Nahebiti 2023

Makassar, Indonesia, 19 August 2023 – This year, AJAR and KontraS Sulawesi organized an event called ‘Nahebiti,' which translates to “spreading the mat” in English. This event is traditionally held in Timor-Leste as a way to resolve issues, promote reconciliation, or discuss important matters (see more on Chega! report part 9, “Community Reconciliation”). However, for AJAR and KontraS Sulawesi in the context of Stolen Children, Nahebiti serves as a gathering place for those Stolen Children in South Sulawesi to come together after their reunion.

In total 30 Stolen Children from South Sulawesi gathered and brought their families into the events. The majority of them reside outside the city of Makassar. Many of them have to travel for 12 hours from their homes to attend the events. Despite this, they enthusiastically encourage their families to strengthen the bonds of friendship among fellow victims. For the public participants, over 120 individuals, encompassing diverse backgrounds, attended the event. The agenda for this Nahebiti event includes exhibition, discussions, public hearing, book launches, and also a camaraderie night.

"Through the Nahebiti event, I was able to meet with my fellow kindred and gain new energy. I hope in the future, Nahebiti will not only be attended by Stolen Children from South Sulawesi but also by all Stolen Children across Indonesia." — Arseika (Stolen Children)

The Stolen Children and their families played a strategic role in narrating their life stories through their connection with art. Many of the victims are unable to read and write, so the most effective documentation for them (and the most comfortable) is through audio recordings or creating documentation in audiovisual formats. This was well showcased at the Nahebiti exhibition, where Stolen Children could articulate their experiences without being constrained by complex methods. The works included videos, photos, and paintings, organized thematically to introduce the public to the Stolen Children issue.

During the hearing session, one of the Stolen Children demands accountability from both governments (Indonesia and Timor-Leste) for the fate of Stolen Children as victims of the conflict. They were still young and unaware of politics, so they should rightfully be recognized as victims, not perpetrators or refugees.

"I don't want to dwell on what I saw during my time as a TBO (Tenaga Bantuan Operasional / Military Auxiliary). What I want is for both governments to take responsibility for my fate and my family's, both in Indonesia and Timor-Leste." — Jose Ximenes (Stolen Children)

Not only the Stolen Children, but the searching teams in Indonesia and Timor-Leste attend the event. Leo (AJAR Timor-Leste and Merry (ACbit) flew from Timor-Leste to Indonesia, undertaking a considerable journey to attend the event and also shared their experience during their efforts to search for the Stolen Children’s family in Timor-Leste. Meanwhile inIndonesia, the remote and concealed locations of the Stolen Children, coupled with insufficient funds, significantly impeded the search and verification of Stolen Children during the 10 years of working on this issue.

“The search for Stolen Children and their families proves challenging as they frequently relocate for survival. On the Indonesian side, the fear of discrimination leads many to falsely claim origins from Kupang, necessitating a special approach to reassure them that there is no deception or exploitation. In Timor-Leste, where numerous families have lost children, additional verification is crucial to confirm that the families of the Stolen Children discovered in Indonesia are genuinely their own and not those of others.” — Leonardo Soares (AJAR Timor-Leste)

The final agenda of NAHEBITI 2023 took the form of entertainment with a Timor village party theme. This event aimed to strengthen the sense of family among Stolen Children and serve as a nostalgic celebration of Timor's culture, with the hope of bringing Stolen Children closer to their homeland. A traditional dance called "Tebe-Tebe," led by Merry (ACbit), was joyfully embraced by all participants. Small discussion circles also formed everywhere, comprising Stolen Children, families of Stolen Children, visitors, and companions. The evening of camaraderie was delightful, eliciting cheerful smiles from every individual present.