Maulau, August 6, 2026 – During the 1975 internal conflict between the FRETILIN and UDT parties, a massacre occurred in Maulau, an Administrative Post of Maubisse in Ainaro Municipality. On August 7, 1975, FRETILIN militants attacked and killed 14 UDT sympathizers and militants in Lumoluli. One individual was killed separately, and other UDT supporters were killed elsewhere. In response, UDT launched a counter-attack against FRETILIN sympathizers in the Kudahei sub-village on August 9, 1975, resulting in the deaths of 24 FRETILIN sympathizers, with two others killed separately, and additional FRETILIN supporters killed in other locations. The total number of deaths from these events was more than 50 people.
Today marks the 51st anniversary of this internal conflict. Its impacts continue to affect family relationships, resulting in lingering hatred, revenge, and disappointment across generations. While families from both FRETILIN and UDT attempted to reconcile and end the conflict in 2021, the effort was not fully realized. Consequently, the authorities of Maulau Village, alongside the communities and families of the victims, have requested the Centro Nacional Chega! I.P and the Timorese Reconciliation Process Working Group (GT-PRT) to continue facilitating this reconciliation.
In response to this request, Centro Nacional Chega! I.P and GT-PRT facilitated a reconciliation process on August 6, 2026. The process began with a cultural ceremony called Sudi Ahi, Matak-Malirin, which translates to “the green and the cool,” and included asking permission from the ancestors before proceeding with the reconciliation through a Nahe Biti-Boot ceremony. The reconciliation process of Nahe Biti-Boot was led by the Timorese Reconciliation Process Panel, during which victims and perpetrators sat on a large woven mat to share their truths, repentances, and apologies. Traditional leaders, known as ‘lia-na’in,’ performed rituals to formalize customary laws and prohibitions (ukun no bandu). The ceremony concluded with the signing of the Reconciliation Minutes, symbolizing a commitment to living in peace, respecting one another, and preventing future violations.
In his remarks, the Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega!I.P., Hugo Maria Fernandes, highlighted the courage of the reconciliation effort among FRETILIN and UDT militants in Maulau Village, emphasizing the importance of coming together to resolve past conflicts. He noted that this reconciliation serves as a historical moment, coinciding with the 51st commemoration of the Maulau Massacre. “This reconciliation marks a significant turning point for the people of Maulau. It signifies an end to hatred and a journey toward healing. Healing comes not just from words, but from heart-to-heart connections,” he said.
“I speak on behalf of Centro Nacional Chega! and the Timorese Reconciliation Process Working Group, expressing our respect for your desires to break the cycle of hatred. We cannot leave our children with envy; we must teach them not to harbor hatred,” added Hugo.
On the same occasion, the Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ), Virgilio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan,” congratulated the Maulau community for serving as a positive example for Timor-Leste, particularly in Maubisse. He reflected on the 51 years since the conflict, noting, “Back then, we engaged in counter-attacks, but today we have chosen to reconcile with one another.”
“The people of Maulau demonstrate that true bravery lies not only in fighting wars, but in reconciliation as well. While KUDAHEI and LUMOLULI were once divided by FRETILIN and UDT, today we stand unified. I am FRETILIN, and I am UDT,” he expressed appreciatively.
PRT spokesperson José Neves Samalarua, praised the initiative taken by the parents for mutual reconciliation regarding past conflicts. He emphasized that this is an important lesson not only for the people of Maulau but for all of Timor-Leste and beyond. “Congratulations to the community of Maulau for this effort, which we must pass on to future generations. This independence signifies our commitment to fostering a better future,” he stated.
“Congratulations to all participants. The PRT team played a facilitative role, but the key lies within the Maulau community. Timor must transmit this forward, as it opens the way for the values and true meaning of independence,” said the spokesperson.
The reconciliation process in Maulau, Administrative Post of Maubisse, Ainaro Municipality, was successful, with participation from state entities, religious organizations, students, youth, the community, and other stakeholders.
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