Francisco Xavier Amaral Statesman Date of Birth: 03.12.1937 Country: Indonesia

1. Francisco Xavier do Amaral
2. Birth and Education
3. Early Career and Activism
4. Founding of FRETILIN
5. First President and Indonesian Invasion
6. Resignation and Imprisonment
7. Capture and House Arrest
8. Propaganda and Rehabilitation
9. Return and Political Career
10. Presidential Bids and Electoral Challenges
11. Later Years

Francisco Xavier do Amaral

Francisco Xavier do Amaral was an East Timorese political leader who served as the country's first president, albeit briefly.

Birth and Education

Born into the Mambai ethnic group, Amaral was the son of Timorese chief Liurais. He graduated from St. Joseph's Jesuit Seminary in Macau, where he initially pursued a path toward priesthood.

Early Career and Activism

Instead of becoming a priest, Amaral returned to East Timor in 1963 and worked as a customs officer in Dili. He quickly became a prominent political activist and intellectual.

Founding of FRETILIN

In 1974, Amaral co-founded the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor (FRETILIN) with Nicolau Lobato and José Ramos-Horta. As FRETILIN's leader, he played a key role in the declaration of East Timor's independence from Portugal.

First President and Indonesian Invasion

On November 28, 1975, Amaral proclaimed East Timor's independence. However, nine days later, Indonesian forces invaded the country, forcing him into hiding in the mountains.

Resignation and Imprisonment

In 1977, Amaral resigned from his position as party leader due to disagreements over FRETILIN's policy toward the Indonesian occupation. He faced allegations of treason and was essentially held captive.

Capture and House Arrest

In 1978, Amaral was captured by Indonesian troops and placed under house arrest, initially on Bali and later in Jakarta.

Propaganda and Rehabilitation

Indonesian authorities used Amaral for propaganda purposes, appointing him as a nominal vice-governor of East Timor in 1979. In 1993, he was included in Indonesia's delegation for talks on Timor's status in Cambridge.

Return and Political Career

After East Timor gained independence in 1999, Amaral returned home. Despite being rehabilitated by FRETILIN, he formed his own conservative party, the Timorese Social Democratic Association (ASDT), in 2001. He was elected to parliament and served as a legislator until his death.

Presidential Bids and Electoral Challenges

Amaral ran for president in 2002, garnering 17.3% of the vote, and again in 2007, receiving 14.39%. He unsuccessfully challenged the election results in the Supreme Court.

Later Years

In April 2011, Amaral was replaced as chairman of the ASDT by Alberto do Costa.