Ainaro, June 19, 2026 – The Centro Nacional Chega!I.P and the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (GT-PRT), along with local authorities, traditional elders, and communities from Mauchiga and Dare (Mulo) in the Administrative Post of Hatubuilico, Ainaro Municipality, held a cultural ceremony called matak malirin or ‘the green and the cool,’ in accordance with Hatubuilico customs. This traditional ritual was conducted to formalize customary laws and prohibitions, known as ‘ukun no bandu’, effectively addressing the historical narrative and memories related to the uprising that took place on August 20, 1982. The ceremony was held at Uma-lisan, also known as the ‘Sacred House,’ Kolitatada in Mauchiga Village.
A distinguished delegation of state institutions and dignitaries also participated, including Gil da Costa Monteiro “Oan Soru”, Minister of National Liberation Combatants Affairs (MKLN); Vidal de Jesus “Riak Leman”, President of the National Council of Liberation Combatants (CCLN); Manuela Georgina Carmo Bucar Corte-Real, Authority President of Ainaro Municipal; Representative of the Ministry of State Administration, Representative of Ministry of Interior, Authority of Defense and Security and other entities.
During the event, Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega!, emphasized in his remarks that the Mauchiga-Dare Uprising on August 20, 1982, has been documented in the report of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR-Chega!). He noted that this uprising is known not only within the communities of Mauchiga, Dare, Hatubuilico, and Ainaro, but also by people both in the country and abroad. They are aware of how the community resisted this event, including the number of people who died, the people who were displaced, who were moved to Dotik-Same, and who were exiled to Atauro Island.
Hugo affirmed that this uprising demonstrated its patriotism and strong sense of nationalism. We must honor our leaders, who serve as living witnesses present with us at this place, including the Minister of National Liberation of Combatants Affairs (MAKLN), ‘Oan Soru’; the President of the Council of National Liberation of Combatants (CCLN), ‘Riak Leman’; Augustu de Arajo ‘Tara’; and Julio da Conceição ‘Loro Mesak.’ We also acknowledge the participating communities that played a vital role in the uprising.
“The people of Mauchiga and Dare should be proud that their history is not only recognized by this community but is known worldwide,” said the Director at the Mauchiga headquarters, after the Matak Malirin ceremony concluded.
The Matak Malirin cultural ceremony, held in Mauchiga, aims to end cycles of hatred and revenge across generations, fostering peace and creating a safe environment for the communities of Mauchiga and Dare.
These activities are carried out based on the Decree-Law No. 48/2016 on December 14th, with the vision of “Inclusive societies, history of the past to be unrepeated, living peacefully, and respecting human rights. “Its mission is to establish post-conflict centers, preserve the memories of the past, promote the values of human rights, build national and international partners, and strengthen the network to implement the relevant recommendations made in the final Report of the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR)-Chega!, and Commission for Truth and Friendship (CTF) – Per Memoriam Ad Spem.”
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