DILI, 12 november 2023 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste commemorates the 32nd anniversary of the Santa Cruz Massacre to remember the day when many Timorese lost their lives after the Indonesian military opened fire on thousands of young Timorese demonstrators in the Santa Cruz Cemetery.
Vice-Prime Minister and Minister Coordinator for Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino said that the 12 November 1991 Massacre was a symbol of unity that is crucial for the new generation to learn how to promote cooperation, understanding, and mutual support among young people.
Assanami said that back then youth from different ethnic groups were united for one purpose: self-determination for East Timor.
He said that the Education Ministry should therefore, in the future, organize students from many different schools to attend the commemoration of the Santa Cruz Massacre to learn the lessons of patriotism left by the young people of the 1990s who always put national interests first.
President of the November 12 Committee, Gregorio Saldanha said in his speech that the 32nd anniversary is a moment to pay tribute to the youth who sacrificed themselves for the country’s independence: “The next generation must respect them by avoiding conflict and working together because we owe them an apology for creating instability in the country,” he said.
On november 12, 1991, a peaceful demonstration was carried out by young people with a procession from the Motael Church to Santa Cruz Cemetery, to honor the death of a young Timorese hero, Sebastião Gomes, a supporter of independence for Timor-Leste, who was taken out of the church and shot by Indonesian troops.
After entering the graveyard, Indonesian troops opened fire on thousands of unarmed civilians. More than 271 young Timorese were killed in the massacre which was filmed by the British journalist, Max Stahl. Timorese people honored and praised Max Stahl as one of Timor-Leste’s greatest heroes among others.
The Santa Cruz Massacre was a key milestone for the independence of Timor-Leste, as the footage and images of Max Stahl drew international attention to the situation in the country.
Most of the victims were young, so after independence, November 12th became a holiday, National Youth Day in Timor-Leste.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
