Let Us Not Forget Our 14 Young Martyrs of the Popular Consultation
By Antonio Gomes
DILI, 31 August 2026 (TATOLI) – 30 August is a historic day for Timor-Leste. It marks the anniversary of the 1999 Popular Consultation, organized by the United Nations through UNAMET, when the people of Timor-Leste courageously exercised their right to choose their future despite threats, intimidation, and fear.
Many people played a role in making that historic day possible. Among them were our young Timorese men and women who served as Polling Staff, working alongside UNAMET to help ensure that people could safely exercise their right to vote.
But 14 of these young people paid the ultimate price.
Fourteen young Polling Staff were killed by pro-Indonesian militias during the Popular Consultation process on 30 August 1999. Their names are inscribed on a simple monument at the UN Compound in Caicoli, Dili.
Today, I ask a simple but important question:
Do these 14 young martyrs not deserve to be officially honoured by the State of Timor-Leste for their sacrifice?
If others who did not support Timor-Leste’s independence have been honoured with state decorations, why should our 14 young martyrs be forgotten?
They stood for the people. They served during one of the most dangerous moments in our history. They helped protect the democratic process that allowed our people to express their will. And they lost their lives doing so.
Their sacrifice deserves more than a simple monument.
It deserves national recognition, respect, and remembrance.
The late Ana Lemos, one of those who lost her life, has already been remembered in a meaningful way. A conference room at the UN Compound in Caicoli was named after her and inaugurated by Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, during his visit to Timor-Leste from 28 to 31 August 2024.
But what about the other 13?
And what about the recognition they deserve from their own country?
As we commemorate 30 August, let us remember that independence was not achieved without sacrifice. Many ordinary Timorese people—young and old—stood up during difficult and dangerous times. Some survived to see independence. Others did not.
The 14 young Polling Staff must not become forgotten names in our history.
I strongly believe that the State of Timor-Leste should consider an appropriate national decoration or official recognition for these 14 young martyrs and their families.
Let us honour those who gave their lives so that the people of Timor-Leste could freely express their will.
Their sacrifice was for our future. Their names belong in our history. And their memory must never be forgotten.
TATOLI
