Thirty years ago, he was a determined campaigner traveling the world’s power centers with a vision to secure independence for his small homeland. Today, at the age of 75, José Ramos-Horta holds the position of president and serves as a tireless advocate for East Timor. He has reached out to China’s president, Xi Jinping, seeking assistance in addressing agricultural challenges, food security, and poverty. Similar pleas have been made to Vietnam’s leaders and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed of the United Arab Emirates for his dream of constructing student dormitories.
Facing increasing pressure to support his nation, Asia’s youngest and one of its poorest, with a population of around 1.4 million, East Timor struggles as its economy heavily relies on diminishing oil and gas revenues. Over 40 percent of the population is estimated to live in poverty, a stark reality that Mr. Ramos-Horta acknowledges as a failure in addressing essential social issues within the nation.
Despite these challenges, East Timor, also known as Timor-Leste in Portuguese, has made significant progress in strengthening its democracy, holding competitive elections and maintaining press freedom. Life expectancy has improved, and universal access to electricity has been achieved. The country has overcome political violence post-independence and remains stable.
The recent visit by Pope Francis briefly brought international attention to East Timor, a country where 97 percent of the population identifies as Roman Catholic. The legacy of Portuguese colonization and the church’s role in independence are deeply ingrained in the nation’s history. However, the visit also reignited discussions about past controversies, such as accusations against Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo of sexual abuse.
China has played a significant role in East Timor’s development, providing funding for essential infrastructure such as the presidential palace and ministries. While concerns about China’s influence persist, Mr. Ramos-Horta emphasizes that China is not a threat and maintains limited security arrangements with Australia.
Reflecting on East Timor’s tumultuous past, Mr. Ramos-Horta and other independence leaders have chosen to look forward and prioritize stability and progress. Challenges such as managing revenues from natural resources and improving infrastructure remain, but there is hope for economic diversification and regional integration.
As East Timor navigates its path towards sustainable development, the resilience and determination of its people, as well as the leadership of figures like José Ramos-Horta, will be crucial in shaping its future.