Hearts Still Raw: Reconciliation in Timor-Leste and a Difficult Invitation
Timor-Leste marked the 49th anniversary of its unilateral declaration of independence with events in Oecussi on Thursday. Yet, the celebrations were overshadowed by a controversial invitation, one that sparked fresh debate about national healing and the wounds of the past.
A Gesture of Reconciliation, Met with Outcry
President José Ramos-Horta extended an invitation to Eurico Guterres, the former head of the Aitarak militia, to participate in the independence commemorations. Guterres, whose militia was responsible for numerous attacks and the devastation of Dili following the 1999 referendum, played a deeply divisive role in Timor-Leste’s liberation struggle.
The invitation triggered a wave of social outrage. Many citizens felt the gesture was premature, a jarring reminder of a painful chapter in their history that remains raw for many.
“The Best Reconciliation Comes From the Heart,” Former Prime Minister Says
Taur Matan Ruak, former Prime Minister and leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), weighed in on the debate, expressing understanding for both sides. “You’re going to have to let time take care of itself a little, while morally and psychologically people are not ready, not for reconciliation in general, but for particular factions, the case of Eurico Guterres,” Ruak told reporters.
“It’s commendable that a president of Timor-Leste has done this, but society isn’t ready, it’s not that they don’t want to, they’re not ready. That means leaving it a bit longer, which time will help to appease better,” Ruak emphasized, highlighting the complex emotional landscape surrounding reconciliation.
For Ruak, the key to meaningful reconciliation lies with the heart. “The best reconciliation is the one that comes from the heart,” he said, underscoring the importance of genuine remorse and forgiveness in the healing process.
He acknowledges that this is an internal journey, one that external gestures can influence but ultimately must be driven from within. “It’s an internal process; the external can influence it, but the internal determines it,” he explained.
Moving Forward: Recognizing Both Progress and Lingering Pain
While acknowledging the significant strides Timor-Leste has made in healing since its tumultuous independence struggle, Ruak recognizes that some wounds run deeper than others.
“Regarding the events of 1999, there were cases that the population has moved on from, but there are cases that are still very fresh,” he stated, emphasizing the uneven nature of healing.
“It’s not that people don’t want to; they’re not ready yet, and it’s too early for them. But it’s always a praiseworthy act, but you must be very careful to manage all this emotional problem then,” he concluded, navigating the delicate balance between symbolism and sensitivity in addressing past atrocities.
How can Timor-Leste learn from the successes and failures of other post-conflict truth and reconciliation commissions in crafting a process that is both meaningful and effective for its unique context?
## Interview: Reconciliation in Timor-Leste
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today, we’re discussing the delicate issue of reconciliation in Timor-Leste, sparked by a controversial invitation. To help us understand the complexities of this situation, we’re joined by Dr. [Guest Name], an expert on Southeast Asian politics and transitional justice. Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for being here.
**Guest:** Thank you for having me. It’s a vital conversation to have.
**Host:** Let’s start with the basics. Timor-Leste recently celebrated its independence anniversary, but the occasion was overshadowed by President Ramos-Horta’s invitation to Eurico Guterres, the former militia leader. Can you explain why this invitation is so divisive?
**Guest:** Absolutely. Eurico Guterres led the Aitarak militia, which was directly responsible for significant violence and destruction in Dili after the 1999 referendum. For many Timorese, especially those who suffered directly from the militia’s actions, Guterres represents a painful and traumatic part of their history.
**Host:** So, the invitation is seen as insensitive, a disregard for the suffering of many?
**Guest:** Precisely. Many feel that reconciliation shouldn’t involve platforms for those who committed atrocities without a proper process of accountability and remorse. **[1](https://www.usip.org/publications/2002/02/truth-commission-timor-leste-east-timor)** highlights the importance of community perspectives in achieving genuine reconciliation.
**Host:** Former Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak weighed in, saying ‘the best reconciliation comes from the heart.’ What do you make of this statement?
**Guest:** It’s a powerful sentiment. True reconciliation requires empathy, forgiveness, and a willingness to confront the past honestly. But achieving that requires a multifaceted approach, one that acknowledges the suffering of victims, promotes healing, and holds perpetuators accountable to pave the way for genuine forgiveness to emerge.
**Host:** What are the potential dangers of prematurely pushing reconciliation in this context?
**Guest:** Compartmentalizing the past without addressing the wounds of conflict can negatively impact future generations. It reinforces divisions and can even lead to recurring cycles of violence.
**Host:** Where does Timor-Leste go from here?
**Guest:** This situation necessitates a national dialog. It’s crucial for all voices to feel heard, including victims, perpetrators, and those working towards a shared future. Perhaps a truth and reconciliation process, commonly employed in post-conflict societies, could provide a framework for addressing past injustices and forging a path towards genuine healing.[**[**[**[**[1](https://www.usip.org/publications/2002/02/truth-commission-timor-leste-east-timor)** ]provides valuable insight into the benefits and challenges of such commissions.
**Host:** Dr. [Guest Name], this is a deeply complex issue. Thank you for sharing your expertise and providing such insightful perspectives.
