A People Rebuilding: East Timor
Case Study
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| Teacher's Notes | Student Activities |
| Introduction |
East Timor is one of Australia's nearest neighbours, only 480 kilometres north of Darwin. It consists of the eastern part of Timor Island, a small area called Oecussi (within West Timor) and two small nearby islands. The island of Timor is volcanic, mountainous and has thick rainforest areas. It has two seasons - wet and dry. Farming is carried out in the flatter southern part of East Timor.
| Recent History |
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to come to East Timor in 1514. They occupied the eastern half of the island, while the Dutch later settled the western half. In 1975 after the Portuguese moved out, a resistance group called FRETILIN argued that East Timor people should rule themselves. On 7 December, 1975, Indonesian soldiers invaded East Timor. In early 1999, the Indonesian Government said the East Timor people could decide whether they would rule themselves or stay part of Indonesia. On 30 August, 1999, a ballot was held, with 98% of the population registering to vote. Of those, almost 80% voted for independence. There was much social unrest. Dili and many other towns were destroyed.
| A People Rebuilding |
By early 2000, peacekeeping forces had helped make East Timor a safer place. Aid agencies began helping with food provision, shelter and health supplies. This work will continue throughout 2000 until the next crops are harvested and therefore a food source is secure.
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| An East Timorese boy sells grain in Dili Market. The market has come back to life since peace was restored. |
East Timor people now have the big task of rebuilding and making the people feel safe to live the way they choose. They are doing this in partnership with the United Nations, international banks and many non-government humanitarian agencies. The work includes:
- continuing emergency supplies (food and health), particularly in Oecussi;
- nationwide immunisation and disease prevention campaigns against diseases;
- return of refugees to their homes;
- planting of crops;
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| Though school books and equipment are in short supply in East Timor, there is no shortage of dedicated people working to restore the education system. |
- rebuilding of roads, hospitals and clinics, water, power, community services and many other things;
- helping form good government;
- repairing and caring for the environment while rebuilding
- co-ordinating the work of aid agencies;
- rebuilding and reopening schools.
Australia has promised to help East Timor people. With this help and the help of many other countries, East Timor can build itself as one of the world's newest nations.
© Commonwealth of Australia