Dili, 11 May 2026 (Media Democracia) – Union Laclubar Student, Manatuto Municipality holds press conference to publicly condemn policy and decision in public transport sector that they consider discriminatory and unjust, because it directly harms students, farmers, and low-income communities right to fair and accessible transport.
At the conference, Laclubar student spokesperson Jeronimo Soares stated that limiting Transport operations from Laclubar to Dili while giving authorization to other directions is discrimination.
“DNTT Manatuto limits transport operations from the Laclubar direction to Dili, and continues to give authorization to other directions like Natarbora, Soibada, and Laclo. This is not just a wrong administrative decision, but a clear and systematic injustice from the National Directorate of Land Transport (DNTT) and the Municipal Directorate of Transport and Communications (DMTC).” said the EUL spokesperson at 5 de Maio Garden.
In addition, the UEL spokesperson added that three months ago they forced Laclubar transport operators to stop operations.
“Over the past three months, this policy has forced Laclubar transport operators to stop operating, causing direct consequences for the community and students. At the same time, the authorities chose to turn a blind eye to the people’s suffering.” said Laclubar student spokesperson Jeronimo Soares at 5 de Maio Garden (08/05/2026).
On the other hand, student Somão Gonzaga added that they collected data from drivers who registered with DNTT since 2015 to operate the Laclubar–Dili and Dili–Laclubar routes, but there was later a change.
“Before, we collected data from the drivers and buses with Grand Max, and the drivers said that since 2015 they registered with DNTT wanting to register for the Laclubar to Dili direction and Dili to Laclubar direction, but DNTT told them that it was enough to just put Manatuto Dili because it would also cover Laclubar subdistrict. But in the end there was a change instead.” said student Simão.
He also stated that DNTT did not explain clearly, so problems eventually arose, and the people of Laclubar, especially vendors, became victims during this period.
“They didn’t explain the issue clearly and in the end problems arose. Now the people of Laclubar and vendors are victims in this period, because many of their products are spoiled and many students staying in Dili also become victims. Those who have private transport can still go to Laclubar fine, but for us who don’t have transport, it’s hard to go to Laclubar.” added student Simaun.
In the declaration, the Student Union affirmed that the decision creates inequality and directly harms students, farmers, and low-income communities who depend on affordable public transport to go to school, markets, and other essential services.
They demand that the competent authorities in Manatuto Municipality immediately review and cancel the policy, and open an open dialogue with all parties to ensure a decision that is fair, transparent, and does not discriminate against any citizen.
Report By: Trainees Novita Soares and Baquita Marcal
Photo By: Trainee Novita Soares