DILI, 08 July 2026 (TATOLI) — Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri arrived in Timor-Leste on Wednesday afternoon for a three-day official visit aimed at strengthening historical ties and cooperation between the two neighbouring countries.
Megawati arrived at Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili at around 4:22 p.m., where she was welcomed by Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão.
The welcoming ceremony was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs and Minister of Tourism and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Bendito Freitas, and other government officials and diplomatic representatives.
After leaving the airport, Megawati was greeted by groups of children along the road to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, a traditional welcome gesture for visiting foreign dignitaries.
This visit marks Megawati’s second visit to Timor-Leste. Her first visit took place in 2002, when she attended the country’s Restoration of Independence celebrations in Tasi-Tolu, Dili, in her capacity as President of Indonesia.
The visit follows an invitation extended by Ramos-Horta during their meeting at the 2026 Zayed Award for Human Fraternity in Abu Dhabi earlier this year.
During her visit, Megawati will receive Timor-Leste’s highest state honour, the Order of Timor-Leste. She is also scheduled to deliver a public lecture for Timorese audiences.
A state luncheon will be hosted by Ramos-Horta, a tribute ceremony for national heroes at the Heroes’ Garden in Metinaro, and a visit to the Seroja Cemetery to pay respects to Indonesian military personnel who died during the country’s past involvement in Timor-Leste.
Ramos-Horta said the visit represents “a testament to the enduring friendship and deep historical ties” between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to peace, cooperation and a shared future of prosperity.
TATOLI
