DILI, 20 August 2025 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Indonesia and Head of Land Border Negotiations, Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, emphasized that the ongoing maritime and land border negotiations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia must prioritize the interests of the Timorese people and uphold national sovereignty.
Ambassador Soares made this statement following the initial phase of maritime border negotiations held at the Palm Spring Hotel in Dili from August 19 to 20, 2025.
“These negotiations undoubtedly carry their own complexities, both from historical and international legal perspectives. However, our guiding principle is that the final outcome must be mutually beneficial –especially for the people of Timor-Leste,” Ambassador Soares told TATOLI on Wednesday at Palm Springs, Fatuhada, Dili.
He noted that the resolution of the land border in the Naktuka region remains in the consultation phase and has not yet advanced to the technical stage. Nonetheless, both nations continue to demonstrate a strong commitment to resolving the issue peacefully and with dignity.
“The foundation of our negotiations is the international contract agreement. Timor-Leste’s position has consistently been based on the 1904 Agreement between the Netherlands and Portugal. This legal framework divided the island of Timor between Dutch and Portuguese rule and remains the reference point for territorial boundary negotiations,” he explained.
The 1904 Agreement – also known as the Treaty or Convention on the Demarcation of Dutch and Portuguese Colonial Territories – serves as the historical and legal basis for land border discussions between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Territories such as Oecusse are included in the agreement as part of Portuguese holdings during the colonial period.
“I cannot speak on behalf of Indonesia, but I know that both parties respect this international law,” Ambassador Soares affirmed.
He also referenced last year’s meeting between Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, during which both leaders agreed to prioritize two key issues in bilateral relations: the resolution of land and maritime borders.
“That meeting marked an important step, demonstrating that both countries are committed to continuing these discussions in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect,” he said.
Ambassador Soares acknowledged that the negotiation process for both land and maritime borders presents its own dynamics and challenges. As such, no definitive timeline has been set for its completion.
“Consultations are ongoing. The formal format of the next meeting will be announced in due course. This process requires intensive communication and alignment of positions, grounded in the spirit of good neighbourliness,” he concluded.
Journalist: Camílio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
