CHALLENGES AHEAD
Timor-Leste’s spending remains heavily supported by its Petroleum Fund, drawn from finite offshore oil and gas revenues.
Advocacy groups warn that the country must diversify its economy – and manage its wealth more carefully – to secure a sustainable future beyond oil.
“The people of Timor-Leste still feel that much of the country’s money is being wasted,” said Feliciano da Costa Araujo, executive director of the human rights group HAK Association.
“You could say that financial management remains quite difficult. So for us, it’s not just about relying on the Petroleum Fund – economic diversification will only happen if the government has both the commitment and the capacity to manage those funds properly,” he added.
Observers also warn that policy discontinuity remains a major hurdle.
“With every change of government comes a new set of policies,” said Jose Alves da Costa, executive director of Luta Hamutuk, a non-governmental organisation that monitors development in the country.
“Even if the current administration has a good plan, the next may choose not to continue it. So, a new plan is drawn up, and before it’s even implemented, another change occurs. There’s little continuity in planning, and that’s the real challenge,” he added.
Political pressure can also force abrupt policy shifts.
In September, Timor-Leste’s parliament withdrew a proposal to grant lifetime pension allowances to lawmakers following public protests.
For now, infrastructure projects like the international airport upgrades are something the Timorese look forward to over the next few years.
“Every single country, the airport represents its identity. My dream is that the Nicolau Lobato airport can represent Timorese culture,” said traveller Emilio Dos Santos.
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