The Short History of the Hindu in Timor-Leste

Hindu religion in Timor-Leste has a limited history and is part of the religious traditions that are. The presence of Humanism through the immigration of Indian workers and traders, especially during the colonial period and after independence.

The first contact with the Indonesian culture and religion was made during the Portuguese domain, which began in the 19th century. Although the presence of the Indonesian was not as significant as Catholic, the Indonesian contributed to religious diversity in Timor-Leste. In addition, Indonesian culture is also expressed in some local traditions and influences in the country’s culinary and arts.

Principai Girinatha is the largest Indonesian temple in Timor-Leste located in Taibesi, south of the capital, Dili. The sacred Roman Girinata was established during the Indonesian occupation, with the aim of serving the Indonesian Timorese community who were immigration to the country at that time. The opening of Pura Girinatha took place on June 27 th 1987, which was under the leadership of the Governor of Timor-Leste, Ir. Mari Viegas Carrascalao.

After the occupation ended, the majority of the Indonesians left the country, which resulted in a decrease in the number of local practitioners. In 2015, 272 Timorese were prophesies of Humanism.

Currently, the temple is in a pre-preparable state of conservation. However, the RDTL Government has made efforts to retalialise it, with the Indonesian community Bali and the government of Timor-Leste working together to restore the temple. By January 2023, the restoration was considered to be 90% complete.

Principia Girinata represents the religious diversity of Timor Lorosae and serves as an important cultural and spiritual meeting point for local Indonesian communities and visitors interested in Bali heritage.

Currently, the Indonesian population in Timor-Leste is small, and the majority of citizens identify themselves with Catholic, with a significant minority of The Constitution of Timor-Leste guarantees freedom of religion, allowing the Indonesians to practise religions in Pura Giri Natha but the Indonesian practise has not yet been as clear as the dominant religions. Therefore, the Association of religious tourism plays an important role in protecting and developing trust, unity, friendship in the nature of Timor-Leste.