But Indonesian colonialism has wrought far greater havoc than the Portuguese ever did in nearly 500 years of colonial rule. Compiled by Carmel Budiardjo . The actual population in 1980 was 555,000. The present population level is about 800,000, of whom at least 150,000 are Indonesian immigrants. Economy 3 East Timor is a resource-rich country, despite claims that it would not be viable if it became independent.
Coffee is produced by large plantations as well as smallholders.
Since the invasion companies run by the Indonesian army have taken over the trade, forced down prices and frequently confiscated coffee in transit. Marble quarrying, like coffee and sandalwood, is now controlled by army-backed monopolies. Oil and gas are the largest natural resources with large reserves in the Timor Sea between East Timor and Australia. In 1989 Australia and Indonesia concluded the Timor Gap Treaty for joint exploitation of these reserves in violation of international law. Twelve multinational companies in Australia, Japan, the US and UK won contracts.