Dili, May 21, 2025 (Média Democracia) – As part of the 23rd commemoration of Timor-Leste’s Restoration of Independence Day, Média Democracia conducted brief interviews with young people in Timor-Leste to hear their perspectives on this significant national celebration.
In an interview, youth representative and journalist from média loluwari.tl, Chay Risky, expressed that as a young Timorese person, he is grateful for the nation’s independence, noting that it is not a privilege granted freely to all people, but rather one achieved through sacrifice, dedication, bloodshed, and immense suffering to secure freedom for the country.
“For this reason, as youth, I call on all of us to contribute to our nation, to build peace and stability as we move forward in the development process in this era of self-governance. May 20 is a special day for all Timorese, especially for the youth, to create peace and stability for our beloved land, Timor-Leste,” said Chay Risky.
Chay Risky also conveyed his heartfelt congratulations on the 23rd Anniversary of the Restoration of Independence, expressing his hope that this day will inspire everyone to move forward positively for the future development of the country.
On the other hand, young woman Aurelia stated that she first wanted to congratulate the nation of Timor-Leste on celebrating its 23rd Independence Restoration Day. As a young person, she feels proud to see the development process gradually taking shape.
“I, as a young person, feel very happy because our beloved country can now govern itself, and the development process has already begun to move forward. As a youth, I express gratitude to the heroes who fought for our independence, some of whom died in the struggle and I also urge the current leaders of our nation to continue working hand-in-hand to drive our development forward into a better future,” said Aurelia.
Her message to all young people is to continue working together to develop this nation, and she also urged veterans to stay engaged, especially in collaboration with current leaders, to strengthen responsibility for the well-being of Timor-Leste.
University student Cronik Opremitido also expressed congratulations on the celebration of the Restoration of Independence. Before talking about development, he reflected on the country’s history prior to independence.
“In the past, the people of Timor-Leste suffered punishment from two foreign powers that ruled the country. Many people were tortured, and some were killed or enslaved by colonial rulers. During the occupation, Timorese people experienced continuous oppression and death. As a young person learning about this history, I feel deeply saddened. However, through the united struggle of the people and leaders at that time, we proclaimed our independence on November 28, 1975, but only a month later, we faced an invasion by Indonesia, which ruled and continued to punish our people for 24 years,” said Cronik.
He added that during the Indonesian occupation, many Timorese suffered and died until the nation finally gained its independence. Although some aspects of development in Timor-Leste have already progressed, others are still lagging, such as infrastructure, health, and education, which are not yet on the right track. Therefore, he continues to call on the country’s leaders to uphold the founding principles to lead the country toward a better future.
Youth with a disability, Natalino Tilman, also shared his views on the importance of May 20 as the day marking 23 years since the Restoration of Independence in Timor-Leste.
“In our democratic nation, RDTL, as a young person, I observe that while development has progressed in some areas, in others it remains underdeveloped. A democratic nation like RDTL must ensure its people are free from poverty and social injustice,” said Natalino Tilman.
He further clarified that relevant sectors must remain united to improve the development of the Maubere people and to ensure freedom from poverty and social injustice, as many people still struggle with these challenges.
“As a young person with a disability, I ask the Ninth Government to improve infrastructure and ensure inclusive accessibility for people with disabilities so that we too can safely access public spaces,” said Natalino Tilman.
To further explain, during the enemy occupation, the people and leaders of Timor-Leste fought relentlessly for self-determination, enduring torture, bloodshed, punishment, and death simply to gain self-rule. Thus, the youth now call on leaders to continue the fight not with weapons, but through development, lifting the people out of hardship and poverty.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas