Southeast Asian Press Council Network

Dili, 12 January 2026 – On Monday, the Press Council of Timor-Leste (CITL) hosted the Southeast Asian Press Council Network (SEAPC-Net) Permanent Members’ Meeting via an online Zoom platform.

The SEAPC-Net Permanent Members’ Meeting began with an introduction by the SEAPC-Net Secretary General, Mr. Benevides Correia Barros. The meeting covered six (6) agenda items, namely: Welcome and Introductions; discussion on the Board of Directors (B.O.D.); discussion on preparations for the General Assembly; discussion on the SEAPC-Net annual membership fee; miscellaneous matters; and plans for the next meeting.

The SEAPC-Net President was unable to attend due to health conditions. The meeting was attended by Mr. Chavarong, President of the Thailand Press Council, accompanied by his Secretary, Ms. Summonchaya; Mr. Tin Tun Oo, President of the Myanmar Press Council; and Ms. Suzana Cardoso, who serves as both a Council Member and Director of SEAPC-Net Timor-Leste. Also present were Mr. Sudrajat from Indonesia, including the Executive Director, Director of DRII, and the SEAPC-Net Secretariat.

During the meeting, Council Member Mr. Benevides spoke about the Board of Directors meeting, which was originally scheduled to take place in 2025, and noted that it will now be held one day prior to this year’s General Assembly. Mr. Chavarong also explained the agenda and confirmed the fixed dates for the General Assembly Meeting, which will be held in Thailand from 26–28 March 2026.

Each participating country will be responsible for its own airfare, while Thailand will cover accommodation for the three-day meeting. Timor-Leste will be represented by three (3) participants, Indonesia by two (2), and Myanmar by two (2). In addition, there will be eight (8) observers, including two (2) from Cambodia, one (1) from Vietnam, one (1) from Sri Lanka, one (1) from the Korea Press Arbitration Body, one (1) from the Cebu Citizens Press Council, one (1) from Malaysia, and one (1) from Laos.

All permanent members have already received the draft schedule and agenda for the General Assembly through the Secretariat of the Thailand Press Council. Due to ongoing diplomatic efforts between Cambodia and Thailand to ease tensions following the border conflict in December 2025, Mr. Chavarong requested that Timor-Leste send an official invitation to Cambodia.

Regarding the SEAPC-Net annual membership fee, discussions were held on the transfer process. Permanent members expressed readiness to proceed with the transfer. However, Timor-Leste, as the host, requested additional time to better prepare the process through coordination with the finance division. Members will be notified again shortly regarding the transfer arrangements.

The next (7th) SEAPC-Net Permanent Members’ online meeting is planned to be held in February 2026.

The SEAPC-Net Permanent Members Meeting began with welcome remarks from the SEAPC-Net Secretary General, Benevides Correia Barros, followed by an introduction of the new President of the Timor-Leste Press Council, who also serves as the President of the SEAPC-Net Network, Mr. António Secar Mali. Mr. Chavarong was also re-elected for a new term at the National Press Council of Thailand (NPCT). In addition, Mr.Totok, representing the Indonesia Press Council (DPI), introduced the newly appointed president of DPI.

During the meeting, SEAPC-Net members—including the Indonesia Press Council, the National Press Council of Thailand (NPCT), the Myanmar Press Council, and the Timor-Leste Press Council—agreed to convene the General Assembly in March 2026 in Thailand. At the conclusion of the meeting, Permanent Members also agreed on setting SEAPC-Net’s annual membership fee at USD 100.00. The format and payment procedures will be prepared by Timor-Leste.

According to the plan, the SEAPC-Net Organization Meeting for 2026 will take place online in January 2026 and will be hosted by the Timor-Leste Press Council.

Following the presentations and discussions by all speakers during today’s Dili Dialogue Forum, several key issues were identified as strategic highlights. These points are presented as recommendations to be considered and acted upon in order to strengthen the media landscape and digital infrastructure in Timor-Leste. The key recommendations are as follows:

1. Journalists in Timor-Leste must carry out their work with integrity, honesty, and dedication. It is also essential that the government respects and guarantees freedom of expression, creating an open and safe space for journalists to operate. The Press Council must ensure that the media operates freely, but also with responsibility. Moreover, AI also one of the central pillar for democracy, relevant institutions should begin to analyse the current and future impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in developing countries such as Timor-Leste, taking into account the risks it may present to journalism and public discourse.
2. AI can be a powerful tool to assist journalists, especially in content creation, data analysis, and translation. However, AI should not replace journalists work. It is critical to maintain human oversight, ethical judgment, and context in reporting. Clear policies should be developed to regulate the dissemination of AI-generated content. Linguistic institutions in Timor-Leste are encouraged to explore the use of Tetum in AI development to ensure that national language and identity are preserved in the digital era and Strengthening digital literacy
3. The Press Council must actively support and promote professionalism among journalists, particularly in key sectors such as health, education, and the economy. The current situation of journalism in Timor-Leste requires the Council to act as a catalyst for quality and ethical journalism. Journalists should commit to publishing credible, accurate, transparent, and honest information.
4. Continue Supporting media to develop Skills to adapt new technology,  increase collaboration and information-sharing between media, government and civil society Timorense and International collaboration Informed by local context, knowledge and two-way learning , the intensive discussion between the government civil society, media and the all the network operator and the relevant entities. The media must also take a stronger stance in advocating against gender-based violence, including online violence.
5. Collaboration with stake holders to ensure a successful transition to a digital economy submarine cable important infrastructure develops opportunities various sector in Timor-Leste.

Dili – On Thursday, 9 January 2025, the Timor-Leste Press Council (TLPC) held a meeting with Milena Rangel, the Vice Minister of ASEAN Affairs, to discuss the role and work of the Timor-Leste Press Council within the Southeast Asian Press Council Network (SEAPC-Net).

The meeting, which took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation in Praia dos Coqueiros, Dili, was aimed at seeking assistance from the Vice Ministry of ASEAN Affairs to facilitate the Timor-Leste Press Council’s participation in important meetings of SEAPC-Net’s regular members, including those held in Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.

In addition to this, the Timor-Leste Press Council and the Vice Ministry of ASEAN Affairs discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between TLPC and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, with the aim of involving TLPC in important work within the ASEAN Organization.

Participants in the meeting included Vice Minister of ASEAN Affairs Milena Rangel, TLPC Member Benevides Correia Barros, Executive Director Antonio Dias, Director of Institutional Relations and Information, Altino da Cruz Freitas, SEAPC-Net Secretariat Representative Juliana I. M. Abilio, and Cooperation Assistance Estanislau Lourdes.

The Southeast Asian Press Council Network (SEAPC-Net) plays an important role in promoting freedom of expression and press freedom in Southeast Asia, including through advocacy efforts and capacity-building programs for media professionals and journalists.

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Timor Leste Press Council Chair Otelio Ote, also the Chair of SEAPC-Net, chaired a meeting on Thursday (9/5) in Dili, Timor Leste.

The meeting discussed SEAPC-Net’s programs for the coming years. One proposed program is inviting the Press Council or similar Southeast Asian institutions to become members.

It also discussed plans to invite media organizations and Southeast Asian journalists to become associate members.

SEAPC-Net is also preparing a secretariat to organize the next program.

Present at the SEAPC-Net meeting were representatives from the Indonesian Press Council Asep Setiawan and representatives from the Thai Press Council Anucha Charoenpo. From Timor Leste, Press Council members Benevidas, Isabel M. F. de Jesus, Amito Qonusere Araújo and Francisco B.S. da Costa were present.

The comprehensive SEAPC-NET activity report offers an extensive analysis of the network’s initiatives, covering the period from its establishment in 2019 to 2023. Despite encountering unforeseen challenges presented by the global COVID-19 pandemic, SEAPC-NET demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability, steadfastly pursuing its mission to promote collaboration and elevate media practices across Southeast Asia. Throughout this period, the network remained committed to its objectives, successfully navigating the complexities brought about by the pandemic and emphasizing the importance of cooperation and innovation in the region’s media landscape.

When SEAPC-NET was established in 2019, little could have prepared its founding members for the unprecedented global outbreak of COVID-19 that would transform the landscape of human activities. In the wake of the pandemic, SEAPC- NET, like many other organizations, swiftly transitioned to virtual platforms for its community and government engagements. The reliance on virtual meetings became emblematic of the organization’s commitment to adapt and persevere during these challenging times.

SEAPC-NET’s activities from 2020 to 2022 were mainly conducted in virtual spaces. This reflects the organization’s commitment to prioritize the safety and well-being of its participants. During this period, SEAPC-NET navigated the changing circumstances due to COVID-19 and carefully monitored the pandemic’s decline while recognizing the need to continue being cautious when organizing physical events. Virtual meetings became the norm, enabling ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the four member countries and the wider press community in Southeast Asia.

In the initial stages of SEAPC-NET’s journey, the focus was on strengthening the organization’s infrastructure. This involved establishing a structured secretariat, improving correspondence and administrative processes, designing the SEAPC-NET logo, and developing an internet-based SEAPC-NET data center hosted at seapc-net.org. These efforts laid the foundation for SEAPC-NET’s operational efficiency and visibility.In late 2021, a significant milestone was achieved when SEAPC-NET members agreed to expand membership categories to include “associated members.”

These new members encompassed press companies, journalist organizations, and institutions affiliated with and supportive of the press and journalists in Southeast Asia. Moreover, there were discussions about extending this non-permanent membership category to European entities. However, owing to the ongoing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the implementation of this expansion remained pending until 2023. The General Assembly scheduled for November in Bali is anticipated to provide a platform for the decision-making process regarding the inclusion of permanent members.This report briefly outlines the pivotal role played by the Secretariat in SEAPCNET’s activities. From the creation of the organization’s logo to the development of the search-net.org website, the Secretariat has been instrumental in supporting the network’s initiatives and ensuring the smooth functioning of various activities.

SEAPC-NET report not only summarizes the activities and their outcomes but also includes an array of supporting documents, such as photographs, news articles from various countries, and other evidential materials. These documents serve as undeniable proof of the network’s commitment to transparency and accountability, and also serve as valuable resources for future planning and decision-making. Without a doubt, this SEAPC-NET activity report is a testament to the organization’s dedication to its mission, despite the global pandemic’s challenges. It provides a rock-solid foundation for future activities, serves as a crucial resource for the SEAPC-NET board, and underscores the network’s unshakable commitment to promoting professional journalism and media ethics across Southeast Asia and beyond.