DILI, 07 October 2025 (TATOLI) — The Governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste plan to establish the Indonesia–Timor-Leste Friendship Museum at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) in Jakarta as a symbol of the historical and cultural ties between the two nations.
The announcement was made by Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, following his meeting with Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão at the Government Palace in Dili.
“We hope to build the Indonesia–Timor-Leste Friendship Museum at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah in the near future,” said Minister Fadli Zon. “The museum will serve as a cultural bridge that strengthens the bonds between our peoples through cultural diplomacy.”
He explained that the project aims to honor the shared history and enduring friendship between the two countries, while also providing a space to showcase and promote Timorese cultural heritage in Indonesia and encourage community-level cooperation.
“In the past, TMII had a pavilion dedicated to East Timor. Now, as Timor-Leste is a sovereign nation, we want to transform it into a museum that celebrates Timorese friendship and culture, where its artworks and traditions can be displayed,” the minister added.
Timor-Leste’s Minister of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture, Nélyo Isaac, welcomed the initiative, describing it as “an important step toward strengthening cultural cooperation between the two countries in a continuous and sustainable way.”
He emphasized that, while the idea is still in its early stages, it has the potential to become a solid foundation for long-term cultural cooperation between the two nations.
The proposed site for the new museum is currently known as the Timor-Timur Museum, which forms part of the TMII complex. The original East Timor Regional Pavilion was built in 1979 and inaugurated on 20 April 1980 by then Indonesian President Suharto.
After Timor-Leste’s independence, the pavilion was managed by TMII as a cultural monument, preserving traditional Timorese architecture inspired by the sacred house of Lautém municipality. The site features collections of Tais (traditional woven fabric), handicrafts, musical instruments, and historical photographs that reflect Timor-Leste’s rich cultural heritage.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
