In 1976, East Timor, a territory that had recently declared independence from Portuguese colonial rule, was officially annexed by Indonesia and became its 27th province. Following the withdrawal of Portuguese forces and a brief civil war, the Indonesian government, led by President Suharto, intervened militarily. The rationale behind the annexation was primarily driven by fears of a communist takeover in the region, especially during the Cold War when geopolitical considerations were paramount. As a result, Indonesia launched a military invasion in 1975, which was met with resistance from the East Timorese population, leading to significant human rights violations and loss of life.The annexation was formalized through a unilateral declaration, prompting widespread condemnation from various international entities including the United Nations. Despite this, Indonesia maintained control over East Timor, implementing policies aimed at integrating the territory economically and culturally. This included efforts to suppress the local culture and promote Indonesian identity. Over the years, resistance movements emerged, advocating for independence and self-determination, which persisted through decades of occupation. The struggle reached a notable point in the late 1990s, leading to East Timor's eventual independence in 2002 after a UN-supervised referendum.