The Timor-Leste Banknotes Dedicated to National Hero Dom Aleixo

Dom Aleixo Corte-Real, originally named Nai-Sesu, was born in 1886 in Soro, Ainaro, located in Portuguese Timor. He was of noble birth, descending from the liurai, the traditional kings of Timor. From a young age, Dom Aleixo exhibited leadership and bravery, qualities that would later define his role in Timorese history.

As the liurai of Ainaro, Dom Aleixo held a position that not only gave him authority but also the responsibility to protect and guide his people. He was a noble Timorese chieftain, a respected leader known for his wisdom, fairness, and deep commitment to the well-being of his community. His leadership was characterized by a strong sense of duty to his people and his country.

Japanese Occupation

During World War II, Timor became a battleground between Allied forces and the Japanese military. In 1942, the Japanese invaded Timor, seeking to establish control over the strategically important island. Dom Aleixo, recognizing the threat posed by the Japanese, led his people in a courageous resistance against the occupation. He refused to collaborate with the Japanese, even when faced with immense pressure and the threat of severe repercussions.

Under his leadership, the Timorese engaged in guerrilla warfare tactics against the Japanese forces. Dom Aleixo’s intimate knowledge of the local terrain and his strategic perception were crucial in mounting an effective resistance. Despite being poorly armed and vastly outnumbered, the Timorese fighters managed to disrupt Japanese operations and inflicted significant casualties.

Death of Dom Aleixo

Dom Aleixo’s defiance and leadership made him a prime target for the Japanese forces. In 1943, after a prolonged and intense campaign, the Japanese finally captured him. Refusing to betray his people or abandon his principles, Dom Aleixo and his family were executed by the Japanese in Ainaro. His death was regarded as martyrdom by the Timorese people because he remained loyal to the Portuguese regime. Dom Aleixo’s sacrifice became a powerful symbol of resistance and a rallying point for continued opposition to foreign domination.

The Legacy of Dom Aleixo on Timor-Leste

Dom Aleixo’s legacy lives on in Timor-Leste. He is remembered as a national hero who embodied the spirit of resistance and the struggle for freedom. His bravery, leadership, and ultimate sacrifice have left a lasting imprint on the nation’s history.

Dom Aleixo’s image graced the Timor 100 Escudos and 20 Escudos banknotes, serving as a fitting tribute to his significance in the country’s history. Both the 100 Escudos banknote, issued in 1963, and the 20 Escudos banknote, issued in 1967, feature his portrait. The reverse side of each note displays the BNU (Banco Nacional Ultramarino) seal and the coat of arms of the Portuguese Empire, symbolizing his role as a protector of Timorese sovereignty and a reminder of his heroic resistance against foreign occupation.

These banknotes serve not only as currency but also as historical artifacts that keep the memory of Dom Aleixo alive. They are a testament to the nation’s respect and admiration for a leader who gave his life in the fight for freedom.