Dili – The Academic Senate of the ISFIT (Instituto Superior de Filosofia e Teologia) held a national seminar on the implementation of the values of Nekaf Mese Ansaof Mese (One Mind, One Heart) in intercultural dialogue and identity. The event took place at the Spepal Hall in Fatumeta, Dili.
The objective of the seminar was to present the findings of an international research project conducted at the border areas of Sakato and Wini, focusing on the practical application of dialogue between two nations (Timor-Leste and Indonesia).
The seminar featured three speakers: Fr. Patris Alegro, Mr. Augusto Almeida da Silva, and Fr. Francisco da Costa.
ISFIT Rector, Fr. Justino Tanec, opened the seminar by stating, “This seminar is the final phase of the first stage of the 2023 research collaboration between ISFIT and UNWIRA Kupang. It serves as a message of unity for the Atoni people: ‘One heart, one spirit for Timor.’ This underlines unity in diversity and encourages togetherness. This research seeks to reconstruct the unity of the Atoni people and open paths for dialogue instead of conflict.”
Fr. Patris Alegro emphasized that Nekaf Mese Ansaof Mese is a way for people to live together. He highlighted how these values act as a force to counteract individualism in communal life.
Fr. Francisco da Costa elaborated on the concept, stating that Nekaf Mese Ansaof Mese (One Mind, One Heart) is the foundation of their land. It links reason (mind) and love (heart), serving as a branch of philosophy for the Atoni people and is considered sacred (lulik). The mission is to always adhere to this principle. He noted that the ritual invitation for reconciliation—tok ta bua he taloin tafani—reminds the Atoni that no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, thus acknowledging that only Usneno (the Almighty) is supreme.
Mr. Augusto Almeida da Silva spoke on the theme “From Solidarity to Spirituality: The Implementation of Nekaf Mese Ansaof Mese in the Atoni Meto Community.” He described the concept as the philosophy of life for the Atoni Meto people, transmitted verbally. Socially, it acts as a guide for communal, religious, and economic life, orienting coexistence and reconciliation. The research used a qualitative method, studying elders (lia nain) and youth to analyze the methodology.
The seminar saw the participation of individuals, especially those from Oecusse, ISFIT students, private institutions, and other guests