Baguia-Baucau, 28 August 2026 – The Centro Nacional Chega! I.P., together with the community members of Larisula, Administrative Post of Baguia, Baucau Municipality, inaugurated the Monument of the Bo’oloi Massacre of 20 August 1979, in a village where the Indonesian military killed 13 civilians and forced 2 civilians into human rights violations. The ceremony was attended by the President of the Baucau Authority, local authorities, defense and security authorities, veterans, community members, and other entities.
Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Chega!, said that the Bo’oloi Massacre of 20 August 1979 Monument serves as a living museum that belongs to the community members of Larisula. He added that people from Baguia and Baucau can also visit the monument to reflect on the past and help prevent future conflict. He further urged community members to visit the site regularly, not only once a year. He said the monument is a sign for all people and leaders. He also said that anyone who thinks it is not good should visit the monument, reminding them that making decisions that incite conflict causes suffering and death.
The monument is designed to resemble a sunrise that sparks hope. Beneath it, the underground space represents the bitter experiences of the past, where people sacrificed themselves for this land. In its architectural design, the monument reflects the concept of equidistance, or equal treatment, symbolizing that all who died in the struggle for independence deserve the same treatment. The monument is also known as a form of collective reparation. Another form of reparation is the writing of the history of Larisula, so that the people feel that their contribution to the struggle for independence is now dignified.
The Director said that the history of this massacre has been written in the Chega! Report. He encouraged the people of Larisula to read the report to learn more, as it contains not only this massacre but also the hopes and determination of the people and offers important lessons for preventing future conflicts.
“Congratulations to the community members of Larisula. Your ability, wisdom, and spirit of resistance continue to grow through this monument. Thank you to the organizing committee and to the youth for their contribution to establishing this monument, which serves as a museum for all people to come, dignify, value, and honor them,” the Director said.
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