Decolonization of East Timor

On Sunday at midnight (May 20), East Timor became independent (the writer wishes to extend his congratulations to the people of East Timor as well as to President Xanana Gusmao).

The writer remembers a similar happy event more than 50 years ago. It was around Christmas 1949, after a roundtable conference between Indonesia and the Netherlands when the latter finally recognized Indonesia's independence and began the decolonization process.

What an irony if one reflects on Indonesia's process of decolonization in East Timor. First of all, Indonesia was the first country among the Asian/African countries (most of them post-colonial states) to loudly proclaim its stance against colonialism and imperialism. But what else could the invasion and annexation of East Timor by Indonesia in 1975 be called but an act of colonialism and imperialism on the part of Indonesia against its small neighbor.

The process of decolonization is a painful one for whoever is going through it. With East Timor's independence, Indonesia has reached the full cycle of history. Apologies and regrets to the people of East Timor are in order.

ONGHOKHAM

Jakarta