FRETILIN, or the Revolutionary Front for an Independent East Timor, is a political party in East Timor (Timor-Leste) founded in 1974. It emerged as a key player in the struggle for independence from Indonesia, which invaded the territory in 1975. FRETILIN advocates for social justice, national sovereignty, and the rights of the Timorese people. After a long period of conflict, East Timor gained independence in 2002, and FRETILIN became the ruling party. The party has focused on nation-building, economic development, and promoting democracy in the young nation, although it has faced challenges and criticism over governance and corruption issues.