(Díli, Fatuhada) 26 March 2026 – The Secretariat of State for Social Communications (SEKOMS), asks all ministries to make official media permanent, not by political appointment, to ensure continuity of data and information in government institutions.
According to Secretary of State for Social Communications (SEKOMS) Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, stressed that the official media in all ministries must become permanent employees, because political appointments can cause lack of continuity when government members change.
“When a minister or secretary of state ends his mandate, usually the official media appointed by politicians also leave together, which causes the loss of important information and database in the ministry. still exist and can continue to manage well,” said Secretary of State for Social Communications (SEKOMS) Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes, in the Diplomat Hall MNEC, 26/03/2026.
The Secretary of State for Social Communications also explained that the official website of the ministry plays an important role in disseminating information through online platforms. As in the Ministry of Defense, the official media need to provide relevant information about the Defense sector, including the F-FDTL and directorates such as Land and Naval.
“Thus, journalists do not need to seek information to the minister, because technical data and institutional information can be obtained directly from the official media. Therefore, the official media must know how to prepare press releases professionally to distribute accurate information to the public,” explained Expedito Loro Dias Ximenes.
On this occasion, SEKOMS explained that journalists are people who daily seek information, collect data, write news and go through the editorial process before publishing in communication channels. While the role of the official media is to provide official information from the institution in a clear and responsible manner.
“The unfortunate phenomenon shows that some official media pretend to be journalists. I reaffirm that the official media are not journalists, but part of the government structure that supports institutional communication,” he declared
In his speech to government officials, SEKOMS also informed that the official media have a very strategic role in the digital era to improve the image of the government and strengthen relations with the public. They are considered the “voice and eyes” of government, responsible for listening to and responding to public concerns with professionalism.
Meanwhile, from the results of research on public perception, the data is not only a number, but also a representation of the voice of the people about the performance of the government. In 2023 to 2024, the level of public satisfaction increased to 61%, and the leadership of Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão received 73% confidence.
In subsequent surveys in 2024 and 2025, this result increased further, with government performance reaching 71%, and confidence in the Prime Minister’s leadership rising to 84%.
SEKOMS emphasizes that the official media need to use these data responsibly, to analyze and respond honestly and professionally, to continue to improve government services and strengthen public trust.
Journalist: Madalena de Lima/Madalena Lopes
Editor :Francisco Pereira
