Cristu Rei is a popular swimming beach, a slow ten minute drive out of Dili via a winding and potholed road. A statue of
Jesus Christ standing atop a globe of the world faces towards Dili as it towers over the beach from its lofty peak,
somewhat reminiscent of postcard pictures of the Corcovada as it overlooks Ipanema beach. Soeharto ordered the construction of the
complex during his repressive reign in a failed attempt to placate a traumatised population. The East Timorese were contemptuous of the whole complex and had no taste for it at all. This bitter resentment was appeased somewhat when it was blessed and sanctified following Independence.