DILI, 20 August 2025 (TATOLI) – The first official meeting between Timor-Leste and the Republic of Indonesia on maritime boundaries concluded with an agreement to continue negotiations in a gradual and peaceful manner, grounded in international law under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The two-day meeting, held on August 19–20 in Dili, marks the beginning of a formal process to establish permanent maritime boundaries between the two nations.
Elizabeth Exposto, Head of the Timor-Leste delegation and Director General of the Land and Maritime Borders Office, emphasized that the negotiations represent a significant first step and reflect the strong commitment of both countries.
“This is the first formal negotiation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia regarding maritime boundaries. The discussions are still in the early stages and have not yet produced concrete decisions, but they have paved the way for further processes,” Exposto told the media following the meeting at the Palm Spring Hotel on Wednesday.
She added that both parties demonstrated good faith and a shared commitment to resolving the maritime boundary in accordance with international legal principles, particularly those outlined in UNCLOS.
“We have adhered to the principles of UNCLOS. Negotiating maritime boundaries is indeed complex and time-consuming, but the spirit of cooperation and commitment from both countries provides a strong foundation for moving to the next stage,” she said.
The meeting also addressed frameworks for cooperation and fostering a friendly atmosphere between the two countries. Technical discussions are expected to continue at a follow-up meeting scheduled to take place in Indonesia before the end of the year.
These negotiations follow a series of informal dialogues and technical meetings held over the past few years, with the primary goal of resolving maritime boundary delimitation peacefully and legally.
The Timor-Leste delegation was led by Elizabeth Exposto and accompanied by Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Indonesia, Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares. The Indonesian delegation was headed by Laurentinus Amrih Jinangkung, Director General of Law and International Agreements (HPI) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with 24 other members from various ministries and technical agencies, including Indonesia’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Okto Dorinus Manik.
Ambassador Manik stated that the first round of official negotiations had been successfully concluded and expressed hope that the next round would take place in Indonesia soon.
“We have completed the first round of negotiations in Timor-Leste over two days, and we hope to continue with the next round of meetings in Indonesia,” Manik said.
Earlier, Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão welcomed Indonesia’s initiative to officially reopen negotiations, stressing that the process must be conducted in accordance with international law.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
