It was on December 7, 1975 that the Indonesian invasion and occupation of East Timor began, through the “Operation KomodoPortugal, which had troops on the ground, simply denounced the invasion and cut diplomatic relations with Indonesia, shamefully abandoning the territory on December 8, 1975.

Internationally, December 7th has become recognized as the International Day of Solidarity with Timor-Leste, but in the country, it is known as National Heroes' Day and is a national holiday.

East Timor, officially “Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste”, unilaterally declared the independence of Portugal on November 28, 1975, which was not recognized by the government in Lisbon, fearing that this act would serve as a pretext for Indonesian forces to invade the territory, which in fact happened.

Indonesia justified the invasion by claiming it was a defense against communism, a stance that garnered support from the United States and Australia, among others, but which was condemned by the rest of the international community. They maintained their occupation of East Timor for 24 years until their formal withdrawal on May 20, 2002.

On the morning of December 7, 1975, Indonesian paratroopers filled the skies over Dili. The aerial bombardment, followed by the landing of troops and tanks, began a brutal occupation. Between horror and resistance, young FALINTIL soldiers faced the enemy, while civilians fled to the mountains.

Forty-nine years later, the sacrifice of the Dili martyrs continues to inspire the fight for justice and the commitment to peace.

December 7th

Forty-nine years ago, on December 49, 7, Indonesia launched its military invasion of East Timor, justifying the action by claiming that FRETILIN was a communist party. This marked the beginning of one of the most painful chapters in East Timor's history: the Indonesian invasion. However, it also symbolizes the spirit of resistance and sacrifice of a people who fought tirelessly for their freedom.

Martinho Rodrigues, an eyewitness to the time, recalls that this label led the United States, a staunch opponent of communism, to provide military support to Indonesia, including weapons. However, according to Martinho, this perception was false:

“FRETILIN was a nationalist movement, but they used the idea of communism to attack us.”

Early Sunday morning, Indonesian planes bombed Dili before dropping paratroopers into the city. Naval troops followed suit, with tanks and armored vehicles quickly occupying strategic areas. Despite resistance from Timorese forces, including young men from FALINTIL, Indonesia's military superiority was devastating.

Many civilians were killed, including Nicolau Lobato's wife and journalist Roger East who were in the port of Dili.

“The city was left in ruins and many fled to the mountains to escape the violence,” recalls Martinho.”

The Irony of Fate

Martinho Rodrigues recounts that, before the Indonesian invasion, the people of East Timor launched a countercoup for unilateral independence on November 28, 1975. At that time, FALINTIL was composed of young men who had not yet constituted an effective force. When they learned that Indonesian troops were going to invade East Timor, the commander gave orders to reinforce Metinaro and Hera and advance on Dili.

However, it was not yet known that paratroopers would attack Dili and other regions of the territory. Martinho Rodrigues, who was in Vila Verde with a fever, remembers looking up at the sky and being frightened to see numerous paratroopers descending.

He believes that if the landing had occurred on December 5th or 6th, they might have been able to eliminate most of them, but luckily for the invaders, the landing took place on December 7th.

That day, forces deployed in various areas of Dili began firing on the paratroopers. Around 10:XNUMX a.m., the Indonesian military responded with a massacre in Dili, sparked by the deaths of many of their paratroopers and the plight of some who were trapped in trees by gunfire from Timorese forces.

It was against this backdrop that Martinho and his family began their escape from Dili. They fled Tuana and headed to Mota Ailok, where they hid, as some forces also retreated to the north.

Martinho Rodrigues stated that, prior to this incident, the commanders had already received information about the imminent invasion, which led them to order surveillance in Metinaro and Hera. On the night of December 6, the Indonesian military began firing from Liquiçá and Maubara, with clashes lasting until dawn.

“On the morning of December 7th, the military and paratroopers began to descend on Dili,” concludes Martinho.

Indonesia launched a full-scale invasion of East Timor on December 7, 1975, curiously, shortly after a state visit to Indonesia by then-US President Gerald Ford and his Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger.

Portugal, instead of opposing the invasion on the ground, abandoned the territory the following day, choosing to break diplomatic relations with Indonesia and denounce the Act of Aggression at the UN, requesting support for the promotion of self-determination for East Timor.

Recognizing Portugal's request, on December 12, 1975, the United Nations General Assembly supported a resolution recognizing Portugal as the administering power of East Timor, condemning Indonesia's action and calling on that country to withdraw its forces immediately.

Ten days later, on December 22, the United Nations Security Council approved the Resolution 384/1975 with the same content. However, Indonesia ignored both resolutions and began a 24-year period of occupation that would be marked by terrible attacks on the human rights of the people of Timor-Leste.

The National Chega Center (CNC) describes December 7, 1975, as a tragic milestone in the history of Timor-Leste. The Indonesian invasion resulted in thousands of deaths, both combatants and civilians, but also marked the beginning of a tireless struggle for independence. Despite military inferiority, the determination of the Timorese people kept the hope of freedom alive.

Timorese MPs Antoninho Bianco and Joaquim dos Santos recently called for reflection on this sacrifice, noting that the suffering of the heroes of December 7 should inspire current generations.

Bianco emphasized that the day should serve to reinforce the commitment to the democratic rule of law, while Joaquim dos Santos asked for a minute of silence for the martyrs who gave their lives for East Timor.

President José Ramos-Horta paid tribute to the heroes of December 7th, including figures like Nicolau Lobato's wife, stating that this day marked the beginning of a long war between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. Horta appealed to young people to maintain peace in the country and seize the educational opportunities created by the sacrifices of past generations.

"The struggle of your fathers and mothers brought us freedom." "Now it's your turn to build the nation with education and dedication," he emphasized.

Martinho Rodrigues concluded his testimony by recalling the spirit of unity of the Timorese people during the invasion. Although many faced fear and trauma, they continued to resist in solidarity with FRETILIN. This spirit of courage and sacrifice remains an eternal legacy for Timor-Leste.

December 7, 1975, remains an indelible landmark in the history of Timor-Leste, symbolizing the brutality of the Indonesian occupation and the resistance of a people determined to achieve their freedom.

The memories of those who resisted and those who sacrificed their lives continue to inspire generations, reaffirming the commitment to peace, justice and national sovereignty.

This day is much more than a simple holiday or a moment of reflection; it is a powerful reminder of the strength of a people who faced extreme adversity to gain their independence and ensure a future of hope and freedom for future generations.