Baguia-Baucau, 27 August 2026 – The IX Constitutional Government, through the Centro Nacional Chega!I.P., together with the Larisula community members, in the Administrative Post of Baguia, Baucau Municipality, commemorated the 47th anniversary of the Bo’oloi Massacre of 20 August 1979. The commemoration served as a state tribute to the 13 martyrs and the two civilians who were forced into human rights violations by the Indonesian military.

The commemoration included a quiz competition, health services, a mini-dialogue, drama, music, poetry presentations, a Mass, the inauguration of a monument, and the scattering of flowers and lighting of candles. The ceremony was participated the retired Lieutenant General and Principal Adviser to the President of the Republic of Timor-Leste, Lere Anan Timur; the President of the National Liberation Council of Combatants of Baucau Municipality and former member of Parliament, Cornelio Gama “L7”; the Director-General of the Ministry of Social Solidarity and Inclusion, Florêncio Pina Dias Gonzaga; the representative of the President of Baucau Municipality; and other dignitaries.

Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Chega!, was a speaker who spoke on “Preservation of Historical Memory as a Means of Transitional Justice and Collective Dignification of the Martyrs and Survivors in Timor-Leste.” He emphasized that all the activities carried out were part of transitional justice, particularly in terms of dignification, appreciation, and honoring the victims and survivors.

He noted that the Bo’oloi Massacre of 20 August 1979 teaches lessons about solidarity, perseverance, and sacrifice. He recalled that 47 years ago, the Indonesian military sought one man, but the community remained silent, and in the end, 13 martyrs lost their lives and two civilians were subjected to human rights violations.

“If we reflect 47 years back, maybe the Indonesian military sought only one man, but everyone remained silent. It was a spirit of solidarity, perseverance, and sacrifice,” he said.

Hugo Maria Fernandes said that the people of Larisula should be proud that this memory has been scientifically recorded in the Chega! Report and belongs to the State. He added that it deserves to be commemorated and taught so that present and future generations may reflect on it. He warned that historical memory will be lost if it is not continuously transmitted.

He therefore urged teachers from the Central Basic School of 20 August Larisula, public officials, local authorities, and community members to continue holding Masses, scattering flowers, lighting candles, and inviting witnesses to share their experiences with younger generations so that the history will not be forgotten. He also encouraged teachers to invite witnesses to the school to share their stories with students. He said these activities are important to dignify and honor the victims and to keep the spirit of the commemoration alive for future generations.

“The students must be taken to visit the monument. Learning history is not only in the classroom or from teachers. Instead, students should be invited to hear directly from those who were involved in the event and to visit historical sites, where they can better understand what happened and what people felt at the time. If we teach only in the classroom, they will feel nothing. However, if they visit the locations where the Indonesian military killed the victims, their sense of the events of 47 years ago will be awakened. This will give the commemoration its true impact and significance for life,” the Director suggested.

He added that every commemoration of the massacres should remind people of three things: the victims, the location, and the date of the event. These, he said, are the true significance of remembrance.

“I am proud of the wisdom of the people of Larisula in organizing this commemorative initiative and gathering all of us. You carried it out with your own ideas, and that is very important. You yourselves must feel its significance. We cannot be told by others that this is important; we must feel it ourselves, dignify it, do good things, and uphold proper values,” Hugo said.

>>>> READ TETUM VERSION