1999 East Timorese crisis facts for kids

The 1999 East Timorese crisis was a time of conflict and violence in East Timor. It happened when groups of fighters, called militias, who did not want East Timor to become independent, attacked people. These attacks led to more violence across the country, especially in the capital Dili.

This violence started after a special vote, or election, showed that most people wanted East Timor to be independent from Indonesia. About 1,400 people are believed to have died. To help stop the violence and bring peace, the UN sent a special force called InterFET. This force was mostly made up of soldiers from the Australian Defence Force.

What Happened in East Timor?

Why Did People Vote?

In 1999, Indonesia was under a lot of pressure from other countries. Because of this, the Indonesian government decided to hold a special vote. This referendum asked the people of East Timor if they wanted to stay with Indonesia or become independent. Portugal had also worked to make this vote happen.

The vote took place on August 30. A large number of people, 78.5%, voted to become independent. The other choice was to stay with Indonesia but have many freedoms as an autonomous province. This was called the Special Autonomous Region of East Timor (SARET).

The Violence Begins

Right after the vote, violence started. This violence came from Indonesian soldiers and from a special East Timorese militia that supported Indonesia. These troops became violent and scared the people. They did not like how the people had voted.

About 1,400 Timorese people were killed. Around 300,000 people had to run away to West Timor to live as refugees. Most of the country's buildings and systems were destroyed. This included houses, watering systems, and the electricity supply.

How Peace Was Restored: InterFET

On September 20, 1999, peacekeeping troops arrived in East Timor. These troops were part of the International Force for East Timor (INTERFET). They were led by Australia, and their arrival helped to stop the violence.

People in Portugal, Australia, the United States, and other places pushed their governments to act. US President Bill Clinton eventually warned Indonesia. He said that IMF loans to Indonesia would stop. Indonesia was already having big money problems at that time.

The Indonesian government then agreed to pull its troops out. It also allowed a multinational force into East Timor to make the area safe. The UN knew it did not have enough resources to fight the armed groups directly. So, the UN approved the creation of INTERFET. This force was made up of soldiers from 23 different nations, about 11,000 people in total. Major-General Peter Cosgrove led the force. The troops landed in East Timor on September 20, 1999.

Images for kids

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  Indonesian President BJ Habibie takes the presidential oath of office on May 21, 1998.

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  Destruction in Dili after the violence.

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  HMAS Jervis Bay arriving in Dili in October 1999, bringing supplies and support.

See also

In Spanish: Crisis de Timor Oriental de 1999 para niños