DILI, 10 March 2026 (TATOLI) – An interministerial working group met in Dili on Tuesday to review proposals and advance the preparation of a legislative package aimed at strengthening Timor-Leste’s cybersecurity legal framework.
The meeting, held at the Government Palace, brought together government officials and senior representatives of state institutions responsible for security, communications, justice and financial oversight.
The Interministerial Cybersecurity Working Group is chaired by Agio Pereira, Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers.
The session reviewed sectoral contributions submitted by members of the group as part of the drafting process for the proposed cybersecurity legislation.
The initiative follows earlier consultations conducted in February, during which specialized input was gathered on the legal, institutional and operational dimensions of cybersecurity. It also builds on a preliminary presentation made by Pereira during a Cabinet meeting on March 4 outlining plans to establish a comprehensive legislative package to strengthen the country’s national cybersecurity framework.
According to officials, the proposed legislation aims to enhance the protection of information networks and systems, safeguard critical infrastructure and essential services, and improve the country’s ability to combat cybercrime.
The measures also seek to promote the safe and responsible use of cyberspace by citizens, businesses and public institutions.
Discussions during the meeting focused on legal and procedural adjustments, institutional mandates, the definition and classification of cyber-related crimes, mechanisms for international cooperation and data sharing, and provisions on whistleblower protection.
Sectoral inputs will now be compiled by the Strategic Public Policy Development Office of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and incorporated into the draft legislative package for further review and validation at the group’s next meeting.
The working group includes the ministers of Transport and Communications and Justice, as well as the Director-General of the National Strategic Intelligence Service as technical coordinator and the Director of Timor ICT as deputy technical coordinator.
TATOLI
