Timor-Leste and Indonesia discuss signing of MoU on cultural cooperation
DÍLI, 13 August 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste and Indonesia have agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation in culture, with a focus on cultural heritage preservation, museum and library development, and the growth of creative industries.
The commitment was made Wednesday during a meeting in Jakarta between Timor-Leste’s Secretary of State for Art and Culture, Jorge Cristóvão, and Indonesia’s Culture Minister, Fadli Zon.
Cristóvão was accompanied by Timor-Leste’s ambassador to Indonesia, Roberto Soares, and members of his delegation.
The two sides discussed ways to expand cultural cooperation through the exchange of expertise, technical knowledge and cultural initiatives, while reaffirming the longstanding historical and cultural ties between the neighbouring countries.
As a key outcome of the meeting, the two sides agreed to finalise and sign a cooperation agreement between Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture and Timor-Leste’s State Secretariat for Art and Culture.
The agreement is expected to provide a formal framework for cooperation in cultural heritage preservation, museum and library development, cultural exchanges, capacity building and the promotion of creative industries.
Fadli said Indonesia was also ready to provide technical assistance for the development and institutional strengthening of Timor-Leste’s National Museum and National Library.
The support could include technical expertise, professional training and knowledge-sharing to strengthen Timor-Leste’s cultural institutions and safeguard its documentary and historical heritage.
Cristóvão welcomed Indonesia’s commitment, saying stronger regional cooperation in culture would contribute to preserving national identity, strengthening ties between the two peoples and promoting sustainable cultural development in Southeast Asia.
The meeting underlined the two countries’ efforts to deepen bilateral relations through cultural cooperation and develop mutually beneficial initiatives to preserve, protect and promote their shared and respective cultural heritage.
TATOLI
