Dili, January 7, 2026 (Democracia Media) – The Command of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) held a press conference to share information regarding an Indonesian citizen who allegedly forged documents in order to unlawfully receive veterans’ pension benefits in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.
PNTL Command Spokesperson, Police Superintendent João Belo dos Reis, stated that the press conference was held to disclose information related to a foreign national from Indonesia who falsified official documents.
“We have obtained data and information that clearly raise suspicions of document forgery by a foreign national. There are indications that this involved relevant ministries, which we are monitoring, and we have deployed our informal investigative networks to collect information and identify who facilitated the preparation of this foreign citizen’s documents,”
said PNTL Command Spokesperson Superintendent João Belo dos Reis.
The spokesperson explained that PNTL has detected strong factual indications, as previously reported publicly, that some individuals in Timor-Leste facilitated this foreign woman in obtaining veterans’ status, even though the law explicitly prohibits foreign nationals from receiving veterans’ pensions granted by the government.
“The identification process will determine whether this foreign national possesses a Voter Card, Identity Card, RDTL Certificate, and Baptism Certificate. All of the individual’s documents are currently being secured, and she has been authorized to remain with her family in Dili. However, the judicial process is continuing in accordance with the law, and the case has been submitted to the Public Prosecutor’s Office,” the spokesperson added.
He further stated that individuals who facilitated the preparation of the foreign national’s documents have already been summoned by the relevant authorities, while others will be summoned as competencies are delegated, in order to continue the investigation in accordance with the law.
He emphasized that document falsification undermines the value of the struggle of national veterans, making this case extremely serious and requiring urgent attention from the state, particularly from institutions responsible for issuing official documents. PNTL will therefore coordinate closely with the Notary services and the Ministry of Veterans’ Affairs and National Liberation Combatants to obtain concrete and verified information.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano