DILI, 07 October 2025 — Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has underlined the importance of strengthening cultural cooperation with Timor-Leste, emphasizing the shared traditions and values between the two neighbouring nations.
The minister made the remarks following a courtesy call on Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace in Dili. He was accompanied by Indonesia’s Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Okto Dorinus Manik, and Timor-Leste’s Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Nelyo Isaac.
“I am very pleased to meet Xanana again, a figure who has shown extraordinary attention to the relationship between our two countries,” said Fadli Zon.
He explained that the visit aimed to deepen cultural relations between the two peoples, who share many artistic expressions and traditional values, and to strengthen cooperation between the Indonesian Ministry of Culture and the Timorese Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture.
“More than a formal institutional meeting, this encounter allowed us to explore concrete ways of cooperation between our ministries, with a particular focus on the younger generations,” Fadli Zon added.
Fadli Zon also noted that his ministry has been promoting the revitalization of the Indonesian Cultural Center in Dili through a series of initiatives, including public discussions and film sessions.
“Today, there will also be a discussion on literature at the Xanana Reading Room, followed by a seminar on gastronomy and an event dedicated to wastra, a traditional Indonesian fabric,” he said.
Among the programs discussed were artist residencies, cultural exchanges, thematic workshops, film co-productions, and collaborative projects aimed at reinforcing friendship and mutual understanding between Indonesia and Timor-Leste through cultural diplomacy.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
