Dili, May 15, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Timor-Leste Journalists Association (AJTL), in collaboration with the Press Council (KI), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Balibo Five Journalist Award in commemoration of October 16, honoring the five international journalists killed in Balibo.
AJTL President Zevonia Vieira shared in an interview that this new partnership aims to continue building historical recognition around the Balibo Five tragedy, now reaching its 50th anniversary. These journalists, who were killed during the Indonesian invasion of Timor-Leste, left a legacy of courage in reporting human rights violations a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Timorese journalists.
“Today marks a significant step in our cooperation with the Press Council. This year, AJTL is officially handing over the project to organize a major event on October 16, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Balibo Five,” said Vieira.
She expressed hope that this collaboration between AJTL and KI would motivate journalists to uphold critical and honest reporting and to bring attention to ongoing human rights issues often overlooked in the country.
“The Balibo Five were unique,” Vieira emphasized, “because they reported on human rights violations and war crimes during Timor’s occupation. Their sacrifice should inspire us to continue the fight for truth through independent media.”
Vieira also extended gratitude to the Press Council for trusting AJTL to coordinate such a meaningful initiative. The MoU also intends to strengthen international awareness particularly in Australia about the role of the Balibo Five in Timor-Leste’s journalism history.
On the Press Council’s side, President Otelio Ote highlighted that the Council has organized this annual event since the beginning, seeing it as part of its responsibility to uphold press freedom and support media development in the country.
“Last year, we already discussed with journalist associations that they must contribute and become part of the national values represented by press freedom. We also discussed how the organizing committee could involve journalists from associations such as AJTL, TLPU, and UPJTL, along with other relevant organizations, to participate in this event because it is our collective responsibility to support the development of media and journalists in Timor-Leste,” said the President of the Press Council, Otelio Ote.
He added that this event will be organized in partnership with journalist associations across Timor-Leste, the Secretary of State for Social Communication (SEKOMS), and also in collaboration with the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL), to achieve the goal that each year journalists must all contribute to this event. The Press Council also plans to work with the Catholic University of Timor-Leste to provide technical training for students who are exploring the field of journalism.
“The Press Council will continue to stand behind our young people to help them develop their professional journalism skills, to keep promoting truthful reporting, and to keep covering areas that they believe are important for themselves and for the public,” the Press Council President continued.
He again called on all journalists to become professionals in their careers, and in doing so, to grow into independent journalists in their respective fields. He also urged media institutions to become professional and intellectual pillars for the nation.
To explain further, this activity is carried out by the Timor-Leste Journalists Association (AJTL) and the Press Council (KI), together with journalists, to establish a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the Balibo Five Journalist Award in order to commemorate and reflect on October 16, the day five international journalists were killed in Balibo.
Report: Domingas
Photo: Domingas