Death of Journalist Robert ! PM Xanana Recognizes His Contribution During Resistance

Image : Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão and Journalist Robert Domm

SAPNews, Dili – In connection with the death of Australian journalist Robert Domm, who died on November 7, 2025. Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, expressed his condolences to the family.

Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão expressed a sense of solidarity to Domm’s family, and recognized the contribution that the journalist made to Timor-Leste’s resistance.

“The people of Timor-Leste feel a great loss. We will never forget Robert Domm’s contribution during the struggle for independence. His report showed the world about our suffering and suffering during the occupation,” Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said in Dili, 08/11/2025

During the resistance, Robert Domm showed courage and determination to help from the resistance network, entered the secret shelter in the Aubehun area, Leolima, Ainaro, in September 1990, to conduct a historic interview with Commander Xanana Gusmão, who at that time was Commander-in-Chief of the FALINTIL.

The report broadcast by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) through journalist Sashka Koloff, entitled “The interview that changed a nation: 1990 meeting with rebel leader Xanana Gusmão in jungle hideout” hiding place in the forest”), marked as a very important historical moment in Timor-Leste’s struggle.

Historical impact and legacy that remains until now, the interview in 1990 is a quality journalistic act, which:

1. End the information blockade imposed by Indonesia in Timor-Leste;

2. Show the world the human rights violations that occurred during the occupation;

3. Give voice to the Timorese resistance and its struggle for self-determination; and

4. Inspire international solidarity that led Timor-Leste to independence in 2002.

The report is recognized as “the interview that changed Timor-Leste”, as a symbol of resistance, solidarity, and the power of journalism in the service of truth and freedom.

The Government and People of Timor-Leste pay tribute to the memory of Robert Domm, whose journalistic work contributed greatly to our voice reaching the whole world.

“His legacy will remain in the history of Timor-Leste, as a beautiful witness, solidarity and commitment to the truth,” Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão said.

#RobertDomm #journalist