Oe-Cusse, 18 October 2024 – Regarding the Border Festival 2024 on “The Cultural Exchange to Strengthen Reconciliation” conducted for 5 days from 14-18 October 2024, in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA) which was featured various activities, including dance, cultural and music performances, a Cultural Creative Industry Fair, visits historical sites, a workshop on the Arts of Friendship and Reconciliation, and interactive dialogues.
During the closing ceremony at the Oe-Bau football field in Oe-Cusse, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, the Minister of State Administration (MAE – Tetum Acronym), emphasized the importance of the Border Festival. He expressed his commitment to supporting the Border Festival in 2025 to be held in Covalima Municipality. “I will be ready to keep supporting you,” he stated.
The Minister stated that MAE will collaborate with local authorities in Covalima Municipality to ensure the communities fully participate in the Border Festival 2025. This participation is crucial, especially from residents of nearby municipalities such as Manufahi, Ainaro, and Bobonaro. Additionally, during the Border Festival 2025, the people of Timor-Leste will commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence on 28 November. Community participation is crucial, especially in dance and music performances and Cultural Creative Industry Fairs. Additionally, involving them in seminars and interactive dialogues will help deepen their understanding of the Border Festival on “The Cultural Exchange to Strengthen Reconciliation.”
The festival in Covalima, Timor-Leste, will also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Unilateral Proclamation of Independence. I believe the Organizing Committee from the Secretariat of State for Arts and Culture (SSAC) and Centro Nacional Chega! (CNC) will enhance the event significantly.
The Minister argued that the Border Festival is essential because Centro Nacional Chega! I.P, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture (MYSAC / MDJAK – Tetum Acronym) and the Secretariat of State for Arts and Culture (SSAC) made this as part of the commitment and willingness of IX Constitutional Government Policy to strengthen the reconciliation among Timorese in Timor-Leste, West Timor, Indonesian Citizen, particularly those who are currently living in the borderline, such as Malaka, Belu, So’e, Kefa, and Kupang. It promotes peace, human fraternity, and the rich diversity of cultures in Timor-Leste and Indonesia. It seeks to enhance connectivity and empower communities through cultural and historical initiatives that inspire social interaction. The festival emphasizes respect for human rights, tolerance, and solidarity, working to rebuild a culture of peace rooted in local beliefs, wisdom, traditions, and the arts, all of which contribute to upholding human values.
The festival highlights the commitment of Timor-Leste to promoting peace and preserving culture. The Minister cited an example of this commitment: Timor-Leste is a founder of the g7+ organization, which focuses on promoting peace and strengthening reconciliation. The g7+ is an intergovernmental founded on 10 April 2010 in Dili, Timor-Leste. It gathers 20 countries, including Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Island, Sao Tome and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Timor-Leste, Togo, and Yemen. Thus, the view of the Border Festival is to promote peace and strengthen reconciliation. “Through the activities carried out in RAEOA, it can be a measure and be a huge program to other countries.”
Therefore, “On behalf of the government, along with SSAC, CNC, RAEOA, and the logistics team from PNTL and F-FDTL, I am pleased to announce the successful conclusion of the Border Festival 2024, which will close tonight. Despite the challenges we are going through, we are now preparing for a better future.”
In 2023, the Border Festival was in Bobonaro. This year, in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cusse Ambeno (RAEOA) and next year will be held in Covalima Municipality to commemorate the 50 years of Timor-Leste Unilateral Proclamation of Independence in Suai Vila, Bobonaro Municipality.
“I assure the Secretariat of State for Arts and Culture (SSAC) and Centro Chega! that the communities will participate maximum, as the authorities are under the oversight of the Ministry of State Administration. We can organize even better activities in Covalima. As we continue to do this, it will be greater,” Minister promised.
(CNC Media)
