DILI, 23 March 2026 (TATOLI) – President and Nobel Peace Laureate J. Ramos-Horta held a private working meeting with the fifth President of the Republic of Indonesia, Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri, at her official residence in Jakarta. The meeting reaffirmed the deep and enduring partnership between the two neighboring nations, a relationship built on decades of mutual respect, reconciliation, and a shared commitment to regional stability.
President Ramos-Horta and Former President Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri exchanged views on expanding people-to-people connectivity and ensuring that the momentum of bilateral relations continues to deliver tangible benefits for both countries.
President Ramos-Horta expressed profound appreciation for Former President Ibu Megawati’s historic leadership in normalizing diplomatic relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. The President specifically recalled her presence at Timor-Leste’s independence ceremony on May 20, 2002, in Dili—a moment widely regarded as a cornerstone in the reconciliation process between the two nations. President noted that Ibu Megawati’s attendance, alongside other global leaders, sent a powerful signal of Indonesia’s commitment to a new chapter of friendship and cooperation.
President Ramos-Horta emphasized that Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri should be credited for the consolidation of Timor-Leste’s independence and stability, as well as for the continuation and success of Indonesia’s reformasi movement and the consolidation of democracy in Indonesia—efforts initiated by President B. J. Habibie. President noted that Ibu Megawati’s contribution to the struggle for democracy in Indonesia began during the long, difficult years under Suharto, adding that throughout that period, she never relinquished her dreams and commitment to democracy. President Ramos-Horta affirmed that Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri stands as the Mother of Indonesia’s Democracy like her father, the great charismatic Bung Karno, is the Father of Modern Indonesia.
The meeting marked a continuation of high-level engagement between the two leaders, following their recent encounter on the sidelines of the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. During that February gathering, both leaders participated in the Human Fraternity Majlis that discussed the importance of humanitarian values, peacebuilding, and interfaith dialogue as pillars of stable and prosperous societies. The Zayed Award for Human Fraternity is an annual independent international award recognizing individuals and entities who lead by example, working selflessly to bridge divides and create meaningful human connections, often at great personal sacrifice.
Today’s meeting further solidified the close personal friendship between President Ramos-Horta and Former President Ibu Megawati, who have worked together for decades to foster trust and cooperation between their nations. The two leaders agreed to continue their dialogue on key regional and global issues, with Former President Ibu Megawati reaffirming her enduring support for Timor-Leste’s development and integration into the regional community.
“It is always a great honor to meet with Former President Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri, a leader whose courage and vision laid the foundation for the strong bilateral relationship we enjoy today. Her presence in Dili on May 20, 2002, was not merely ceremonial; it was a profound act of reconciliation that signaled Indonesia’s commitment to a future of mutual respect and partnership,” stated President Ramos-Horta.
“Our recent meeting in Abu Dhabi during the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 reminded us both of the values that unite our two nations: peace, tolerance, and human fraternity. Today, we build on that legacy, working together to ensure that Timor-Leste and Indonesia continue to grow as close neighbors, partners, and friends.”
Timor-Leste and Indonesia share a unique and evolving relationship rooted in a history of reconciliation and forward-looking collaboration. Since Timor-Leste’s restoration of independence in 2002, the two countries have worked tirelessly to build trust, with high-level exchanges and people-to-people ties serving as the bedrock of bilateral engagement. Former President Ibu Megawati’s landmark visit to Dili for the independence ceremony remains a defining symbol of this transformation.
Today, bilateral relations are characterized by robust economic cooperation, with Indonesia remaining one of Timor-Leste’s largest trading partners. Approximately 70 percent of products circulating in Timor-Leste originate from Indonesia, and both governments are currently working to update cross-border trade agreements to further facilitate commerce to meet the needs of border communities. The two nations also collaborate closely on Timor-Leste’s full integration into ASEAN, with Indonesia serving as a steadfast supporter of Timor-Leste’s membership aspirations.
The meeting between President Ramos-Horta and Former President Ibu Megawati Soekarnoputri concluded in a warm and cordial atmosphere, reflecting the enduring friendship between the two leaders and the bright future ahead for Timor-Leste and Indonesia relations.
TATOLI
