The “Tatoli Inquiry”, which in this edition interviewed 1,503 Timorese from all municipalities in the country, has been conducted since 2013 to gather the opinions of the population to produce relevant data for public policy.
“The survey found that 69% of Timorese believe the country is heading in the right direction, and respondents seek improvements in essential services and economic opportunities,” the survey, released last week, said.
According to the document, Timorese identify higher incomes (53%), improved infrastructure (36%) and an abundance of quality jobs (27%) as the three most important priorities at the national level.
Regarding their individual economic situation, only 53% considered their household to be in a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ situation, the lowest figure since the survey introduced the question in 2016.
“The inquiry also recorded less satisfaction with several aspects of health and education services, particularly among respondents living in Dili. These results suggest that the population’s expectations regarding economic well-being and the quality of public services are increasing,” the document stresses.
Regarding the government’s priorities, 69% of respondents indicated health, followed by education and training (59%) and roads (58%). “These priorities coincide with those of 2023 and 2022, although the order has changed, with 2025 being the first year in which health emerges as the absolute priority,” the report stated.
Regarding their individual economic situation, only 53% considered their household to be in a ‘good’ or ‘very good’ situation, the lowest figure since the survey introduced the question in 2016. ANTÓNIO COTRIM/LUSA
The inquiry revealed that people living in urban areas give greater priority to health, education, and training, while rural residents identify roads, water, and electricity as more urgent needs. Quality education ranks as the second biggest concern among urban residents (39%), young people aged 18 to 34 (28%) and people with some formal education (20%).
Perceptions of health services are generally positive, with 78% saying that when they needed them, doctors and nurses were available, 82% acknowledging that their family is treated with respect at local health centres and 58% considering that, when needed, medicines were available at health centres.
“Interestingly, rural residents have more positive perceptions of all aspects of health services than urban residents. This trend contradicts data from previous years, when urban residents reported better experiences with health services,” the inquiry said.
The inquiry also revealed that 85% of respondents support increased political and civic participation by women, young people (90%), and people with disabilities (77%).
Platform with Lusa
