DILI, 17 September 2025 (TATOLI) – The State Secretariat for Cooperatives (SECoop) has signed a two-year agreement with the Indonesian company Bali Honey Madu to study potential honey production areas in Timor-Leste.
The agreement was signed by SECoop’s Director-General, Olderico Lopes, and Bali Honey Madu’s President, Ismali Marzuki. The signing ceremony took place in Dili and was attended by the Secretary of State for Cooperatives, Arsénio Pereira.
According to Arsénio Pereira, the municipalities of Ermera, Liquiçá, Aileu, Manatuto, and Bobonaro show the greatest potential for beekeeping. He said that while most of the country has favorable conditions, these areas are particularly promising.
“Our cooperatives, which have already started bee breeding, will join this Indonesian team in conducting studies this week,” Pereira explained. “After they return, they will apply the knowledge they’ve gained. Beekeeping isn’t new, but it requires specific methods, including production.”
Pereira stressed the importance of developing honey production in Timor-Leste, as the industry is currently underexplored. He said that the lack of business sustainability is reflected in the market, where products often fail to meet necessary quality standards.
The Secretary of State added that the partnership with Bali Honey Madu aims to help cooperatives improve their beebreeding techniques, packaging, and the quality of their honey for commercial sale. He also mentioned that his department allocated approximately US$3,000 for the studies.
Ismali Marzuki, President of Bali Honey Madu, emphasized that the knowledge exchange will impact every phase of the business, from beebreeding to production and marketing. “Over the next five days, we will visit the identified municipalities to map the land and analyze the bee breeding potential of the plants in Timor-Leste,” he said.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
