A Narrative of Denial

Australia and the Indonesian Violation of East Timor

Peter Job

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English

MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY PRES
01 June 2021

General & world history; Australian Society

Learn how the Australian government used the guise of national interest to forge a false account of the Indonesian invasion of East Timor

The Indonesian invasion of East Timor in 1975 led to a prolonged conflict, severe human rights abuses and a large loss of life. From 1975 to 1983 the Indonesian military's campaign of 'encirclement and annihilation' destroyed rural food resources, creating the famine that took most of the lives lost during the occupation. The Australian governments of Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser presented themselves as advocates for human rights and the international rule of law, while viewing relations with Indonesia as key to their foreign policy objectives. These positions came into conflict due to the Indonesian invasion of East Timor.

Based upon an extensive study of Australian foreign affairs archives, as well as interviews, A Narrative of Denial demonstrates how the Australian government responded to the conflict by propagating a version of events that denied the reality of the catastrophe occurring in East Timor. It worked to protect the Suharto regime internationally, thereby allowing it to continue its repression relatively unhindered. This remarkable story will unsettle existing perceptions of how Australia operates in world affairs.

By: Peter Job
Imprint: MELBOURNE UNIVERSITY PRES
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 242mm, Width: 154mm, Spine: 28mm
Weight: 504g
ISBN: 9780522877601
ISBN 10: 0522877605
Pages: 256
Publication Date: 01 June 2021
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Peter Job was involved in the East Timor support movement during the Indonesian occupation, including working on the radio link to Fretilin in 1978. He has a PhD in International and Political Studies from the University of New South Wales in Canberra.