PUBLICATIONS

Timor-Leste Covid-19 Survey – September 2020

The Government of Timor-Leste has its own policies addressing the socio-economic shocks brought about by Covid-19. From declaring a State of Emergency restricting the number of people going into and out of the country and applies a 14-day quarantine obligatory to new arrivals, to a US$200 cash transfer to around 300,000 households and a US$25 worth of food or a voucher for every Timorese person. The research aims to understand the concerns and lives of the Timorese people as well as their perceptions and attitudes towards their government during the Covid-19 period. Between 19 September and 3 October 2020, a local research partner conducted 534 phone interviews with Timorese adult women and men. This follows the near-identical perception surveys conducted in May and July 2020, which will allow for tracking changes in perceptions and attitudes for at least a year. In the September survey, more respondents felt that the country was going in the right direction (59%) than in the wrong direction (41%). Covid-19 was still perceived as the biggest challenge facing the country (79%) followed by the weak economy (62%), lack of food (40%), and political issues (38%). Meanwhile, the level of trust that the government will take care of its people increased to 83% from 64% in July and 49% in May. The results of this survey and the survey series will help inform the Government of Timor-Leste and donors on developing policies and programs relating to Covid-19. This research is supported by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).