OECUSSE, 30 December 2025 (TATOLI) – Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão on Tuesday led a Christmas fraternity celebration aimed at promoting reconciliation between communities from Naktuka, Bene-Ufe village in the Nítibe sub-region, and representatives from Oepoli, Amfoan administrative post, Kupang district, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
During the official gathering, the Head of Government emphasized that the principal objective of this Christmas fraternity was to continue the reconciliation process, strengthening ties while leaving behind the past and looking forward to the future.
“This event is part of the broader reconciliation process between Indonesia and Timor-Leste, which stands as a significant example for Africa and the Asia-Pacific. In the past, we fought and harmed one another. Today, we choose to leave history behind us – not to forget, but to ensure it remains as history. Now, we must walk together and look ahead,” Xanana Gusmão stated at the ceremony, held at the Border Patrol Unit (UPF, acronym in Portuguese) post in Usapiba’at, Bene-Ufe.
He recalled that just last month, on November 28, the Timorese people commemorated the 50th anniversary of Timor-Leste’s proclamation of independence in 1975. At that time, Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) had already entered through border points in Suai, Bobonaro, and Batugade. Although independence was proclaimed, the official invasion occurred on December 7, 1975.
“We do not celebrate only by remembering our history. We acknowledge what happened, but we do not use it as a weapon to perpetuate conflict. What occurred 50 years ago belongs to the past. Now, we must work together so that our children can build a future of peace between our two neighboring nations,” he affirmed.
Voices of Reconciliation
Tomas Cameo, Head of the Oepoli Family Delegation and Liurai of Amfoan, expressed deep satisfaction at the historic moment: “Today is historic for us, the families of Ambeno and Amfoan. For many years, we did not see each other as we do today. Celebrating Christmas together in Ambeno, centered in Bene-Ufe, is a meaningful occasion. I extend my gratitude to those who organized this joint celebration. I ask that we continue to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood between Ambeno and Amfoan, because our ancestors’ history lives on in the circle of peace.”
Agustinho Afulit, Nítibe Administrator and President of the Organizing Committee, described the event as a positive step for communities in Timor-Leste—especially Oecusse—and Indonesia, particularly Oepoli. “This is a good moment for us, paving the way for stronger relations between our two nations and the border communities.”
Acts of Solidarity
As part of the celebration, Prime Minister Gusmão also carried out charitable actions to support basic needs, distributing rice, instant noodles, cooking oil, and other essentials.
Journalist: Abílio Elo Nini
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
