Dili, November 11, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Centro Nacional Chega I.P. (CNC) organized a national seminar under the theme “Remembering the Resistance Struggle and Honoring the Strength of Timorese Youth in the Process of the Struggle for Independence.” The seminar took place in the context of the 34th commemoration of the Santa Cruz Massacre and the 20th National Youth Day celebration, held at the CNC Conference Hall, former Prison Balide.
The Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega I.P., Hugo Maria Fernandes, stated that the main objective of this seminar was to honor the youth who sacrificed their lives during the tragic event of the Santa Cruz Massacre on 12 November 1991, in defense of the Timorese people’s right to freedom and dignity.
“Restoring and strengthening collective memory helps the new generation learn from the history of resistance and prevents such tragedies from repeating in the future. Honoring the role of youth in the resistance shows courage, solidarity, and determination in facing oppression. We continue to remember and inspire today’s youth to keep contributing to the nation’s development,” said Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega I.P.
He added that promoting education about human rights in relation to the Santa Cruz incident highlights the consequences of violence and human rights violations. The commemoration serves as an educational platform to reinforce the values of peace, justice, and reconciliation while maintaining national unity and Timorese identity.
“As a collective remembrance of the youth’s sacrifice, this initiative helps strengthen national unity and raise public awareness about the history of Timor-Leste’s struggle for freedom. The national seminar also serves as an important platform to increase youth awareness about the history of resistance and encourage their participation in promoting human rights and peace,” Hugo continued.
The Executive Director explained that the national seminar was based on the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR) report, which records that on 12 November 1991, a grave massacre took place at the Santa Cruz Cemetery in Dili. The massacre resulted from a peaceful demonstration organized by young Timorese to demand justice for the killing of Sebastião Gomes and support for Timor-Leste’s independence.
The demonstration was met with brutal violence by the Indonesian military forces, resulting in nearly 250 deaths, while many others were tortured following the tragic incident.
Hugo reaffirmed that according to the CAVR report, the Santa Cruz Massacre marked a “turning point” in Timor-Leste’s resistance struggle, as images and evidence of the massacre spread worldwide, changing the international community’s perception of the situation in Timor-Leste. The day holds deep significance, not only to remember the tragedy but also to honor the youth’s sacrifice in defending the people’s rights.
Meanwhile, Vice Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Aderito Hugo da Costa, stated that this year’s commemoration of the Santa Cruz Massacre marks an important historical event in the long struggle from the Indonesian invasion in 1975 until independence in 1999.
“Before 12 November, many Timorese had already suffered massacres across the country. During the Santa Cruz event, young people united with heroes to cry out for independence. This gathering allows us to reflect on the acts and sacrifices made during the resistance, so that today’s generation may remember,” said Vice Minister Aderito Hugo da Costa.
He added that the resistance struggle continues to inspire Timorese people to stay on the right path, as their sacrifices aimed for a free, independent, and democratic Timor-Leste.
“Today, as we celebrate the 34th anniversary, Centro Nacional Chega I.P., as a government institution responsible for preserving and safeguarding historical memory, includes this national seminar as part of the commemoration to bring back resistance figures from 12 November to share their stories of the independence struggle,” he said.
The Vice Minister emphasized that these values are essential for the younger generation to reflect on historical moments, as Timor-Leste, now a sovereign nation, must use such reflections to motivate future generations.
“The spirit of 12 November, representing the youth’s will to liberate the nation which should guide us away from destructive thoughts that threaten political stability and human dignity. Therefore, this seminar is crucial for all participants to reflect on and remember the youth’s role in Timor-Leste’s fight for independence,” Aderito concluded.
He expressed hope that this commemoration would remind all Timorese not to fall for attempts to undermine the unity and credibility of the democratic state as a nation built with great sacrifice, pain, blood, and the lives of many, especially the youth who perished in the massacre.
Report by: Domingas
Photo by: Domingas