DILI, 20 August 2025 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Defense in cooperation with the g7+, hosted an International Conference on Wednesday under the theme “The Transformation of the National Defense Institute into a Military Higher Education Institution”, marking the 50th anniversary of Força Armada de Libertação Nacional de Timor-Leste (FALINTIL).
The conference was officially opened by Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Pantai Kelapa, Dili. The keynote speaker was José Nunes da Fonseca, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Portugal.
General Fonseca emphasized that the conference forms part of the commemorations of FALINTIL’s 50th anniversary –a date of profound symbolism for Timor-Leste.
“Celebrating this milestone means honoring the courage and perseverance of all those who fought for independence. It also reaffirms our commitment to building a modern, secure state prepared for the future,” he stated.
He underscored the relevance of the conference theme, highlighting the importance of higher education in the training of Timor-Leste Defence Force officers.
“In today’s world, security is multidimensional. Confronted with conventional, hybrid, cyber, and environmental threats, the strength of a military institution is measured not only by its operational capacity but also by the depth of its knowledge and experience,” Fonseca said.
He added that military effectiveness stems from a combination of competence, technical preparation, critical thinking, and enlightened leadership. Military higher education integrates academic knowledge with professional training and ethical values, contributing both to defence capabilities and national development. He also noted that the current geostrategic landscape – shaped by rapid technological evolution, cyber threats, competition for critical resources, and global economic interdependence – demands a well-educated and adaptive defence force.
Lieutenant General Domingos Raul “Falur Rate Laek” of F-FDTL echoed the urgency of transforming the National Defence Institute (IDN) into a higher education institution. He emphasized that this transformation would address gaps in Timor-Leste’s existing higher education system, which is largely focused on private sector disciplines with limited influence on national identity and cohesion.
“Higher education at IDN, centred on national defence and security, will strengthen human resource development within the armed forces. It will equip future leaders to meet the challenges facing our society,” Falur Rate Laek stated.
He further advocated for the development of a national military doctrine, deeper study of Timor-Leste’s history, and expanded knowledge in science, technology, organization, administration, and leadership. These elements, he said, would contribute to national development through the creation of indigenous force support systems.
“What we aim to achieve is well within reach. All that is required is political will and determined leadership. That leadership already exists and has elevated the IDN. What has been accomplished so far deserves our trust and commitment to take the next steps and establish the Higher Institute of National Defence and Security,” he concluded.
The conference was attended by members of government, academia, F-FDTL personnel, combatants, diplomats, and military attachés from Portugal, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, and other distinguished guests.
The event concluded with a commemorative march to Dili Port, where participants scattered flowers into the sea in honour of the FALINTIL heroes who sacrificed their lives for Timor-Leste’s independence.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
