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Fundasaun Mahein (FM) is deeply concerned about the spread of misinformation, disinformation and viral “hoaxes” in Timor-Leste. In recent years, we have observed repeated incidents in which false information circulates rapidly across social media platforms, provoking conflict and instability, fuelling fear and anger and victimising vulnerable groups. These false stories – often referred to as “fake news” or “hoaxes” in Timorese society – pose serious risks to socio-political stability, human rights and democratic accountability.
Misinformation in Timor-Leste is often linked to communal conflict, rivalry between political leaders and the performance of state institutions. This is particularly concerning given our turbulent history and fragile democratic institutions. False or misleading stories, particularly when connected to sensitive political issues, such as a person’s party loyalties or actions during the Indonesian occupation, can incite anger, hatred or even violence. Our experiences of conflict, instability and state collapse since independence show that socio-political tensions are never far from the surface, meaning that we must not underestimate the dangers of misinformation, especially as digital technologies become more widespread.
The current problem of misinformation in Timor-Leste is not new. During Indonesia’s long occupation, our society was shaped by an environment of terror, mistrust and secrets. Timorese lived under constant suspicion of informants and spies, while a rumour was enough to see someone arrested, tortured or even killed.
FM sees that the experience of occupation and resistance has deeply shaped the ways in which information is received and spread today. Frightening or sensational stories are often quickly believed and widely shared. This culture has is reflected in the nickname “Rumour-Leste.” In this way, the viral “hoaxes” of the present are a continuation of the rumours and intrigue of the past.
FM believes that low education levels and poor digital literacy are the other key drivers of this problem. Irresponsible and uncritical use of social media reflect this limited knowledge and awareness. Many Timorese social media users share posts without verifying whether the information is true or considering risks or consequences. Few people pause to ask: Is this information credible? Who benefits from me believing or sharing this?
An illustrative example of rumour leading to serious public panic occurred in 2004 when widespread rumours of a tsunami struck Dili. Although the capital was never at risk, fear spread quickly and thousands of people fled to the hills. The 2006 crisis was also fuelled, in part, by rapidly spreading rumours and mis- and disinformation about who had attacked whom. During COVID-19, there were numerous instances of sensational stories which ended up being false or exaggerated, but which provoked significant public anxiety.
Alongside political rumours and sensational “hoaxes” which contribute to instability and public panic, another worrying trend is the spread of false information about financial opportunities or job vacancies abroad. Many people have lost money through SMS or online scams which promise a quick return on investment. Many Timorese youth, frustrated by the lack of formal employment opportunities at home, are highly vulnerable to promises of overseas jobs. Traffickers and fraudulent recruitment networks exploit this demand by spreading deceptive advertisements on social media. Numerous such “opportunities” have led to exploitation, forced labour and human trafficking. This combination of economic desperation and susceptibility to mis- and disinformation not only harms individuals and families but also undermines Timor-Leste’s broader social stability and development.
It is important to distinguish between misinformation – false information shared without malicious intent – and disinformation, which is spread with the intention to confuse, mislead or manipulate. In Timor-Leste, some domestic actors may deliberately spread false stories to discredit politicians, government officials or rival groups.
Of course, this is not unique to Timor-Leste. Around the world, disinformation is a common tool used by political actors. In our own history, disinformation has been a powerful weapon in conflict. In the lead-up to the Indonesian invasion and throughout the occupation, external actors deliberately spread false information to create confusion and instability within Timorese society. FM is not suggesting that this same strategy is being employed in Timor-Leste today. However, our past experience should serve as a reminder of the dangers of disinformation for national stability and sovereignty.
Another factor fuelling the problem is the way in which political leaders themselves communicate. FM has written previously about how political rhetoric in Timor-Leste is frequently inflammatory, insulting and deliberately provocative. Leaders frequently demean and attack their rivals, which provokes hostility among the public. These tactics also serve an important political purpose: by drawing people’s attention to dramatic exchanges between leaders, politicians distract the public from pressing issues such as unemployment, social inequality, corruption or poor service delivery. In this way, political elites can divide the population and protect their own positions, even while citizens grow increasingly frustrated with government performance and politicians’ behaviour.
While misinformation and disinformation are serious concerns, FM is equally wary of heavy-handed attempts to suppress them. Around the world, governments have introduced laws against “fake news,” “hate speech” or “defamation.” Too often, these laws are used not to protect citizens but to silence legitimate criticism and opposition voices. In Timor-Leste, recent proposals to tighten controls over information and speech have drawn criticism from international partners and civil society groups. In 2021, for example, UN member states and human rights monitors raised concerns about proposed laws related to defamation and cybercrime. They warned that poorly designed legislation could undermine freedom of expression and restrict democratic debate under the guise of fighting misinformation. These warnings echo global patterns in which laws intended to counter disinformation end up being used to criminalise dissent, even in states with highly developed democratic institutions.
In our view, Timor-Leste’s hard-won democratic freedoms must not be undermined under the pretext of fighting mis- and disinformation. Freedom of expression and the right to express dissent are essential human rights. Attempts to criminalise speech in the name of “countering hoaxes” risk damaging our democracy more than the hoaxes themselves.
In sum, the challenges posed by misinformation and disinformation cannot be solved easily by bans or censorship. Instead, Timor-Leste needs to adopt a proactive and inclusive approach. FM recommends the following actions which together can tackle this complex and serious issue:
- Digital literacy campaigns: The government, schools, civil society and journalistic organisations must work together to promote digital literacy. Citizens should be trained to evaluate sources, fact-check information and consider the consequences of sharing information online. Digital literacy is also essential for economic inclusion and development, which are key for safeguarding democracy, human rights, peace and stability.
- Critical thinking in education: Timor-Leste’s education system is still heavily influenced by outdated teaching and learning methods which are not student-centred and fail to promote active engagement and critical analysis. School and university curricula must be strengthened to emphasise critical thinking and analytical skills, teaching young people how to analyse information, question authority and distinguish between fact and opinion.
- Public awareness on social media ethics and responsibility: Educational campaigns should be implemented to teach the public about social and ethical responsibilities in online behaviour. Such programs would cover issues like cyber-bullying and cyber-harassment, responsible use of messaging apps, data protection and privacy, and online fraud and scams.
- Support journalists and protect media freedom: Reliable, fact-based, critical, independent journalism is the best antidote to misinformation. Supporting journalistic capacity and protecting media freedom are essential steps to ensure the public has access to accurate information.
- Dialogue and discussion: Timorese public intellectuals, activists and community leaders should engage in open, informed and honest debate about these issues. Only through collective discussion can we develop locally appropriate solutions that strengthen democracy while safeguarding human rights.
Conclusion
The issue of misinformation, disinformation and viral hoaxes in Timor-Leste presents a serious threat to social and political stability. It undermines trust, fuels division and creates space for manipulation by powerful actors. At the same time, poorly designed responses risk restricting the freedoms that are the foundation of our Democratic Republic.
Fundasaun Mahein believes that the best way to tackle these complex phenomena is not censorship but education, awareness and empowerment. By improving digital literacy, strengthening critical thinking and encouraging responsible online behaviour, we can reduce the risks posed by misinformation while preserving our freedoms. Digital literacy is also a foundation for economic growth and opportunities. By equipping citizens to properly navigate digital technologies, we wills strengthen our democracy while promoting inclusive economic development.
We hope that this article can contribute to a healthy public debate on this important topic. By engaging constructively, Timorese society can develop information management strategies that both protect our stability and uphold our democratic values. In doing so, we honour our past struggles for freedom and human rights, and secure a future based on accountability, rights and shared responsibility.
