On the 20th of September this year, a commemorative service will be held to mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste. Hosted by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs, the service will be held at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra and televised nationally on ABC TV.
Australia has had a significant role in East Timor/Timor Leste, with our involvement commencing in 1999 as a result of the East Timor War. The bulk of this campaign lasted almost 15 years until 2013 and had a huge impact on many servicemen and women – many of whom are veterans today and living with the legacy of that work. It should be noted that many Australians continued to serve after this time and in fact, Australia still has a presence in Timor Leste today.
The conflict in East Timor has a long history, reaching as far back as a treaty in 1859 when the Dutch and the Portuguese were battling for control in the region. East Timor landed in the hands of the Portuguese and remained there until independence was granted in 1975. However, this was only briefly enjoyed – Indonesia invaded just days later and occupied East Timor for the next two decades. During this time, Indonesia contributed significantly to infrastructure but simultaneously caused enormous death and destruction. More than 100,000 East Timorese are thought to have died during Indonesian occupation. Sadly, Australia hesitated to get involved during this time, prioritising harmony in their relationship with Indonesia.
The resignation of Indonesian President Suharto in 1998 would become a turning point for the East Timorese and independence was finally within reach after a referendum was held in 1999. The United Nations and Australian officers supervised and assisted the voting process which saw 98.6% of the nation’s registered voters cast their ballot. The result was a majority vote for independence which resulted in chaos and destruction by pro-Indonesian militia. A peacekeeping force was needed and the International Force East Timor (INTERFET) was quickly established and led by Australia’s Major General Peter Cosgrove.
Tamara Sloper-Harding was an intelligence officer in the Deployable Joint Force Headquarters and learned during her wedding reception that just days after, she would be deployed to East Timor. “I was under General Cosgrove’s command with INTERFET and did a lot of analysis and briefings for senior officers”, explains Tamara. “I was fortunate to travel all over the country to the districts and meet with the locals”. Almost half of those in INTERFET were Australian Army, Airforce, and Navy personnel and their role was to offer support, security, stability and restore calm. “I learnt a tremendous amount from the Timorese people”, says Tamara. “Forgiveness, faith and resilience are evident in their daily lives. I admire the Timorese for this strength of character”.
The legacy of Australia’s involvement in Timor Leste resonates today, with Australia’s long-term support a key factor in the nation achieving and sustaining stability and independence. Along with reflecting on the devastation and futility of the war in the region, the 25th anniversary also offers a chance to reflect on the hard work of Australian forces who spent time there. It’s also a time to honour the sacrifices and recognise the impact of those years on those who served, as well as the thousands of Timorese who suffered under foreign occupation.
The time spent in Timor Leste has been life-changing for Tamara. “The lasting impact of my experiences prompted me to start the charity Friends of Soibada to aid a community in Timor Leste with recovery and sustainable development projects”, she explains. “The PTSD I have as a result of my service there is eased by my continued involvement with the people. I have witnessed the country’s recovery and growth and it makes our very small part in it worthwhile”.
Like many veterans, Tamara will take part in the commemorations along with a number of serving personnel and government officials. “I’m travelling back to Dili for the anniversary and it feels different from the many trips I have had there over the last 15 years. It’s great to commemorate our friendship and the peace and independence that the Timorese deserve”.
The Commemorative Service to mark the 25th anniversary of Australian service in Timor-Leste will be held at 9.30 am at the Australian Peacekeeping Memorial in Canberra on Friday 20th September. The service will be broadcast nationally on ABC TV at 10am and can be watched later on demand on ABC iView.
If you’re a veteran, know a veteran or are the family member of a veteran who is going through difficulties, you can contact the Australian Government’s Department of Veterans’ Affairs for assistance or contact us at Veteran Housing Australiaand we can point you in the right direction.
