Racial Identity & Nation-State Formation: East Timor (PDF)

3 RACIAL IDENTITY & THE FORMATION OF NATION-STATE: Lesson from East Timor Racial identity is often used to define a sense of collective belonging upon which a nation is built. When a community strongly holds a shared identity, such as one base...

3 RACIAL IDENTITY & THE FORMATION OF NATION-STATE: Lesson from East Timor Racial identity is often used to define a sense of collective belonging upon which a nation is built. When a community strongly holds a shared identity, such as one based on race, people tend to find it easier to agree on common goals, including mobilizing movements to build a nation. In contrast, race can also be a sensitive identity that divides society, putting one identity against others. A relevant example of how race matters as a descriptor and defining factor in building a nation-state in Southeast Asia can be seen in the case of East Timor. PAGE 21 Race Definition UNESCO Statement on Race by Social Scientists in 1950 PAGE 22 Scan for more explanation about race. Race and Human Identity Human differences, articulated through race, are central to the origins of modern social and human sciences. Intellectual and moral justifications for colonialism were provided by theology, biology, and anthropology. Racial stratification emerged through the expansion of political boundaries and migration. Racial identity is associated with issues of discrimination and racism. Colonialism created new categories of human identity. Colonialism shaped and defined the meanings of humanity, culture, freedom, law, sovereignty, and state formation. PAGE 23 How Racial Identity Matters in the Formation of East Timor? East Timor, or Timor Leste, is the newest nation of the 21st century, having gained independence in 2002. In the post-colonial era, East Timor was part of Indonesia as the province of “Timor Timur.” Unlike most areas in Indonesia that mostly occupied by Dutch during the colonial era, East Timor was occupied by the Portuguese. Due to East Timor's status as a young country, it is the only "observer" nation in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This means that East Timor does not hold full membership status like the other ten ASEAN member countries. Linguistically, East Timor is unique as it is the only Southeast Asian country that uses Portuguese as an official language (along with Tetum). The Timorese people are predominantly Christian-Catholic, with around 97% of the population adhering to this faith. They are composed of various ethnic groups, with the majority being Tetum. Culturally, Timorese people belong to the Malayo-Polynesian race. These differences to some extent have contributed to diver the sense of belonging between Timorese and Indonesians. (Map of East Timor: pink area is East Timor territory and green area is parts of Indonesia) PAGE 24 The formation of East Timor to some extent is related to the ethnic identity and race belonging. Do observe the two majority ethnics in East Timor and Indonesia respectively: Some reasons of the Separation of East Timor from Indonesia The historical background reveals that the Timorese did not share the same roots of nationalism as the Indonesians, who united against the Dutch. Instead, East Timor experienced Portuguese domination. Consequently, the Timorese did not face the same struggles against the same occupiers. During the political and military turmoil in East Timor, the Indonesian government employed military operations led by the Indonesian Army. The battles and wars left traumatic memories of violence for most Timorese. As a result, when a referendum was held, the majority of Timorese voted for separation from Indonesia. The Timorese struggle was influenced by local politics, particularly the pro-independence stance of the Fretilin Party. Along with other parties, they formed the National Council of Timorese Resistance, led by Xanana Gusmão. Shortly after East Timor gained independence in 2002, Xanana PAGE 25 Gusmão became its first president. Another key leader is Prime Minister José Ramos-Horta, who won the Nobel Peace Prize and was later elected as the second president of East Timor. Differences in identity between the majority of Timorese and Indonesians, including ethnicity, race, culture, and religion, were contributing factors in the formation of East Timor as a sovereign nation. Significance of Racial Identity to Nation Building Shared sense of belonging and homogeneity aspect. The internal characteristics: racial, religion, or ethnicity identities. Collective movement based on common interests. Commitment towards development with minimum inter-racial issues. PAGE 26 Reflection Imagine there is a student in your class who is the only one as a person with different race. How would you treat this person? Submit your answer in the Google Classroom’s assignment folder! References & further readings: The Myth of Race, retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VnfKgffCZ7U What is Race?, retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyvbsTLXrvM History of East Timor, retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of- East-Timor Dayley, R. (2019). Southeast Asia in the new international era. Routledge. See chapter on East Timor. Molnar, A. K. (2009). Timor Leste: Politics, history, and culture. Routledge. PAGE 27