Dili, 28 april 2026 (Media Democracia) – Faculty of Economics and Management (FEG) UNTL held a seminar with the Principal Political Affairs Advisor to the Presidency, Retired General Lere Anan Timur (LAT). He shared history with the new generation because students need to understand the consequences of war.
Retired General Lere Anan Timur (LAT) said that the younger generation, as is often said, is the future of the nation. Those who are now old, and we who fought in the past to build Timor-Leste, do not want the country to be without direction tomorrow, now they are still alive like others and other leaders who built this nation it must be now, it cannot be late to show the path for future generations to follow as the future.
“The leadership of this nation, because they are the ones who will hold the reins of Timor tomorrow, must already have a spirit of nationalism and fraternity so they do not die out, they must be like a tree that keeps burning, they need to know history and understand the consequences of war for self-determination. So don’t think independence was a miracle. Therefore, they must know the history, when they hold a position, they should remember that this land was not bought by one person, but thousands of people shed blood for independence.” said Retired General Lere Anan Timur (LAT) at the FEG Auditorium, April 24, 2026.
He added that as a person, you must always have ambition not for yourself, but to serve the land of Timor-Leste, working in the fields, in rice paddies, and caring for your family is also service to the nation, because the family forms the nation, not the nation forming the family. The 24-year war was not caused by one person, not caused by a family, but was the cause of all Timorese people.
“Timor had to free itself from colonialism and had to end the operation, so I can serve for 24 years too. As I always say, I am still strong and can say that I can run for president, but the time has not yet come. The President has also not yet decreed the Election-day. Now we are going door to door because our people are already very smart and know who truly serves with genuine interest and who only serves with empty words. To become president, you must be a good servant to the natio.” stated Retired General LAT.
He continued speaking about the situation in the country, about how to maintain stability, and how leaders must join hands together hat is the right way, not just political talk. He also spoke about the future, because according to the law, anyone who is 60 years old must retire from their career. He understands that this is mandatory.
In the same place, FEG Dean Custódio Barata Ximenes said this seminar is part of academic activities. As the university has declared itself a center of excellence, this is one way to elevate knowledge for both lecturers and students, especially in the economic field.
“Because we know that after 1999, many of our new generation do not know the history. So how do we bring our elder brothers and the nation’s founders to come and tell everything, not just this, but like last year we invited former President Taur Matan Ruak here. Afterward, we will continue to invite the founders to come and share their history and experience with the new generation so they can increase their capacity. As an academic, he thinks about the illegal fishing that is now rampant. As an academic, he thinks about this. Illegal fishing is flourishing here this is everyone’s responsibility, but who will address it.” said the FEG Dean.
Therefore, the state must create conditions for naval forces to control its resources. If these things are not fixed, then nothing can be done. So how do we address these situations and provide them with good facilities? Because the ships used for control are small, and the illegal fishers sometimes even carry weapons. Sometimes communities see it but just watch. So to control this, the state, through the directorate responsible for maritime affairs, must control the nation’s resources.
Report By: Trainees Juliana and Leozalia
Photo By: Trainee Jualian