Minister of Higher Education Meets University Representatives on Student Demonstrations
Dili, Timor-Leste – September 17
, 2025 – The Minister of Higher Education met with student affairs representatives from universities and institutes across the country to discuss the ongoing wave of student demonstrations. The meeting took place on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, at 9:00 a.m. in the hall of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MESCC) in Dili.
The Instituto Superior Dom Bosco (ISDB) was represented by Fr. Casimiro Moraes, who joined other officials in listening to the Minister’s clarifications and directives.
The demonstrations, held by university students across Timor-Leste, are demanding that the National Parliament cancel plans to purchase new vehicles for members of parliament and abolish the pensão vitalícia (lifetime pension) granted to former state leaders.
During the meeting, the Minister stressed that the Ministry does not forbid universities or institutes from allowing their students to participate in demonstrations. However, he underlined several key points:
- 1. Identification – Students should wear their institutional jackets (almamater) during demonstrations so police can easily identify them.
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2. Peaceful Protest – Demonstrations must be carried out peacefully and without acts of anarchy.
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3. Respect for Property and Leaders – Students must avoid damaging or burning houses and state property, and refrain from insulting or speaking disrespectfully against national leaders such as Xanana Gusmão, José Ramos-Horta, Taur Matan Ruak, Mari Alkatiri, Francisco Guterres “Lu-Olo,” and others.
The Minister concluded by urging students to continue expressing their concerns in a responsible and dignified manner, emphasizing that respect and peaceful action are fundamental in upholding democratic values.