Badge, Free East Timor now, Australia, pre 2002
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
2002
Alternative Name(s): Button Protest badge against the Indonesian occupation of East Timor. East Timor is a territory just north of Australia that was freed from Portugal's colonial rule and subsequently occupied by Indonesia in 1975. At the time, Australia's Prime Minister, Gough Whitlam had close ties with the Indonesian leader so they did not react to the invasion.
The majority of the population wanted independence from Indonesia so an international solidarity movement arose to support them, led by by churches, human rights groups, and peace campaigners who put on demonstrations and vigils. This badge probably belongs to an Australian manifestation of solidarity. Activists in Australia tried to send aid to the region, but the Indonesian forces prevented all help for the first months after the invasion, which resulted in mass starvation. The conflict lasted for decades, with the Santa Cruz Massacre as a turning point. 250 pro-independence citizens of East Timor were murdered in 1991, and this is when international human rights watch started paying more attention.
The majority of the population voted for independence in a 1999 referendum and this status was granted to the nation in 2002. Badge possibly issued by International Socialist Organisation. Round metal badge in red with white writing. Text with the image of a clenched fist. Pin on back.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 2
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Historical context
These protest badges were purchased by the donor in various opportunity shops; a detailed provenance about the campaigns in which they were used in therefore not available. They date from the mid-1990s, and all were probably used in demonstrations in Melbourne.
Some relate to the State Government of Jeff Kennett (1992 -1997); others for campaigns for oil rights for East Timor, and independence from the Indonesian Government; others relate to student demonstrations.
Physical characteristics
- Material
- metal
- Dimensions
- Overall Dimensions: 350 mm (Length), 350 mm (Circumference)
Design
- Marks and inscriptions
- Text: free / east timor / now!
Identification
- Source note
- Transcribed from the Museums Victoria, Melbourne collection record for this single object (sentences kept verbatim apart from removed sale or rarity wording); how far it represents a wider collectible type has not been independently verified.
- Candidate id
- mv-717945
- Museum object name
- Badge - Free East Timor now! Australia, pre 2002
- Holding institution
- Museums Victoria, Melbourne
- Museum object number
- HT 3451
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: confirm the wider type, maker and dating against a specialist reference; this entry documents one recorded example.