Maliana – (15th of November 2023), the Ministry of Youth for Arts and Culture, H.E. Nelyo Isaac Sarmento, said the 2023 Border Festival “Cultural Exchange to Strengthen Reconciliation” shows good relationship among Timorese from Timor Occidental, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia and Timorese itself.
The Minister stated this festival is an important program. Through this festival, the relationships between Timor-Leste and Indonesia can be built especially for people who live on the borderline.
“This is an important program as we build a relationship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, particularly the ones who live in the border,” said the Minister in his opening remark on the 2023 Border Festival held in the Administrative Post of Maliana, Bobonaro.
The Minister explained that currently, Timor-Leste is a nation that is not stand-alone. It must build a relationship with other nations, mainly the neighboring country, Indonesia. “Speaking on how to strengthen the relationship, be aware that we have our culture and tradition, and we have the same colors of skin, curly and straight hair, black and white. We are multi-cultural. We are different from others as we have unique traditions. Being a human, we always dignify people.”
Bobonaro municipality becomes a host to the 2023 Border Festival “Cultural Exchange to Strengthen Reconciliation.” The people from Bobonaro reveal to the world that you always build peace and reconciliation through this festival.
In this peaceful concern, the Minister informed, on behalf of the government, thanked the authority of Bobonaro for the cooperation in realizing this program.
I remind Maliana people that in the following days, you will hear and understand the exact history from the experts from Timor-Leste and Indonesia sharing thoughts on the originality of Timor-Leste. He explained.
He said, this festival, I want to express a special message to the youth of Bobonaro that this is the best opportunity to acknowledge the relationship between Timor-Leste and Timor Occidental. This exchange Festival will lead you to be the generation who loves and respects one another and to detest the violence.
“Even though we are from different thoughts, sharpening the mind is better than violence instead – as today, there is no space for violence anymore. We must prove that the people of Timor dignify peace with committed hearts.
Timor-Leste citizens majority are Christians and must think positively, not to create problems. The Minister cited Father Pope’s words, “The fraternity among humans should become our dreams/target to promote to the world, including Timor-Leste.”
“Before I end up, I would like to congratulate the president of the Maliana Authority for being a good host, be a good exemplar to other municipalities” He congratulated.
(Media CNC)
