Dili, July 17, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Students from the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL) held a press conference to express their solidarity with activist Safii Kemamang, who was recently denied entry into Timor-Leste after visiting his family in Atambua, NTT. The press conference took place at the university’s main campus this Thursday.
During the press conference, UNTL student spokesperson Natalizio Nunes Martins stated,
“We, the active students of the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL), want to express our solidarity with activist Safii Kemamang, who was prohibited by the State of Timor-Leste from re-entering the country after traveling to Atambua, Indonesia.”
“Safii Kemamang is an activist and a key figure from our neighboring country, Indonesia, who made significant contributions to the struggle for Timor-Leste’s liberation during the Indonesian occupation under the Suharto regime. His dedication to Timor-Leste’s independence was reflected in his involvement with organizations such as the People’s Democratic Party (PRD), the Indonesian Student Solidarity for Democracy (SMID), and the Indonesian People’s Struggle Solidarity for Maubere (SPRIM),” continued Natalizio.
The spokesperson further explained that these organizations collaborated closely with Timorese youth who were engaged in movements such as the Communist Youth Organization of Timor-Leste (OJEKTIL), which later transformed into the Socialist Association of Timor (AST), ultimately leading to the formation of BRIGADA NEGRA and the establishment of RENETIL in 1989. These engagements were driven by the shared objective of supporting Timor-Leste’s right to self-determination, which eventually led to independence through a referendum or popular consultation, with Timor-Leste officially becoming a democratic country on May 20, 2002. According to the students, Safii’s dedication and those of others should be recognized and valued by the State of Timor-Leste.
“As stated by current Prime Minister Kayrala Xanana Gusmão in the past, in his role as Commander-in-Chief of Falintil during the awarding of certificates to BRIGADA NEGRA members, he said, ‘To our comrades who supported the struggle of the people of East Timor, your jump and occupation actions uplifted the morale of resistance fighters, which had been in decline following the Santa Cruz massacre and dwindling ammunition supplies in the mountains,’” added Natalizio, quoting Gusmão
The spokesperson reaffirmed that unfortunately, on July 12, when Safii traveled back from Atambua, Indonesia to Timor-Leste through official immigration posts of both countries fully complying with the legal procedures in force he was denied entry by the Timorese immigration authorities without just cause or proper legal basis, preventing him from reuniting with his family.
Reflecting on this history and all the contributions made, the students expressed regret and made the following points:
- The state-imposed ban on Safii Kemamang through the immigration service was executed without just cause, lacked a legal basis, and violated democratic principles already established.
- The prohibition appears to be politically motivated and shows a tendency to threaten and undermine democracy in Timor-Leste.
- The State of Timor-Leste has failed to appreciate and respect the dedication and contributions made by Safii Kemamang and others who supported the nation’s struggle for independence.
- The students call upon the Timor-Leste government to adopt fair policies that support and strengthen democratic values, ensuring participatory, accessible, and just governance for all.
- Lastly, they recommend and request that the State of Timor-Leste through the competent bodies such as immigration services at the borders, the Ministry of Interior, and Prime Minister Kayrala Xanana Gusmão to provide a clear explanation to the public and authorize activist Safii Kemamang to return and reunite with his family and children in Timor-Leste.
Report: Press Release
Photo: Domingas