By: Kylie Edmundson

The Historical Commission of Inquiry of 2005 (COI) is working to investigate accountability and justice in Indonesian courts, specifically focusing on the cases covering a 1999 violent outbreak in Timor-Leste (formerly Timor East). Following their investigation, the Commissioners report that the courts are not holding individuals adequately accountable for their actions. 

Timor-Leste was invaded by Indonesia in 1975, following a long history of colonization from Portugal. Indonesia occupied Timor-Leste until 1999, when they held a referendum on the autonomous integration of Timor-Leste to Indonesia. After a vote against autonomous integration and in favor of independence, Indonesian soldier-backed militias struck back with violence, leading to death and displacement. Indonesia ended its occupation of Timor-Leste, and by 2004 trials had been held for those who acted with violence in 1999. 

A variety of interviews with Indonesian officials, reporters, judges and more have led to the Commissioners’ decision. They have found issues concerning the effectiveness of these court cases, specifically with possible intimidation, bias, and a lack of accountability by Indonesian officials. The COI is ending their report with several recommendations for the Security Council to move forward in solving the issues raised in their investigation.