High above Dili on Cape Fatucama stands Cristo Rei. Have you ever wondered about this iconic statue? The Cristo Rei of Dili is more than just a religious monument. It is a symbol of faith, history, and the resilience of Timor-Leste.
In 1996 President Suharto of Indonesia unveiled Cristo Rei. It was a gift to the people of Timor Timur. At that time, it was an Indonesian province.
The idea came from José Abílio Osório Soares. He was the Governor of East Timor. He proposed it to President Suharto. It was for the 20th anniversary of East Timor’s integration into Indonesia.
National airline Garuda Indonesia led the project. They raised 1.1 billion rupiah. That was about US$123000. East Timorese civil servants and businessmen contributed too. The project cost more than 5 billion rupiah which equals US$559000.
Mochamad Syailillah designed and built the statue. He was better known as Bolil. Bolil had never constructed a large statue before. He inspected Cape Fatucama. The terrain was strong enough for the statue.
Bolil designed the statue wrapped in a robe. The face was difficult to render. He consulted with the Communion of Churches in Indonesia. He aimed for simplicity using Greek and Roman features.
Thirty workers in Bandung fabricated the body. It took almost a year. The body consisted of 27 copper sections. These were shipped to Dili. The team installed the globe and cross. It took about three months. A bamboo frame helped lift the heavy sections.
The monument is 27 meters high. This reflected East Timor as the 27th province of Indonesia. The statue and globe together are 34 meters high. This alludes to July 17, 1976, and August 17, 1945. These are important dates for Indonesia.
The statue gestures with embracing arms. It faces west towards Jakarta. However, the artist says the Governor wanted it to face Dili. Steel wire rope holds the arms in place. A wind vent in the robe prevents damage from strong winds.
Visitors climb a 570-step concrete staircase to reach Cristo Rei. The steps represent the Stations of the Cross. These symbolize Jesus Christ’s walk to his crucifixion.
From the base, panoramic views reward visitors. They overlook Dili Bay, Atauro Island, and Jesus Backside Beach.
Before independence, the statue received an award. It was the tallest statue in Indonesia. Since East Timor’s independence in 2002, it has been preserved. It is now a major tourist attraction.
Timorese people now consider Cristo Rei their own. It is a source of pride. Xanana Gusmão even supported its renovation. He once criticized the statue.
Visiting Cristo Rei is a journey through Timor-Leste’s history. It showcases its culture and beliefs. The Cristo Rei of Dili stands as a beacon. It symbolizes the enduring spirit of Timor-Leste.