Dili, August 21, 2025 (Média Democracia) – Civil Society HAK together with Luta Hamutuk extends congratulations on the celebration of the 50th anniversary of FALINTIL, and calls to end practices contrary to the legacy of the past struggle fighters, in order to ensure transparency and guarantees for all citizens in Timor-Leste.
In an interview, the Executive Director of Luta Hamutuk, José Alves da Costa, stated that in the past, Civil Society through Luta Hamutuk wanted to express a sense of sadness because during the long struggle for independence, many fighters sacrificed their lives to secure freedom for this land.
“FALINTIL was born with a principle that FALINTIL was the force that fought for independence, and they bravely confronted the enemy at that time with bare feet and empty stomachs, walking through the jungle with their slogan: ‘biti mak aitahan sumasu maka Ai-abut’. In this moment, I bow and express appreciation for FALINTIL’s struggle back then. After twenty-three years of independence, as a citizen and as a youth who did not contribute much in the past struggle, I still feel sadness because the spirit and hope of FALINTIL have not yet been fully realized,” said the Executive Director of Luta Hamutuk, José Alves da Costa, to journalists in his office.
He continued by saying that the people were the water, FALINTIL the fish, but after independence, those same “fish” now live comfortably on high ground, while the people still face hardships. This signifies that although FALINTIL once defended the people’s survival during the struggle for independence, now after independence, many citizens still endure suffering similar to the past.
“We can see that in the past FALINTIL defended the people and fought for independence. But today, the State does not defend its people. Civil society speaks out to represent the concerns of citizens, because we see that today many of our people continue to suffer in development in our own land,” said Luta Hamutuk’s Executive Director, José Alves da Costa.
He reaffirmed his final message: to FALINTIL veterans and guerillas who are still alive do not only think about yourselves, but think of your people. Seek out your comrades who remain forgotten, reach out to the people who continue to suffer today, unite as you once did in the jungle to fight for independence, and now unite again to solve today’s problems.
Meanwhile, the Executive Director of HAK Association, Feliciano da Costa Araújo, stated that HAK also wishes to extend congratulations on the 50th anniversary of FALINTIL Defense Force Day, and hopes that this commemoration will serve as a reminder for transparency and accountability, especially in the recruitment process of new F-FDTL members in the coming years, so that different forms of malpractice do not emerge.
“This land was shaped by the sacrifices of all citizens, many gave their lives, and their bodies we have not even found until today. As an association that fights for human rights, we believe that on this FALINTIL day, people already know the old motto that has always been said: ‘FALINTIL is like fish and the people are like water.’ This motto must be given true meaning. I believe that the older generations must not let down one another until today, and must ensure that FALINTIL-F-FDTL continues to be the safeguard of the State, as well as the safeguard of the people of Timor-Leste,” said HAK’s Executive Director, Feliciano da Costa Araújo.
He reaffirmed once again that this is also an opportunity to call on F-FDTL youths: when you wear the uniform, remember that it is paid for with people’s sweat and blood. Therefore, HAK urges the relevant authorities to oversee the conduct of members, because the uniform must be worn with consciousness of duty, not just as a name or for prestige, and certainly not to be worn when entering nightclubs. He added that one must remember that the veterans once wore the uniform with dignity and good conduct, so F-FDTL today must also demonstrate good behavior as those fighters did in the past.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas