Dili, January 14, 2026 (Media Democracia) – The Commissioner of the Customs Authority, Joanico Pinto, stated that the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA) has not yet been fully integrated into the national Customs Authority system, as service posts such as the Sakato and Oesilo Integrated Border Posts are already operating but have not yet been updated into the national customs system.
The Commissioner explained that following the Prime Minister’s directive in 2025 to restructure operations in Oecusse, the anniversary of the Customs Authority will also be celebrated in Oecusse.
“The Customs Authority anniversary will be held in Oecusse because over the past year we have already begun providing training to local Oecusse personnel. We will continue to train our staff assigned to Oecusse so that revenue collection data from Oecusse can be fully integrated into the national system adopted by the Customs Authority,” said Customs Authority Commissioner Joanico Pinto.
The Commissioner added that the anniversary celebration will take place in Oecusse, and the Customs Authority team is currently preparing to establish a full organizing committee for the celebration scheduled for 26 January 2026.
“The three main activities we will carry out include, first, conducting outreach and awareness programs for community leaders, civil society, religious groups, and parents living near the border. This is to ensure communities clearly understand customs regulations, particularly the risks of using unofficial or illegal border routes. These outreach activities will be conducted in two border areas, namely Sakato and Oesilo,” the Commissioner explained.
He emphasized that such awareness activities are especially important for parents, so they clearly understand customs regulations, know which goods are allowed or prohibited, and understand when certain goods are subject to state fees or duties.
“In addition, we will carry out a comprehensive annual work plan review to identify what has been achieved so far and what challenges we have faced. Through this evaluation, we aim to resolve problems and shortcomings from the previous year, so that in the current year all activities can proceed in a more controlled and effective manner,” the Commissioner stated.
The Commissioner also informed that the main theme of this year’s Customs Authority anniversary celebration, to be held on 26 January, is “Reflecting on the Past, Looking Forward Together to Continue Progress.” He explained that this theme reflects the reality that many Customs Authority officers, more than ten staff members have been serving since 2000, meaning over 24 years of service, and therefore institutional reform is necessary due to advanced age.
He further explained that the Customs Authority is currently in the process of preparing recruitment for new customs officers. However, updated and appropriate conditions are required to ensure that new human resources can perform effectively, increase revenue collection, and contribute to national development.
Report: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano