Picture: Fundasaun Mahein: A man prepares the soil in the fields, ready to plant crops that will sustain his family, in Leodudu-Poetete Village, Ermera (28 Oct 2025).
The following report presents the findings of qualitative field research conducted by Fundasaun Mahein between June and October 2025. The research examines the drivers of community conflict in Timor-Leste and explores the role of traditional mechanisms in resolving them.
The research finds that, despite two decades of progress in peace and state-building, many communities across Timor-Leste continue to experience recurring tensions that affect social cohesion and everyday wellbeing. These conflicts rarely escalate into serious violence, but they undermine trust, weaken cooperation with state institutions and create a persistent sense of insecurity.
Structural socio-economic pressures remain the strongest and most consistent drivers of conflict. Low education levels, limited job opportunities, dependence on land and widespread domestic or interpersonal violence create environments where minor disputes can escalate quickly. Longstanding grievances linked to historical displacement and informal land occupation during the Indonesian era continue to generate contested claims, particularly in the absence of a reliable, nationwide land adjudication system.
Weak digital literacy is also a major contributor to community tensions. As social media becomes the primary information source for many Timorese, communities are increasingly exposed to edited videos, recycled photographs and misleading political content. Several recent incidents demonstrate how misinformation can spread rapidly and provoke fear, anger and youth mobilisation.
Youth exclusion is another critical factor. Young people frequently describe feeling shut out of economic and political life, yet they also offer some of the most sophisticated analyses of systemic issues. While exclusion can push youth toward MAG involvement or petty crime, many also expressed willingness to lead future digital literacy and awareness initiatives.
Local conflict is further shaped by political identity and community-level politicization. Longstanding loyalties to political parties influence how rumours spread and how communities align during periods of tension. Elite political rivalry remains widely perceived as influencing local disputes, though FM finds it typically acts as a trigger rather than a root cause.
Traditional dispute resolution continues to command strong legitimacy, but new challenges – especially digital misinformation and shifting social norms – often exceed what customary systems can manage alone.
Finally, the research highlights the enduring influence of intergenerational trauma, which shapes household behaviour, youth conflict and the national political culture. Trauma-informed approaches and future-oriented political debates will be essential for effective peacebuilding, youth inclusion and consolidating the rule of law and good governance.
To access the full report, please click on the link below.
Press Release (PDF)
Full Report MNH 22(PDF)
Fundasaun Mahein
Email: mahein2009@gmail.com
Telemovel: (+670) 75771766
Website: www.fundasaunmahein.org
