Dili, June 9, 2026 – His Excellency Hermenegildo Augusto Cabral Pereira, the Acting Prime Minister and current Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (MPCM), officially inaugurated the new Centro Chega! Archive Center, and launched the Archival Exhibition and the opening of the national seminar titled “Policy and Legal Framework on Archives and the Cybernetics Law Draft,” held at the Chega! Archive, Antigo Comarca Balide, Dili.
During the ceremony, the Acting Prime Minister signed the inaugural plaque for the new Archive Center, presented Certificates of Appreciation to companies, cut the ceremonial ribbon, and toured the new facility. He also witnessed the signing of an equipment handover agreement between Centro Chega!, I.P., and UNESCO. The event was attended by members of the government, members of the National Parliament, representatives from the Presidency of the Republic, board members of Centro Chega!, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Timor-Leste, the Director of UNESCO, UNESCO’s Representative to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, the KOICA Country Director to Timor-Leste, international agencies, and strategic partners of Centro Chega!.
In his opening remarks, Hugo Maria Fernandes, the Executive Director of Centro Chega!, welcomed the honored guests to Antigo Comarca Balide. He emphasized that the establishment of the Chega! Archive Center in response to Centro Chega!’s mission to implement the recommendations of the Commission for Reception, Truth and Reconciliation (CAVR), regarding institutionalizing memory and promoting human rights through education, training, and solidarity with vulnerable survivors of human rights violations. Additionally, the common recommendations from the CAVR and the Commission for Truth and Friendship CVA) regarding the establishment of a national center for memory, research, and learning.
The construction of the Archive Center began in 2024 and was completed in March 2026. It was funded by the infrastructure budget of the Ministry of Planning for Strategic Investments (MPIE) under the IX Governmental Constitution. The project, from its design to its construction as a work, was carried out by Timorese workers at Centro Chega!. Its details were designed by Niceles Company, while the construction was contracted to Nazareth and Quatro Colegas Company. The entire process was supervised by the Ministry of Public Works and the National Development Agency (ADN).
The Archive Center has been completed with the necessary facilities, archive digitization, and a library. This initiative, supported by the people and government of Korea, serves as a symbol of friendship between Korea and the people of Timor-Leste. The project is implemented by Centro Chega! in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Finance, and UNESCO. It began four years ago and is titled “Digitalization of the CHEGA National Center for Conflict Reconciliation and Peacebuilding in Timor-Leste.”
He highlighted that Centro Chega! has developed a training module for primary and secondary teachers. The Centro Chega! has conducted training for 500 teachers and provided training for Centro Chega! employees and Timorese researchers, and facilitated study exchanges to South Korea, Cambodia, and Indonesia. Additionally, they have established archival systems for the Timorese Archives Information System (TAIS) and the Library Information System and Network (LISAN).
On behalf of Centro Chega!, we would like to express our profound gratitude to the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Timor-Leste, the Director of UNESCO, UNESCO Representatives to Indonesia and Timor-Leste, the Director of the KOICA Mission to Timor-Leste, and the Ministries of Finance and Education. Their support has been invaluable in helping Centro Chega! preserve the memory of the Timorese people, ensuring that it serves as a lesson for the Timorese, the region, and the international community.
Inocêncio de Jesus Xavier, a board member of the Administration of Centro Chega! and representative of the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Timor-Leste and UNESCO for their strategic partnership with Centro Chega! in supporting and implementing its mandate. He stated, “I believe that the established facilities and systems will help Centro Chega! preserve memories. Therefore, we hope that the Republic of Korea, through KOICA and UNESCO, will continue to support the future development of the archival center.”
Inocêncio affirmed that the Chega! Archive Center has been established with the mandate of Centro Chega! to preserve the memory of the past and make it accessible to all people, to learn historical memories of the people of Timor-Leste, regarding their participation in the struggle for their fundamental right to self-determination. People will learn about the collective resistance of the Timorese in their struggle for independence.
Augusto Cabral Pereira, the Acting Prime Minister and current Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (MPCM), stated that the inauguration of the Archive Center of Centro Chega! is a pivotal moment in our history. This event coincides with the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence and International Archives Day. He emphasized that archives are not merely places for documentation; they play a crucial role in a country like Timor-Leste, which has experienced decades marked by conflict, resistance, and the struggle for self-determination. Public archives are fundamental to building peace and fostering reconciliation.
In this context, it is important to recognize the unique roles carried out by Centro Nacional Chega!. The establishment of Centro Chega! was aimed at implementing the recommendations of the Report of the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR)—Chega, as well as the Commission for Truth and Friendship (CTF)-Per Memoriam Ad Spem. The essential roles of Centro Chega! include preserving national memories, promoting human rights, peace education, and fostering reconciliation. This inauguration reflects its motto, “From Memory to Hope,” known as ‘Husi Memória ba Esperansa.’ This mission highlights that memory is not just about the past; it is a vital instrument for building the future.
The Acting Prime Minister emphasized that the inauguration of the new archive center is highly symbolic for Antigo Comarca Balide. This site holds significant historical importance for Timor-Leste. During the Indonesian occupation, these facilities were associated with the repression faced by many Timorese who fought for liberation, self-determination, and the dignity of our people. Moreover, this center is not just an office; it represents our commitment to truth, memory, future generations, and hope. It was built to honor the memories of those who fought for our liberation, ensuring that our legacy continues to inspire future generations of Timor-Leste.
“Only an archive connects the past and the future. It helps us understand our current position and informs our decisions about where we will go next,” said the Acting Prime Minister and current Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (MPCM) during his remarks at the official inauguration of the new Archive Center and the launch of the Archival Exhibition and National Seminar at Chega! Archives.
Before concluding, I would like to express our gratitude, on behalf of the Government, to UNESCO, KOICA, and all the partners who contributed to the realization of this project. I also want to thank the Executive Director and the team at Centro Chega! for their continued efforts in preserving the historical memories of our country.
The inauguration ceremony was officially closed by Aniceto Guro Berteni Neves, a Board Member of the Administration at Centro Chega!, representing the Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs.
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