Foto-RTTL-EP-072019
2019 has seen an increase in conflict between Martial Arts Groups in Timor-Leste with several recent examples of violence and destruction demonstrating the devastating effects that they can have on communities. One particularly violent incident occurred recently on July 4th in Leorema – Liquiça. The conflict resulted in two deaths, three injuries as well as the destruction of thirteen houses by arson and seven destroyed motorbikes. Particularly pertinent is the fact that the violence has forced fifty-three people to leave their homes, fourteen of which are students. The PNTL have so far arrested thirteen suspects including local suco council leaders in what is suspected to be a conflict arising from rivalries between long established but prohibited MAG’s, PSHT and KORK. Proceeding this, MAG’s have also been involved in other violent clashes. In May, Baucau saw disturbances caused by MAG’s result in the death of one man and ten injuries. Transportation of the deceased to the municipality of Dili contributed to violent clashes leading to the destruction of two motorbikes. In this case the suspected cause is rivalry between the MAG’s, PSHT and Kera Sakti.
In the case of Leorema – Liquiça the government has taken several steps to ensure the security of the community. Immediately after the violence PNTL presence was bolstered, establishing police checkpoints within the community, this was however only a temporary measure. As previously mentioned more than fifty people were forced to leave their community for which the Secretary of Civil Protection under the Ministry of Interior has been providing humanitarian assistance. The government has also attempted to establish dialogue with the local community in order to establish the facts of the situation. Police are still searching for suspects involved in the disturbances who are believed to have fled into the jungle.
Having established the facts at hand we should now question the underlying reasons behind the troubles. Fundasaun Mahein suspects that there are three main fundamental causes. Firstly, we deduce that the criminalisation of all unregistered MAG’s under Law No. 5/2017 and the banning of three main MAG’s under Resolution No.16/2013 forced PSHT, KORK and Kera Sakti underground leading to a more dangerous and unregulated conflict between the groups. The government at the time also appeared to have little strategic plan which could have redirected the activities of MAG’s to more community friendly past times. Secondly, under-investment in job creation has been responsible for massive youth unemployment which has created a particularly perilous situation for young uneducated men who have turned to MAG’s to seek camaraderie and escape boredom. Finally, FM has observed evidence which suggests that some elements of Timorese society are in part responsible for supporting MAG’s which contain their family and friends, enabling the groups to continue recruitment.
In conclusion it is no exaggeration to say that MAG’s pose a threat to local communities. If the underlying causes of these circumstances are not tackled the situation will perpetuate itself creating further danger to the people of Timor-Leste.
Recommendations
1. In the short term the government should create youth projects to give youth an outlet and camaraderie outside MAG’s. Specifically we recommend the creation of a Martial Arts League in Timor-Leste to give youth that wish to participate in martial arts a safe environment in which to resolve their disputes and prove their worth. Funding for these types of projects could be secured from donors abroad as there is a growing market for these types of sports throughout the world. The popularity of these groups suggests there may be a significant pool of talent to draw from. It would also give youth a goal to aim for and may instill a heightened sense of discipline.
2. Based on the current situation the government should invest more in the creation of jobs to cater for a country with a young population. However, this is only achievable in the long term.
3. Alongside these measures the government should decriminalise and regulate Martial Arts Groups bringing their activities back out into the open.
4. Consultations should take place with existing MAG’s to determine what their interests are. Particularly to ascertain whether they would like to see the creation of a Martial Arts League as an outlet for their sport.
