Dili, 04 Jun 2019 (Lusa) – The president of the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA), Mari Alkatiri, decreed that the Muslim holiday marking the end of Ramadan would be observed in the enclave on a different day from that designated by the central government.
Alkatiri’s Decree
Alkatiri signed an order determining that Idul Fitri would be celebrated on Wednesday, June 5, not on June 6 as ruled by the central government. The decree states that “in RAEOA, Idul Fitri will be celebrated on June 5” and that workers “must present themselves to the service on June 6, under penalty of being considered lacking.”
Speaking to Lusa, Alkatiri — a Muslim — disputed the central government’s date:
“Idul Fitri is the first day after the last day of the fast — that is today for some, or tomorrow for others, but never June 6.”
“It was a crass mistake that I was expecting the government to correct, but they insist on the mistake. This goes against the law and violates the rights of a minority in Timor-Leste.”
Government’s Position
Agus Pereira, Minister of State in the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, explained that religious holidays of variable date — such as Idul Fitri — are set after consultation with religious leaders in Timor-Leste.
The government’s position rested on the following steps:
- In late 2018, the executive sent written requests to both Muslim and Catholic leaders regarding holiday dates for 2019.
- The Muslim community indicated two possible dates: June 5 and June 6.
- The government announced the 2019 holiday calendar in February, then issued a specific statement on Idul Fitri on May 28.
- Through Order No. 02/2019/I/PCM, the Government of Timor-Leste established June 6, 2019 as the national holiday for Idul Fitri.
A government source acknowledged that, faced with two candidate dates, the executive chose June 6 because the law provides for only one public holiday, but declined to explain the reasoning for selecting that specific day over June 5.
Regional and International Context
Neighbouring Indonesia — a predominantly Muslim country — marked Idul Fitri across two days: June 5 and 6. Several other countries observed the holiday on June 4, officially closing the Ramadan period during which Muslims fast between sunrise and sunset and intensify religious activities.
Alkatiri maintained that the central government’s choice was an error that must be acknowledged and corrected.