The Core Values of Timor-Leste

• In Event: 130. The Transformation of Religion, Culture and Society in Timor-Leste. Sponsored by the AAS Southeast Asia Council (SEAC)

Abstract

Each one of us is perhaps already familiar with Lulik, literally meaning sacred, holy or forbidden—e.g., in phrases such as Uma Lulik (sacred house), Rai Lulik (sacred land), Bee Lulik (sacred water), foho Lulik (sacred mountain), Nai or Amo Lulik (sacred priest for Catholics). When Timorese hear the term ‘Lulik’, it immediately puts them in place for a moment, they pay full attention, they pay full respect, they are afraid, and it makes them obey without hesitation. Because of what Lulik can do to the Timorese as mentioned above, some Timorese interpreted Lulik as magic. Lulik is widely used and influences the daily life of Timorese, but it has been poorly explored by academics. Lulik has been labeled as a ‘negative animist’ belief system by the Church, and ‘uncivilized’ by the Portuguese (atrasado) and the Indonesian (terbelakang) when they colonized Timor-Leste. As a result, Timorese are often ashamed and afraid to talk about the concept of Lulik, because they have been led to believe that it is a negative animist belief system. This in turn creates a sense of cultural insecurity among the Timorese. Many Timorese today only understand the concept of Lulik superficially—what is beyond this they have no idea. This paper will discuss, the definition of Lulik, the elements and symbolism of Lulik, the application of Lulik in day-to-day life, Lulik and the external powers in Timor-Leste and Lulik at present.

Author

• Josh Trindade, Independent Researcher