Toko Lay

Toko Lay is a historic commercial building located in the heart of Dili, East Timor, established in 1959 during the Portuguese colonial period. Owned by the Lay family, of Chinese descent, it has served as a hardware store for decades. The building holds significant historical importance, having provided refuge during the Indonesian invasion in 1975, when it sheltered over 100 people, primarily of Chinese ethnicity. The events surrounding the invasion were marked by violence and tragedy, with many individuals from the building facing dire consequences. Today, Toko Lay stands as a testament to the resilience of the Lay family and the tumultuous history of East Timor, making it a poignant site for tourists and researchers interested in the region's past.