he earlier perception of isolation of south Tetun was further strengthened by its location between two ‘unfriendly’ groups of people—Halikelen and Mande’u. Travellers who went to Betun or came from Betun to Atambua had to pass through these two places. Halikelen was well known as a place where travellers (on horseback or even by car) would be stopped and forcibly robbed. Man…