DILI, 15 november 2021 (TATOLI) – Every Timorese regarded Max Stahl as one of their greatest true heroes and Timorese people are eternally grateful for all his efforts in spreading the messages of the sufferings in Timor-Leste.
Max Stahl was a true hero who saved hundreds of lives with his footage and images of the Santa Cruz Massacre, on november 12, 1991, which attracted international attention to the situation in Timor-Leste.
The majority of Timorese people felt that a simple ‘THANK YOU’ doesn’t seem enough to express gratitude for the bravery, courage, and dedication which saved many lives.
The former President of the Republic named Max Stahl, following his death as “a treasured son”.
“We honor Max Stahl as one of the true heroes of our struggle,” Horta wrote on his Facebook page.
Horta said: “In the history of Timor-Leste there are only a few moments when the course of our country turned towards freedom and Santa Cruz Massacre was one of them. This was the first time our message reached the world.”
He is best known for filming the 1991 massacre at the Santa Cruz cemetery in Dili, during which more than 270 people were killed, whereas hundreds were captured and tortured by Indonesian troops following the massacre.
He was one of the several brave journalists who stayed in East Timor (now Timor-Leste) after most foreigners left the island.
During the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre, the President of the Republic, Francisco Guterres ‘LuOLo’ said: “I paid my special tribute to one of our greatest heroes, Max Stahl.”
Expedito Dias Ximenes, one of the members of the Press Council, Timor-Leste, (PCTL) said: “Max Stahl is a true hero and deserved great respect and honor from Timorese people as his footage and images marked a significant turning point in Timor-Leste’s struggle. The footage drew the attention of many around the globe. This is because he was such a great messenger.”
The former President and Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, in his letter sent to Max Stahl’s wife, Ingrid Brucens, said Max Stahl was “loved by the Timorese.”
To honor the true hero, the November 12 Committee wrote a song to be dedicated to Max Stahl, called “Thank You, Max Stahl.”
The song was first sung at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the massacre at Santa Cruz Cemetery, leaving many in tears after having an emotional response to the song.
Stahl received Timor-Leste’s highest honor, the Order of Timor in recognition of his immense contribution to the independence of the nation.
In 2000, he received the Rory Peck Award, an award that honors independent video journalists. He has received many other awards in recognition of his work in conflict zones, such as the Balkan and El Salvador wars.
In 2009, he was awarded the Order of Timor-Leste Insignia and in 2019 he received the Necklace of the Order of Timor-Leste, the highest national decoration.
Also in 2019, he was awarded the Timorese nationality by the National Parliament, in an act that “represents the People of Timor-Leste’s tribute to the humanistic spirit, selflessness and extraordinary courage of Max Stahl” and that “expresses gratitude and recognition of the exceptional deeds performed by an exceptional man”.
Max Stahl, a father of four, died on wednesday (28/10) in Brisbane surrounded by his wife, Ingrid Busens, and family after battling cancer since 2012.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges Rosario
