OECUSSI, 26 November 2025 (TATOLI) – The President of the Special Administrative Region of Oecussi-Ambeno (RAEOA), Régio da Cruz Salu, on Wednesday inaugurated a Tais weaving competition featuring 20 young women at the Directorate of Commerce and Industry Hall. The event was organized to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s proclamation of independence on November 28.
During the opening ceremony, President Salu highlighted the importance of the competition in encouraging younger generations to promote and preserve Oecussi Tais as a cultural identity of the Atoni people, passed down through generations.
“This Tais weaving competition supports the investment ecosystem for Tais, from production to market. It ensures high-quality products while also safeguarding cultural heritage and civilizational values. As the inheriting generation, we must continue the craftsmanship of our ancestors and strengthen Oecusse’s cultural identity,” Salu stated.
Vice-President of the Organizing Committee for the Local Product Fair, Imaculada da Cruz, explained that the 20 competitors represent 20 villages across Oecussi. Ten participants are under the age of 15, while the other ten are between 20 and 25 years old.
“The purpose of this competition is to motivate and encourage young people to engage in Tais weaving, because this activity embodies Oecusse’s cultural identity. From our ancestors until today, it has been our responsibility to learn and preserve it. That is why, in commemorating Independence Day, the committee integrated this competition into the agenda to ensure our cultural identity is not forgotten,” she said.
Before the competition began, Jury President Joana Bobo Tano outlined the rules and criteria. Competitors were required to respect the set timeframe and demonstrate quality in their weaving. The challenge involved producing Tais modelled on the national flag of Timor-Leste, complete with its central black triangle and inscriptions in the Baikeno language: “Nekaf-Mese Ansao-Mese” meaning “One heart, one soul.”
“The competition prohibits discussions during the process, as it follows strict rules to identify the fastest and highest-quality competitors. It runs for one full day, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., followed by the announcement of results,” she explained.
After the competition, Francisca Antónia Oqui from Bobokase village in Pante Makasar sub-region expressed pride in participating for the first time.
“I am grateful to the government for opening this competition to young women like us, giving us the chance to showcase our talent as weavers. This activity continues the work of our ancestors. Even though I did not win, I am proud to present my work to the public and to experience this competition for the first time,” she said.
The 20 young women, representing 20 villages in Oecussi, received direct support from partners including Timor Aid, the Oecussi Women’s Potential Association, and the RAEOA Authority.
Journalist: Abílio Elo Nini
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
