Photo 1. Japan Kuru in Lautem Dili, 11-02-2023
In Fataluku Language, Lautem native Language, we call it Japan Kuru. It literally means Japanese hole. Kuru means hole. We call it that way for underground holes or upward structures with wall barrier and roof built by WWII Japanese military. From the style of structure tells that it is for the Japanese military hiding place or military shelter. Some Japan Kuru are made from strong concrete. Many of this concrete type are still exist in many places. As far as my own knowledge, most of them can be found on the Northern Coast of Timor-Leste. Particularly along the coast of Manatuto – Baucau – Laga – Lautem. These are the places where Japan Kuru were strategically placed.
You might have heard or even seen the most exposed WWII Japanese shelters like in Venilale, and other places too. Such these locations are usually close to national roadways, and named as national historical and tourism attraction sites. It is usually significant in terms of size, and its utilization in the past. I call it the mainstream touristic sites. Non adventurous tourists would only look for this kind because of easy access, and well known.
Actually, there are many single or multiple Japan Kuru found sparsely in certain places. It requires a little local knowledge to discover, or requires a little passionate hunting walk to look out for it. It is sometimes tricky as well. Some Japan Kuru look similar to Portuguese fortress; it cannot be distinguished. For example, the first photo, it is a Japan Kuru in Lautem town. The town used to be capital of Portuguese municipal administration. Thus, several Portuguese fortress, public buildings, and roads were built there. Unless you are a local, you don’t know if that is a Japan Kuru, but Portuguese building foundation remnant. It is barely noticeable without preexisting knowledge. It is only known if you are told by local friends. This Japan Kuru has not been exposed to media due to its insignificant size.
Photo 2. Japan Kuru In Bui ho Mau
Another, in the second photo site is near Laivai Village, located near Bui-Ho Mau community settlement to be exact. I had not known this Japan Kuru by myself, even though I pass by it regularly, until somebody posted it on Facebook. I am quite a curious person. If I had noticed it, I would go and see it. But as I said before that most Japan Kuru sites are located a little bit far from the main road. Not only that some of Japan kuru which located exactly on the shoreline have been buried due to natural sand sedimentation; some have been taken over by nature. In some cases, locals reuse it for cattle cage. For your reference I provide a map with generic indications on it. If you visit, you need to do more detailed research on site like asking locals to pinpoint the exact location.
*I hope this gives you an inspiration.
