OECUSSI, 13 December 2025 (TATOLI) – The Timor-Leste National Police (PNTL), through its Border Patrol Unit (UPF, acronym in Portuguese), together with the Indonesian National Army (TNI-AD), via the Western Sector Border Security Task Force (Satgas-Pamtas), carried out a joint patrol on Saturday along the Oésilo–Napan border in Bobometo village, Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA).
The Commander of the Border Patrol Unit, Police Superintendent Euclides Belo, explained that the patrol had three main objectives; First, to inspect the condition of the border pillars and warning signs installed along the boundary between the two countries. Due to the rainy season and ongoing infrastructure development, it was important to ensure that the pillars and signs remained intact. After physical observation, the condition of the four inspected pillars was confirmed to be secure.
Second, to strengthen coordination and practical cooperation between UPF and TNI. According to Belo, good relations are not only maintained through communication but must also be demonstrated in the field, showing the synergy between the two forces.
Third, to guarantee that communities living along the border respect national regulations and sovereignty. The pillars and warning signs serve as clear markers indicating that both sides must respect the territorial boundaries.
“As UPF Commander, I sincerely appreciate the readiness of the Satgas-Pamtas Commander, who is always willing to cooperate with us at any time. We are grateful for their support,” Belo stated during the patrol in Oésilo.
The Commander of the Western Sector Satgas-Pamtas, Lieutenant Colonel Arh Endis Fahrul Rizal, confirmed that the joint patrol was essential to safeguard the border areas of both nations.
“Today, we conducted a routine joint patrol with UPF. Previously, we carried out similar activities in Wini, and today we patrolled the Napan area. We inspected three pillars and confirmed their condition. As we all know, these pillars mark the established border between the two countries. The objective, as always, is to coordinate communication between TNI and UPF to maintain security along the border,” Rizal said.
In total, there are 585 border pillars in the western sector between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, stretching from Wini–Sakato, Oésilo, and Passabe to Naktuka–Oepoli.
Journalist: Abílio Elo Nini
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
