Foreign military delegations arrive in Timor-Leste for FALINTIL 51st Anniversary
DILI, 19 August 2026 (TATOLI) – Military delegations from Portugal, Indonesia and South Korea have arrived in Timor-Leste to join commemorations marking the 51st anniversary of the Armed Forces for the National Liberation of Timor-Leste (FALINTIL) in Matebian Mountain, Quelicai Administrative Post, Baucau Municipality, on Thursday.
The delegations arrived at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili aboard a Citilink flight.
This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme “Honouring the Martyrs, Commitment to Stability and Peace”, highlighting the sacrifices of the martyrs and resistance fighters who contributed to the country’s struggle for liberation and independence.
The F-FDTL said the participation of the foreign military delegations demonstrates international solidarity and support for Timor-Leste, while the anniversary programme aims to preserve the memory of the resistance and promote national unity, stability and peace.
Indonesia’s delegation is led by Brigadier General Ketut Mertha Gunarda, Portugal’s by Brigadier General Rui Pina, and South Korea’s by Captain Sangil Lee.
The delegations were received at the airport by Colonel Hélder da Costa, commander of the F-FDTL Air Component, and Lieutenant Colonel Domingos Oki, head of the Technical-Military Cooperation Division.
According to the F-FDTL programme, commemorative activities began on Tuesday with several events, including a solemn thanksgiving Mass marking the 51st anniversary of FALINTIL.
On Wednesday evening, a traditional ritual ceremony is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. in Soru Lai, near Mount Matebian. The ceremony will feature symbolic rituals, including the cutting of roots, the breaking of a stone and the presentation of sacred iron, followed by an official group photograph.
A film depicting the resistance struggle will be screened from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The main anniversary ceremony and military parade will take place on Thursday from 8 a.m. at the Soru Lai parade ground.
Participants will sign the “Path of Resistance” commemorative plaque at 9:50 a.m., followed by a cake-cutting ceremony marking the 51st anniversary and a commemorative photograph at 10:45 a.m.
The program will continue with a fellowship lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., bringing together government officials, veterans, foreign delegations and members of the public. The gathering will also feature national music and cultural performances.
The celebrations will conclude with an official closing ceremony at Soru Lai at 5:30 p.m.
FALINTIL was established on 20 August 1975, and the date is commemorated annually as FALINTIL Day.
TATOLI
