Media Releases
- 22 of April of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 22nd, 2026Presidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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Press Release
Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 22nd, 2026
The Council of Ministers met at the Government Palace in Dili and approved the draft Law Proposal, presented by Finance Minister Santina José Rodrigues F. Viegas Cardoso, for the first amendment to Law No. 13/2011 of September 28th, on the Public Debt Regime.
The proposal expands the scope of public debt issuance, removing the restriction that previously limited it exclusively to financing strategic infrastructure. This enables the use of instruments such as Treasury securities to finance general government expenditure. This amendment aims to align the national public debt regime with practices adopted under general terms in most countries and to establish conditions for more sustainable management of public finances in the medium and long term.
Through this initiative, the Government aims to strengthen fiscal sustainability, prepare the country for the gradual decline in revenues from the Petroleum Fund, and ensure greater stability in funding for essential public policies.
This draft Law Proposal had already been discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting on January 27th, 2026. However, following adjustments made during the final drafting stage—specifically to clarify the rules governing the issuance and management of Treasury securities and bills—it became necessary to review and deliberate on it once again.
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The Council of Ministers approved a draft Government Resolution, which expresses its deep sorrow at the passing of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo. The Government extends its deepest condolences to the bereaved family and publicly acknowledges the deceased's significant contribution to public service and to the development of higher education in Timor-Leste. The Resolution also calls for a minute of silence to be observed in all public and higher education institutions on a date to be determined.
As a Timorese citizen of recognised merit, his public service has been distinguished by his commitment to developing the higher education system, promoting knowledge, and enhancing the nation’s human capital, both as a member of government and previously at the National University of Timor Lorosae.
In the course of his governmental duties, he conducted himself with a high degree of dedication, technical expertise, and commitment to public service, thereby contributing to the consolidation of public policies in higher education, science, and innovation.
His strategic vision and dedication have helped improve the quality of higher education institutions, promote international academic cooperation, and expand opportunities for advanced education for the people of Timor-Leste.
His passing is a loss to the Government, the academic and scientific communities, and the people of Timor-Leste.
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The Council of Ministers approved the draft Government Resolution, submitted by the Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, on the dismissal of the heads of the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno (RAEOA – acronym in Portuguese) appointed by Government Resolution No. 37/2025 of August 27th, and on the appointment of the President, Secretaries, and Regional Directors of the RAEOA.
This Resolution dismisses the current Regional Director-General and Regional Directors and appoints Régio da Cruz as President of the RAEOA. The following individuals were also appointed Regional Secretaries: Salvador da Cruz for Administration and Finance; Francisco Loca for Planning and Development; and Merita Marques Lafo for Social Affairs and Community Organisations.
Domingos Punef, Adelaide Rosália Faria Correia, Amâncio Aguido Punef, Augusto Jorge de Fátima Efi, Mário Coel, Anita da Costa Ruing, Vicêncio Cono, Odete Amado Martins, André Lao, Remígio Nuno Sila, Yoseph Ili, José Oki, Anastásia Eni, Fátima Olga Hei Amaral, Tomás José Tanessib Anuno, Júlio Coel, Domingos de Almeida, Orlando Quelo, José Ase Neno Colo, Cândido dos Reis Amaral, and Jaime Taeque were also appointed Regional Service Directors.
Holders of these positions are subject to an annual performance evaluation, and an unsatisfactory rating constitutes grounds for dismissal.
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Lastly, the Council of Ministers approved the draft Decree-Law, presented by the Minister of Transport and Communications, Miguel Marques Gonçalves Manetelu, which aims to establish the fees payable for acts and services provided by the public administration relating to motor vehicles and their drivers.
The Decree-Law defines and clarifies the fee structure for acts and services provided by the public administration in the road sector, ensuring that the services correspond to their respective costs. This includes, among other things, procedures related to vehicle registration, licensing, and inspection, the issuance of certificates and permits, and driving-related exams and documents.
The Decree-Law also sets out the rules for collecting fees, identifies the taxpayers, and provides for collection by third parties, in accordance with the terms defined by law. The previous regime is repealed, and this Decree-Law is scheduled to take effect 30 days after its publication.
This draft Decree-Law had already been discussed at the Council of Ministers meeting on January 21st, 2026. However, following adjustments made during the final drafting stage – specifically the revision of the rates to be charged – it became necessary for the Council of Ministers to review and approve it again. END - 21 of April of 2026Government expresses deepest condolences on the passing of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and CulturePresidency of the Council of Ministersmore
Spokesperson of the Government of Timor-Leste
Ninth Constitutional Government
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April 21st, 2026
Press Release
Government expresses deepest condolences on the passing of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture
The Government of Timor-Leste was deeply saddened to learn today, April 21st, 2026, of the unexpected passing of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture.
José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo was born in Bazartete, in the municipality of Liquiçá, on February 15th, 1973. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Development Studies in 2001 from the Mandala Institute of Technology and Sciences in Indonesia and completed his master’s degree in the same field in 2010 at Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana in Salatiga, Indonesia.
He has held academic positions at the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL) since 2001, serving in various leadership roles across university administration, including Department Chair, Dean, Associate Dean, and Vice Rector. He was also a member of the UNTL General Council and served as Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of Timor-Leste in Jakarta from 2013 to 2015.
Since 1994, he has been a member of the student organisation “National Resistance of East Timorese Students” (RENETIL – acronym in Portuguese) as part of the struggle for national liberation.
On July 1st, 2023, he was sworn in as Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Culture in the 9th Constitutional Government, taking responsibility for the formulation and implementation of public policies in the areas of higher education, science, and technology, as well as for coordinating the institutions in the sector under his supervision.
Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson, expressed his “deep sorrow at the loss of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, who leaves a significant legacy in the development of higher education in Timor-Leste and in the strengthening of national academic institutions, having dedicated his life to public service, education, and national development”. He added that “the Government extends its most sincere condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and all Timorese at this time of mourning”. END
- 15 of April of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 15th, 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Establishment of the Interministerial Working Group to Oversee the Construction Project for the International Convention Centre;
✅ 2 - First amendment to the Organic Law of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation;
✅ 3 - Fees to be charged for laboratory tests performed at the laboratories of National Health Service institutions;
✅ 4 - Donation to Noble Timor to settle outstanding debts arising from the organisation of previous editions of the Tour de Timor, the Dili Marathon, and the Suai Extreme.
✅ 5 - Theme: “Deepening Economic and Trade Cooperation within the CPLP: Opportunities and Challenges” for the Meeting of CPLP Trade Ministers;
✅ 6 - Establishment and responsibilities of the negotiating team for Timor-Leste’s accession to the WTO Government Procurement Agreement;
✅ 7 - Theme “Together, we will build a homeland increasingly fair, inclusive, and resilient” for the official ceremonies marking the 24th anniversary of the Restoration of Independence.
Analysed:
➡️ 1 - Presentation on preparations for the 79th meeting of the WHO Regional Committee for Southeast Asia;
➡️ 2 - Presentation on the ASEAN Health Unit;
➡️ 3 - Presentation on the Public Health and Food Safety Laboratory of the National Institute of Health of Timor-Leste. - 08 of April of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 8th, 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Architectural design for the new Dili Convention Centre;
✅ 2 - Executive Director of TradeInvest Timor-Leste;
✅ 3 - The Government’s general policy guidelines on the administrative division of the territory and the recognition of villages and hamlets.
✅ 4 - Authorisation to sign grant agreements with KOICA for projects on Forest Restoration Capacity Building and Sustainable Management in Timor-Leste (2026–2033) and the Integrated Program on Nutrition and Food Security, School Feeding, Food Fortification, and School Infrastructure (2026–2030). - 01 of April of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on April 1st, 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Dissolution of the Millennium Challenge Account – Timor-Leste, IP;
✅ 2 - Establishment of a new organisational model for services, management, and leadership positions in the Special Administrative Region of Oe-Cússe Ambeno;
✅ 3 - Authorisation of expenditures and contracts for public works under Decree-Law No. 15/2024 of March 20th;
✅ 4 - Amendments to the Organic Laws of the 9th Constitutional Government and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment related to the dissolution of the National Authority Designated for Combating Climate Change;
✅ 5 - Maximum amount for expenses related to the transfer of the remains of Catholic prelates who served pastoral duties in Timor-Leste;
✅ 6 - Authorisation of expenditure and initiation of a procurement process for fuel purchase to ensure that a self-sufficient security reserve is established by the end of the year;
✅ 7 - Theme for the 14th Meeting of Ministers of Culture of the CPLP. - 26 of March of 2026Timor-Leste Calls for an End to the Embargo on Cuba and Reaffirms Its Solidarity with the Cuban PeopleThe Government of Timor-Leste affirms its solidarity with the people and Government of the Republic of Cuba in response to the impacts of the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America, which has been in place since the 1960s and has intensified in recent years, with particularly severe effects in 2026.more
- 26 of March of 2026Day Off On The Afternoon Of April 2nd And All Day On April 6th, 20261. Day-off is granted:more
a) On April 2nd, 2025, starting at 12:00 p.m.;
b) All day on April 6th, 2026. - 25 of March of 2026Meeting of the Council of Ministers on March 25th, 2026Approved:more
✅ 1 - Donation to the Permanent Mission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in Timor-Leste.
✅ 2 - Appointment of the new PNTL Commander-General and Second Commander-General.
✅ 3 - Appointment of the new Executive Director of the Migration Service.
✅ 4 - Cancellation of the 2025 Public Recruitment Process for the National Police of Timor-Leste Officer Training Course and authorisation to open a recruitment process in 2026.
✅ 5 - Authorisation of expenditure for the project to rehabilitate the terminal at President Nicolau Lobato International Airport.
✅ 6 - Annual grant to the Timorese Episcopal Conference (CET) for 2026.
✅ 7 - Measures for the temporary stabilisation of fuel prices and security of supply.
Analysed:
➡️ 1 - Conclusions of the final report of the Monitoring and Oversight Commission for the Public Recruitment Process for the PNTL Officer Training Course.
➡️ 2 - Audit Report on Movable and Immovable Assets and Workforce Recruitment at RAEOA.
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