Answer :
Portugal retained control of eastern Timor long after the Dutch relinquished control over the East Indies, with East Timor ultimately gaining independence in 2002. Therefore, the correct option is A
Portugal held onto eastern Timor well after the Dutch left the East Indies. The eastern half of Timor was a Portuguese colony starting from the sixteenth century. This region was claimed and colonized by the Portuguese, differentiating from the western half that was under Dutch control. After the Japanese occupation during World War II, Indonesia declared independence in 1949 and later annexed the whole island in 1975. However, due to separatist movements and ensuing conflict, East Timor was finally granted independence in 2002, with the help of international peacekeeping forces, including Australia, and recognition from the United Nations (UN).
