Navigating Cultural Heritage: Implications of Ancestral Remains Relocation in Timor-Leste

The Municipal Council of National Liberation Combatants (CMCLN) in Baucau recently received two requests from families seeking to relocate mortal remains from the Fatumaka Ossuary to private cemeteries, citing cultural reasons and even family illness. This development underscores the profound cultural and historical significance of ancestral remains in Timor-Leste and presents important considerations for businesses, NGOs, and development partners operating in the country.

The Enduring Importance of Cultural Heritage

For many communities in Timor-Leste, ancestral remains hold immense spiritual and cultural importance. The news from Baucau, where families desire to rebury remains according to traditional customs (lisan), is a powerful reminder of how deeply these traditions are embedded in daily life and community identity. Organisations undertaking projects that involve land use, infrastructure development, or any form of community engagement must recognise and respect these sensitivities.

Failing to understand and adequately address local cultural practices and beliefs surrounding ancestral lands and burial sites can lead to significant project delays, community opposition, and reputational damage. It is not merely a matter of legal compliance but of building trust and fostering positive relationships with the communities in which an organisation operates. For example, any construction or resource extraction project that might inadvertently disturb a culturally significant site, even one not formally registered, could face strong resistance.

Navigating Government and Community Expectations

The process described by the CMCLN Baucau Secretary-General, Roberto Carlos da Costa “Laran Taridu”, indicates a multi-layered approach involving both local municipal councils and the Ministry of Combatant Affairs. The Ministry is reportedly preparing phased reburials in other municipalities like Ermera and Viqueque, reflecting a national strategy for honouring those who fought for national liberation. This highlights that issues related to historical legacy and national identity often involve coordination across various government levels.

Organisations should be prepared for complex and potentially lengthy processes when dealing with matters touching on national history, cultural heritage, or community land rights. The CMCLN Baucau also noted the challenge of identifying remains in the ossuary, as it contains both national heroes and ordinary community members who died during the struggle. This complexity underscores the need for thorough due diligence and patient engagement with all relevant stakeholders – including local customary leaders, community representatives, and government bodies – to understand local contexts and expectations fully. It signals that even when engaging with local communities, there may be national-level protocols or sensitivities to consider.

Organisations operating in Timor-Leste should proactively integrate cultural sensitivity into their operational planning. This includes conducting comprehensive social impact assessments, engaging in early and respectful dialogue with local communities, and being prepared to adapt project timelines and methodologies to accommodate local customs and government processes related to cultural heritage. Understanding the lisan (customary law) alongside formal legal frameworks is vital for sustainable and successful operations. Organisations should also factor in that such processes, particularly when involving historical or national hero status, can be time-consuming and require a nuanced approach to communication and negotiation.

Source: CMCLN Baukau simu pedidu rua hakarak lori fila restu mortál iha Osoáriu Fatumaka — TATOLI

This article is general information, not advice. Rules and rates change and your situation may differ. Talk to us before acting on anything here.