DILI, 25 June 2025 (TATOLI) – Fifteen of the 50 Timorese students currently in Israel have been repatriated by the Arava International Center for Agricultural Training (AICAT), in coordination with Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MoFAC) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Forestry (MoFAC).
Director of Consular and Timorese Communities Affair’s Erminio da Silva Pinto, said the operation was carried out following the escalation of conflict between Israel and Iran that began on June 13.
The students have arrived safely in Bali, Indonesia, and are expected to land in Timor-Leste later this week.
He said the repatriation of the students was made possible through close coordination between the Timorese Government, AICAT, the Israeli Embassy in Singapore, and Timor-Leste’s Embassy in Qatar.
According to Pinto, AICAT covered all repatriation costs, and efforts are underway to evacuate the remaining students as soon as charter flights become available.
The students traveled via land due to airspace closures, reaching Cairo by bus before flying to Qatar and then to Bali.
Pinto added that the government remains in contact with AICAT to monitor the situation of those still in Israel and ensure their safety until they return home.
On behalf of the government, he expressed gratitude to the Israeli authorities and AICAT for their commitment in providing transportation to ensure the students’ safety.
Deolova Gusmão, one of the students now in Bali, said the group traveled eight hours by bus to Egypt, accompanied by Egyptian security forces throughout the journey.
“We felt safe thanks to the security escorts, who gave us priority and ensured our protection,” she said.
Since 2015, under cooperation between Timor-Leste and the Israeli Embassy in Singapore, 548 Timorese youth have participated in training programs offered by AICAT.
Journalist: Afonso do Rosário
Editor: Isaura Lemos de Deus
Translation: Camilio de Sousa
