Dili, July 11, 2025 – Vice Minister of Parliamentary Affairs (VMPA) Aderito Hugo da Costa, representing the Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers (MPCM), launched the opening seminar of the Popular Resistance Culture Festival 2025. He also launched the books “Meraih Cahaya, Memori Kolektif Timor-Leste Pasca-konflik” and “Jejak-Jejak Ingatan, Mengenang Masa Lalu Mencintai Masa Depan” during the celebration of the 8th Anniversary of Centro Nacional Chega! and the 5th Popular Resistance Culture Festival: Collective Memory Path to Reconciliation. The ceremony was attended by members of the government, the diplomatic corps, International Advisory Council Members of Centro Chega!, the Board of Administration of Centro Chega!, Civil Society Organizations, Youth Resistance Organizations, the Timorese Reconciliation Process Task Force (GT-PRT, in Tetum), and other entities.
The ceremony was welcomed by the Executive Director, with the opening and book launch by VMPA, followed by a presentation on the book “Meraih Cahaya, Memori Kolektif Timor-Leste Pasca-konflik” by Dr. Yoseph Yapi Taum, M.Hum. There were also comments on the book from the Ombudsman of Human Rights, Virgilio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan”; General Secretary of RENETIL, Joaquim A.M.L. da Fonseca “Russo”; and head of Tim 7 FKPTT, Felisberto Amaral, along with observations on the book “Meraih Cahaya, Memori Kolektif Timor-Leste Pasca-konflik” from VMPA.
During the celebration of the 8th Anniversary of Chega!, Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Chega!, welcomed and spoke to the visitors about the important points regarding the significance of the ceremony. He noted that the existence of Centro Chega! for 8 years is considered a lucky number that brings great power to continue their work. The CNC I.P. continues to work based on the vision outlined in the reports of CAVR and CVA regarding the memory of the past.
The launching of the books is the first step and opportunity to discuss the collective memories, opening the gates for reconciliation. The Collective Memory is the foundation for National Identity and authentic reconciliation. These books call everyone to build a tradition with healthy and pure thoughts that are clear and authentic, as a great ability. Both books invite all people to foster a culture of reading, writing, and engaging in dialogues about the past, in order not to be burdensome but to become lessons. Besides, the Executive Director highlighted the Popular Resistance Culture Festival as an annual event to promote how the arts and culture serve as vital components during the resistance.
On this occasion, Aderito Hugo da Costa, on behalf of the IX Constitutional Government, congratulated the 8th anniversary of Centro Chega! and the Seminary of FKRP 2025, book launching, which demonstrates the capacity of Centro Chega! and its team in preserving the memories of the past. Despite the challenges, these works continue to be carried out.
The book “Jejak-Jejak Ingatan, Mengenang Masa Lalu Mencintai Masa Depan”, and “Meraih Cahaya, Memori Kolektif Timor-Leste Pasca-konflik” maps a clear orientation to reach a peaceful, fair, and prosperous future. Therefore, the book serves as a means for learning and promoting reconciliation. The book is not merely an information tool but aims to build collective memories and collective consciousness, becoming a space for the victims and perpetrators in the silence of the words within the elaborated paragraphs. It also becomes a concrete example of how literature can be an instrument of peace in the long journey of our country. Hence, it encourages everyone to read and explore with the understanding that the conflict of the past is not unrepeatable.
Everyone is invited to take this moment as the initial step for reflection, dialogue, and collective action. “Do not let these books gather dust in the cabinet drawer, but let them motivate you to read and discover where we were and where we are going with these histories.”
***Read Tetum Version
