Timor-Leste, Indonesia strengthen cooperation in higher education and research
DÍLI, 26 October 2026 (TATOLI) – Timor-Leste and Indonesia have agreed to explore ways to expand cooperation in higher education, scientific research and human resource development, with a focus on academic exchanges, joint research and strengthening university capacities.
The commitment was discussed during a meeting between Timor-Leste’s Deputy Prime Minister, Minister Coordinator for Social Affairs and Acting Minister of Higher Education, Science and Culture, Mariano Assanami Sabino, and Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Fauzan, in Jakarta on October 26.
The meeting, held at Indonesia’s Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, focused on strengthening academic partnerships, promoting exchanges of students and lecturers, developing joint research initiatives and improving the capacity of higher education institutions in both countries.
According to data released by the Indonesian ministry, more than 5,700 Timorese students are currently pursuing higher education at universities and other institutions across Indonesia.
Their presence highlights the importance of Indonesia as a destination for Timorese students and the longstanding educational ties between the neighbouring countries.
Both sides also explored opportunities to establish collaborative research projects in health, fisheries and biodiversity. Proposed areas of research include disease studies, aquatic resources and local species, with the aim of advancing scientific knowledge and addressing shared development priorities.
The discussions further covered professional development opportunities for academic staff, strengthening lecturers’ competencies, supporting academic career development and expanding student exchange programmes.
The two officials also discussed administrative challenges facing international students, particularly visa procedures and residence permits required for studying abroad, as part of efforts to facilitate academic mobility between the countries.
Another key issue was the proposed revision of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on higher education cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, which is due to expire in 2027. The two sides discussed updating the agreement to maintain and expand bilateral cooperation, particularly as Timor-Leste advances its integration into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The Jakarta meeting builds on previous engagements between higher education institutions in the two countries. On October 4–5, Deputy Prime Minister Sabino visited Brawijaya University in Malang, where two memoranda of understanding were signed to strengthen cooperation in higher education, scientific research and rural development.
The latest discussions reflect both countries’ efforts to deepen educational and scientific partnerships, expand opportunities for students and academics, and develop skilled human resources to support their respective national development priorities.
TATOLI
