DILI, 17 August 2025 (TATOLI) – The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia and the Indonesian community in Timor-Leste celebrated Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day with a flag-hoisting ceremony led by Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Okto Dorinus Manik, at the Indonesian Embassy in Farol, Dili.
This year’s celebration carried the theme: “Unity, Sovereignty, Prosperous People, Indonesia Forward.”
“Indonesia has been independent for 80 years. We will continue to strengthen our bilateral cooperation. We are friends and share one island – only separated by national borders. Therefore, Indonesia will continue to support Timor-Leste in becoming an advanced country in the future,” Ambassador Manik said to journalists after the flag-raising ceremony.
Ambassador Manik also emphasized that this year’s celebration in Dili holds historic significance, as Timor-Leste is expected to become a full member of ASEAN in October.
“Indonesia is proud of Timor-Leste’s full accession to ASEAN this October. It is a significant milestone that will deepen bilateral cooperation and friendship among ASEAN countries, and help strengthen regional economic growth,” said Ambassador Manik.
During the celebration, Indonesia expressed hope that Timor-Leste will continue to grow and thrive. Ambassador Manik highlighted that Timor-Leste is not only a neighbouring country but also a brother nation, sharing the same land and many cultural similarities.
“This diversity must be preserved to ensure lasting peace between our two countries,” he added.
Journalist: Camílio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
