Timor-Leste, formerly known as East Timor, has celebrated the 25th anniversary of the referendum that secured its independence from Indonesia’s rule.
The referendum was held on August 30, 1999, with backing from the United Nations.
Nearly 80 percent of voters supported independence from Jakarta’s control, which had continued since 1975. Timor-Leste became an independent state in 2002.
On Friday, a ceremony was held in Dili, the capital, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in attendance.
Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, who led the country’s independence movement, recalled the years of fighting for independence.
He asked young people to continue to walk with the government and help it. He urged them to serve the country and the people.
A survey conducted by an independent truth commission shows that in 1999 when the referendum was conducted, there were about 15,000 cases of violence, including the killing of civilians, by Indonesian military and police as well as anti-independence militias. Scars still remain among residents.
Recalling those days, a woman in her 50s said that she was very scared when her husband was threatened by a group of militants with guns.
She said that the people have won independence and freedom.