Fundasaun Mahein (FM), 29 June 2015
Press Release
Sucesses and Challenges: security sector policy/implementation of the Sixth Constitutional Government in 2012-2015
Timor-Leste’s security sector policy is clearly defined in the National Development Strategic Plan (NDSP) 2011-2030.
The sub-sector policies of the NDSP are: Legislation, Human Resources, Infrastructure and Bilateral Cooperation between Timor-Leste with other foreign countries in order to develop the key institutions, PNTL and F-FDTL.
The NDSP’s Legislation Policy concerns creating a legal framework to ensure regulation for civil protection, the migration service and the continued development of internal norms and rules of the PNTL in regards with the procedure, discipline, transparency and accountability.
Despite the Policy, there is a need to further legislate and review existing laws in regards to areas such as creating a National Maritime Authority (NMA), in addition to other laws that respond to dynamic and developing issues within security institutions.
The Human Resource Policy is focused on increasing the professionalism by facilitating training for members of the PNTL in various thematic areas that correspond to the Police’s mission, recruitment and promotion.
The Infrastructure Policy is focused on equipment and facilities inside the security and defense institutions. However, the institutions of PNTL and F-FDTL still currently have relatively poor infrastructure, causing ongoing challenges in service delivery particularly by the PNTL in district areas.
The Policy of Bilateral Cooperation aims to develop the skills capacity in police and military institutions. A recent example is the partnership between Timor-Leste and Indonesia to facilitate training and information sharing regarding community policing and combating drug and human trafficking.
Bilateral cooperation between Timor-Leste with other countries is vital for the development of security and defense institutions. However, the Government is yet draw-up official memorandum of understanding agreements regarding such cooperation to ensure their ongoing sustainability (A recent example being the ad hoc agreement between the Philippines and the PNTL and F-FDTL, without an official MoU).
Recommendations
The development policy for the security sector in Timor-Leste is defined in the National Development Strategic Plan (NDSP) 2011-2030. The Government has so far implemented the NDSP in order to develop and consolidate the security sector, particularly the PNTL, F-FDTL and other relevant security institutions. However, despite some progress, this consolidation has yet to fully realize the vision outlined in the NDSP in terms of the development of infrastructure, human resources, legislation and other key areas.
1. The VI Government should continue to develop infrastructure for the PNTL and F-FDTL following suitable needs assessments and procurement processes to ensure transparency and good governance.
2. The VI Government should continue the process of strengthening regulation and training for the military and police forces’ human resources with the aim of creating a truly professional membership.
3. The VI Government should strengthen bilateral cooperation with foreign countries by creating long-term agreements and partnerships to support and develop the security sector of Timor-Leste.
4. The VI Government should establish a National Maritime Authority (NMA), and more importantly define a National Security Policy (NSP) in order to better implement security policy in line with the PEDN.
