[2] Much of the infrastructure of the city and the surrounding area was damaged or destroyed by pro-Indonesian militia during the violence that followed the referendum for independence in 1999.

One of these is the Pousada de Baucau, a large pink hotel whose restaurant has views of the ocean.

The shops, restaurants, and street market stalls (predominantly fruit and vegetable sellers) conduct business, although unemployment, particularly among the young, is very high.

The convent next to the Pousada de Baucau has a small retail outlet selling locally produced hand crafts.

Six kilometers from the city lies the Cakung Airport (code IATA: BCH), a.k.a.