TTU Mourns: Former Regent Stefanus Paulus Parera Passes Away

Former Regent of North Central Timor (TTU), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Stefanus Paulus Parera, has passed away at the age of 91. He served as the Regent of TTU from 1985 to 1990. Stefanus died this morning at his home in Oesapa, Kupang City, NTT. Governor of NTT, Emanuel Melkiades Laka Lena, mourned the loss, stating that the departure of the former TTU leader is a great loss for the family, relatives, and the community who remember his service and dedication to regional development. The current Regent of TTU, Yosep Falentinus Delasalle Kebo, also expressed his condolences, noting that although he had never met the late Stefanus, the government and people of TTU deeply mourn his passing. He acknowledged the former regent’s contributions and hoped his good deeds would be remembered. Stefanus Paulus Parera is remembered as a disciplined, firm bureaucrat who placed a strong emphasis on administrative order. He was the fifth Regent of TTU, succeeding Johanes Mau Nailiu, and was later succeeded by Anton Amaunut. During his tenure, his administration aligned with the national Repelita IV and early Repelita V development plans. His key policies included mobilising communities to cultivate dry land for maize, rice, and tubers; promoting cattle farming; resettling populations from remote areas to centralised locations for better access to services; and supporting the construction and hardening of roads connecting the capital, Kefamenanu, to districts such as Miomaffo, Insana, and Biboki. He also oversaw the construction of water tanks and simple irrigation networks to support communities during the dry season, and implemented administrative reforms in line with national village governance laws. Stefanus Paulus Parera is remembered for his contributions to the stability and growth of the region, playing a role in preparing TTU for modernisation and strengthening local governance.