Workers labor to complete statue
By Mulkan Salmona and Yacob Herin
DILI (JP): The morning sun climbed from behind the hills protruding from the white sands of Metiaut village, Dili. Though still early in the day, its blinding rays scorched the dark skin of the fishermen.
In the shady base camp at the foot of the Fatucama hill, a group of workers were breakfasting. As soon as they finished their meal they loaded rope, a steel cutter, welding tools and a scale model of the statue into a car to bring to the hill.
Work started immediately after they arrived. In no time at all, Ukri was clinging to the armpit of the statue putting together bamboo scaffolding. Twenty meters from the ground was Toha, the welder, and with him was Mathius, the guy who always smiled, ready to polish the welded parts with liquid chemicals. Aside from removing dirt, the mixture of sulfate acid, water and sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) gives the statue a dark color.
It was a morning much like the past 28 at Fatucama hill as members of the Bandung-based Garda Studio and 10 East Timorese workers clambered up and down the hill to reconstruct the 17- meter statue of Kristus Raja.
According to Cecep Rachman, field coordinator of the reconstruction project, the height of the statue represents the date of East Timor's integration into Indonesia on July 17, 1975. The 10-meter high concrete base symbolizes the Ten Commandments and the combined figure of 27 refers to the fact that East Timor is Indonesia's 27th province.
Suddenly the walkie-talkie lying near him screeched "break, break, break," and Cecep called back "What's up?"
It turned out that the frame for the armpit was bigger than the armpit component and had to be cut.
"Go ahead but make sure they match," Cecep ordered.
It was not a serious problem and would not affect the shape of the statue.
"But if it occurs too often it will slow down work," Parto, another Garda member, explained.
Late in the afternoon the problem was solved and the armpit component was fitted into its frame. The Garda team then started organizing the transportation of other components which were still scattered at the foot of the Fatucama hill. They continued working until the sun disappeared into the clouds and the sky turned dark.
Artist Herastono said the team is trying hard to finish the reconstruction on July 29 as scheduled.
"I'm sure it will be ready before or by July 29, but we will still need welders for a final welding," he said.
Early in February, PT Watu Besi Raya began construction of the foundation which also serves as the legs of the statue. According to Djarwanto of PT Watu Besi Raya, the foundation, strengthened with steel anchors, was buried four meters into the ground to ensure it will hold the 50-ton steel frames and 25-ton statue. The space around the statue will be able to accommodate up to 50 people. About 100 meters from the statue an altar will be built for masses. A concrete stairway with 170 steps has been built from the planned altar to the statue.
Djarwanto said Fatucama was chosen as the site because it can be seen from all directions, and from the road and air.
East Timor Governor Abilio J. Osorio Soares is also planning to have a relief of the stations of the cross along the stairway.
"People can hold mass at the altar and pass the station before they reach the statue," said the governor.
Abilio told The Jakarta Post that the statue will become a tourist attraction and is expected to encourage East Timorese to become 100 percent Indonesian and 100 percent Catholic.
"We have to show the world that East Timorese are Catholics who live alongside people of other religions in Indonesia," said Governor Abilio.