It was 1999 when bloody conflicts occurred in Indonesia’s former Timor Timur Province. General referendum declared the separation of Timor Timur from Indonesia, which later became a new independent country named Timor Leste. The civil war occurred and led thousands people fled to the border of Indonesia-Timor Leste.
In the refugee camp, people lived in poor condition. Children were the most vulnerable one as lack of basic need and education were common in refugee camp. To find a better life, several children move to Java, Indonesia. With consent of parents and help of organization, they left their family to live a new life.
In Moris Diak Project, i follow the new life of the children in several communities. Fear and memories are intertwined with hope for better life. Education, solidarity and friendship have helped them to cope with trauma and move forward to build a new life.
Children are the owner of future. When war destroys humanity, the innocence voice of children remind us of the essential role as a human: each of us is our brother and sister’s keeper.
*Moris Diak (tetun language of ‘Live Well’)