The Timor-Leste Government received with deep regret news of the death of Dr George Junus Aditjondro on December 10 , an Indonesian academic , activist , researcher and journalist , who courageously exposed conditions on East Timor during the long struggle. He visited East Timor in May 1974 as a correspondent for the Indonesian Tempo magazine and over the years interviewed political leaders of all persuasions both inside and outside the country . A Timor -Leste Government media release paid this tribute to Dr Aditjondro :
Following the Santa Cruz massacre in 1991 , he became a leading figure opposing the Indonesian occupation and was critical in exposing media reporting on Timor and the positions of Indonesian manipulation. Such criticism put Dr. Aditjondro at considerable risk.
In 1993, Dr. Aditjondro participated in the Fifth Symposium on East Timor held in Portugal at the University of Porto, working closely with Timorese activists, several of whom are currently Ministers of the Sixth Constitutional Government. He also spent many years in Australia, in self-imposed exile, where he was a supportive colleague in the activist movement pressing for the self-determination of Timor-Leste.
On May 20, 2010, the National Parliament of Timor-Leste recognized the contribution of Dr. Aditjondro with the conferral of the Princess Grace of Monaco Medal. Besides his passion for Timor-Leste, Dr. Aditjondro was an unrelenting critic of corruption in Indonesia , a dedicated advocate for empowering local communities, a key figure in nurturing environmental awareness.
Government Spokesperson, Minister of State Agio Pereira said: “The voice of Dr George Aditjondro was crucial in challenging the thinking of many in Indonesia and Australia about the events occurring in Timor-Leste between 1975 and 1999. Through his commitment to exposing injustice, he undoubtedly played a part in moving us towards the restoration of our independence. His voice of advocacy, warm friendship towards the Timorese people and unremitting support in the struggle will not be forgotten."
