(Pante Macassar, Oé-Cusse, September 5, 2021): Just a quick hike up the hillside from the city center of Pante Macassar in Oe-Cusse is the important natural, historical and religious site of Fatu Suba. This site was the host of the Fatu-Suba prison, one of the most emblematic buildings in Oé-Cusse during the Portuguese colonial period. The prison was located high on the hill above Pante Macassar to allow for surveillance of the sea and it also served as a residence for the Regional Administrator. The buildings ae now in ruins having been destroyed during the Second World War.
Fatu Suba is also the host of a statue of Our Lady, the Helper, which was built and placed in a cave near the prison at the time of the Indonesian invasion. An annual pilgrimage hike, where people perform mass and a procession of Our Lady from Fatu Suba to St. Antonio Church (about 1 km away), takes place every May. From the top of the hill at this site you can also enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of Pante Macassar town and the Savu Sea. It is also one of the best spots in Oe-Cusse to watch the sunset or gaze at the stars.
Getting to Fatu Sabu: It is about 500 meter walk up the hill from the city center of Pante Macassar, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes. By car or motorbike on the unpaved road takes about 7-8 minutes.
