“The exhibition will be open for two weeks, from October 28 to November 12, with the aim of honoring all those who disappeared, died, were injured, and were victims,” stated Eudicitio Pinto, the executive director of the Max Stahl Timor-Leste Audio-Visual Centre (CAMSTL), at the exhibition’s opening.
Dedicated to the theme ‘From Tragedy to Hope: 34 Years of the Nation’s Journey – Santa Cruz 1991, Old Wound, New Spirit,’ the exhibition, according to Eudicitio Pinto, seeks to strengthen the sense of “nationalism and patriotism” among the Timorese and “promote democracy.”
“History is essential because it teaches us through past experiences, guides our present decisions, and helps us avoid repeating mistakes. It is part of our identity, culture, and values, allowing us to understand how societies evolve,” said Eudicitio Pinto.
On November 12, 1991, over two thousand people gathered in a march to the Santa Cruz cemetery in Dili to pay tribute to young Sebastião Gomes, who was killed in October of that year by elements associated with Indonesian forces.
At the cemetery, Indonesian military opened fire on the crowd, causing more than seventy deaths.
According to the November 12 committee, 2,261 people participated in the demonstration, 74 were identified as having died on the spot, and more than 120 died in the following days at the military hospital or as a result of persecution by the occupying forces.
“Visitors will be able to see, hear, and better understand the memory of the Santa Cruz Massacre through the testimonies of surviving heroes who still live among us and their recollections of the event,” added the official.
Eudicitio Pinto recalled that Timor-Leste experienced many massacres during the struggle, but the one on November 12, 1991, was especially significant because it was captured on film.
Footage shows numerous young people—boys and girls—dead and wounded in the Santa Cruz Cemetery, some of them minors.
“It is a painful story for the Timorese people but one that has transformed into hope,” stated the executive director.
Timor-Leste was invaded by Indonesia on December 7, 1975.
Nearly 250,000 people died as a result of bombings, hunger, disease, torture, and executions.
The Santa Cruz Massacre, which occurred on November 12, 1991, ended the isolation imposed by the Indonesian military forces.
After the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence on May 20, 2002, November 12 was declared the National Youth Day of Timor-Leste and is a national holiday.
