Polity East Timor

This article is about the specific polity East Timor and therefore only includes events related to its territory and not to its possessions or colonies. If you are interested in the possession, this is the link to the article about the nation which includes all possessions as well as all the different incarnations of the nation.

If you are looking for the page with the statistics about this polity you can find it here: All Statistics

In 1975 the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) declared the territory's independence form Portugal. However, East Timor ceased its existence a few years later when it was invaded by Indonesia.

Establishment

  • November 1975: The Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (Fretilin) declared the territory's independence.
  • December 1975: Battle of Dili.
  • December 1975: In 1975, Indonesian forces invaded Baucau, the second largest town in East Timor, resulting in its capture. This military occupation was part of Indonesia's efforts to annex East Timor, a former Portuguese colony.
  • December 1975: Indonesian conquest of Laga.
  • December 1975: Around 10,000 to 15,000 Indonesian troops landed at Liquisa and Maubara.
  • December 1975: Indonesian conquest of Atauro.
  • December 1975: Indonesian conquest of Manatuto.
  • December 1975: Indonesian conquest of Aileu.

Chronology

Interactive Chronologies with maps are available in the section Changes Navigation

1. Indonesian invasion of East Timor

The Indonesian military (ABRI/TNI) invaded East Timor under the pretext of anti-colonialism and anti-communism to overthrow the Fretilin regime that had emerged in 1974.

  • December 1975: Battle of Dili.
  • December 1975: In 1975, Indonesian forces invaded Baucau, the second largest town in East Timor, resulting in its capture. This military occupation was part of Indonesia's efforts to annex East Timor, a former Portuguese colony.
  • December 1975: Indonesian conquest of Laga.
  • December 1975: Around 10,000 to 15,000 Indonesian troops landed at Liquisa and Maubara.
  • December 1975: Indonesian conquest of Atauro.
  • December 1975: Indonesian conquest of Aileu.
  • December 1975: Indonesian conquest of Manatuto.
  • January 1976: Indonesian conquest of Oecusse-Ambeno.
  • February 1976: Indonesian conquest of Maubisse.
  • February 1976: Indonesian conquest of Tutuala.
  • February 1976: Indonesian conquest of Lautem.
  • February 1976: Indonesian conquest of Lospalos.
  • February 1976: Indonesian conquest of Suai, Tilumar, Zumalai.
  • February 1976: Indonesian conquest of Ainaro.
  • March 1976: Indonesian conquest of Ermera.
  • August 1976: Indonesian conquest of Hato-Udo.
  • August 1976: Indonesian conquest of Viqueque and Beaco.
  • November 1976: Based on available maps.
  • January 1978: Indonesian conquest of the western part of the State of East Timor.
  • July 1978: Indonesian forces occupy the central region of East Timor.
  • November 1978: Indonesian conquest of Matebian.
  • April 1979: Indonesia fully occupied East Timor.

Disestablishment

  • April 1979: Indonesia fully occupied East Timor.

Selected Sources

  • Durand, F. B (2016): History of Timor-Leste, Chiang Mai (Thailand), p. 114
  • East Timor and Indonesia Action Network. Retrieved on may 11th, 2021 on https://www.etan.org/etanpdf/2006/CAVR/03-History-of-the-Conflict.pdf