Introduction

More than 4 years ago, I was supposed to go to East Timor for voluntary work, however, due to study commitment, I decided not to join the team. I thought I would never have the opportunity to visit East Timor, until one fine day when my boss (who was going to East Timor), out of goodwill and good gesture, asked me if I would be keen to come along. I accepted immediately, even though I know that I would not be contributing much.

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I must make a disclaimer:

As I was in the country for only 4 days, my view is based on my limited observations and things that I have read. So it might not be totally accurate.

(One of the sign boards in East Timor)

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Prior to the trip, I did some readings on East Timor (aka Timor Leste). The recurring question that surfaced in my mind was “If I am the prime minister, how am I going to run and develop this country?”. It was not an easy task. While the country has gotten its freedom by gaining independence from Indonesia, that is only the first step.

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I also asked myself this question: If the Timor Leste (Portuguese name) does not have oil reserve, would the people ask for independence from Indonesia? If there is no oil reserve, would Indonesia invaded East Timor?

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At the end of the day, it is about gaining wealth – the black gold. It was a bit sad that so many live were sacrificed for the $$$. I might have over-simplifying the whole situation. There might be some other reasons such as difference in race and culture. Example: Timor-Leste residents are predominantly Roman Catholic and have Portuguese influences.

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This is the recurring problems around the world – the quest for black gold. Example: USA intervention and invasion of Iraq – I would think that if there is no oil reserve in Iraq, there will be no fighting and killing. US won’t be bothered at all, just like their positions in alot of conflicted states/countries in Africa. Sorry for digressing, just felt sad that so many people are willing to do nasty things just to be wealthy

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For this blog, all the photos shown here are unedited (No Cropping, No lighting enhancement etc..)

Day 1 - 30th May 2009

Arrival Form

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Straits Time

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At the back of my head, I was wondering how would the new government run Timor-Leste, and coincidentally, the papers was writing about our ruling party in Singapore, that changed the course of Singapore. While reading the papers, Singapore was kinda like in the same predicament as Timor Leste 50 years ago – uncertain future, new nation, however, Timor Leste is blessed with natural reserve (that Singapore has none), Singapore is blessed with its strategic location for the major trade routes. If Lee Kuan Yew is now the prime minister of Timor Leste, how would he run it? I am not politicial, but after my short trip, it is definitely an uphill task.

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I was thinking if some countries are destined not to be economically successful. I do not mean it in a negative manner. Just like everyone of us, we all have our strengths and weaknesses. For example: I know that I could never be a great novel author, I could never be a great musician... but I know I am pretty good with numbers. There are some things that we excel in and others things that we struggle to do well. I think that the same concept applies to countries as well.

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Fortunately for Timor-Leste, they might become another Brunei because of its oil reserve.

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Some Statistics

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To sidetrack a bit – Singapore Land Mass increased by 20% by filling the sea with land. Amazing feat by our government.

This is what I call – Uniquely Singapore.

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During the flight to Dili (Capital of Timor Leste), I saw some beautiful beautiful islands. I realised that there are actually alot of treasures in Indonesia – those islands could be as beautiful as Maldives, Fiji etc... unfortunately, Tourism in Indonesia is quite badly promoted.

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Paradise

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Close-up

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Blue Blue Sky

Different tones of blue!
The world is so beautiful.

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Random Photo

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Coastline of Timor-Leste
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The government wanted to promote Eco-tourism, and I felt that it is totally possible. Timor-Leste is a raw and beautiful place, however, its infrastructure needs to be improved. Currently, there is almost no tourist in Timor-Leste.

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Free Condoms!!!

(And this box was hanging outside my room.... hmmm..)

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TsingTao & Timor-Leste Flag

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Within the first day, I found Chinese presense in this country. The furniture and electrical appliances are all made-in-china. I saw a few Chinese government officials and some UN security personnels from China. The operator of the hotel is owned by a Chinese (Macau born) and her Portugese husband.

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Hotel California, Dili

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Roman Catholic Shed-Church.

90% of the population (1million) are Roman Catholic.

Not a surprising statistics, as Portuguese has colonized this place for 500 years.

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Cross

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Car-plate.

TLS - Timor Leste S.....?

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Turn Left

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Shadow
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Symmetry
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Ray of Hope
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Veil
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Coastal area of Dili
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Swaying with the wind
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Sunset
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Fishing
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Sunset
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Day 2 - 31st May 2009

Well, the second day was quite eventful,

as it was the first time I ever meet a President of a Country and went to his residence. The president is also a Nobel prize laureate, so this is another first time for me to meet a Nobel prize Laureate.

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I like his residence, it was a very cozy and comfortable place. There was no air-con, but it was not hot. The thing that I felt uncomfortable was the imprisonment of 2 fully-grown eagles - well, it was impressive to have huge eagles as pets, but eagles are meant to fly freely not kept in cage. Since I do not have the background of these 2 eagles (may be they are orphan at birth), I shall not be too judgemental.

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The Timorese old man is a war veteran (see the poster at the top)

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I went to a Fatunaba Memorial – a place that commemorates those brave warriors who sacrificed themselves during the second world war. It was also another pleasure to meet the 84 years-old War Veteran – a local Timorese who brought the Allied troops around the Island at a tender age of 12 years-old. He was a very brave boy. Respect!!

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I did not take photos of the President and his team. I felt that it was kinda rude to take photos without their permission, anyway, even if I took it, I would not load up in onto the blog, as it would put the people who worked around him in jeopardy. More than a year ago (Feb 2008), there was a failed attempt to assassinate the president, who was badly injured by 3 gun shoots.

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Hence, taking photos of people around him would jeopardize their lives (at least, in my perspective). It was an eye-opener to listen to their on-going and future projects in Timor Leste. Talking about Politics in this region and the relationship with various countries. It was a honor to listen to some of their conversations. Due to the sensitive nature of the matters, I am not sharing them on this blog.

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Invitation to Movie Premiere

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In the evening, we were invited to a movie premiere – Balibo. It was the world premiere and it was shown at the EU compound in Timor Leste. Balibo is a place in Timor Leste, very near to the border with Indonesia. I could not provide any synopsis of this movie, as it is not shown to the rest of the world yet (that’s another first time experience for me). They would show case this movie in Melbourne, Toronto and other world famous film festival.

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“Based on actual events, BALIBO is a powerful, moving and explosive political thriller that recreates events surrounding the execution of five Australian journalists during Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor in 1975, and journalist Roger East’s investigation into their tragic death”

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See below for more comments on the movie.

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The memorial place is on one of the hills overlooking the capital city of Dili.

It was beautiful and the air was fresh.

Very enjoyable. =)

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Presence of Australian Defence Organisation.

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Local Girl posing for me. =)

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Random Shot

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Casa Europa

European Union Compound where the film 'BALIBO' was shown.

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It was a powerful movie that I was moved by the bravery of the Australian Journalists who wanted to world to know the true plight of East Timor. Unfortunately, they were ALL killed by the Indonesian militants and those murderers are still at lurch, partly because they were holding high position. An estimated 138,000 people are killed.

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The movie triggered more questions in my mind:
What makes the Australian Journalists risk their lives to report the happenings in East Timor? Why did Indonesia want to invade East Timor?

Is “black gold” the reason?

When did East Timor discover that it has oil reserve?

Why did the rest of the world do nothing?

Why didn’t the UN prevent the tragedy?

How can people so brutal?

Why are the murderers not put on trial in international criminal court?

Why ain’t Indonesia apologetic and provide more assistance to Timor Leste?

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I am not a supportor of war, but I believe that it is necessary for any country to have military forces to defend its sovereignty. In time of crisis, it is hard to depend on external help, and only you would use your life to protect your family and country. Despite the fact that I do not agree with army way of life, I supported the need for conscription.

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I have a new found respect for the President.

It was hard to imagine by reading the background of his excellency on websites, but having visual images, the impact is stronger and deeper. His life is amazing. I have total respect for his effort and bravery to fight for his country’s independence.

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After the movie, I had a deeper appreciation for freedom and independence. I could appreciate East Timor better. I realised that there is not enough awareness of this tragedy around the world, which is quite unfortunate.

Awareness would precede any help.

Day 3 - 1st June 2009

On the third day, we met up with some government officials to discuss certain opportunities. Not surprisingly, the government officials are the elite class of people in East Timor. (I must reiterate that my stay in the country is very short, hence, my observations and deductions might not be accurate.)

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Based on my small sample size, the general characteristics of this Elite group are that most of them have strong Portuguese background (Facial features are more like Portuguese than Indigenous Timorese) and they are educated overseas (especially in Portugal). My sense is that they are quite successful overseas, however, they see the need to go back and contribute to East Timor. In short, they have a strong attachment to Portugal and its culture.

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This group of people is quite a contrast to the Timorese you will see on the street. Generally, the Timorese on the street looks like a mixed of Indonesian, Papua New Guinea features.... their skin tone are generally darker compared to the Elite, and their facial features are not as sharp.

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Government Building

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I was very fortunate to listen, talk and discuss the issues facing East Timor.

The fertility of the women in East Timor is pretty high – around 8 children per woman. While the country has population slightly less than 1 million, and with its new found wealth – oil reserve, it should be another Brunei in the making.

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However, one of the main potential problems would be the increase in population with its high fertility rate (as Roman Catholic forbids any kinds of contraception). With limited resources and increasing population,there is bound to have more social unrest and shortage of resources (aka poverty). In fact, the world is facing the problem of overpopulation NOW!

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I asked one of the government officials about the solution, since it will be a big problem.

They do not have a solution now,

how can they have a solution when contraception (e.g. use of condoms & pills) is discouraged?

The root of the matter is not solved.

This is not a good picture.

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Street
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Department Store
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The main currency in Timor Leste is USD, unfortunately, as they do not have manufacturing facilities, hence, the country has to import everything from overseas. Inevitably, despite being one of the poorest countries in the world, the things ain’t exactly cheap. In fact, the some items are more expensive than Singapore.
For example: We the meal in the restaurant, a dish is around 12-14 USD, considering the average monthly salary of a local is around 40USD, we only see westerners around. Those Caucasians are mainly UN troops that are stationed in Timor Leste.
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UN Police
Common Sight in Dili
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Local Vendor
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Cross as shadow
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Signboard (in Tetun... i think)
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Local Kids
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Hotel Timor
(The most luxurious hotel in Timor)
Room rate is around 160USD
(but i heard it was not up to standard for this price)
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Street of Dili on Monday afternoon.
Lotsa young people are hanging around, as they are unemployed.
High unemployment is one of the main problems in East Timor.
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Just felt that Timor-Leste is very fortunate that it has oil reserve and the exploration has only started. The future would be bleak if they don’t have this endowed treasure.
Interestingly, we heard conflicting feedbacks about the culture of local Timorese.
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One group of people (employers) informed us that the Timorese are generally unmotivated and lazy. It is part of their culture to enjoy as much as possible and start working only if they finished spending their money.
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Another group of people (govt officials) informed us that the Timorese are not properly motivated, and under bad leadership, they would not be incentivised to work hard (well, as like anyone of us).
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The NGO feedback was that the kids are very keen to learn and work hard.
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I do not know... my general gut feel is that there is not enough employment opportunities around (that’s why you see lotsa young people walking around on the street during weekday afternoon), then it might be habitual that people is just used to the a slower pace of life. Hence, they might appear to be lazy.
Well, as long as they are happy.... it is alright.
The problem is: Are they really happy?
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Singapore Car?!?!?
Most of the car are second-cars from Singapore.
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"Familia Hope Gleno"
This Australian guy is a Christian who became a Muslim, then return back to his Christianity faith again. He runs a charity organization for the orphans in the rural areas of East Timor.
Respect!!!
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Beautiful Sky

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Boon @ Timor

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Timor Leste is an interesting place for me in that it is such a young country that there is alot of space to implement policy and system that would dramatically improve the lives of people. In fact, if you have a good and innovative system, this could be a place to implement it.