Statue of Timorese national hero Nicolau Lobato ready for installation in Soibada
DÍLI, 22 August 2026 (TATOLI) – A newly completed statue of Timorese National Hero Nicolau dos Reis Lobato is ready to be transported from Baucau to its final home in the Soibada Administrative Post, Manatuto Municipality. The monument was officially handed over to the family following its completion in August 2026.
Produced in the village (suco) of Buailai by local sculptor José do Carmo Pinto, the project took three months to build. Pinto carefully crafted the artwork to perfectly capture the true likeness, dimensions, and identity of the revered leader.
Nicolau Lobato was a central figure in Timor-Leste’s liberation struggle, serving as the first Prime Minister in 1975 before leading the armed resistance, and as the second President of Timor-Leste from 1977 until his death on December 31, 1978. The statue aims to permanently honor his profound courage, sacrifice, and patriotism for the nation.
The memorial initiative was a collaborative effort promoted by the President of the Republic, J. Ramos-Horta, and the Lobato family. Once installed in Soibada, the monument will serve as an enduring tribute to preserve his historic legacy.
TATOLI
