Students and youths have been instrumental in driving grassroots solidarity and activism
Forms of solidarity have persisted between Indonesians and East Timorese after the restoration of Timor-Leste’s independence in May 2002. This solidarity is underpinned by shared historical experiences of New Order authoritarian rule and a commitment to dismantling colonialism. While much post-independence solidarity has focused on reconciliation and addressing the history of violence, occupation and human rights abuses, grassroots activism advocating for West Papua’s right to self-determination has also arisen in Timor-Leste.
Students and youths have been instrumental in this activism. Those from the National University of Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL) have organised demonstrations, disseminated public statements, and convened forums to advocate for the West Papuan cause. As well, civil society organisations have organised protests, often in front of the Indonesian Embassy in Dili. These have involved acts such as displaying the Morning Star flag, appeals for United Nations intervention, and public awareness raising. In May 2025, UNTL students held a press conference and called on UN member states and the Indonesian government to hold ‘another referendum’, a reference to the flawed 1961 UN Act of Free Choice.
In responding to West Papua-related activism, the East Timorese government has sought to balance the country’s right to freedom of expression on the one hand and its relationship with Indonesia on the other. State repression has most acutely impacted grassroots activists. In August 2019, 46 students were arrested for protesting Indonesian policies in West Papua. A few months later, on 10 December 2019, Human Rights Day, five Timorese students were detained during a protest.
Protest bans increased around the time of Pope Francis’s visit in September 2024. Authorities banned protests about West Papua, Palestine and LGBTIQ+ issues, citing national security concerns. The decision drew sharp criticism from legal experts and civil society groups. They argued it was unconstitutional and a backward step in realising Timor-Leste’s commitment to human rights.
In the lead-up to the Pope’s visit, human rights defender Nelson Roldão was arrested at Dili Airport on 2 September 2024 for carrying a bag adorned with West Papuan symbols. He was subjected to interrogation, physical assault, and prolonged detention. On 10 September, another activist, Nelson Xavier—who lives with a disability—was arrested for displaying 'Free West Papua' and 'Free Palestine' placards during the papal visit.
Despite such incidents, East Timorese activists remain resolute. Among them is César Trinito Gaio, a young restaurateur who champions locally grown organic food in Timor-Leste. 'West Papua’s fight is real', he affirms. 'It’s about freedom—just like ours was. We know this struggle because we lived it.'
For years, César’s restaurant, Dilicious, has served as a hub for activists and youth movements, as well as a space for solidarity gatherings in Dili.
However, the political climate has shifted. 'I’ve been threatened by police and monitored by intelligence agents', he recounts. 'They warned me not to host events on 1 December, West Papua’s Independence Day. So, for two years, we had to stop.'
But César believes Timor-Leste bears a moral responsibility to speak out. 'We can’t stay silent. West Papua had its own flag, parliament, and government before Indonesia invaded. That history matters. Solidarity isn’t just politics—it’s about justice.'
Ivo Mateus Gonçalves da Cruz Fernandes received his PhD from the Australian National University in 2024. His thesis examines Timor-Leste’s history of activism, with a focus on student movements.
