about strategic intentions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Indonesia cancelled a security pact with Australia, citing Australia's interference in its internal affairs over East Timor.
  • Australian officials interpreted Jakarta's move as opposition from Indonesia's armed forces to the planned peacekeeping operation.
  • The UN announced the appointment of a Thai military officer as deputy commander of the International Force for East Timor, under Australian commander Maj Gen Peter Cosgrove.
  • Malaysia reversed its earlier decision not to participate in the initial security force and will have a presence in both the initial security force and the peacekeeping operation.
  • Prime Minister John Howard played down the significance of Jakarta's withdrawal from the security pact, but acknowledged that bilateral relations are under strain.
  • General Wiranto, the Indonesian military commander, expressed support for the intervention and announced some Indonesian troops would be withdrawn from East Timor.
  • Indonesian troops in East Timor were involved in violent activities just a week ago but have since been on their best behavior, handing out rice to refugees and clearing debris.

Statistics:

  • The planned peacekeeping operation will consist of at least 7,000 peacekeepers.
  • The International Force for East Timor, or Interfet, will be led by Australian commander Maj Gen Peter Cosgrove.
  • The UN will have a deputy commander of the force, a Thai military officer will be appointed to the role.
  • Malaysia will participate in both the initial security force and the peacekeeping operation.
  • Indonesian troops will withdraw from East Timor, with numbers unspecified.

Sources:

  • The Financial Times, 1999.
  • Quote from Indonesian Political Affairs Minister Feisal Tanjung.
  • Quote from Australian Prime Minister John Howard.
  • Quote from General Wiranto, Indonesian military commander.

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