East Timor: The Price of Freedom

by John G. Taylor

The people of East Timor voted overwhelmingly in August 1999 for independence and an end to Indonesian occupation. In this updated and much expanded edition of Indonesia's Forgotten The Hidden History of East Timor (Zed Books, rev ed 1994), John Taylor tells the story of what happened following President Suharto's overthrow. The new government conceded the right of the United Nations to organise the long delayed referendum giving the East Timorese a choice between continued association with Indonesia or independence. At the very moment the historic vote was being counted, armed gangs organised by the Indonesian military plunged the island into an orgy of killing, burning and forced flight. John Taylor analyses the world's reaction to this new genocide of the East Timorese people, the despatch of a peacekeeping force, and the prospects of independence.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Hardcover

First published February 5, 2000

Reviews

[Alan Wightman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A history of the Indonesian occupation of East Timor from 1974 right up to the independence vote in 1999. Interesting.

[JK · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although informative, it was utterly depressing to hear what the Indonesians did to this place. The writing was fine, the research seemed informed and cross-referenced, but it is a bit out of date. If you know the cast of characters, reading the time line in the back is probably enough information for most.