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Timor-Leste

International Pressure Mounts on Indonesia to Restore Calm in East Timor

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Growing violence and martial law imposition in East Timor have led to mounting international pressure on Indonesia to restore calm within 48 hours or accept international peacekeeping troops. The situation in the half-island territory, where hundreds of thousands of people are seeking to secede from Indonesia, has drawn condemnation from the Vatican, the United States, and other international leaders. The United Nations, World Bank, and International Monetary Fund are also pressing Jakarta to honor the results of last week's referendum, in which nearly 80 percent of voters opted for independence.

Key Takeaways:

  • The United Nations has given Indonesia a 24- to 48-hour ultimatum to restore calm in East Timor or face alternative measures to gain control of the situation.
  • A five-member delegation of Security Council ambassadors is en route to Jakarta to meet with top Indonesian officials and press for acceptance of an international peacekeeping force.
  • Australia has agreed to lead an international coalition to protect civilians in East Timor, with up to 7,000 soldiers from various countries, including Australia, Britain, Canada, Malaysia, and New Zealand.
  • The Australian-led force would be voluntary, with costs borne by participating countries.
  • The United States has expressed reluctance to commit to the force, saying it would wait until hearing from the U.N. delegation.
  • Indonesia has refused to accept foreign troops, citing the imposition of martial law as a means to restore order.
  • The situation in East Timor reflects the instability permeating Indonesia and a 23-year-old quest for independence by East Timorese people.

Statistics:

  • 850,000: estimated population of East Timor
  • 80 percent: percentage of voters who opted for independence in last week's referendum
  • 24-48 hours: deadline given by the United Nations to Indonesia to restore calm
  • 5, 000-7, 000: estimated number of soldiers from various countries that could be deployed to East Timor under the Australian-led force
  • 72 hours: estimated timeframe for the Australian-led force to be deployed to East Timor

Sources:

  • "AP reports U.N. compound in Dili shooting at refugees" (Associated Press)
  • "UN to Jakarta: restore order in East Timor" (Reuters)
  • "Australia leads call for intervention in East Timor" (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)

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