1991 Santa Cruz Massacre

The 1991 Santa Cruz Massacre was a tragic and pivotal event in the history of East Timor’s struggle for independence…

By Staff , in East Timor , at January 23, 2025 Tags: east timor

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The 1991 Santa Cruz Massacre was a tragic and pivotal event in the history of East Timor’s struggle for independence from Indonesia. The massacre occurred on November 12, 1991, in Dili, the capital of East Timor, when Indonesian military forces opened fire on a peaceful funeral procession and protest. The event highlighted the brutality of Indonesia’s occupation and brought global attention to the East Timorese independence movement.

Background
Indonesian Occupation:
East Timor was a Portuguese colony until 1975, when Portugal began decolonizing.
After a brief period of independence in 1975, Indonesia invaded and annexed East Timor, claiming it as its 27th province.
The annexation was marked by widespread violence, forced displacement, and famine, with an estimated 200,000 East Timorese dying during the early years of occupation.

Rising Tensions:
By 1991, there was growing resentment against Indonesia’s harsh military rule.
The death of a pro-independence activist, Sebastião Gomes, who was killed by Indonesian troops, became a rallying point for resistance.

The Massacre
The Protest:
On November 12, 1991, a funeral procession for Sebastião Gomes turned into a pro-independence demonstration.
Hundreds of East Timorese, many of them young people, marched to Santa Cruz Cemetery in Dili, carrying banners, flags, and chanting slogans against Indonesian rule.

Indonesian Military Response:
As the protesters gathered in the cemetery, Indonesian military forces moved in to disperse them.
Without warning, the soldiers opened fire on the unarmed crowd, using automatic rifles.
Eyewitness accounts describe people being chased, beaten, and shot as they tried to flee.

Casualties:
Estimates of the death toll vary. Official Indonesian reports initially claimed fewer than 20 fatalities, but independent investigations suggest that between 250 and 400 people were killed or disappeared.
Many were injured or arrested in the aftermath, with reports of detainees being tortured or executed.
Aftermath and Global Reaction

International Exposure:
The massacre was documented by foreign journalists, including British filmmaker Max Stahl, who smuggled video footage of the killings out of East Timor.
This footage was broadcast worldwide, shocking international audiences and exposing the brutality of the Indonesian occupation.

Diplomatic Pressure:
The massacre led to condemnation of Indonesia by the international community, including governments, human rights organizations, and the United Nations.
However, Indonesia continued to receive support from key allies, including the United States and Australia, which prioritized strategic and economic interests.

Impact on the Independence Movement:
The Santa Cruz Massacre became a rallying cry for East Timorese resistance.
It galvanized global solidarity movements and increased international support for East Timor’s independence.

Legacy
East Timor’s Independence:
The massacre marked a turning point in the East Timorese struggle, drawing sustained international attention.
In 1999, following a UN-sponsored referendum, East Timor voted overwhelmingly for independence, despite violent reprisals by Indonesian forces and militias.
East Timor officially became independent in 2002.

Commemoration:
November 12 is observed annually in East Timor as a day of remembrance for the victims of the Santa Cruz Massacre.
The event is seen as a symbol of the resilience and determination of the East Timorese people.

Accountability:
Despite calls for justice, few Indonesian military personnel have been held accountable for their actions during the massacre.
The lack of accountability remains a point of contention in East Timor-Indonesia relations.