Government of Timor-Leste

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão stated that the spirit of “Maubai” continues to embody the Timorese determination to carry on the struggle for independence, freedom, and dignity during a ceremony held at the Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum (AMRT) in Dili as part of the celebrations marking the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence on May 18^th, 2026. 

At the ceremony, the Head of Government noted that the event was held “in this ‘Uma Lulik’ [Sacred House] dedicated to heroes and the national memory” to mark the 24th anniversary of the restoration of the independence of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

The Prime Minister recalled the National Conference held on 3 March 1981 in Maubai, in the municipality of Viqueque, organised by the then Commander-in-Chief of FALINTIL, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, to reorganise the Timorese resistance and strengthen the struggle for national liberation. He stated that, faced with the risk of the resistance’s collapse, the Timorese—particularly the fighters—realised that the survival of Timor-Leste depended on placing national unity above all divisions.

“Maubai was not merely a conference on military reorganisation. It was a national rebirth,” he declared, adding that the resistance “no longer belonged solely to a single group or party but had definitively become the property of the entire Timorese.”

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão emphasised that the spirit of “Maubai” lives on in the Timorese nation and continues to inspire the defence of national sovereignty. The Head of Government also stated that the struggle for independence did not end in 2002 and continues through the consolidation of democracy, the strengthening of State institutions, the preservation of historical memory, and the defence of national sovereignty.

Xanana Gusmão also stated that “Maubai” taught the Timorese that unity is stronger than division and that an organised people can survive even the most difficult periods of their history. He also emphasised that the resistance was not only military but also moral, spiritual, and human.

During his speech, the Prime Minister also highlighted the connection between the spirit of “Maubai” and the struggle for the full demarcation of Timor-Leste’s Land and Maritime Boundary, as well as for the full affirmation of the rule of law, democracy, and national sovereignty.

“‘March 3^rd’ remains a source of inspiration for our full and unquestioned sovereignty,” he declared.

The Head of Government also acknowledged the role of the Timorese Resistance Archive & Museum in preserving the nation’s memory, noting that the AMRT preserves not only documents, photographs, and historical artefacts but also the living memory of the Timorese resistance.

On that occasion, the Prime Minister emphasised the need to continue collecting testimonies from veterans and historical documentation, warning of the risk of irreversibly losing memories of the national liberation struggle. He also noted ongoing efforts to identify and preserve resistance shelters and historic sites, as well as the creation of new museums and memorials in various regions of the country, including Aileu, Bunária, Oi, and Paitchau.

The Head of the Government also highlighted the role of the Catholic Church during the Indonesian occupation, noting its support for the population and its denunciation of human rights violations during the resistance.

The Prime Minister also stated that Timor-Leste needs young people prepared to defend the nation’s identity, its historical memory, and the values of the resistance, transforming the sacrifices of the past into a foundation for the country’s future.

The Prime Minister also stated that Timor-Leste needs young people prepared to defend the nation’s identity, its historical memory, and the values of the resistance, thereby transforming the sacrifices of the past into a foundation for the country’s future.

Mateus Campos Pinto, Director of the AMRT’s Department of Museology, said the exhibition aims to provide a space for dialogue and reflection on the history of the national liberation struggle and the consolidation of Timorese sovereignty.

During the event, the Prime Minister also launched the book “Lives of Resistance — The Long March Toward Timor-Leste’s Independence,” written by Rosa Amaro and Timorese veterans, with a foreword by Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão. The book is the result of a lengthy process of interviews, meetings, and revisions, and brings together testimonies from the struggle for national independence.

The celebrations began with a Mass of Thanksgiving, presided over by Father Angelo Salsinha, attended by members of the Government, members of the National Parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, veterans, and students.