DILI, september 24, 2021 (TATOLI) – Indonesia’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Sahat Sitorus, said the two countries must consolidate high-level security diplomacy to increase border security personnel in order to prevent illegal passages and illegal transactions.
“We need to increase surveillance in the border area with drones, to contain illegal passages and punishment based on migration laws,” Sahat Sitorus, informed the media, after the end of the meeting with the Prime Minister, Taur Matan Ruak at the Lighthouse.
Sahat Sitorus recalled that the border between the two countries extends for about 170 kilometers and it is difficult to keep it safe with only 500 permanent members guarding it.
Sitorus added that the placement of the Falintil-Defense Forces of Timor-Leste (F-FDTL) on the border is not an issue that concerns Indonesia, but “will facilitate the line of coordination between the Indonesian military (TNI, Indonesian acronym). ), the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL), the Border Patrol Unit (UPF) and the F-FDTL. What matters is the joint control of the borders”, he revealed.
Sahat Sitorus also called on the governments of both countries to promote education and awareness of communities on the border, so that they understand the dangers of smuggling goods, drugs, crime and also the spread of disease.
Journalists: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Zezito Silva
Translator: Camilo de Sousa
