DILI – 01 October 2025 (TATOLI) – Indonesian Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Okto Dorinus Manik, has reaffirmed Jakarta’s unwavering support for Timor-Leste’s long-anticipated entry into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Timor-Leste’s official accession to the bloc is scheduled for October 26, during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
He said as a founding member of ASEAN, Indonesia is truly proud to support Timor-Leste’s accession.
“Membership will not only strengthen ASEAN’s unity but also enrich the organization with Timor-Leste’s unique perspective and experience,” Ambassador Manik said during an interview on TATOLI’s program Dalan ba ASEAN, on Wednesday, in Dili.
The Ambassador expressed confidence that ASEAN membership will unlock opportunities for Timor-Leste in regional cooperation, economic integration, and people-to-people contact. “More importantly, it reflects ASEAN’s principle that every Southeast Asian nation should move forward together,” he noted.
Indonesia’s Role in Supporting Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Bid
Indonesia has been one of Timor-Leste’s strongest advocates since it first applied for membership in 2011. During its ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023, Jakarta secured a landmark decision granting Timor-Leste observer status while preparing for full membership.
“Indonesia stands ready to continue assisting Timor-Leste in this important journey,” Manik stressed.
Jakarta’s support has been tangible. In 2023, Indonesia hosted Timorese civil servants for internships across its ministries, including foreign affairs, trade, and industry. In 2024, training expanded to cover customs, excise, and financial reform.
This year, support includes aquaculture development projects in Illiu, scholarships through the TIAS program, customs and statistics training, and additional financial programs. Manik described these initiatives as proof of Indonesia’s “strong commitment to stand alongside Timor-Leste’s ASEAN journey.”
Bilateral Relations: A Foundation of Trust and Shared History
Manik underlined that relations between the two countries remain “very warm, friendly, and built on the foundation of shared history, culture, and strong people-to-people ties.”
Indonesia’s economic footprint in Timor-Leste is significant. Investments by state-owned and private firms, including Pertamina, Bank Mandiri, BRI, and Telkomsel, have reached around US$1.4 billion and continue to grow annually.
Cultural and social ties further deepen this relationship. “Last Saturday we held an Indonesian cultural performance in Dili. Many young Timorese enjoyed it and sang along in Bahasa Indonesia,” he said. The presence of Indonesian priests and nuns in Timor-Leste’s rural districts, Manik added, symbolizes the closeness of the two peoples.
Open Dialogue with Timor-Leste Institutions
According to Manik, communication between Jakarta and Dili is highly constructive. Regular engagement takes place at the government, parliamentary, and local levels.
“Many Timorese officials are alumni of Indonesian universities and speak Bahasa Indonesia,” he explained. “This makes our communication genuine, builds trust, and breaks barriers.”
He praised Timor-Leste’s institutions for their openness and cooperation, which he said has enabled both sides to address issues quickly and explore new areas of collaboration.
ASEAN Membership: Benefits and Responsibilities
Ambassador Manik highlighted that Timor-Leste’s accession process is guided by ASEAN’s roadmap and the principles enshrined in the ASEAN Charter. Criteria include geographical location, sovereignty, and readiness to fulfill obligations under ASEAN’s three pillars: Political-Security, Economic, and Socio-Cultural.
“Timor-Leste’s decision to prioritize ASEAN in October demonstrates its clear commitment to regional integration,” he said.
For Timorese citizens, membership offers wide-ranging benefits. Economically, it opens access to ASEAN’s 677 million people and US$4 trillion GDP. Politically, it amplifies the country’s voice in regional and global affairs. Socially and culturally, it expands opportunities in education, youth exchange, and cultural cooperation.
Optimism for the Future
The Ambassador ended his remarks with optimism about the future of Indonesia–Timor-Leste relations and their shared role in ASEAN.
“My message is optimism and partnership,” Manik said. “Indonesia and Timor-Leste share a deep history, strong friendship, and a vision for a prosperous and peaceful future. Together, we can strengthen solidarity, create opportunities, and ensure that the bond between our nations continues to grow. In Timor, we say: hamutuk ita forte—together we are strong.”
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
