On 16 October, we mark 51 years since the murder of five young journalists in Balibó, Timor-Leste: Greg Shackleton, Gary Cunningham, Tony Stewart, Brian Peters and Malcolm Rennie.
The Balibo Five were killed while reporting on Indonesian military activity along the border with Portuguese East Timor, as the Timorese people pursued independence.
Seven weeks later, Indonesia invaded East Timor. Australian journalist Roger East, who had travelled to investigate the deaths of the Five, was also executed, alongside many Timorese people. The invasion began a brutal occupation that claimed countless lives before Timor-Leste secured its independence.
More than half a century later, no one has been held accountable for the murders of the Balibo Five. This article in The Conversation reflects on the continuing absence of accountability.
Why 16 October matters
For the families of the Five, the local Balibó Martyrs, the people of Timor-Leste and all those connected to Balibó, 16 October remains a day of remembrance and reflection.
It is also a day to recognise the courage of journalists who risk their lives reporting from conflict zones, and the enduring importance of truth-telling, press freedom and protecting journalists.
In this short video, Evan Shackleton, a family member and Balibo House Trust Board member, reflects on the significance of 16 October.
Remembering in Balibó
In Balibó, the community comes together to honour the Balibo Five and the Balibó Martyrs, remembering those who died and passing their stories on to younger generations. This year, a special Mass, candlelight vigil and children’s events will bring the community together in remembrance.
Remembering in Australia
Across Australia, people will mark the anniversary through public commemorations and private moments of remembrance.
Balibo House Trust Chair John Milkins will visit the War Correspondents Memorial at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra and the PEN Memorial Walk, where the names of the Balibo Five and Roger East are recorded.
Timor-Leste’s President, José Ramos-Horta, will also speak at an event hosted by the University of Sydney’s Asia Centre, which will include a short commemoration of the Balibo Five. A livestream is available. Register here to join online SSEAC Public Lecture by H.E. Dr José Ramos-Horta, the event runs 2-4pm AEDT
A living legacy
It is remarkable that 51 years on, the stories of the Balibo Five continue to live in the hearts and minds of those who experienced the events of 1975, and new generations discovering their history.
Out of this tragedy, enduring friendships have grown between the families of the Five, Australians and the people of Timor-Leste.
For more than 25 years, the Balibo House Trust has honoured the memory of the Five by working alongside the people of Balibó to create opportunities in education, health, employment and community development.
This work reflects a sentiment that has guided the Trust’s journey: that out of the darkness, there can be light.
Warm regards,
John Milkins, Chair
Balibó House Trust
PS. If you would like to join us on this journey you can support the work of the Trust with a tax-deductible donation which goes directly towards helping the people of Balibo.