Home»Galleries»Documentary»Timor-Leste»Democracy in Transition

In May 2012, Timor-Leste will celebrate its ten-year anniversary of the restoration of independence after a brutal occupation under Indonesian dictatorial regimes. As a Timorese who grew up during the struggle for independence and was involved in the resistance movement, it is important for me to show the transition from war and the lingering effects of colonization. At the same time, we, as Timorese people, are making strides as a new democracy, with several peaceful elections demonstrating our gradual progress to rebuild the nation. These photos depict the juxtaposition of an environment which continues to reflect our militarized past, alongside the vision for a peaceful future of the next generation.