DILI, 08 August 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste and Indonesia will start maritime boundary negotiations this month after Jakarta accepted Dili’s official request to begin discussions.
President José Ramos-Horta announced the the border talks plan while delivering a keynote speech at a national seminar titled “The Concept of the State and Strategic Vision for National Development” at the IOB campus, in Dili, on Friday.
“The maritime boundary with Australia has been resolved, and Indonesia has now agreed to begin negotiations this month,” Ramos-Horta said.
On May 15, 2025, Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste Okto Dorinus said his country welcomed Timor-Leste’s intention to discuss the maritime boundary. He confirmed that informal communication had already taken place between the two governments.
“This year we have opened the door to address the maritime border issue. This is still an early stage and some preparations are needed. While no official meeting has been held yet, talks are ongoing and expected to begin this year,” the ambassador said during an international conference on Maritime Law and Dispute Resolution in Dili.
Elizabeth Exposto, Executive Director of Timor-Leste’s Land and Maritime Boundaries Office (GFTM), noted that the country had valuable experience in resolving its maritime dispute with Australia through the Compulsory Conciliation process under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
“Although the Timor-Leste–Australia maritime boundary agreement was signed in 2018, the process was long and complex. With Indonesia, both sides are now ready to meet. After the first exploratory meeting in 2015, formal negotiations are set to start this year,” she said at an international forum in Dili.
The talks are expected to strengthen bilateral relations and open new opportunities for economic cooperation and the fair, sustainable use of maritime resources.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
