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United Nations

Indonesia to Hand Over East Timor to UN Administration

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Indonesian government is set to transfer authority over East Timor to the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) following a unanimous resolution by the UN Security Council. UNTAET will be granted all legislative and executive powers, including administration of justice, security, and law enforcement. The handover process is being coordinated with the Indonesian Army and the UN peacekeeping force, Interfet, with the aim of maintaining stability and order in the territory.

Key Takeaways:

  • UNTAET will exercise all legislative and executive authority over East Timor, including administration of justice, security, and law enforcement.
  • The handover process is being coordinated with the Indonesian Army and the UN peacekeeping force, Interfet, to ensure a smooth transition.
  • 925 Indonesian Army personnel remain in East Timor, and the KRI Teluk Penyu warship is on standby to transport them out.
  • An official handover ceremony is planned in Dili, attended by representatives from the Post Popular Consultation in East Timor (P4TT), UNTAET, and the Indonesian Army (TNI).
  • East Timor was a Portuguese colony until 1975 and was occupied by Indonesia after Portugal's withdrawal in 1976.
  • The UN has considered East Timor a non-self-governing territory since its occupation by Indonesia.

Statistics:

  • 925 Indonesian Army personnel remain in East Timor.
  • 800,000 East Timorese are affected by the violence and anarchy that led to the deployment of the UN peacekeeping force, Interfet.
  • May 5: The UN-sponsored referendum agreement between Portugal and Indonesia.
  • August 30: The date of the referendum in favor of independence.
  • 1975: East Timor was a Portuguese colony.
  • 1976: Indonesia occupied East Timor after Portugal's withdrawal.

Sources:

  • XINHUA ( Oct. 26 )
  • COMTEX (http://www.comtexnews.com)

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