DILI, 11 April 2026 (TATOLI) – The Minister of Public Works, Samuel Marçal, conducted a working visit to Indonesia last week, with stops in Jakarta, Surabaya, and Bekasi, as part of efforts to strengthen Timor-Leste’s national capacity in the management, operation, and maintenance of heavy equipment.
He was accompanied by the President of the Institute for Equipment Management and Infrastructure Development Support (IGEADI, IP), Ana Paula da Cruz; Executive Director Sonio Anuno Sarmento da Silva; and the Ministry’s Head of Procurement, Izabel Maria Lay Guterres.
The mission focused on improving the sustainability of public investment in machinery used for infrastructure construction and maintenance, as well as for emergency response, including natural disasters.
During the visit, the delegation met with senior representatives of several companies in the sector and toured technical facilities in Surabaya, Jakarta, and Bekasi. The team examined maintenance systems, after-sales services, and operational standards in place at the facilities.
The Minister also formally requested that the companies establish local representations in Timor-Leste, a move intended to ensure faster technical assistance, reduce equipment downtime, and improve access to spare parts within the country.
Discussions also covered the potential development of technical training programmes for Timorese professionals from IGEADI, IP, aimed at strengthening national expertise in the operation and repair of heavy machinery.
The visit further included meetings related to the Ministry’s equipment procurement plan, with emphasis on enhancing capacity for national road maintenance and improving response to emergency situations.
According to the Ministry, the working visit forms part of ongoing government efforts to improve efficiency in the infrastructure sector and ensure the sustainable use of state-owned equipment.
TATOLI
