Dili, April 5, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Commander General of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) visited the Muslim community in relation to the celebration of Idul-fitri, which just concluded. This visit took place at An-Nur Dili on Thursday this week.
The Commissioner General of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), Henrique da Costa, stated that although he could not attend the Idul-fitri celebrations on the specific day, he was pleased to visit the Muslim community today to celebrate and meet with them.
“Today is an important day for us to visit the Muslim community, especially at the An-Nur foundation and the strong structure established by Muslims in Timor-Leste in relation to the Idul-fitri celebration. This visit is not just for today, but every year we always come to visit.” Said the Commissioner General of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), Henrique da Costa
He emphasized the request to the president of the An-Nur foundation and its strong structure in Timor-Leste to continue fostering good communication with the security sector.
“We asked the president of the An-Nur foundation and his team to maintain communication with the security sector, so if there are any issues, they can contact us, and we will be able to assist. We also want to extend our gratitude to the An-Nur schoolchildren who recently participated in a march, competitions, and futsal activities to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the National Police of Timor-Leste.” He said
He affirmed that another program, such as police visits to schools and universities, was discussed with the president of the An-Nur foundation. He mentioned that in the past, community police, traffic, and investigation teams would meet, and now, they can carry out police school visit programs.
“We, as security authorities, must pay attention to all citizens. We do not look at their conditions or religions, including foreigners who are residing in Timor-Leste. We must take responsibility because we are the security for the nation.” He emphasized
He informed that the security of all people is important, but due to the limited number of police officers, they ask the Muslim community, in particular, to contribute to peace and stability, and harmony in Timor-Leste.
At the location, the President of the An-Nur Foundation Council, Abdullah Said Sargaran, expressed his deep gratitude to the Commander General for visiting the Muslim community directly, showing that the PNTL is committed to the nation’s security with great dedication.
“Today, we are working with the Muslim community as they fast during the 30 days of Ramadan, a time to strengthen faith and bring about spiritual change. During Idul-fitri, we also received a message from Pope Francis in Rome for the Muslim community in Timor-Leste, as Idul-fitri coincides with Catholic Easter.” Said the President of the An-Nur Foundation Council, Abdullah Said Sargaran
He stated that the coinciding of Idul-fitri and Easter this month is a special time, especially for the community, as it reminds us of the need to live together. Both Papa Francis and Imam Alansar have already made an agreement on human fraternity.
The Commander General’s visit to the Muslim community demonstrates the effort to create peace and stability, and harmony in Timor-Leste. Therefore, there should be no conflict between religions in the country, as we are all human beings and children of the same Creator.
Report by : Nelfiano
Photo by : Nelfiano