DILI, 23 december 2021 (TATOLI) – Indonesia’s new Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Okto Dorinus Manik, said he would contact the central government in Jakarta for information regarding the search for the remains of Timorese fallen heroes.
“The issue will be forwarded to the central government and of course, I will make contact to find out more information regarding the process of searching for the bodies of the Timorese heroes,” said Okto Manik, after attending an official meeting at the office of Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak, at the Farol, Dili.
Ambassador Manik added that although the two countries have a bitter history, the most important thing is to promote cooperation for the economic development of the two countries.
“Our priority is the economic development of the country. We want Timor-Leste to develop economically, in terms of education, health, and so on,” said Manik.
Ambassador Manik informed that, during the meeting, they discussed future cooperation in the fields of economy, health, and technical assistance for human resource development and issues related to land borders.
Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak at the same time hoped that Timor-Leste and Indonesia would continue to strengthen their cooperation.
Previously, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Timor-Leste (MNEC), Adaljiza Magno, stated that the Timor Leste government had established diplomatic contacts with Indonesia to search for the bodies of the Timorese heroes who died years ago but no detailed information was provided.
“We have had diplomatic discussions about this issue. Unfortunately, Indonesia has not been able to confirm. Therefore, we continue to wait,” said Minister Magno.
It is known that the former Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Sahat Sitorus, is committed to assisting the Timor-Leste Executive in the search for the bodies of Timor-Leste heroes, one of which is former President Nicolau Lobato and David Alex ‘Daitula’ or Mau Hudo.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosario
Editor: Maria Auxiliadora
Translation: Camilo de Sousa
