Role East Timorese Politician Political party Fretilin Died December 31, 1978 | Religion Roman Catholic Spouse Isabela Lobato (m. 1972) Name Nicolau Reis Siblings Rogerio Lobato | |
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Succeeded by Sergio Vieira de Mello as UN Administrator 1999–2002 / Xanana Gusmao as President 2002–2007 Party Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor Similar People Rogerio Lobato, Taur Matan Ruak, Xanana Gusmao, Jose Ramos‑Horta, Leonardus Benjamin Moerdani | ||
Nicolau Lobato's death commemoration ceremony 31 Dec 2016, Timor Leste
Nicolau dos Reis Lobato (24 May 1946 – 31 December 1978) was an East-Timorese politician and national hero.
He was born in 1946 in Soibada, Portuguese Timor. Lobato was prime minister of East Timor from 28 November to 7 December 1975. Upon the arrival of the Indonesian military Lobato, along with other key Fretilin leaders, fled into the Timorese hinterland to fight against the occupying forces. On the final day of 1978 Lobato was ambushed by Indonesian special forces led by Lieutenant Prabowo Subianto (later son-in-law of President Suharto). He was killed after being shot in the stomach, and his body was brought to Dili to be inspected by Indonesian press.
Nicolau Lobato was made an East Timorese national hero. The East Timor International Airport has been named in his honour (Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport).
