OECUSSI, 09 October 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste has lost one of its key figures who tirelessly worked to advance social and economic justice, particularly in water conservation, support for vulnerable families, and other vital and relevant activities for the nation and its people, especially the communities of Oecussi, through the NGO Binibu Faef Nome (BIFANO). That figure was Jacinto Mala.
Jacinto Mala, aged 50, passed away on the evening of Monday, October 6, 2025, after attending a cultural ceremony in preparation for a family wedding in Sakato village, Nípani suco, Pante Makasar sub-region, Special Administrative Region of Oecussi Ambeno (RAEOA), which borders Indonesia.
According to Agustinho da Conçeição, a family and witness, the incident occurred around 11:00 PM. Jacinto Mala felt dizzy and lay down to rest, but suddenly lost consciousness and could not be revived.
“That night, we were delivering some items for the wedding. After handing everything over to the bride’s family, he said he felt dizzy and lay down in the tent. Minutes later, I checked on him and asked if he was okay, but he didn’t respond. I called him three times no–answer. I lifted his head, but he remained unconscious. We rushed him to the hospital, where doctors tried to resuscitate him, but he had already stopped breathing,” Agustinho recounted at Oecussi Referral Hospital.
Hospital Executive Director Manuel da Cunha stated that the cause of death had not yet been officially released, as emergency services were still reviewing the case.
“He was brought in already deceased. The on-call doctors are still determining the cause. I will coordinate with the emergency team and provide further information,” he told journalists at the hospital.
Unable to save his life, the family transported Jacinto’s body to his residence in Masin neighborhood, Costa suco, early Tuesday morning around 4:00 AM. Later that day, the body was moved to his birthplace in Pune village for funeral rites, which continued through Wednesday, October 8, at Santa Cruz Cemetery in Pune.
Jacinto Mala was born on August 15, 1975, in Pune village, Usitasa’e suco, Oésilo sub-region. He passed away on October 6, 2025, around 11:30 PM, leaving behind his wife Anita da Conçeição and six children –five daughters and one son. He was a teacher at KAFE School in Oecussi.
A Partner deeply missed
International NGO OXFAM Timor-Leste expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Jacinto Mala, Director of BIFANO and a dedicated partner in promoting social and economic justice for the people of Timor-Leste, especially in RAEOA.
“OXFAM Timor-Leste mourns the passing of Mr. Jacinto Mala, Director of BIFANO, who has returned to the Creator. We are deeply saddened by the loss of a committed leader and strong partner who worked to advance justice for the people of Timor-Leste, especially in Oecussi,” read the official statement accessed by Tatoli on OXFAM’s page.
The statement highlighted Jacinto’s unwavering commitment to empowering rural communities and promoting inclusive development, leaving behind a legacy of profound impact and lasting inspiration.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family, colleagues, and all friends at BIFANO during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace, and may his vision live on through the work he established. Rest in peace, Brother Jacinto Mala –BIFANO will remember,” it concluded.
Batista Sombai Caunan, a family member, expressed sorrow over the mysterious circumstances of Jacinto’s passing during a family cultural event.
“Our family is still coming to terms with this reality, but it is God’s decision. Safe journey, brother,” he said.
Education and Career of Jacinto Mala
- Formal Education
Jacinto began his studies at Binibu Pune Basic School from 1984 to 1990, continued at Oésilo Third Cycle School from 1991 to 1993, and then attended Public Secondary School 02 in Dili from 1994 to 1996. Due to the independence struggle, he paused his university education until after the restoration of independence in 2002, when he founded BIFANO.
With family support and determination, he resumed his studies in 2014 at the Dili Institute of Technology (DIT), graduating with a bachelor’s degree in public management in 2017.
2.Professional Experience
After completing secondary school in 1996, Jacinto began working in 1997 as Finance Secretary at CEEP under the World Bank during the Indonesian administration until 1999.
On December 12, 2002, he founded BIFANO and served as its director until his passing. He also co-founded the Mnatu Bitimo Credit Cooperative (KKMB) in 2015 and served on the Pastoral Council of Oelmambai Church Station.
Under his leadership, BIFANO built partnerships with Caritas Australia, World Neighbors (WN), CARE, UNDP, World Vision, and OXFAM Timor-Leste.
BIFANO’s core programs focused on agriculture, economic development, support for vulnerable families, and water conservation.
Three major programs
Three major programs supported by OXFAM included:
- Hamrik: Focused on water conservation, horticulture, and family economic development through land use and microcredit.
- Hakbiit and DRP: Aimed at rural empowerment.
- Smile: Supported by World Neighbors, focused on inclusive development.
In Memoriam: Jacinto Mala!
Journalist: Abílio Elo Nini
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
