DILI, March 27, 2026 (TATOLI) — Indonesia’s former president, Megawati Soekarnoputri, is set to visit Timor-Leste in May 2026, Timor-Leste’s ambassador to Indonesia said on Thursday.
Roberto Soares made the announcement after meeting Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace in Dili.
He said the planned visit reflects Megawati’s historical ties to Timor-Leste. She attended the country’s independence restoration ceremony on May 20, 2002, when Indonesia formally recognized Timor-Leste as a sovereign state.
“She was present at our independence restoration and witnessed the formal recognition of Timor-Leste as a country,” Ambassador Soares said.
According to the ambassador, Megawati has expressed her willingness to return on May 20, 2026. The visit is expected to coincide with the anniversary of Timor-Leste’s independence and aims to strengthen bilateral ties.
Soares said ties between Timor-Leste and Indonesia remain strong, including people-to-people links, socio-cultural cooperation and government-to-government relations.
Megawati served as Indonesia’s fifth president from 2001 to 2004, after previously holding the position of vice president.
She was the country’s first female head of state and is the daughter of Indonesia’s founding president, Sukarno.
Megawati remains an influential political figure and currently leads the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle.
Journalist: Alexandra da Costa
Editor: Cancio Ximenes
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
