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reported by Hendro Suwito--World Vision Indonesia Communications Manager

Dili, East Timor--Dili used to be a beautiful, orderly city of historical and modern office buildings and housing complexes. Peace resided in the hearts of visitors touring the East Timor capitol.

This is the Dili World Vision Indonesia Director James L. Tumbuan remembers from his earlier visits to East Timor. This is not what exists now.

Following the ballot victory for independence and ensuing eruption of violence that continued for more than two weeks, Dili was reduced to ashes and rubble.

“All the beautiful memories of Dili are gone,” Tumbuan said. “It’s tragic.” Only heaps of rubble and ruined houses with gaping holes remain.

The destruction was massive, covering 80 percent of Dili. “It will take many years and huge sums of money to rebuild,” said Tumbuan.

Only now are things slowly improving. “More and more people are on the streets during day time,” Tumbuan said. “However, during the night, the city is deserted; most people hide in their safe places.” Many East Timorese have not come out of hiding in the hills because they are afraid for their safety.