Member of the National Parliament MP Cesar Valente urged the government through the Ministry of Defence to create adequate conditions for the Timorese Defence Force (F-FDTL) officers who have complete their studies abroad.
The MP said the government sent some F-FDTL officers to study abroad including some who have completed their studies including Airplane Piloting in the Philippines but have not developed any follow up for them upon their return home.
“They went to study flying in 2013 and now they are back but they are unlikely to do anything with their area of specialisation area because it is unavailable. The government is expected to think about creating adequate conditions,” MP Valente suggested.
“In previous government, some F-FDTL officers were sent abroad to undertake training in field operations but after their return, they were asked to work in logistics. The government should have made good policies that addresses this issue,” added the MP.
“At least let the F-FDTL officers implement and share their knowledge and the experience they’ve gained from the training before moving to something else.”
In response to the concerns, the Minister of Defence Cirilio Cristovao said the government of Timor-Leste has tried to approach the National Indonesian Army (TNI) so TNI could offer a plane for the officers who have just finished their training to practice flying.
“We’ve talked to Indonesia to offer us one of their planes so they can apply what they have learnt,” said Minister Cristovao.
The Minister added his ministry intends to purchase a helicopter because F-FDTL plans to set up an aerial component.
