Peace Transition in Timor-Leste
Timor-Leste’s success in overcoming past conflicts peacefully is globally notable case. If Timor-Leste continues to pursue and sustain peace, it can serve as a model for the world and a compass for other conflict-ridden nations.
In 1999, Timor-Leste’s popular referendum to separate from Indonesia sparked interstate and intrastate conflict. Approximately 1,500 Timorese died in the ensuing violence. An additional 300,000 fled to West Timor and the country’s infrastructure was ultimately decimated.
However, after over two decades, Timor-Leste became most peaceful country in the world. After a difficult road to independence, Timor-Leste, the world’s third youngest country, has implemented numerous policies and programs promoting Positive Peace to gain a notable level of post-conflict stability. This year, the Positive Peace Report by the Institute for Economics and Peace includes case studies from three countries: Timor-Leste, Bhutan and Peru. These countries have made significant improvements in both negative peace and Positive Peace; providing inspiration for other countries seeking to develop their own peacefulness.
Timor-Leste’s achievements are no accident. International assistance, a democratic political culture, socioeconomic development programs and regional peacebuilding have prevented the young country from relapsing into conflict and placed it on a healthy long-term trajectory of peace.
Peace Project by Heavenly Culture World Peace and Restoration of Light (HWPL)
The Heavenly Culture World Peace and Restoration of Light (HWPL) is an international peace organization established on May 25, 2013. Rooted in the ‘Declaration of World Peace,’ HWPL actively promotes peace beyond borders, cultures, and ideologies. How HWPL gets involved in peace project in Timor-Leste.
HWPL is working on the “Peace City, Dili Project” to achieve sustainable peace in Timor-Leste. This project consists of three components: Public Art, Peace Journalism, and Peace Education. If the Timorese government and citizens actively participate in the “Peace City, Dili” project, Timor-Leste can become a symbol of peace globally, attracting attention and recognition. It is anticipated that in the future, Timor-Leste, as a peaceful nation, could host international conferences on East Asian peace, not only leading to the development of local communities and tourism, but also strengthening the unity of the East Timorese people. We kindly request strong support from the government and the people for this project, which holds significant potential.
“Transforming Dili into the Cilty of Peace Peace through Art, Education, and Journalism”HWPL actively promotes three key projects in Dili: Public Peace Art, Peace Journalism Education, and Peace Higher Education.
1. Public Peace Art
HWPL initiated the Public Peace Art project in collaboration with enthusiastic youth volunteers- university students, and local artists. With the aim of beautifying Dili, promoting local businesses, and strenghtening community bonds, HWPL launched its inaugural Public Peace Art project on August 1, at the heart of Dili—the Xanana Sports Center. Over 30 university students from six different universities, alongside artists from six art groups, volunteered their time and creativity to beautify their community. HWPL will continue its Public Peace Art project in Dili to spread the culture of peace.
2. Peace Journalist
HWPL collaborates with the Timor-Leste Press Council to conduct ‘Peace Journalism and Media Literacy Education’ for journalists in 2024. The purpose of this education is to strengthen the capacity of journalists and achieve sustainable peace and development in Timor-Leste through professional peace journalism.
HWPL invited Timor-Leste Press Council to World Peace Summit held in Korea and engaged in profound discussions. To facilitate the implementation of the education, HWPL and TLPC signed an MOU agreement on 24 November.
3. Peace Education
On December 15, 2023, HWPL initiated its ‘Peace Educator Training’ at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Culture conference hall. A total of 28 professors/lecturers from 12 out of 19 higher institutions in Timor-Leste actively participated. Notably, UNDIL and UNPAZ formalized an MOU with HWPL to implement Peace Education in 2024. Currently, HWPL is teaching Korean and English classes for free at UNDIL. Additionally, the ‘Peace Children’s Choir Launching Ceremony’ took place at Lighthouse International School on November 27.
These activities are actively unfolding thanks to the support of the peace-loving citizens of Timor-Leste, the efforts of the Timor-Leste government, and the leadership of Chairman Lee Man-hee and HWPL.
Good Leaders, Good Governance and Toward Society Peace
In order to build peace, the leaders in Timore Leste play a vital role in cooperating with international peace advocate organization, like HWPL and UN Agencies.
During HWPL’s Peace Project, Government officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister of East Timor, the Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts, and Culture, the Minister of Education, and the Minister of Higher Education, facilitated the allocation of public spaces for Public Peace Art project. Concurrently, a dedicated group of around 40 volunteers, composed of young artists and students, endeavored to imbue Dili’s environment with a sense of peace and hope. This endeavor was made feasible with the generous backing of East Timor’s Vinod Patel company, which provided the substantial quantity of paint required to adorn the expansive 54-meter wall.
Mr. Iliwatu Danabere, the President of Arte Moris, expressed his motivation for volunteering in the HWPL peace mural project as follows: ” It is the best opportunity for us to keep promoting peace through public art, because we believe that peace has to be looked after like a plant with passion and love.”
HWPL’s commitment to work with all stakeholders in Timor-Leste is strong. In the coming years 2014 and beyong, HWPL and Internatioal Peace Youth Group (IPYG) will persist in deliberating over strategies for fostering and firmly establishing peace in East Timor. Their commitment to these ideals includes an unwavering partnership with local community stakeholders as they work diligently to make peace a reality. Additionally, they are set to broaden their engagement with the local East Timor community through diverse initiatives, encompassing Public Peace Art projects, interfaith dialogue, and peace education in multiple regions.
Photo : Peace Academy in Timor-Leste
