DILI, 10 October 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Republic, Jose Ramos-Horta, today reaffirmed the Presidency’s unwavering commitment to preserving Timor-Leste’s national history by personally inaugurating the new Max Stahl Gallery and Audiovisual Library.
The project, realized with joint financial support from the Presidency of the Republic and the IX Constitutional Government, honors the legacy of journalist Max Stahl, whose courage and dedication were decisive in showing the world the Timorese people’s struggle for freedom.
In his address, President Ramos-Horta lauded Max Stahl as “a unique historical figure whose work was essential not only for the resistance but also for the construction of the Timorese state.” He further stressed that this legacy must be protected for future generations.
Outlining a strategic vision for the archive’s future, President Ramos-Horta announced his initiative to secure the invaluable collection through international cooperation. The President has initiated contact with world-class institutions, including the French National Audiovisual Institute and the University of Coimbra in Portugal, to create a secure, professional, and globally accessible network for these historical records. This visionary approach ensures that the memory of the nation’s journey to independence is safeguarded against the risks of time and decay.
The President further demonstrated his commitment by reiterating the government’s pledge of one million dollars for the complete rehabilitation of the CAMSTL building, a site of significant historical importance. He has instructed his office to act with urgency to begin the necessary work, underscoring the high priority the Head of State places on providing a dignified and functional home for the nation’s memory. This initiative reflects the President’s deep conviction that remembering the past is essential to inspiring the youth to build a future of peace and harmony.
TATOLI
