Dili, August 8, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Government, through the State Secretariat for Social Communication (SEKOMS), together with the Press Council, held a meeting to discuss the substantive aspects of the social communication law for all journalists in Timor-Leste.
The Secretary of State for Social Communication, Espedito Loro Dias Ximenes, said that everyone had already followed the explanation given last week; therefore, today the XI Government, through SEKOMS, held a preliminary meeting to discuss the revision of the social communication law.
“Today, in the initial discussion, we also agreed that it is necessary to further clarify this revision within its legislative framework. We agreed that in the coming week, on 14 August, we will discuss article by article that will serve as the basis for the revision,” said the Secretary of State for Social Communication, Espedito Loro Dias Ximenes.
The Secretary added that because the current social communication law was drafted by various Members of Parliament during the Sixth Government in 2014 which is 11 years ago, there have since been technological advances and public concerns about the role of the Social Communication Law in the development process and in the construction of the State and nation. Therefore, a revision is indeed necessary.
“Today, we only held a preliminary discussion about the preamble, and have not yet entered into the substantive matters of the revision. So, next week we will hold an in-depth discussion on the revision of the social communication law. It is important that the Government, through SEKOMS and the Press Council, agrees that it is indeed necessary to revise this law,” SEKOMS added.
He emphasized that all parties have agreed that the social communication law must be revised, and today’s preliminary talks were about the general principles for how the revision should be carried out. Therefore, next week they will discuss the substantive aspects.
On the other hand, the President of the Press Council (KI), César Monis Mali, stated that in connection with the revision of the social communication law, last week they had the desire to reach an objective that serves the public interest, ensuring that journalism in Timor-Leste can operate well in accordance with the law.
“We must continue the discussion, not stop here, but keep it going to address everything we want to achieve. This discussion is very important, so it needs to be held at least four times to reach a solution in the future. Today we focused on certain points that need further adjustment so that future meetings can build better mutual understanding,” said Press Council President César Monis Mali.
He added that today’s joint meeting with SEKOMS will be followed by a more detailed discussion on 14 August next week. At that time, the meeting will enter a new stage, focusing on substantive changes to the social communication law.
He further explained that the Social Communication Law is indeed very important, but it should not be rushed, because it regulates everyone. Therefore, it must be handled carefully so that the discussions in the coming weeks can properly address the substantive aspects of the Social Communication Law for all journalism in Timor-Leste.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano