The Fronteira 2026 Festival promotes cultural ties and the blue economy
DÍLI, 23 October 2026 (TATOLI) — Timor-Leste is hosting the fourth Border Festival in Com, Lautém Municipality, from 23 to 25 October, bringing together communities from Timor-Leste and Indonesia to strengthen cross-border relations, promote cultural exchange and encourage sustainable development.
The three-day event is being held under the theme “Cultural Exchange to Strengthen Reconciliation” and the sub-theme “Ha’u Nia Rai – Ha’u Nia Tasi – Ha’u Nia Kultura” (“My Land – My Sea – My Culture”).
This year’s festival places greater emphasis on the blue economy, linking cultural heritage and reconciliation with marine conservation, coastal protection and sustainable economic opportunities for local communities.
The programme encourages participants from both countries to exchange experiences in sustainable fishing, marine tourism, local product development, biodiversity conservation and youth involvement in protecting the ocean.
Established in 2023, the Border Festival aims to strengthen relations between communities in Timor-Leste and Indonesia, particularly those living in border areas, through cultural exchange, dialogue and reconciliation.
The inaugural festival was held in Bobonaro Municipality in 2023, followed by the second edition in the Special Administrative Region of Oé-Cusse Ambeno in 2024 and the third in Covalima Municipality in 2025.
The 2026 edition is organised by the Chega! National Centre, the Secretariat of State for Arts and Culture, the Ministry of State Administration, the Office of Land and Maritime Borders and the Lautém Municipal Authority, with support from other public institutions.
Preparations have included coordination meetings in Lautém and consultations with local authorities in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara province to facilitate the participation of Indonesian delegations.
Blue economy takes centre stage
A key event on Friday, 23 October, is a seminar titled “Blue Economy: A Path to Sustainable Development”, scheduled to be officially opened by Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão.
Lautém Municipal Authority President Mélio de Jesus and Chega! National Centre Executive Director Hugo Maria Fernandes are also scheduled to address the seminar, which will be closed by Minister of State Administration Tomás do Rosário Cabral.
The seminar will examine Timor-Leste’s policies and action plans for building a resilient and sustainable ocean economy, alongside traditional maritime knowledge in Lautém, ecotourism and existing blue economy initiatives.
Other topics include community-based carbon projects, protection of the Coral Triangle, ocean education and initiatives to develop sustainable livelihoods.
The discussions aim to explore how marine resources can generate economic opportunities for coastal communities while safeguarding marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
By bringing together government representatives, local communities and participants from Indonesia, the seminar also provides a platform to exchange ideas on balancing economic development with environmental protection.
Schools and communities join conservation efforts
Environmental education and community participation are also central to the festival programme, which includes awareness campaigns in schools, reading activities on the blue economy and mobile library initiatives.
Students will take part in local school performances and present projects developed in Lautém Municipality, highlighting the role of young people in promoting environmental awareness and protecting coastal and marine resources.
The cultural programme will feature local artists, traditional dance groups and representatives from Lautém’s six administrative posts, alongside delegations from Indonesia.
Joint cultural performances, exhibitions of tais — traditional Timorese woven textiles — and displays of local products will provide opportunities for communities from both countries to share their cultural heritage and strengthen social ties.
Hosting the festival in Com, a coastal community in Lautém, broadens the initiative’s focus by connecting reconciliation and cultural cooperation with maritime conservation and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
The fourth edition continues efforts to build stronger relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia while encouraging communities on both sides of the border to protect the marine environment and develop sustainable coastal livelihoods.
TATOLI
