Worksheet

CSPE Links

Each issue of Student Xpress will focus on a part of the world or world issue and attempt to give students an understanding of the region or issue. The first article focuses on East Timor and Indonesia. Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world and so it plays a very important part in world affairs.

East Timor was chosen because it was a part of the world where serious conflict existed and it has now gained full independence from its occupiers. In one sense it is a complete story. In the next issue we will focus on Cuba.

CSPE students should carry out the following work using the preceding pages as a reference. A folder should be compiled based on the conflicts covered in each issue of Student Xpress.

Task 1: Compile a fact-sheet

Before a student can understand a situation in the world they need to have an idea of its location in the world, a basic history and a knowledge of the main players in the conflict.

• Get an A3 sheet of paper and enter information on it as shown on the fact-sheet above.
• In the centre of the sheet draw a map of Indonesia from your atlas. Go through the CSPE article and mark in on your map all references to cities and islands.
• Main characters: Make a list on your fact-sheet of the main players in the conflict. Put the East Timorese down the left side of the page and Indonesians on the right. Put in the name and their role. You can also choose to put in their photos. You can download their photos from this internet site or cut them from the CSPE article in the paper.
• Statistics: Above the map make a list of the most relevant statistics - size, population, language etc..
• Historical Dates: Below the map put in a list of the more important historical dates.

Most of the information you require is contained in the CSPE article. When the fact-sheet is complete fold it in two. Punch 2 holes at the open end and put into your folder. Write East Timor Fact-Sheet on the clear side. When you open your folder you simply open out the fact-sheet.

Task 2: Questions

1. How did Timor come to be divided into East and West. Who rules each side?
2. Why did the Indonesian government invade East Timor in 1975 after East Timor declared independence when the Portuguese pulled out?
3. During the Indonesian occupation of East Timor, a number of important events took place which raised world awareness of the situation there. List 3 such events.
4. Explain Ireland's role in helping to resolve the conflict in East Timor? Do you think their role was important?
5. Jose Xanana Gusmao was the popular leader of the resistance movement in East Timor. He was jailed in 1992 and has only been recently released. Xanana had a huge impact on East Timor achieving independence. Can you name two other figures around the world who have had a similar role in their country?
6. The Santa Cruz cemetery massacre took place on 12 November 1991. What happened that day? Why was it a turning point in East Timor's history?
7. East Timor is experiencing freedom for the first time in hundreds of years. What challenges face the country now? How are the people adjusting to their new lives?
8. Now that East Timor has gained independence other parts of Indonesia will try to secede (gain independence). What parts of Indonesia are looking for independence? Why is it so difficult for the Indonesian government to stop the break-up of the country?
   

   Task 3: Build up a scrap-book

   Be on the look-out for articles associated with Indonesia and East Timor. Build up a scrap-book in your folder with newspaper cuttings. Now that you have a good understanding of the region you will be able to understand newspaper articles and news bulletins about the region. Also download material from the web on the region and include it in your folder.
   

   Task 4: Link up with a school from East Timor

   Full details are on the previous page. If your school wishes to become involved then please fill out the form and submit it. The East Timor Irish organisation will contact you in response. If you want any more information call Oran in the office at (01) 671 9207.
   Back to Timor Homepage | Prev