23/08/2026
https://youtu.be/t_-F5czG3-Y?is=6spgFc2KhnBIWkBr
FROM THE CARNATIONS OF LISBON TO THE VOICE OF THE SOUTH-MOLUCCAS!
Freedom grows wherever people peacefully stand up for their rights
LISBON
On Monday, August 17 2026, South-Moluccan activists and supporters held a peaceful manifestation in the Portuguese capital under the theme:
"From the Carnations of Lisbon to the Voice of the South-Moluccas”
Through this manifestation, the organisers sought to raise awareness of the history, identity and future of the people of the South-Moluccas. At the same time, they deliberately drew inspiration from the values that Portugal has upheld since the Carnation Revolution of April 25 1974: freedom, democracy, human dignity and peaceful civil protest.
Why Portugal?
Portugal was not chosen by coincidence as the location for this international manifestation.
The organisers deliberately drew inspiration from the universal values of freedom, democracy, human dignity and peaceful resistance embodied by Portugal’s Carnation Revolution of April 25 1974. Also, April 25 is a shared date as April 25 1950 marks the date of proclamation for the South-Moluccas.
The peaceful revolution demonstrated that profound political and social change can be achieved through the participation of the people and without hatred or violence. The carnations that became the symbol of the revolution continue to represent freedom, peaceful resistance and hope.
It is this symbolism that formed an important part of the message of the manifestation:
Freedom grows wherever people peacefully stand up for their rights.
At the same time, there are centuries-old historical ties between Portugal and the South-Moluccas.
Since the sixteenth century, the Portuguese established relations with various islands in the South-Moluccas. This shared history left lasting traces in South-Moluccan culture, language, music, family names and religious traditions. To this day, Portuguese influences remain visible within South-Moluccan society.
For many South-Moluccans, Portugal is therefore not merely a European country, but also part of a shared history.
The Monument to the Discoveries was therefore a symbolic location to conclude the manifestation. The monument represents the era of Portuguese maritime exploration that brought Portuguese sailors across the world and eventually into contact with the Moluccan islands.
By holding this manifestation in Portugal, the organisers wished to express their respect for Portuguese history while also drawing attention to the historical and cultural ties between Portugal and the South-Moluccas.
Why August 17?
The choice of August 17 followed previous international actions by the South-Moluccan people that had taken place on this date in various European cities (London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Hamburg).
Through this manifestation, the organisers sought to continue drawing attention to South-Moluccan history and the ongoing occupation and oppression of the Republic of the South-Moluccas (RMS).
At the same time, they consciously chose peaceful action, inspired by the spirit of Portugal’s Carnation Revolution: change through dialogue, public participation and non-violent protest.
During the manifestation, flags, banners, cultural symbols and informational materials were displayed. Photographs and video recordings were also made in order to share the message with an international audience.
The South-Moluccan fight for freedom was also expressed through music. Dressed in traditional South-Moluccan clothing, participants performed the South-Moluccan song “25 april”.
“25 April” is a South-Moluccan song that commemorates the proclamation of the Republic of the South-Moluccas (RMS) on 25 April 1950.
The song recalls the struggle that followed the proclamation, referring to the fighting on Buru, Ambon, Saparua, Seram and Haruku and to the sacrifices made in defence of the South Moluccan homeland.
At the same time, the song is not only about the past. Its final verses express endurance, patience and determination despite decades of suffering. The message is that the struggle and hope continue for the sake of the homeland and the South-Moluccan people.
By singing 25 April in Portugal, they gave a voice to this history through music — remembering those who came before, while peacefully carrying their story and aspirations into the present.
“We did not come to Portugal seeking conflict. We came to Portugal because this country is internationally recognised as an example of peaceful change. The spirit of April 25 demonstrates that freedom, democracy and human dignity are universal values. In that same spirit, we wanted to draw attention to the history of our people.”
FROM THE CARNATIONS OF LISBON TO THE VOICE OF THE SOUTH-MOLUCCAS!...
