DILI, 21pril 2026 (TATOLI) — The Government of Timor-Leste has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden death of the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, who passed away on Tuesday.
Born on February 15, 1973, in Bazartete, Liquiçá municipality, Jerónimo built a long career in academia and public service. He earned a degree in Development Studies in 2001 from the Mandala Institute of Technology and Science in Indonesia and later completed a master’s degree in the same field in 2010 at Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana in Salatiga, Indonesia.
Jerónimo began his academic career at the National University of Timor-Lorosa’e (UNTL) in 2001, where he held several senior leadership roles, including head of department, dean, vice-dean and pro-rector in various areas of university management. He also served as a member of the university’s General Council.
Between 2013 and 2015, he worked as a trade attaché at Timor-Leste’s embassy in Jakarta. Earlier, in 1994, he became a member of the student resistance organization RENETIL during the struggle for national liberation.
On July 1, 2023, he was sworn in as Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture in the IX Constitutional Government, where he was responsible for shaping and implementing public policies in higher education, science and technology, as well as overseeing institutions under the ministry.
Minister of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers and Government Spokesperson Agio Pereira expressed “deep sorrow over the loss of José Honório da Costa Pereira Jerónimo, who leaves an important contribution to the development of higher education in Timor-Leste and the strengthening of national academic institutions, having dedicated his life to public service, education and national development.”
He added that “the Government extends its most sincere condolences to the bereaved family, friends and all Timorese people at this time of mourning.”
TATOLI
