Udayana University Partners with Timor Leste to Preserve Memory for Reconciliation

Universitas Udayana (Unud), through its Political Science programme at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, has partnered with the Consulate General of Timor Leste to hold a discussion on preserving memory towards reconciliation. Unud Rector I Ketut Sudarsana stated that remembering the past and safeguarding collective memory is not merely a reflection, but a way to extract positive lessons for building a better future. He emphasised that the dialogue aims to help Indonesia and Timor Leste move beyond assigning blame for past conflicts. Sudarsana noted that while collective memory holds many wounds, true reconciliation in the art of politics is achieved not by forgetting, but by remembering together, honestly. I Ketut Putra Erawan, Executive Director of the Institute for Peace and Democracy and a Political Science lecturer at Unud, argued that the reconciliation process cannot rely solely on narratives of friendship without first acknowledging the truth. He pointed out that an overemphasis on friendship has sometimes sacrificed justice. Hugo Maria Fernandes, Executive Director of Centro Nacional Chega, concurred, stating that reconciliation must be built through truth-telling, acknowledgment, regret, and apology, alongside political commitment from both nations to follow up on reconciliation recommendations. Komnas HAM representative Atnike Nova Sigiro added that truth-seeking, tracing separated families, and implementing joint commission recommendations are integral to fulfilling human rights. Joel Maria da Costa, representing the Timor Leste Consulate General in Bali, expressed appreciation for the dialogue, viewing the opening of memories as a courageous resolve to reflect on history. He noted that the Chega! report and the Commission of Truth and Friendship report serve as fundamental academic and political milestones, providing a moral foundation to restore trust, heal historical wounds, and strengthen fraternal bonds beyond geopolitical boundaries.