Dili, 20 February 2026 (Média Democracia) – HAK association held a press conference in relation to the commemoration of the 84th anniversary of the Japanese Military invasion of Timor-Lestebon February 20, 1942, in order to recognized victims of World War II (sexual slavery – Jungu Lanfu). The conference was held at HAK Falor Yayasan Hall, this Thursday.
The spokeperson of HAK Association, Marina Galucho stated in the press release that “HAK Association and Japanese Cialition” speak the truth and juctice about human rights violations including vioaltions against Timor-Leste women known as Jungu Lanfu during the Japanese occupation in the beloved country of Timor-Leste.
“Japan’s involvement in World War II began on December 7, 1941, when attacked the US military base at Pearl Harbor. At that time, the Allies’ prediction showed that Japan would invade Timor-Leste as a strategic base to attack Australia. Based on this prediction, Allied forces including integrated forces from Australia and the Netherlands arrived in Timor-Leste on December 17, 1941.” Said HAK Association spokeperson Marina Galucho
The spokeperson added that at the time, Timor-Leste was under Portuguese rule with Governor Manuel Abreu Ferreira de Carlvalho’s government, which rejected the presences of Allied forces. However the Japanese Government used the neutrality issue to accuse Timor-Leste of supporting the Allied forces, and on February 20, 1942, Japanese invaded Timor-Leste establishing a base there, citing this as the reason.
“The people of Timor-Leste were forced to do forced labor, buiding roads and providing food for approximately 12 thousand Japanese troops deployed across Timor-Leste territory. Futhermore, Dili, which became the first location where Japanese forces started the war Timor, witnessed the suffering of Timorese people, especially women who become victims of the war they didn’t understand.” Added HAK Association spokeperson
The spokeperson affirms, Japanese forces take girls with minor age even at the age of 12 years and above, to concentrate all in the place IANJO to serve their (“Napsu Birahi”) or sexual needs despite at the age of 12 years and above.
“According to HAK’s research with Japanese Coalition conducted in 2005, interviewing witnesses and sirvivors in 12 Mucipalities, a total 62 people, consisting of 20 victims and 42 witnesses. This research produced a book titled “LUTA BA LIA LOS NO JUSTISA” (Fight for Truth and Justice). There are 20 victims in total, one of the victims, Ines Magalhaes from Atsabe, Ermera Municipality, is still alive.” Affirsm HAK spokeperson Marina Galucho
The spokeperson emphasized that these victims have the courage and bravery to share their painfull and dark history before facing the Japanese Military invasion that entered Timor-Leste on February 20, 1942. Futhermore, many victims have died without recognition from the Japanese and Timor-Leste Governments.
“We have asked to the Japanese Government to apologize and provide reparations to the victims, but so far, no measures have been taken. The Japanese Government still hasn’t accommodated Timor-Leste’s case under the reparation scheme it has implemented for other countries after World War II.” Emphasized the spokeperson.
The spokeperson reported that the japan Coalition members visited Timor-Leste to have a dialogue with the Japanese Government regarding this issue. The Japanese Government stated that bilateral realtions between Timor-Leste and japam are ”future-oriented” and claimed they can’t do anything because the Timor-Leste Government hasn’t raised this issues as a bilateral diplomatic agenda.
HAK Association futher explains its demands, urging the Ministry of foreign affairs and Cooperation to intesify diplomatic efforts with Japan, so the Japanese Government will discuss the “Jugun Lanfu” case in Timor-Leste. Additionally, they request the Ministry of Education Timor-Leste to consider integrating World War II history into the National Curriculum.
Reporting : Nelfiano
Photo : Nelfiano