Dili, 05 Mei 2026 (Media Democracia) – Journalist community in Timor-Leste celebrates World Press Freedom Day to fight for and promote press freedom and expression in Timor-Leste.
According to the acting President of the Press Council, Suzana Cardoso, she extended congratulations to all journalists in Timor-Leste because journalists also play an important part in the progress of development. Journalists are the cornerstone of democracy through media that dedicate themselves to the profession.
“Congratulations to all of you. As we grow older and our independence continues to increase year by year, I hope we carry out our duties even more professionally and respect the Media Law based on the journalist code of ethics. That way, we can dedicate ourselves to the journalism profession with high values and dedication, privileged to be among the voiceless in the community.” she said during her remarks at the Press Freedom Day celebration in front of the Government Palace.
In addition, she thanked everyone who participated in the activity and also asked everyone to pray for each other to maintain good health, because journalists often work overtime and rest late. Therefore, continue to pray and take care of yourselves to have the strength to think critically for the progress and development of our beloved country Timor-Leste.
In the same place, the President of the Timor-Leste Journalists Association (AJTL), Zevónia Vieira, reported that the Reporters without Borders index shows Timor-Leste’s index rose to 30 globally and still maintains its ranking as number 1 in Southeast Asia.
“This shows progress, but we must continue to work hard to keep promoting it. Working hard means we continue to alert the public and those in power not to limit our press freedom in Timor-Leste, because media is an important pillar in a democratic nation.” Zevónia Vieira told journalists in front of the Government Palace on Monday (04/05).
The situation that journalists face in the field is not the same as the index achieved, because censorship or news takedowns have begun, especially for state media, creating danger and risky attempts, coverage that speaks the truth is being hidden and deleted so the public cannot access it.
“I hope that with our solidarity, we journalists work together to continue influencing the public and those in power to respect the media pillar in Timor-Leste. Because the media has played a major role from the past until now, contributing greatly in the fight against human rights violations and in speaking about the public interest of Timor-Leste.” the AJTL President expressed concern.
On this occasion, the AJTL President also honored journalists, especially the late former President of the Press Council, Otéluo Ote whose passing serves as a memory and reflection for all journalists on how to continue carrying out journalistic work according to the journalism code in order to deliver truth to the public. Because when democracy is unhealthy, it means the public also cannot access the truth.
In addition, AJTL continues to remind the Secretary of State for Social Communication to ensure that articles and the law don’t kill press freedom and expression, because Article 41 of the RDTL Constitution also guarantees it.
“Therefore, the media law that is to be amended must follow the demands of AJTL, TLPU, and UPTL, all journalists, and media owners, so it does not kill our press freedom. Because this has become like our heart that is important to continue promoting, maintaining, ensuring, and guaranteeing our press freedom.” she affirmed.
Zevónia hopes that the amended media law will not include new articles that can be used to criminalize journalists work in the field, especially for online media and platforms, to obstruct investigative reporting on good governance and human rights issues that occur in Timor-Leste.
“If there are articles that the Government includes to use their power to kill press freedom, AJTL will strongly oppose it. I hope that it continues to be maintained and ensure our freedom.” she added.
She is also concerned because media officers who work in public institutions also have the right to obtain professional cards from the Press Council, and this is not correct.
“Because they already carry out work for government institutions and have their own policies, they don’t do journalism activities every day to report on public issues. So if they use professional cards for group or institutional interests that isn’t right and AJTL and other associations do not accept it.” she said.
Because the article that associations and journalists are concerned about is currently with the Secretary of State for Social Communication, when it is to be approved, the National Parliament must carefully consider it and continue to respect the media pillar in Timor-Leste, because we are a prize-winner in Southeast Asia.
Report By: Estefánia Excar, Júlia Trindade, Leozália Oliveira
Photo By: Media Democracia