DILI, 26 June 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s former President Francisco Guterres “Lú Olo” was buried on Friday, 26 June, at the Garden of Heroes and Martyrs of the Homeland in Metinaro, Dili, alongside resistance commander Ma’Huno Bulerek Karathayano (Bukar), the country’s first president Francisco Xavier do Amaral, and other national heroes.
As the funeral procession departed from Lú Olo’s residence in Farol, Dili, and made its way to Metinaro, tens of thousands of Timorese lined the streets to pay their final respects to one of the country’s great resistance commanders, who played a crucial role in the struggle for independence.
The coffin of former head of state, draped in Timor-Leste’s red, black, white, and yellow national colors arrived at the Garden of Heroes and Martyrs of the Homeland in Metinaro, Dili, at around 3 p.m.
The funeral ceremony of the 71-year-old former president was attended by the President of the Republic, José Ramos-Horta; former President and Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak; former Prime Minister and current Secretary-General of FRETILIN, Mari Alkatiri; Vice-Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Economic Affairs, and Minister of Tourism and Environment, Francisco Kalbuadi Lay; Vice-Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs, and Minister of Rural Development and Community Housing, Mariano Assanami Sabino; the Speaker of Parliament, Fernanda Lay; the Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, Falur Rate Laek; former Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, General Lere Anan Timur; the Bishop of Baucau Diocese, Dom Leandro Maria Alves; members of the government; veterans; members of parliament; foreign dignitaries; and tens of thousands of Timorese.
During the years of Indonesian occupation, Lú Olo held various political leadership roles in the national liberation resistance movement, becoming one of the most influential figures in the struggle for independence.
Following the 1999 referendum, Francisco Guterres was elected President of the Constituent Assembly, where he played a crucial role in the drafting of the Constitution of Timor-Leste and proclaimed the restoration of independence on 20 May 2002. During the restoration of independence, Lú Olo, in his capacity as president of the National Parliament, swore in Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão as President of the Republic.
Following the restoration of independence, he became the first President of the National Parliament and, in 2017, was elected President of the Republic of Timor-Leste.
He served as president of the FRETILIN from 2001 until his passing at the Prince Court Medical Centre, where he had been receiving medical treatment.
Lú Olo leaves behind his beloved wife, a daughter, and three sons.
Timor-Leste has declared seven days of national mourning and a day off on Friday to honour Lú Olo’s enduring legacy.
Speaking on behalf of the family at the funeral ceremony, Domingos Guterres urged the government to make significant investments in the health sector to improve healthcare services and ensure proper care for veterans who played a vital role in Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence.
He also called for national unity, urging all Timorese to look to Lú Olo as a role model of humility and dedication to public service. He said that although Lú Olo was no longer physically present, his spirit and legacy would live on forever.
Former Prime Minister and current Secretary-General of FRETILIN, Mari Alkatiri, expressed, on behalf of Lú Olo’s family, their heartfelt appreciation for the support provided by the government, the National Police of Timor-Leste, the Timor Leste Defence Force, and various institutions throughout the funeral ceremonies for the former president.
In his closing remarks, Alkatiri said that although Lú Olo was no longer physically present, his spirit would remain with his family forever.
He also said that FRETILIN would always be the home of Lú Olo’s family, as well as all its members, supporters, and followers.
In his remarks, President José Ramos-Horta said that “Lú-Olo” was a statesman, an active citizen, a freedom fighter, a political leader, and a living symbol of the struggle for independence.
“His name is inseparable from the defining chapters of our national journey: the armed resistance, the leadership of FRETILIN, and the building of the institutional foundations of the State,” Ramos-Horta said. “Lú-Olo belongs to the generation of our national heroes — those who taught us that freedom is not a gift, but an achievement won through sweat, sacrifice, bloodshed, courage, and perseverance.”
The Head of State said that Lú Olo would continue to inspire future generations as living proof that it is possible to dream, but that dreams could only be achieved through relentless effort, day and night, with determination and commitment.
TATOLI
