DILI, 14 February 2025 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of State Administration (MoSA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) officially inaugurated the Balkaun Úniku (One-Stop-Shop) in the Atauro Administrative Authority. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Ninth Constitutional Government to align with the Timor-Leste National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) and support local governance.
Minister of Justice, Sergio Hornai, in his official remarks, said: “I would like to affirm that we are introducing a digitalization system in Atauro, as well as in other municipalities where we intend to establish the One-Stop Service Desk, in order to better serve the community regarding their legitimate interest in personal identity documents, birth registration, death certificates, and to facilitate business registration.”
UNDP Resident Representative, Katyna Argueta, reiterated UNDP’s commitment to supporting this initiative: “Today – as we gather to inaugurate the Balkaun Uniku – a significant milestone is reached in the journey towards transforming public service delivery in Timor-Leste. This one-stop shop is not just a physical structure but a symbol of the Timorese Government commitment to increase social equity in access to public services, fostering inclusion of the most vulnerable. This initiative aims to ensure that all Timorese’s have access and receive the quality services they deserve. Universal access to quality public services is the foundation of a fair and just society, that implies the core values of solidarity, equality and human dignity”.
The 4th Balkaun Úniku in Atauro’s Authority follows the successful implementation of similar centers in other municipalities, such as Manatuto, Baucau and Liquiça, further reinforcing the government’s long-term vision to improve access, modernize public administration systems, strengthen institutional capacities, and enhance citizen engagement.
Minister of State Administration, Tomás do Rosário Cabral, in his brief remarks, emphasized, “Currently, four One-Stop Service Desk buildings are operational, including the one in Atauro. As part of the political commitment and the agreement established with UNDP, it is planned that, throughout this year, all municipal buildings will be completed, including the One-Stop Service Center, which will be inaugurated in Dili. The Ministry of State Administration, aligned with this strategy, has established a network connecting 459 sucos online. The implementation process of the One-Stop Service Desk is underway in a region with a total population of 12,453 inhabitants, including 6,314 men and 6,139 women.”
Atauro’s unique geographical location presents challenges for public administration and service delivery. Through this inauguration, the establishment of Balkaun Úniku aims to address these challenges and ensure that citizens have vital and efficient access to essential government services, such as National Identification cards, criminal registration, and passports.
Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, in his remarks, affirmed, “Currently, it offers services such as issuing Identity Cards, Passports, and others, but its scope will not be limited to these alone, as its functionality will gradually expand. The objective is to bring state institutions closer to the people. Therefore, from village chiefs to higher administrative levels, I demand high-quality service, dedication to the people, and the utilization of modern technological mechanisms to improve Atauro, encourage innovative thinking, enhance administrative services, and ultimately provide a better quality of life for the population.”
The event was attended by government officials, municipal representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the UNRCO, and other distinguished guests from relevant institutions, all supporting the enhancement of public services for the community.
TATOLI
