Maria Linda Putri Emiliana Soares Pengarang Novriani R. Manafe, SS., M.Ed (TESOL Int) Dosen Pembimbing 2 Dr. Drs. Sebastinus Fernandez, M.Pd Dosen Pembimbing 1 Sebastianus Fernandez Ketua Penguji Gracia M. N. Otta Penguji 2 Novriani R. Manafe Penguji 1

This study examines how Xanana Gusmão’s poems reflect the social and political conditions of Timor-Leste during the Indonesian occupation. This research is conducted to analyze the social and political conditions of Timor-Leste during the Indonesian occupation using a qualitative descriptive method grounded in Alan Swingewood's ideas, which emphasize the relationship between literature and society. Xanana Gusmão’s poems as powerful reflections of the social, political, and cultural realities of Timor-Leste during its colonization and struggle for independence. The poems such as "Pátria", "Oh Liberdade," "Gerações," and "Estou em Guerra" articulate themes of longing for liberation, intergenerational struggle, personal and national commitment, and patriotic devotion. Far beyond mere artistic expression, Gusmão’s poems serve as ideological tools, instruments for collective identity formation, and historical records from the perspective of the oppressed. Through a passionate, emotional, and at times confrontational style, he vividly conveys the suffering of his people, the resilience of the resistance, and the shared determination for freedom. These poems collectively function as the voice of the Timorese people, embodying literature’s power to shape political awareness and national identity. Furthermore, Gusmão’s role as a guerrilla leader and political prisoner imbues his poetry with profound moral and historical significance. The study concludes that, as Gusmão demonstrated, literature is essential in cultural preservation and political education. His work highlights the importance of promoting Timor-Leste's literary heritage, especially for future generations. Keywords: Literature, Poems, Sociological Analysis, Xanana Gusmão