R 270920Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY DILI
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 4208
INFO AMEMBASSY DILI

UNCLAS DILI 000025 
 
 
DS/OSAC, DS/IP/EAP 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT APER ASEC TT
SUBJECT: ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND 
SAFETY REPORT FOR DILI, TIMOR LESTE 
 
REF: 08 STATE 199547 
 
 
¶I. Overall crime and safety situation: 
 
The overall crime in Dili remains high, however the overall 
security situation has stabilized dramatically since the 
political crisis and civil unrest of 2006. After the February 
11th, 2008 Coup attempt by the militant leader Reinado, the 
Government of Timor-Leste declared a State Of Emergency. Since 
the curfew was lifted in May 2008, there have been no reports of 
large scale unrest in Dili or anywhere else in the country. 
However, the U.S. Embassy continues to urge American citizens 
and their dependents to remain vigilant and use caution when 
traveling in Timor Leste. 
 
The UN Police Mission (UNPOL), which had executive police 
authority following the 2006 crisis, plans to hand over full 
police authority to the National Police (PNTL) on a 
district-by-district basis.  Plans for the handover are not 
final, but this will be a gradual process over the course of 
many months.  During the handover, UNPOL will likely retain some 
role in maintaining security, although this has yet to be 
defined.  The Australian Armed Forces (International 
Stabilization Force, ISF) have also helped secure Timor-Leste 
since the crisis.  Its current strength is about 700 personnel. 
Unexploded ordinance devices dating from the pre-1999 
independence struggle continue to be found in the districts. 
Those traveling should contact the local police to report each 
incident. 
 
¶A. Crime Threats - Westerners are often targeted for home 
robberies and all possible measures to deter break-ins is 
recommended. Vehicle thefts are rare, however leaving valuables 
in a locked car may result in the vehicle being broken into day 
or night.  Often rocks are thrown at vehicles in the early to 
mid evening hours.  Personal robberies are becoming more 
frequent, with many women reporting youths taking purses from 
behind with a getaway motorcycle close by. 
 
Incidents of gang-related violence, arson, and vandalism in Dili 
have declined in recent months.  However, gangs and martial arts 
groups remain pervasive in Timorese society and continue to 
present a latent threat to public safety. 
 
¶B. Safety; road conditions and road hazards - The overall safety 
and conditions of roads are hazardous in all parts of Timor. It 
is advised to have a SUV if possible.  Local drivers, especially 
motorcyclists, are often reckless and are a menace to 
pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers.   Traveling on local 
transportation such as mini-buses or taxis is not recommended, 
especially after dark. In the outlying regions, many roads are 
often extremely dangerous with unmarked bends in the road and/or 
upcoming potential hazards. During the rainy season (November - 
April), roads can be washed away within minutes and not be 
repaired for months. Roadblocks are common, often with an 
illegal toll to pass by. 
 
II.Political violence: 
 
There is very little threat of terrorism, but a high threat of 
political unrest at any given time in all of Timor. 
 
¶A. Historical perspective - With the February 11, 2008 attacks 
against the President and Prime Minister, localized violence in 
August 2007 following Parliamentary Elections and the legacy of 
the 2006 crisis, the Government of Timor-Leste still relies on 
the ISF and UNPOL to assist its police and military in 
maintaining public security. 
 
¶B. Regional terrorism and organized crime - Terrorist activities 
by Muslim extremist groups remain a problem in neighboring 
Indonesia.  Timor-Leste's land border with Indonesia is 
relatively insecure, creating the potential for such groups to 
mount operations or seek refuge in Timor-Leste, although there 
has been no evidence of such developments to date. While there 
is organized crime in Timor, it is on the scale of petty 
racketeering and shake-downs and presents little or no threat to 
foreigners. 
 
¶C. International terrorism or transnational terrorism - 
International terrorism is a threat throughout the world and 
being mindful that areas frequented by westerners are often 
targets for terrorists. 
 
¶D. Civil unrest - Due to the security situation and the risk of 
violent civil unrest, practice good personal security and seek 
accommodations that have good security. 
 
III.Post specific concerns: 
 
¶A. Earthquakes and Floods - Timor Leste is on an active seismic 
zone which enhances the chances for an earthquake. Flooding is 
common during the rainy season November to April. 
 
¶B. Industrial and Transportation Accidents - Industrial N/A. 
Transportation accidents happen frequently with many locally 
owned vehicles unable to properly maintain normal maintenance. 
Local roads are not properly maintained to western standards. 
 
¶C. Kidnappings - N/A 
¶D. Drugs and Narcoterrorism - There is a small presence of 
drugs, but due to the low average income, most Timorese cannot 
afford drugs. 
 
 
IV. Police response: The local police (PNTL) are ill equipped to 
handle most general and emergency situations without the aid of 
the UN Police. If you are a victim of a crime, arrested, or need 
assistance you should call the UN Police emergency number (670) 
723 0365. Immediately contact the US Embassy Consular Officer 
723-1616. 
 
¶V. Medical emergencies: Please contact the UN Police (670) 723 
0365 
 
¶A. Contact information for local hospitals and clinics - Medical 
facilities are limited and evacuation may be required in cases 
of serious illness or accident. Generally, expatriates attend 
Dili National Hospital for treatment. 
 
¶B. Air ambulance services - Air Ambulance service must be 
coordinated through the Embassy. 
 
VI. Travel Precautions: Don't carry too much cash and remember 
that expensive watches, jewelry and cameras may be tempting 
targets for thieves. Precautions should be used in the 
prevention against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your 
luggage. Always protect your Passport by making a photocopy and 
keeping it separate from where you store your actual passport. 
 
VII. Further information: How to contact the Embassy. 
 
¶A. Embassy contact numbers: Regional Security Officer - 670 723 
0948 
Embassy Operator, Medical Unit, Consular Affairs - 670 332 4684 
 
VIII. OSAC Country Council: N/A 
 
 
KLEMM