Timor-Leste mourns the passing of John M. Miller
Presidency of the Council of Ministers
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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April 30th, 2026
Press Release
Timor -Leste mourns the death of John M. Miller
The Government of Timor-Leste expresses its deep sorrow at the recent passing of John M. Miller in New York, co-founder and former National Coordinator of the East Timor and Indonesia Action Network (ETAN), and a longtime friend of the Timorese.
John M. Miller has dedicated several decades to advocating for self-determination, human rights, and justice for the people of Timor-Leste. In 1991, following the Santa Cruz Massacre, the East Timor Action Network (ETAN) was established. He was a co-founder of the organisation, which played a key role in raising international awareness of the situation in Timor-Leste and mobilising support from civil society, the media, and policymakers in the United States.
Throughout his career, John M. Miller contributed to awareness-raising and advocacy campaigns defending the rights of the Timorese people and seeking recognition of their right to self-determination. In addition to ETAN, he was a member of the War Resisters League, War Resisters International, and other peace organisations, and he established the Foreign Bases Project, dedicated to opposing U.S. militarism in other countries.
Timor-Leste has recognised the work of John M. Miller and ETAN. In 2003, Miller was honoured with the Order of Timor on ETAN's behalf. In 2012, on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence, ETAN was awarded the Order of Timor-Leste in recognition of its contribution to national liberation.
Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, on behalf of the Government and the people of Timor-Leste, extends his “deepest condolences to the family, friends, and all who shared his journey” and assures them that “his voice in defence of the Timorese people, as well as his warm friendship and unwavering support in the struggle, will never be forgotten.”
The Government of Timor-Leste pays tribute to the memory of John M. Miller and to his longstanding solidarity with the Timorese people. END
