ACbit – Chega! Ba Ita Learning from the Past, for A Better Future
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On June 9, ACbit, together with Dinamizadora, survivors, youth, students, and the community of Lakoto-Balibar, commemorated the 45th anniversary of the Levantamento Marabia – a strategic operation that showed the world that Timor-Leste’s resistance continued to fight for self-determination, because after the Resistance Support Base was dismantled by the Indonesian military, Indonesia spread propaganda claiming that Timor-Leste no longer had a resistance movement. In response, The Falintil fighters and civilians planned and carried out attacks on Indonesian military bases, including Radio TVRI in Marabia, Military Company 744 in Bekora, the Babinsa headquarters in Dare, a post in Kamea Tutun, and Zipur in Fatunaba.
To honor this legacy, ACbit launched a mural painting in Lakoto-Balibar, depicting the community’s experiences during and after the Levantamento. Survivors guided visitors through the mural, sharing personal stories that are often overlooked in Timor-Leste’s national narrative.
Lucilia, a survivor who was forcibly displaced to Atauro, shared: “This mural is a recognition and an honor for us. It tells our stories that people often forget.” João Mota, who took part in the Levantamento, added: “It makes me proud that ACbit has given us space to share our stories with the new generation, so they understand the pain we went through”.
The commemoration also included a reflection session on “The Situation of Victims and Survivors 23 Years After Independence”, where survivors, students, and community members discussed the ongoing challenges they face.
Emerenciana F. Lopes, a student at ESGP Laulara, said: “I feel honored to hear directly from the survivors about their suffering and the various violations they faced. I am proud of their resilience in fighting for their lives, even though the government does not really care. That’s why, as students and youth, we must reflect: we fought for the liberation of the homeland — yes! But we must also fight for the liberation of the people. We still fight, and a Luta Continua!”
To support economic empowerment, ACbit invited survivor groups from Baucau, Viqueque, and Covalima to hold a community bazaar, selling local foods and handmade crafts.
This event was made possible with funding from Misereor and strong collaboration with survivors, Dinamizadora, local authorities, and youth in Lakoto.
