Dili, October 10, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Frente Buibere Oan (FBO), through a public statement delivered at Jardim Farol, strongly condemned the act of sexual harassment committed against minors by a lecturer identified as MB from the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL), as well as other lecturers who attempted to defend the alleged sexual predator by writing supportive messages on Facebook.
FBO spokesperson Ella Variana stated that the Frente Buibere Oan, together with women’s movements, has observed that this recent case reflects a continuous practice of devaluing women, treating them as objects to satisfy the sexual desires of predators.
“This issue is not new, because it has been happening repeatedly, committed by individuals who hold symbolic power: some who are considered figures of resistance and yet act against citizens; some local leaders who harm their own people; directors who abuse their subordinates; fathers and uncles who harm their daughters and nieces; and lecturers who abuse their students in both private and public universities, just as MB did and others who remain silent, carrying trauma in silence,” said FBO spokesperson Ella Variana.
The spokesperson continued that despite this, sexual predators often receive strong defense from their friends who, through ignorant public statements, attempt to downplay the seriousness of such acts. She mentioned certain entities and individuals, including a nun who described sexual harassment as a “form of leadership dominance over the people,” and another UNTL lecturer with the Facebook ID “Lawanira Timor,” whose sexist and foolish statement, “Just a small thing, touching a student, now it’s viral like a tsunami!” tried to frame women’s bodies as objects that could be violated and compensated for with money or cattle.
“This is irresponsible behavior that attempts to mislead the public. Therefore, we call on everyone, especially communities and parents, to stand together to challenge and fight against such acts so that all people, especially women and children so they can move freely and safely in public spaces such as schools, workplaces, parks, campuses, and beyond,” said the spokesperson.
She explained that Frente Buibere Oan is a popular organization that unites and embraces women’s movements from rural, urban, and coastal areas, standing up against patriarchal ideologies and demanding justice against abuse of power, sexual abuse, harassment, and violence, especially those committed against women and children.
“For this reason, Frente Buibere Oan (FBO), together with all victims, parents, and the people of Timor-Leste, men and women alike raises a strong voice, urging everyone to understand that sexual harassment and domestic violence are crimes. We must report them whenever we see, hear, or experience them. By speaking out and reporting, we save the future of women, children, and the nation of Timor-Leste,” explained FBO spokesperson Ella Variana.
Through this statement, Frente Buibere Oan called on leaders and intellectuals to review and reform Timor-Leste’s education system, which has failed to fulfill its vision of “liberating the people” and instead continues to make women and girls vulnerable. FBO urged the National Parliament to demand that the Government assess the performance of the Ministry of Higher Education for its failure to ensure a safe and proper learning environment in universities.
FBO also called on the National Parliament to hold the Public Function Commission accountable for its lack of control over public officials in universities, which has allowed female students to become victims of lecturers. It urged parliamentary oversight of all university systems to assess whether current teaching methods remain relevant, and if not, to initiate reforms based on existing cases of sexual harassment, sexual abuse, power abuse, and corruption.
The statement further urged the Secretary of State for Equality and Inclusion not to downplay the problems faced by women, including sexual harassment, but to strengthen policies and awareness campaigns that can effectively combat abuse, especially against women and children. It also called on organizations such as Rede Feto, Alfela, JSMP, and other women’s NGOs not to focus only on low- or mid-level harassment cases but also to have the courage to denounce cases involving historical or high-level leaders.
FBO demanded that the Public Function Commission take firm action against public servants who use their authority to harass and abuse women in universities, workplaces, and public institutions, and that a secure reporting system be established for victims. It also called on UNTL to take strict measures against the suspected sexual predator identified as MB, as well as lecturers who defended sexual harassment and commodify women’s bodies through their statements on social media. FBO further demanded that the courts deliver fair and impartial decisions so that all citizens can feel justice within this Democratic Rule of Law state.
“Frente Buibere Oan and the social movements express our deep solidarity with all victims that, you are not alone. Stay strong, we stand with you. Let us unite and fight together against all those who commit acts of harassment and sexual abuse in this society, especially against women and children,” affirmed FBO spokesperson Ella Variana.
Meanwhile, the Movimento Rosas Mean Fiche questioned the actions of the lecturers involved, including those who publicly posted messages that the movement considered unethical and morally inappropriate for lecturers to make on social media.
“We question why UNTL continues to give space to such individuals to teach. If UNTL’s human resources are lacking, that does not justify allowing predators to remain as lecturers. Their words have already threatened female students and even female lecturers within UNTL. Therefore, we demand that UNTL take strict action to suspend lecturer MB and his associates,” said Movimento Rosas Mean Fiche.
They reaffirmed their call for the UNTL Rector and faculty leadership to take concrete measures against the two lecturers, emphasizing that these individuals do not deserve to be called lecturers due to their inappropriate actions. Frente Buibere Oan, together with Movimento Rosas Mean and other women’s movements in Timor-Leste, urged the removal of the two lecturers from UNTL, asserting that they do not deserve to teach at any higher education institution.
Reporter: Domingas
Photo: Domingas