MUSEUM CHEGA! – A SPACE FOR REFLECTION

Dili, September 24, 2026 – The Commander of the Service Support Unit (UAS) of the Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL), Major Horácio dos Santos Baptista “Upulai,” has described Chega! Museum as a space for reflecting on Timor-Leste’s journey toward independence and reconciliation. The museum enables visitors to learn about the country’s painful history, its achievements, and the reconciliation process. He made the remarks following an educational visit by 20 F-FDTL personnel. The visit, focusing on history and human rights, was organised by Centro Chega!’s Education and Training Division.

“I believe Museum Chega! has become an important national reference for the Timorese people. When we visit the museum, we learn about past events and tragedies, as well as how to reconcile after what we did to one another during the war,” the commander said.

During the visit, the participants explored the chronology of historical events, the victims and survivors accounts, and viewed exhibitions on human rights. They also saw the electric chair that was used during interrogations and the dark cells where political prisoners were detained, tortured, and subjected to various human rights violations.

The commander emphasised that Museum Chega! is a place where people can reflect on the events of the past 50 years, particularly the 24 years of conflict. He noted that violence was committed not only by Indonesians but also among Timorese people themselves. Although the past is behind us, we must learn from it to prevent violations in the present and the future. Today, we are a sovereign state, and whether we like it or not, we must respect the state’s reconciliation policy.

“Reconciliation has been carried out, resulting in a peaceful country. We have not seen further conflict in Timor-Leste. We work together to build and maintain peace, and we trust our government leaders to continue implementing the development that our country needs,” he emphasised.

Reflecting on the history preserved by Centro Chega!, the commander affirmed its vital importance. If we are unable to learn about our history, we lose our identity. History is our identity. Whether our history is good or bad, we must acknowledge it and move forward. Every country has its own history, so it is important for us to learn ours.

UAS F-FDTL Captain, Abilio de Jesus Amaral, added that Museum Chega! represents the heritage of the state and the people of Timor-Leste and does not belong to only one or two individuals. It belongs to all Timorese—both those who supported independence and those who did not—because Centro Chega! preserves both the positive and painful aspects of history involving Indonesians and Timorese. He described the museum as a space where every Timorese person can reflect on the suffering endured by their parents and grandparents during the struggle for independence.

“We truly need to learn our nation’s history because it was not built by only one or two people. As our parents have told us, independence was not handed to us on a tray; it was won through bloodshed. Therefore, we must make a genuine effort to learn about it. Our country was founded through the sacrifices of our grandparents. We must now consider how future generations can preserve and carry forward their legacy appropriately,” he said.

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