This book was a long time coming.

We had intended to put down in writing the more than 10 years of our work, in supporting the struggle for self-determination of the East Timorese through the regional solidarity formation that we helped establish: the Asia-Pacific Coalition for East Timor (APCET).

Our purpose was to sum up our experience and draw valuable lessons and practices – both good and not so good- those were generated by our accompaniment so as to share the discourse to those who find themselves in akin situations today and in the future.

While leading now the All-Out Peace (AOP) campaign for an inclusive and just Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in the Philippines, the Davao-based regional advocacy and solidarity organization Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) will be conferred the highest civilian award in Timor Leste this week for their similar role in leading the campaign in the region for East Timor’s self determination more than a decade ago.