DILI, 18 June 2025 (TATOLI) – The Council of Ministers has approved a resolution to amend the operating hours of Timor-Leste’s border posts with Indonesia, following a proposal from Minister of the Interior, Francisco Guterres.
The government said the move aims to strengthen bilateral cooperation and ease movement across the border, helping to boost the flow of people and goods. It also seeks to reinforce cultural, social, family, and economic ties between communities on both sides.
Under the new schedule, border posts at Batugade (Bobonaro), Salele (Covalima), and Sakato and Oesilu (Oé-Cusse) will now open from 9.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m., with a break between 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. This aligns Timor-Leste’s border post hours with those of the neighboring Indonesian checkpoints at Motaain, Motamasin, Wini, and Napan. Previously, Timorese border posts operated from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Minister Guterres highlighted that the extended hours will have a direct impact on economic activity and public services in border areas, where many Timorese citizens cross daily for work, trade, or administrative matters.
“Many of our people have faced difficulties due to the limited border hours. This change will give them more flexibility to carry out both economic and family-related activities,” he explained.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
