Tuesday, May 24, 2011

An Exchange on Nunumalau Trip

Thanks. I hope Miguel Alves is real so that we can start having discussions. I do appreciate your posting and hopefully this lead to somewhere for the benefit of our people. 

Often I also feel frustrated of not being able to do much with these degrees. I was not one of those who the government placed in special Merpati flights to study in Indonesia. Nor I was one of those who got into university in Java with full arrangement between PEMDA and University. neither, I was one of those who went to Australia and New Zealand under scholarship with selections in Dili. Upon completion of high school in Malang, returned briefly to Dili but wanted to study further. My brother Salvador handed me Rp. 80,000 then my mother secured additional Rp. 50,000 from my uncle Jacob and the next day I was in Merpati flight to Malang without a road map in 1984. Paid Rp. 75,000 or so for Merpati tickets using student discount to Bali then with night bus to Malang that evening. Initial thought was to Bandung to Universitas Parahyangan because it is Catholic and hope using my Catholicism to convince them to let me in. But at the Terminal I had a second thought. There is a Christian University in Salatiga. so stopped by in a storage place without knowing the area. Met with Pembantu Rektor Akademik John Ihalauw expressing my desire and was allowed to purchase forms to register for testing. Passed Agriculture and Econ Faculties son have to chose. Settled for Economics them the trouble begin. The school asked me to pay sumbangan and tuition fees in the order of million rupias. Look at my wallet it was Rp. 25,000. Then they reduced drastically to Rp. 85,000. Still with no money. What to do? Nobody near to help. Then approached Mr. Ovidio Amaral who was then Ketua IMPTY in Yogyakarta and asked for help. He lent me Rp. 125,000 and rushed back to Salatiga to pay the tuition and the university let me in. After several weeks my friends arrived from Dili on special arrangement with PEMDA, four of them. Was able to get scholarship  several months that went on to finish economics degree. Then decided to study further. So went to Jakarta applied for job as young lecturer of economics at Krida Wacana Christian University. The next year also was teaching at Atmajaya Catholic University. While working, again witnessed my colleagues from Dili gained scholarship through selections in Dili to study abroad. What a bad luck for me. After failing several scholarship tests, in 1992 won Fulbright Scholarship to America competing nationally in Indonesia. What a big surprise and self fulfilling effort. Very happy....

Yes, my family or grand family of Nunumalau truly reflect diversity of views. Remember Lobodara's older brother, Manu Leao was killed somewhere in Aileu or Maubisse or Same along with Tio Antonio Metan and Tio Constantino. Then Mana Celeste. I do have another cousin, Carlos F.R. Saky Lopes who is well known figure of RENETIL and currently staying at home now. We value differences so long that it does not get into violence.

Recounting of sufferings, everybody is affected and ours too that stretches back to 1959. Remember Manu Leao's father was killed in 1959 by the Portuguese regime. 

Let's start sharing views and who knows this may lead to somewhere useful for the Timorese in Uatu-Lari. A sub-district with so much potential and extra energy of its people. Still they are not able to pull it off. Time will help and new and small steps may be useful. I am happy to discuss with others and please go ahead pass the notes to others. Ani sinti beu mas tenki dala mori na no yabere gi sufa. Hakuak bot. Joao.


Sent from my iPad

On May 24, 2011, at 1:47 PM, Miguel Roksiano Bendito Belo Alves wrote:

Thank you very much for this Mr. Joao Saldanha,

I do appreciate with your writing below. Every one in Uatolari is praised Gregorio Basilio. Every one knows that Gregorio Basilio is your family. In my observation (maybe I'm wrong?) Uatolari people perception about Gregorio Basilio and his family is contradictory, Gregorio Basilio name is mentioned sometimes in public gathering in Uatolari to remember him as an high rank level in Falintil or Fretilin, I'm not sure, and sometimes people also mention about his sister who was killed by Milisia Alfa in the way from Lospalos to Baucau. And what I hear from people are talking around that Gregorio Basilio had different idea with his family to free Timor-Leste. You are well known in Timor-Leste and Uatolari people recognized you as a person with high quality and of course Uatolari people is proud of you. Saetiki, yes he is in Uatolari now, due to his Sister Bidolimau was joining Falintil/Fretilin, he was exiled with his family to Atauro, He was unable to go to SMP as SMP was not in Atauro at that time, he was actively involving in Clandestina until Indonesia left. As I said before in my email all people in Uatolari should have family link one another, but why there should be a few disputes? very bad story took place in Uatolari while you were away from Uatolari, if you go around in Uatolari, every family has its own history, some histories are same but some are different. These stories are forwarding from parents to sons and daughters and they are well keeping in each family house who lost one or two of his family members. Then now, what we should do? Writing the story? It is a good idea? I went to talk to some people to set up a Forum, to use Karau Fuik Name, you may also know this history. Drafting of by-law is ongoing. Reconciliation? What I'm thinking of is not the term: Reconciliation/Simu Malu or Nahe Biti Boot, but what I'm concerning is the approach, we are all brothers, good approach will make the ties of brotherhood becomes stronger, bad approach will face challenges. Good approach just needs honest, trust and confidence, a simple person can do it, I think it is also complicated and the process will take time, any way, communication like this and dialog is a good start, I also expect John Miller can help in this issue, but better to communicate in Tetum as most Uatolari People maybe not comfortable with English, I can forward this conversation to any one from Uatolari who cares the issues, we can set the mechanism for this communication and follows the ethics, if our Beihala can do it in their own way with limited resources, why it should be so difficulty for us?

Hakuak Boot 


From: Joao M. Saldanha
To: Miguel Roksiano Bendito Belo Alves
Cc: Mauberegimata Nokorau ; ""\"\\\"\\\\\\\"Timor Adventures \\\\\\\\(by way of \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"ETAN/John M. Miller\\\\\\\" ,\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\\)\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\" \\\" \" " " ; ""\"\\\"\\\\\\\"east-timor@lists.riseup.net\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"\\\\\\\" \\\" \" " "
Sent: Tue, May 24, 2011 4:51:32 PM
Subject: Re: Australian Government's Travel Advisory is scarring off potential tourists to East Timor

Thanks Miguel Alves for your accounts. 

Of course, I know him and know him very well. Yes, I know his story and actually stayed with us in Quintal Bot, Dili before I left for Java in August 1981. He stayed with us where head of family were my older brothers Salvador Soares and Jose Sousa. Manu Lucio was also there on the 21 of May remembering my father. As recent as March 30, he was back in Uatu-Lari to give accounts together with others. 

Mestri Julio Selok Pires was my teacher in primary school. Of course, I know him to'o and many of these figures that you mention as far as a boy in his 12th and 13th.

If you hold on, I can go over these issues according to my best recollections. I can start from early days in peaceful Uatu-Lari working on rice field in Faetun or cleaning to'os in Fatuboba or taken horses or buffaloes to water in Belia or guiding buffaloes in Nunumalau for pasture. 

I can also recount my days in Turisi  doing esclarecimento but exposed myself because did not use underwear in front of dozens of people in my tender age of 13.  Also can talk about teaching in Deinisi and just recently a former student said Saetiki was in my class. Not sure whether it is true. Also can tell the story of Bautae, the bairi'as of Bautae, reading poesia when Sahe was visiting zona or convivio in Bikalari. I can also tell the story when accompanying my cousin Gregorio Basilio Lobodara to Base somewhere after passing Buibela, do not remember correctly. I also know the DKs and the Kilobravos like Sandoc, Balek, Badlau, Loisiba and Mausiba. Not sure whether Mausiba was DK. Oh yes, I know comandante Rubileki to'o, Adjunto Solan. of course, they don't know me because I was just a kid.

Then guess what? Xanana Gusmao, one day he appeared in Uaibuileki with his escolto not sure for what but later I learned that he was interested in Lobodara's books on Marxism. My parents where hiding the books. But they took out the books and put on a table and Xanana started to go over them. The books included O Grou Amarelo talking about Yanzte River in China by Mao Tze Tung. The next day he left. Then probably he came back one more time for the books. But later I heard that Loisiba was mad because Xanana was visiting and wanted to date Prima Amelia.... They actually confronted in base up there on Matebian. 

You maybe also interested in the stories of recua to Matebian, through Laluwou, Buibela, Suliana, Cailelete, then famous Waibuitai story of bombardments. Final act of Matebian was going down to surrender through Osohuna, I guess then to Uatucarbau. By the way, I kept my diaries in small blue book given by Lobodara sometime before. But it was confiscated in Uatucarbau. Then moved on to Uatu-Lari. Then to Dili joining my brothers to study. In 1980 went to Baucau to look for study. Only a year with Pe Magalhaes and Mestri Joao Boavida. Then back to Dili before winning a scholarship study animal husbandry in Malang starting August 1981. 

My disappointment is that I do not know much the period between  1979 and 1981 back in Uatu-Lari because of communications, security and transport. But I urge you to do the story so that we can complement. I will also start asking people about these episodes which very clouded and need to sort out so that we all can go to the bottom.

Then we should ask John Miller the moderator of ETAN List whether he is okey doing this here in this forum. I prefer writing here instead of somewhere else.  

Thank you and will keep reading your postings. Cheers. Joao.


Sent from my iPad

On May 24, 2011, at 9:04 AM, Miguel Roksiano Bendito Belo Alves wrote:

I do agree with Maubergimata,

Has some one heard people killing in Uatolari after 1999, I guess not? But how about before 1999, particularly in 1980s, a massacre did took place in Uatolari Tuan and around, the Indonesian cronies who were involving in the killing, most of them are still in Indonesia and few came back to Timor-Leste, Mr. Saldanha may know a little about this and Mr. Lucio (known as Mestre Lucio) who survived from the killing and supposed to still have family relationship with Mr. Saldanha (Mr. Lucio's wife has close family relationship with Mr. Saldanha) has raised his witness in some occasions including before CAVR audience by saying (I wish I could remember Mr. Lucio's word clearly), "Indonesian army (TNI) doesn't recognize us, Timorese himself who begs for the killing, some of them are my wife's family), I escaped from the killing and hide in a hill near to Uatolari Tuan, I sent a letter to my wife, my wife was aware of the danger I was in, I may get recapture,  my wife sent me a Guia de Marcha which already signed by Indonesian Authority, it helped me traveled along the jungle to Baucau, they knew I was in Baucau, they (Timorese, and they speak Nauhety, so they are Nauhety, what is a little bit common in Uatolari, to call you are Makasae or Nauhety ) went to case me in Baucau, I was lucky and escaped from the hunting to Dili and to Maubesi, where I'm from, Thanks to the Lord, He saved me, the only person to tell the story, I know my witness is not good for my wife's family, but I should tell the story because I know God leads me to do so" and most the victims are from Makadiki (which Mr. Saldanha mentioned in his writing), Matahoi, Uaitame and a few from Nauheti speaking, let's say Julio Mauselok who was a friend and a family to the killing master mind, The killing began with Liurai (Makadiki, Joao Menezes (poisoned), Matahoi Leader (Liurai Family) Matahoi, Sebastiao Alves, shot and to more hundreds of people, some was shot to death, tortured to death, and much more children and women were death due to food scarcity and hygiene challenges, ICRC activists and Avo Katekista Tuan Mateus Da Silva must record in his diary.   
Thanks for reading my story, who ever cares this story, not even Xanana, though when these guys took the victims' belonging such as animals and Natar (rice field which also mentioned in Mr. Saldanha writing as a dispute case), nu'u, and saying, I'm taking yours from you, now Xanana is governing lekirauk (monkeys) in the jungle, once Xanana be back and in power we will return yours, but what Xanana is doing? when a person (still a live), Indonesian forces amputated one of his arms, Xanana said to him, once I go to the town, I'll cut their arm and will bring to replace yours, Xanana: once we get independence, if I eat stone you will eat stone as well, but if I eat bread you will join me. That's life, everything is changing, in his second visit to Uatolari, Xanana brought Jacinto Osokaiwa (one of the Uatolari Master Mind) and saying to victims and victims family, "no need to keep revenge, development can only be done if there is a reconciliation". The government Authority came to Uatolari for reconciliation dialog and begin his briefing by saying "I came along the road, it is such very bad road condition, why such condition still happen because you are not calm down and focusing on the development" and suddenly one ordinary community member raised his hand up and interrupting the brief by saying "ok, I understand, how about Ossu, Lakluta, there is no problem, but why you don't do anything to fix the road, what we need is "JUSTICE" here we get in touch like family, one from Nauheti may already marry to one of my family member, we have lian feto San Umane" what we want is where those people have been killed? and where they have been buried? I need just a simple thing like Tais, instead of providing me a Tais you brought to me a car, I never learn to drive a car and how you push me to do this thing and to follow everything you want"

Every body... that is my description about Uatolari, hope you get the truth, you may want to spent some of your times to talk with Mestre Lucio or person alike to know what is true and what totally misleading.

Obrigadu Barak ba Ita nian tempu hodi le'e.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Up date from Nunumalau, part 3

Among the topics that emerged in discussions in old Uatu-Lari on May 22 was that political situation is calm and several parties recently undertake their consolidation in the area. This is because part of the people are busy with ricefield, projects, and keeping up with their lives. The road project to from old Uatu Lari to Iralere is done by a construction company owned by a Gregorio, a Macadique person who has recently returned from Ireland after 8 to ten years with some cash and set up a construction company, bought equipments through financing, and bid for projects. He was awarded the road project and is absorbing a number Macadique youths to work in projects. Mostly those who made problems or the muturabus of the past. Since the projects is done within the community who speak Naueti and these youth speak Macasae, it is challenging how to  confront this environment in which they have to work with their counterparts of Naueti. The environment of hostilities that have stretched over decades depending on political conjecture. However, the project in it's fifth to nine months and no incidence of violence between them. Probably, this is another step forward. Emerging local entrepreneur helping youth moving forward by creating work, improving infrastructure, and helping to consolidate peace. This seems to be a complicated work and can only be delivered by giants but Gregorio is delivering it. What a major step forward...

As tense as maybe, there are also laughhable situations. It happens with the recent consolidation of CNRT in Naedala, Bebui. Miguel Laliu from Macadique was delivering invitations to other party leaders In the area. Laliu took extra caution by carrying with him his samurai (sword). One hand with Samurai and another with invitation, and there it goes Laliu going to handover invitations to party leaders. Got to a house of a 'radical leader', this person begin to shout. Laliu said, don't shout and don't come close, this is the invitation. Laliu said while another hand was ready to pull the samurai out from the case in case the other side came close.... Then Laliu moved on to another house and to another person....

Uatu Lari people being aggressive is well known. I remember back pre 1975, the Sunday bazar always ends with violence. As people start together selling their agriculture produce and other goods. The bazar period will be the day of festivity in the local area, the crowd is getting bigger toward mid day, especially after Sunday mass finishes. In the bazar, people wander around, youth trying to attract the attention of different sexes, futumanu, volley ball and many other activities. There is also tuaka drinkers around. Suddenly, boom people running around stepping on goods, Each other, and kids.... What happened? Oh there is a fight, one person was macheted. Tis episode could be repeated in bazar and so on. People like me and my generation in Uatu-Lari have seen these things recurring pre 1975. People also kill. Each other on the garden to'os because livestock entering in a garden or killing each other to control irrigation water source. The last ones often happens at night. 

Friends also raise rumors floating around saying that 'in the past we burned leave houses, government replaced with stone houses. What about just kill people, let's see whether tine government can replace.' I said that justice is keeping up with the process albeit slowly. Look also at the trial of VPM Luis Guterres. For those spreading these rumors to intimidate, record their names and addresses. So that at one point anything happens to you and others we can trace them and forward their names to policy and to the justice system. Whatever party you choose in 2012 elections depending on your choices, acting solely on your conscience without somebody out there terrorizing you to chose. I dont believe in these rumors but in the past we neglected until it happened. Raise this issue with local authorities and if possible ask for more police stations in the critical areas. 

Sunday, May 22, 2011

A Journey to Nunumalau, Uatu-Lari

Traveling from Dili to Nunumalau in Uatu-Lari (southeastern part of East Timor) took about 8 hours for aproximately 300 kms. This length suppose to be reach in less than a hour driving from San Diego - Los Angeles in California! 

Roads continue ton deteriorate along all segments with the worst. Right from Fatu Ahi, Dili through Vemase, Baucau - Venilale, Venilale - Ossu. Few improvements from very bad ones is Viqueque - Old Uatu-Lari and to Nunumalau at foot of western part of Mt Matebian. 

These are the most visible changes along the roads after almost six months not traveling in this route. 

Another aspect specific to yesterday was the 20 of May Celebrations. Started from Dili, Manatutu, and Viqueque with all sub districts along this route, such as Metinaro, Vemase, Ossu, Venilale, and Uatu-Lari. Interestingly, CPD RDTL also has celebrations on their own. 

Big change is Uatu-Larinthe barometer for security in East Timor. People now busy working on their rice field for the second season of rice cultivation along the road linking Darabai (Sub-District) to Bebui the river that provides water through the irrigation canal. Driving around 5 pm local time, you will see people coming out from rice fields walking without shoes. Some guiding tractors and their kohe, etc... A visible change!

Of course social issues of rice field conflict persists so long there is no proper judicial system addressing the problem at the core. 

Political tension persists amid of fears of a certain party militants threatening here and there.  However, the nature of people talking to you is more relaxed and they don't to glimpse around for safety before talking to you like in the past, especially in election year of 2007 or before. This another big change.... This new development is strengthened by more political parties having their activities in the sub district lately and slow slow people begin to see more parties more choices although it may take a bit longer to live through it. Of course, one suku, Macadique still dominated by a big party but that to'o is beginning to erode particularly with openness and more parties beginning to make a way in. We hope this episode to continue and keeping debates around programs rather intimidation and personal cult will be very healthy in the coming elections. 

In general, people have passed another psychological barrier and driving and talking in fear. More activities will certainly help. A sub-district that is rich in natural resources (on shore gas, Ricefield, cocunut, livestock, fishery, and many others. Babies are generally healthy, which could be surprised by outsiders. 

So travel warnings these days seem to making up and does jot reflect the true situation. If Uatu-Lari becomes stable, so goes East Timor. We hope this happen and happen soon. The contribution of the sub district to the local economy, district, and national could be significant given it's potential in gas, agriculture, tourism, and braveness of the people. In the Portuguese time, Uatu-Lari was known as Celeiro de Timor (Wharehouse of Timor) because it met the demand of rice for the whole country...... Joao from Nunumalau, Uatu-Lari.



Sent from my iPad

On May 19, 2011, at 10:42 PM, "Timor Adventures" (by way of "ETAN/John M. Miller" ) wrote:

 
Australian Government’s Travel Advisory is scarring off potential tourists to East Timor

We would like to share our disappointment and frustration with the ongoing portrayal of East Timor as an unsafe travel destination to be approached with a high degree of caution.
 
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Website advises:

·         “you to exercise a high degree of caution in East Timor because of the uncertain security situation and the possibility of civil unrest. The situation could deteriorate without warning.

·         You should avoid demonstrations, street rallies and public gatherings as they may turn violent.

·         Violent disturbances, often resulting from minor disputes, can erupt in Dili without notice and escalate quickly.

·         Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety and security risks.”
         
Recently a group of motorcycle enthusiasts who were planning to tour East Timor with us in August read this advice and  pulled out of the tour planned for August.

         What worried these potential visitors is The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade statement that as of 16 May 2011

         ‘This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.’
         
         Running motorcycle tours and engaging in culturally sensitive tourism in East Timor is our modest attempt to assist in the economic development of East Timor.

         What can we say to our customers to overcome this entrenched negative perception of East Timor?

         We would welcome any alternative and ideally officially endorsed update that will help us portray East Timor as the fantastic adventure and cultural tourism destination that it truly is.
Feedback is most welcome.
 
Dave and Shirley Carlos
 
Timor Adventures
www.timoradventures.com.au

Further update from Nunumalau,

Two days ago I was sitting in a car at the cape of  the western foot of Mt Matebian around 4pm trying to read news and checking emails. But had to stick to one spot, which otherwise will lose the whole connection. In addition, I was in hurry because a messenger in motor bike told me to go back soon to Knua about 1 km because the local priest, Pe Ferdy from the Philippines with his entourage just arrived from Darabai (new Uatu Lari) and ready to celebrate a mass at the family Cemetery, remembering my father and my admirer, the late Januario Saldanha, a humble and wise man, farmer, illiterate, and father of 12 children (two died in their childhood). He passed away on May 22, 2009 and family and friends gathered to remember him in that afternoon.

Celebrations went well, attended by around 100 people altogether. The whole mass was conducted in Tetum by Pe Ferdy. His homily was also in Tetum and spoke about 30 minutes without text. He was emphasizing the need to leave together, the need to continue praying, and the need to respect each other. He also said, " Hau mai atrasado tanba hau hasoru ema lori mate ida tuir dalan. Sira dada kaixaun ne'e ba sorin, dudu ba oin, dudu ba sorin tan ho dada mai kotuk. Kleur  la halimar. Hau hare sira hakilar ho hananu iha Naueti mas kaixaun nunka ba oin. Hau hare ema ida la reza ida. Née la los. Hau tun tiha hateke sira mara-maran ho tonka kanotak. Depois sira nonok ona ho mate komesa lao ba oin. Sarani sira ida ne'e los. mate tenki reza. Imi bele oho karau 25 mos sei la ajuda barak tanba imi mak han naan, maibe matebian la hetan buat ida. Ninian mak ita halu orasaun ne'e. I was late because on the way I encountered many people holding a cascade for funeral. I was waiting patiently because it took a lot of time. The cascade never moved forward because some are pushing to the other side, then others pulling to the back, then pushing to other side and to the front while singing and shouting in Naueti. However, nobody was praying. I got out of my car, and give a serious and strange look at them. Then the cascade started to move forward. This is not correct. You can sing and shout. But the deceased need our prayers. You can slaughter 25 buffalos for the funeral. This is for you who are alive but not for the deceased." 

The next day, May 22 after talking to friends went to take shower in a small river (belorin) with pristine water (fresh and mildly cold). You can drink straight from the pipe, where residents installed. Took shower and back to Knua, packing then left for old Uatu-Lari for about 12.30 pm. Meeting friends and families talking here and there waiting for lunch, first merenda about 1pm. Then lunch about 4pm. Continue talking and listening to things that are hapening around. Power was on during the night but also on that day. Small bulbs in houses continue lighting. Actually it was seen along the road with lights are all up in the small houses or hatches about mid day. It turned out that power is on and sourced from a generator installed in Aliambata next to gas sheep and transmission line reached Diribu about 10 to 12 Kms from Aliambata toward Nunumalau. 

There were also an escavator, loder, and other road equipments fixing roads from old Uatu-Lari toward Nunumalau and Iralere. 

Suddenly, the clock was showing around 7.30pm. We have to pack and leave because it is dark. Friends asked whether to go straight to Dili. I said, let's see. If we drive and feel not good we may overnight somewhere along the road, be in Vqq or Baucau. After dislodging a friend in Bebui and two others in Darabai, we drove straight to Vqq. Passed Macadique, roads were empty and residents are in their houses. Usually this area is busy with pedestrian walking and youths chatting on the sides of the road. In Besia, there was a need to go to toilet. Asked the driver to stop so we can go for an open toilet in the darkness with houses mo where around. Suddenly, there was flash lights about 3 to 4 coming toward our car. I said to others what is this. Nobody knew and about 100 meters they turned to right and went to the beach while speaking to each other. It turned out that youths actually going to beach for fishing because more chances for catching during the night. Not sure it was true. 

Got to Vqq about 8.40 pm. Then ate plain porridge with papaya leave. checked emails. Some reacting to the posting of the previous day, contending that 300 kms cannot be reached in a hour even with a Ferrari F1. So responded to say thank you for the attention. not sure 300kms equivalent to 186 miles or so cannot be done in an hour with Ferrari F1.

After checking emails, I asked the driver and others whether to overnight or continue travel to Dili. the answer was yes with no hesitation. So we left about 9.25pm driving toward Ossu. Just notice this segment actually is worse than in the previous times and slowed down the travel. Just about to enter Ossu, checked email and responded to another friend's email. It was about 10.40 pm or so. We continued traveling, passing the famous Larigutu then Venilale. Only night buses were passing but no other cars. Almost to enter Baucau city, there was a hylux upside down with wheels toward the sky. Apparently, that was a reckless driver and not sure whether there was any deaths.

Passing Baucau Airport, the speed begin to increase hitting 100 kms per hour. This segment is the first world road for East Timor, while the segments Ossu - Vqq the fourth world and Vqq - Uatu Lari the third world......

Passing Laleia, checked email, there was suggestion to write a diary on this travel from a friend. I responded to him what an enjoyable travel, peaceful, and breezing around this time around between Lalaia and Manatutu. it was 12.45am. Inspired by the suggestion, I begin to enter Facebook account to just record things seen around while travelling and at the same time keeping company of the driver. Signals were full, so was able to log into face book wrote as much as possible. By the time reaching Subao Bot after Beheda, the message was ready to share. Then boom, signal disappeared, forced to share but looks no luck. 

We continue traveling and getting to Dili via Meti Aut after Dolokoan we looked for Pakistani contingent which used to guard on the top hill but it was empty. Then passed JRH's 
Compound straight to Culuhun. By the time we open the gate, it was 2.39 am. 

Safe, secure and said good by to my cousin and driver. What was an interesting journey from the land of muturabu to praca Dili.

Monday, May 16, 2011

Timor-Leste and ASEAN 2030

The Secretary of State for the Council of Ministers and
Official Spokesperson for the Government of Timor-Leste
Á gio Pereira

May 16, 2011

Dí li, Timor-Leste

Timor-Leste reviews economic targets with ASEAN experts

Dr. Joao M. Saldanha, a Senior Economic Adviser to the Ministry of Finance, represented the Government of Timor-Leste presenting a paper on Timor-Leste and ASEAN 2030 to distinguished members from the ASEAN community including key
economic players from major think tanks from the 10 ASEAN member countries, the ASEAN Secretariat, and the Asian Development Bank. Expert participants in a proceeding round table discussion included Dr. Chalongphoob Sussamkam, a former Minister of Finance of Thailand and now with the Thailand Development Research Institute, Dr. Mohammad Ariff, a distinguished Fellow at the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research, a think tank closely associated with Malaysia's Central Bank, Dr. Chia Siow Yue, a top economist of Singapore and former head of the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, and Dr. Dante Canlas, Professor of Economics at the University of Philippines and former Secretary of Socio Economic Planning and Director General of the National Economic Development Authority of the Philippines.

A core topic of the presentation was Timor-Leste’s double-digit economic targets for the coming decades building on the momentum of the average double-digit growth of the last four years and the opportunities and challenges for Timor-Leste joining ASEAN.

Several countries that have achieved double-digit growth for decades were considered in the discussion including China, which achieved an average growth rate of 10.2% for 28 years (1982-2009); Japan which achieved an average double-digit growth rate of 10.01% for two decades (1951-1970) and Botswana which achieved a staggering average growth rate of 13.5% for 22 years (1968-1989).

Based on the convergence hypothesis that low income and poor countries will grow more rapidly than high income and rich countries, the experts agreed Timor-Leste’s economy, benchmarked from a very low base, can grow in double-digits for an extended period. Amongst other counsel, experts recommended focusing on the source of growth including primary sector priorities, labor productivity, and identifying and reducing inefficiencies.

The recent ADB publication, ASIA 2050, predicts strong growth in Asia in the next decades, with the suggestion that “Asia is in the midst of a truly historic transformation. If it continues to grow on its recent trajectory, it could, by 2050, account for more than half of global GDP, trade and investment, and enjoy widespread affluence. Its per capita income could rise six-fold.”

Dr. Saldanha responded to inquiries on the benefits of Timor-Leste joining the Association of South East Asian Nations by highlighting that Timor-Leste is in a period of rapid economic advance which would provide benefit to member countries as well as the People of Timor-Leste by involvement and participation in a likeminded organization that promotes the acceleration of economic growth and improvement of quality of life of the people in the region. ENDS

For More Information Please Contact:
Ágio Pereira +670 723 0011
E-mail agio.pereira@cdm.gov.tl or govtlmedia@gmail.
Website: www.timor-leste.gov.tl

Timor-Leste's Application to Join ASEAN

http://www.eastasiaforum.org/2011/05/16/why-timor-leste-should-join-asean-now/#more-19090

Why Timor-Leste should join ASEAN now

May 16th, 2011

Author: President J. Ramos-Horta, Timor-Leste

Our desire to join ASEAN is a long-standing one and in the last 10 years we have shown unequivocal determination to join the organisation.

Geographically, we are very much part of Southeast Asia. Indonesia has shown statesmanship, vision and a real sense of history by being among those who are most strongly advocating for Timor-Leste’s early membership as early as this year.

Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Brunei, The Philippines, Cambodia and Myanmar have expressed public support. When I visited Cambodia a few weeks ago, I was told by Prime Minister Hun Sen that in preparation for Cambodia’s 2012 chairmanship of ASEAN, they are already making additional arrangements to accommodate Timor-Leste as the 11th member. Prime Minister Hun Sen said in his usual straightforward way: ‘If Indonesia is so supportive of Timor-Leste joining ASEAN now, why should any of us object?’ Even Myanmar has expressed support for an early membership in spite of our criticisms of the regime’s human rights record. But Singapore, while agreeing with Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership, objects to early membership as, it argues, Timor-Leste is not yet ready to absorb the many challenges and complexities of ASEAN membership. Below I argue why Timor-Leste is ready to join ASEAN.

Social, economic, political and security conditions

According to the just-released UNDP Human Development Report 2011, Timor-Leste’s Human Development Index value for 2010 is 0.502, placing it in the medium human development category. In 2005, Timor-Leste’s Human Development Index value was 0.428, and its level at independence in 2002 was 0.375.

We have moved ahead of some older ASEAN members like Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar, and we are just behind Vietnam in the overall measure of human development. Timor-Leste, with a ranking of 120 out of 169 countries, is above Lao PDR (122), Cambodia (124), Myanmar (132).

Timor-Leste is also ranked higher than Papua New Guinea (137) and most Sub-Saharan African countries; notably Kenya (128), Nigeria (142), Angola (146) and Mozambique (165).
School enrolment jumped from a modest 63 per cent in 2006 to 82.7 per cent in 2009. Some major population centres are now free of illiteracy, namely the Oe-Cussi and Manatuto Districts, Atauro Island, totalling more than 100,00 people who have graduated from illiteracy to functioning literacy in the last two years. Illiteracy will be eliminated in Timor-Leste by 2015.

Child mortality and infant mortality under five, as well as post-birth mother mortality, have been halved. Incidences of malaria, dengue and poverty have decreased significantly in the last four years. According to the WHO, Timor-Leste, with less than one case of leprosy per 10,000 people, is now free from this centuries-old disease.

The above-mentioned UNDP Report points out that from 2005 10,Timor-Leste’s life expectancy at birth increased by more than two years and now averages 62.1 years. Its GNP per capita increased 228 per cent during the same period to more than US$5,000.

Timor-Leste has no foreign debt, and according to The Economist 2010 Pocketbook, it has the highest surplus in the world of over 280 per cent as percentage of GDP. Our economy has continued to show robust growth for four consecutive years now, and according to The Economist, Timor-Leste is among the nine fastest growing economies of the world in 2011. The political situation in Timor-Leste in the last few years has been remarkably free of tension. On the security front, unlike the situation prevailing in parts of the Asia region, Timor-Leste does not have ethnic or religious conflicts, organised crime or armed insurgency.  Like Singapore and others in the early years of independence, Timor-Leste has had to confront political and social tensions and in some instances, sporadic violence has flared up. However, we have been able to quickly overcome these spasms, that are typical in nation-building, and we have rebounded from the brief periods of crisis even stronger as the UNDP Human Development data show.

Transparency, good governance

The London-based Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) rates Timor-Leste the best performer in Asia, and third in the world, in terms of accountability and transparency in the management of our Petroleum resources.

In the pursuit of good governance and transparency, and to get rid of the worldwide phenomenon of corruption, our National Parliament has passed the Anti-Corruption Law and we since created the Anti-Corruption Commission. We have also strengthened the offices of the Ombudsman (Provedor de Justica e Direitos Humanos) as well the investigative powers of the Prosecutor-General.

With active support from Indonesia, Australia and the US, we are strengthening our national police, enabling them to better prevent, intercept and fight all forms of organised crime, ranging from sex slavery to peoples smuggling, drug trafficking and money laundering. We are fortunate in that there is no active organised crime in Timor-Leste. But we are conscious that we have to do much more in this regard so that Timor-Leste may rightly claim to be relatively free of corruption and organised crime will never able to gain a foothold here.

Democracy, human rights, foreign relations

We are proud of what we have achieved in the brief years since 2002. We have a dynamic multi-party democracy with nine parties in the National Parliament. Almost 30 per cent of the elected MPs are women, and several women hold key ministerial portfolios.

Timor-Leste stands out with its very liberal and humanist Constitution that prohibits the death penalty. We have ratified all major International Human Rights Treaties and have complied with our reporting obligations. Timor-Leste, according to Reporters Without Borders, has one of the freest media in the region.

Since our independence, we have made every effort to harmonise our foreign and security policies with those of our ASEAN neighbours. For instance, we supported every ASEAN member country or national’s candidacy to the various United Nations bodies and specialised agencies, programs, etc. This includes Singapore.

We have been sensitive to our neighbours’ views on regional and global issues, always making every effort not to stray from the ASEAN view whenever there is a consensus on a specific country situation or thematic issue.

We have friendly and pro-active relations with all emerging powers like China, India, South Africa, and Brazil while maintaining special relations with Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Republic of Korea, the EU and the US, where Timor-Leste has always enjoyed strong bi-partisan support.

Our main security partners continue to be Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand, the US, Japan and Portugal. Australian and Portuguese instructors train our soldiers and officers; an increasing number of young officers have undertaken or are currently undertaking advanced training in Australia, Indonesia, Japan and Portugal.

Timor-Leste police officers have served and are serving with the United Nations in the Balkans and Africa. Soon, a significant number of Timor-Leste army engineers will be deployed in Lebanon as part of a Portuguese engineering group. Dozens of our compatriots are serving as UN Volunteers in Sierra Leone, Liberia, DR Congo and Afghanistan.

As poor as we are, we have nevertheless provided humanitarian assistance to countries, rich and poor, afflicted by natural calamities. We have provided in cash support to victims of natural disasters in Indonesia, Myanmar, China, Madeira Islands (Portugal), Haiti, Brazil and Australia, totalling close to US$5 million in the last three years.

In the past decade, we haven’t had a single diplomatic or security incident involving any of our neighbours. Relations with Indonesia, our nearest neighbour, with whom we share land and sea borders, are exemplary.

In view of Timor-Leste’s financial circumstance and its proven ability to engage regionally and internationally, Timor-Leste is ready to join ASEAN this or next year. We concede we have many weaknesses and shortcomings. But ASEAN could admit Timor-Leste now and give us a five to ten year transition period, during which we would expand efforts to catch up to the more advanced ASEAN members. This would make sense, in line with past ASEAN practice in relation to other members and in line with the European Union practice in admitting new members and supporting them until they are able to live up fully to their obligations. ASEAN fellow members should not have to worry about any financial costs as Timor-Leste will not beg for economic or financial support.

José Ramos-Horta is the President of Timor-Leste.

Monday, May 2, 2011

Orsamento Estado ho Kresimentu Ekonomiku



Joao M. Saldanha, Ph.D
Oratio Sapiente Cerimonia Graduasaun
Institutu Ciencia Religosa, St Tomas Aquino
Dili, 2 Abril 2011

Excelensia Ministro Edukasaun, Dr Joao Cancio Freitas,
Excelentissimu Reverendissimu Amo Bispo Dili, Dom Alberto Ricardo da Silva
Exceletissimu Reverendissimu Magnifiku Reitor ICR, Amo Gabriel Koten
Graduantes ho familia tomak nebe haksolok mak hau hadomi,
Konvidados ho komunidade akademika ICR mak hau hadomi,

Parabens ba graduadu foun sira ba loron espesial ida ne’e. Ita bot sira hakur tiha ona mota bot ida ho susesu. Ohin loron ba oin, ita bot sira iha atributu ida tan, lisensiadu/baxarelatu. Atributu ne’e mai ho orguilu tanba resultadu ne’e sai hosi esforsu bot ida. Esforsu ne’e dala ruma husik hela oan ba inan sira, husik hela servisu ba sira nebe servisu, ho husik umak kain ba sira nebe mai hosi distritu, hosi sub-distritu ho hosi suku sira.

Ho haksolok spesial ida ne’e, hau husu ba imi graduadu sira atu usa imi nia matenek didiak hodi hadia imi nia moris, hadia imi nia komunidade nia moris, ho hadia imi nia nasaun nia moris.

Matenek ka riku soin lisensiadu/baxarelatu nebe imi hetan ohin, sei hela ho imi to’o mate. Riku soin hotu-hotu ema bele hadau ho bele lakon. Tanba ne’e, usa didiak matenek ne’e, labele sai fali elite nebe arogante ka loko an.

Tinan 22 liu ba, hau mos hamrik hanesan imi hodi simu diploma sarjana. Ema hotu dehan sai sarjana sa makas ona. Sarjana ne’e perigu los…. Maibe simu tiha diploma (ijazah) hau sinti seidauk to’o, mesmu ke sarjana ekonomia tiha ona. Tanba ne’e hau desidi eskola tan ba Master. Hetan tiha diploma Master, sinti ba seidauk to’o ... Eskola tan ba doutoramentu ka Ph.D. Hotu tiha doutoramentu mos seidauk to’o nafatin. Maibe hare ba leten, la iha tan ona level ke as liu Ph.D. Nune’e, hau mos komesa buka servisu. Istoria badak ne’e atu hakarak hateten katak mesmu ke lisensiadu ona sei presiza estuda tan. Mesmu ke Ph.D ona presiza estuda nafatin/le nafatin tanba siensia ne’e evolui (avansa) lalais deit. Se iha oportunidade, imi buka eskola tan. Keta kontenti to’o iha lisensiadu ka baxarelatu deit.

Graduadu sira mak hau respeita,

Hau mos kontenti ho imi tanba hetan oportunidade ida atu fahe hanoin ho imi, konvidadu sira, ho komunidade akademika ICR sira iha mementu espesial  ida ne’e. Komisaun Organizadora husu ba hau atu koalia konaba Orsamentu Estadu ho Kresimentu Ekonomiku. Topiku ida ke relevante tebes mesmu ke ita bot sira nia area la os ekonomia.

Dala barak ita rona, “kresimentu ekonomiku ne’e 12% karik, agora ne’e povu nia moris oin seluk ona.” Hau nia kolega ekonomista ida nebe Deputadu mos hatete, “Ekonomia moris 12% ne’e, falsu. Povu nia moris la muda buat ida.” Ka ‘osan bar-barak, povu nia moris at hela deit.” Hanoin sira ne’e hatudu katak orsamentu estadu kait malu makas ho kresimentu ekonomiku. Kresimentu ekonomiku kait malu makas ho povu nia moris. Tanba ne’e, maka orsamentu estadu kait malu makas ho moris povu nia.

Maibe hau hakarak klarifika katak kresimentu ekonomiku ne’e hanesan objetivu interinu ida (sasaran antara) dezevolvimentu nia. Objetivu final (ka sasaran akhir) maka atu halakon kiak para ema hotu bele moris diak, moris hakmatek, ho moris saudavel. Ho lian seluk, kresimentu ekonomiku hanesan objetivu kurtu prazu ho halakon kiak hanesan objetivu mediu ho longu prazu. Tanba ne’e, mak ita presiza halakon tiha hanoin ida katak iha korelasaun instante (teki-teki) entre kresimentu ekonomiku ho povu nia moris. Kresimentu ekonomiku tinan ida ka tinan rua la automatikamente hadia povu nia moris. Maibe kresimentu ekonomiku nebe positivu, sa tan as (double digit) - hanesan iha Timor-Leste entre 2007 – 2010 - hanesan start diak ida iha prosesu desevolvimentu atu halakon kiak.

Kresimentu ekonomiku positivu sei dada setor privadu atu investe tanba ekonomia nasaun ne’e atu sai bot. Ema hakarak loke kios, ema hakarak loke fabrika, ka ema hakarak ke’e minarai tanba iha esperansa tanba sira fiar katak sira nian osan sei fila aban bainrua. Tanba ne’e mak sira hakarak investe ka kuda  sira nia osan iha nasaun ida hanesan Timor-Leste.

Nune’e ita husu, saida maka kresimentu ekonomiku? Kresimentu ekonomiku dehan katak atividade ekonomika nasaun ida nia aumenta iha periudu ida. Ita bele fera ekonomia Timor-Leste ne’e ba setor tolu, hanesan setor agrikultura, setor industria ho servisu, ho setor publiku (estadu). Produsaun setor agrikultura sae, maka kresimentu ekonomiku mos sae. Bainhira atividade industria hanesan produsaun bataku sae, maka kresimentu ekonomiku mos sae. Nune’e mos bainhira atividade servisu (services) sira hanesan komersiu (loja), konstrusaun uma, telefone, ho transporte sae maka kresimentu ekonomiku mos sae. Ikus liu, bainhira despesa governu sae, li-liu atu hadia’a infrastrutura ho formasaun rekursu humanu sae maka kresimentu ekonomiku mos sae – ceteris paribus (buat hotu la muda). Ho lian seluk, bainhira atividade setor tolu ne’e ida sae, maka kresimentu ekonomiku mos sae – ceteris paribus.

Hosi sorin seluk, bainhira produsaun setor tolu ne’e ida tun, maka kresimentu ekonomiku mos sei tun – ceteris paribus.

Pergunta bot iha publiku Timor-Leste, inklui mos Deputadu sira iha Parlamentu Nasional maka ne’e, sera ke kresimentu ekonomiku as (double digit) tinan ida muda ona povu nia moris? Hau dehan lae? Ezemplu konkretu maka ne’e. Manuel loke kios iha Merkadu Halilaran. Segunda feira, nia faan sasan hetan $20 dollar. Tersa feira, nian faan tan hetan $30 dollar. Iha ne’e, rendimentu Manuel nian sae $10 ka 50% ((30 – 20)/20*100%) hosi Segunda ba Tersa. Ka kresimentu rendimentu (ekonomiku) Manuel nia sae 50% ne’e muda kedas ona Manuel nia moris? Lae! Tanba Manuel tenki faan nafatin, faan barak tan, ho rai hamutuk osan hodi atende nia negosiu ho atende nia vida. Bainhira osan barak ona, maka nia bele sosa bisikleta ida. Barak liu tan, sosa motor ida. Barak liu tan bele halu ninia uma ho halu buat selu-seluk tan. Tempu hira mak to’o ba Manuel atu sosa bisikleta? Sosa motor? Ka halu uma? Tempu bele badak maibe la os hosi loron ida ba loron seluk ka la os hosi Segunda ba Tersa Feira. Ne’e presisa loron barak, fulan ida ka bele tinan ida. Ka bele liu tan…

Ezemplu seluk. Iha agrikultura, Lobo Dara halai natar. Tinan 2008 nia produs hare tonelada 2. Tonelada rua ne’e to’o para nia han deit. Tinan 2009, nia produs tonelada tolu. Produsaun sae tonelada 1 (ka sa 50%) hosi tinan 2008 ba 2009. Sera ke moris Lobo Dara nian diak kedas ona iha tinan 2009? Lae! Nian tenki aumenta produs tan, nafatin tinan ba tinan. Balu nia han, balu nia faan hodi sosa sasan seluk hodi hadia ninia produsaun ho hadia ninia moris. Bainhira produsan ne’e sae bebeik tinan ba tinan, maka Lobo Dara bele tau hamutuk hare hodi troka ba karau ka atu faan hetan osan  atu sosa buat ruma hodi hadia ninia moris. Ida ne’e lori tinan hira? Bele kleur depende ba Lobo Dara ninia badinas ho Lobo Dara ninia hahaluk.

Hanesan mos kresimentu ekonomiku Timor-Leste. Kresimentu ekonomiku tinan 2007 (9.1%), 2008 (12.1%), 2009 (13%) ho 2010 (9.5%) seidauk to’o atu hadia povu hotu nia moris. Ita tenki mantein kresimentu ekonomiku as ne’e tinan ba tinan hodi hadia povu barak nian moris.  Ne’e mak esensia kresimentu ekonomiku hamenus kiak (economic growth reduce poverty).

Maibe ita mos tenki rekoinese katak kresimentu ekonomiku nebe aas iha Timor-Leste ne’e  (double digitu), povu balu nia moris mos diak ona. Survey Banku Mundial hateten katak, iha tinan 2007, numeru kiak iha Timor-Leste hamutuk 50%. Iha tinan 2009, ema kiak iha Timor-Leste tun tiha ona ba 41%. Ne’e hatudu katak kresimentu ekonomiku iha impaktu positivu ona ba povu balu nian moris iha Timor-Leste. La os hotu mas balu moris diak ona. Pergunta ba ita maka ne’e. Oinsa maka kresiementu ekonomiku ne’e bele benefisia ema seluk mos, iha nasional ka iha regiaun ka iha suku sira?

Kresimentu ekonomiku Timor-Leste nebe double digitu (rata-rata 11%) iha tinan hat nia laran (2007 – 2010) hatudu katak ekonomia Timor-Leste dinamiku liu iha regiaun Asia Pasifiku, liu China nebe nia kresimentu ekonomiku mos as durante kuase tinan rua nulu resin nia laran. Revista koinesidu iha mundu, The Economist hosi Londres, edisaun 1 Janeiro 2011 hateten katak iha tinan 2011, Timor-Leste sei halu parte grupu nasaun sanulu nebe kresimentu ekonomiku rapidu iha mundu! Relatoriu IMF (Fundu Monetariu Internasional, FMI) konaba Panorama Ekonomiku Mundial (World Economic Outlook) nebe atu sai iha fulan Abril 2011 ne’e, iha Box Especial ida konaba kresimentu Timor-Leste. Relatoriu ne’e hatete katak ekonomia Timor-Leste dinamiku tebe-tebes, kresimentu ekonomiku double digit iha tinan hat nia laran. Timor-Leste sai ona hosi konflitu ho hakat ba dezenvolvimentu tanba kresimentu ekonomiku aas ho numeru ema kiak mos tun drastika iha tinan tolu nia laran.

Relatoriu sira ne’e rekoinese Timor-Leste nia performansia ho fo konfiansa ba Timor-Leste iha mundu rai klaran. Servisu uma (ka PR) nebe mak ita hotu tenki halu maka ne’e. Oinsa mak sustenta kresimentu double digitu ne’e nafatin hodi transforma sosiedade Timor-Leste hosi vida agraria ba iha vida industrial ho servisu? Pergunta ne’e mos preokupa ba governu, ninia parseiru dezenvolvimentu sira ho asesor sira. Timor-Leste bele mantein kresimentu double digitu (rata-rata 10%) durante tinan rua nulu nia laran tanba base ekonomia Timor-Leste kiik (low base economy). Se kresimentu eonomiku double digit nafatin iha tinan rua nulu nia laran, maka iha 2030 Timor-Leste sei tama ba grupu nasaun sira nebe ho rendimentu mediu as (Upper-Middle Income Country). Upper Middle Income Country tuir Banku Mundial maka nasaun sira nebe ho rendimentu per kapita minimu $5,000 (dollar rihun lima ba leten. Oras ne’e dadauk Timor-Leste nia per kapita la inklui mnarai ho gas (Non-Oil and gas GDP Per Capita) besik ona $600. Nune’e ita hein katak kresimentu ekonomiku aas iha tinan rua nulu nia laran bele hasae rendimentu perkapita non minarai Timor-Leste nia dala sanulu. Nune’e iha tinan 2030, ema kiak sei tun ka bele lakun ona.

Instrumentu saida maka ita usa atu to’o iha objetivu ida ne’e? Ida mak instrumentu fiskal (politika orsamentu estadu). Rua instrumentu komersial ho investimentu (trade and investment). Politika fiskal (orsamentu) estadu nia ita usa hodi investe osan estadu nia iha rekursu humanu, infrastrutura ho setor importante sira hanesan agrikultura, minarai ho gas, ho turismu. Bainhira ita investe iha setor sira ne’e maka iha biban Timor-Leste nia ekonomia moris double digitu.

Maibe to’o tempu ida orsamentu estadu mihis ona ho la konsege sustenta kresimentu ekonomia aas li-liu double digitu. Tanba ne’e, importante iha tempu fo-foun kedas hadia kondisaun Timor-Leste atu dada investimentu setor privadu hosi laran ka hosi estrangeiru (temi Foreign Direct Investment, FDI) atu investe iha setor importante  sira nebe bele produs ba esportasaun. Nune’e bainhira despesa tun tanba osn estadu mihis ona hosi minarai ho gas, rendimentu sira seluk hanesan impostu ka rendimentu sira seluk mos sae ona. Ohin loron orsamentu estadu Timor-Leste liu 90% mai hosi minarai ho gas ka dada hosi Fundu Petroleu.

Ida ne’e mak politika ekonomika atu hadia povu nia moris liu hosi politika fiskal ho politika komersial (fiscal policy and trade policiy). Ita hein katak ho politika sira ne’e, Timor-Leste bele atingi objetivu final, halakon kiak iha 2030 liu hosi kresimentu ekonomiku double digitu.

Graduadu sira maka hau hadomi,

Ita nia tema Oratio Sapientiae ohin loron maka Orsamentu Estado ho Kresimentu Ekonomiku. Ita hare iha diskusaun iha leten ne’e, bainhira despesa estadu sae maka kresimentu ekonomiku mos sei sae – ceteris paribus. Ita mos hatete katak orsamentu estadu hanesan instrumentu ida atu to’o ba objetivu final atu hamohu kiak iha Timor-Leste iha 2030. Atu sustenta kresimentu double digitu ne’e iha tinan rua nulu nia, politika fiskal (orsamentu estadu) tenki kombina ho politika komersial durante tempu ida ne’e. Nune’e, it abele atingi objetivu final dezenvolvimentu nasional upper-middle income country ho kiak mohu ona iha Timor-Leste.

Aspetu determinante ida iha prosesu atu sustenta kresimentu doube digitu ne’e maka tenki investe makas iha rekursu humanu (edukasaun). Tanba mundu globalizadu nebe Timor-Leste hola parte ba, la os deit nakonu ho informasaun ho teknologia oi-oin (foun ka tuan) maibe mos nakonu ho kompetisaun entre nasaun sira iha mundu ne’e. Rekursu humanu nebe iha espesialidade iha area bar-barak, hanesan siensia, teknologia, sosiologia, ekonomia, IT, ho seluk tan sei fo is ba nasaun Timor-Leste hodi kompete iha mundu globalizadu ne’e. Matenek ho espesializasaun sira ne’e sei tonka lalaok Timor-Leste nia iha prosesu dezenvolvimentu nasional tanba matenek sira ne’e iha vantagem kompetitiva (compettivie advantage) hosi sira nian espesialidade sira.

Ho vantagem kompetitiva iha area rekursu humanu, nasaun ida la os deit atu laoba oin, maibe mos bele haksoit ba oin (leap forward) iha prosesu desenvolvimentu nasional. China usa estrategia leap forward hodi transforma ninia ekonomia hosi ekonomia rural ba industrial menus de tinan 30. Iha 2011 ne’e, China nia ranking ekonomia iha mundu numeru dois depois de Estadus Unidus Amerika. Ba kotuk oituan, Estadus Unidus Amerika, sai nasaun bot ho lider iha area barak, inklui siensia, teknologia, ekonomia, ho defesa. Sira mos semo ba to’o fulan ona, ba mai avontade. Kapasidade nasional Amerika ne’e mosu tanba Amerika fo atensaun bot ba dezenvolvimentu rekursu humanu. La os deit investe osan barak atu eduka ema maibe Amerika simu ema hotu-hotu nebe iha matenek ho espesialidade. Sira mos fo fatin ba ema matenek sira nebe persegidu politikamente. Judeo sira iha Alemanha, Hitler buka atu oho hotu iha Funu Mundial II. Amerika fo fatin ba matenek Judeo sira atu bele halu peskisa iha universidade ho institutu bar-barak iha Amerika. Selu sira ho diak ho osan nebe iha. Balu governu foti sai asesor iha area oi-oin tanba sira nia matenek. La os deit Judeo sira, Amerika mos simu ema ho kompetensia bar-barak, la hare ba kor. O bele metan, o bele mutin, ho o bele kinur ka o makerek, naran katak o iha matenek ho espesialidade, Amerika nakloke ba o. “Welcome to the land of opportunity. Benvindo ba nasaun ida ho oportunidade.” Bainhira China usa open door policy, Amerika usa open mind policy atu atrae matenek sira hosi rai sira seluk. Amerika fiar katak rekursu humanu nebe kompetenti bele halu inovasaun oi-oin nebe importante ba dezenvolvimentu ho kresimentu ekonomiku nasional. Amerika mos fiar katak matenek mos sei halu diferensa iha povu nia vida la os deit iha area sientifika maibe mos iha area governasaun ho politika.

Maluk graduadu sira mak hau respeita,

Hau hakarak koalia oituan sientista ka matenek sira nia knar iha area governansaun ho vida politika. Povu ka nasaun ida bele hetan benefisiu hosi matenek sira nebe tama ba politika ho ukun nasaun ida. Prof. Fernando Henrique Cardoso, eis-Presidenti Brazil, Ph.D iha area sosiologia konsege transforma Brazil hosi nasaun ida ke krise bebeik ba nasaun vibrante ida ho sai  ekonomia emergente (emerging economy) ida mundu. Professor Anival Cavaco Silva nebe hola Ph.D iha area ekonomia iha fulan hirak liu ba hahu ninia segundu mandatu Presidenti da Republika Portugal. Nian maka transforma Portugal hosi nasaun periphery (pingiran) ida ba nasaun modernu ida iha Europa iha tinan 1980a bainhira mana eleisaun ho sai Primeiru Ministru Portugal. Chile oras ne’e dadauk ninia Presidenti da Republika maka Sebastian Pinera, Ph.D nebe formadu iha area ekonomia. La kelur deit bainhira simu tiha knar hanesan Presidneti Chile, Pinera hasoru problema bot ida skala mundial. Rai nakdoko taka ema sira nebe ke’e mina iha rai okos kuase metru lima nulu. Pinera nia esforsu, konsege hasai duni nia povu hamutuk tolunulu resin moris hotu bainhira mundu dehan katak sei la konsege.

Graduadu sira maka hau hadomi,

Presidenti nain tolu ne’e (Fernando H. Cardoso, Anibal Cavaco Silva, ho Sebastian Pinera) manan eleisaun diretu hosi povu atu sai Presidenti da Republika. Sira konsege koalia ba povu, povu fo fiar ba sira liu hosi votasaun direta atu sai Presidenti da Republika ka Primeiru Ministru. Importante liu maka sira konsege transforma sira nia nasaun ho salva sira nia ema iha desafiu nia laran.

Sira La os matenek koalia mangame deit ho povu. La os matenek deit iha komputador nia oin maibe faktu hatudu katak matenek, Mestradu ho PhD la os hatene deit baku komputador ho koalia mangame deit ho povu. Tanba ne’e hau la konkorda ho hanoin lider balu hatete ba publiku katak ema ho Mestradu ho PhD sira hatene maka baku komputador deit maibe mangame deit bainhira koalia ba povu. Prof. Doutor sira hanesan Fernando Henrique Cardoso, Anibal Cavaco Silva, ho Sebastian Pinera hatudu tiha ona ho evidensia ne’e ba mundu. Ezemplu sira ne’e hatudu katak mestradu ho doutoradu sira bele transforma sira nia nasaun tanba sira iha kompetensia ho kapasida analitiku ho sientifiku atu resolve problema nasional ka mundial sira.

Iha Timor-Leste, ita sei deskonfia malu deit, inveja malu deit. Ita nia tradisaun ensinu superior seidauk naruk. Tanba ne’e maka matenek sira Mestradu ho PhD sira seidauk hetan vaorizasaun lolos tuir meritu. Nune’e mos, ema sira ho Mestradu ho PhD sei oituan deit ho sira nia kontribuisaun ba nasaun ne’e mos sei kiik. Tanba ne’e maka  mosu hanoin sira siniku ho desvaloriza Mestradu ho PhD sira iha Timor-Leste.

Maibe hau fiar katak la kleur tan situasaun ne’e sei muda. Eleitoradu sira iha Timor-Leste seidauk hare ba programa ho kualidade lideransa ba dezenvolvimentu nasional bainhira sira ba kaixa eleitoral. Maibe hau fiar katak la kleur tan povu Timor-Leste nebe matenek sei hili ema ho kompetensia ho programa diak atu lori nasaun ne’e ba oin ho hadia povu nia  moris.

Tanba ne’e ikus liu, hau hakarak hatete ba imi graduadu sira ho universitariu ICR ho universitariu sira seluk iha nebe deit iha Timor-Leste ka iha liur. Hili servisu tuir imi nia konsiensia, imi nia matenek, ho imi nia dedikasaun. Se sai professor, sai professor ida ke diak. Se sai agrikultor (modernu), sai agrikultor ida ke diak. Se sai poliitku, sai politiku ida ke diak, banati tuir Anibal Cavaco Silva, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, ho Sebastian Pinera.

Obrigadu barak.