Decolonization of East Timor

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