LIQUIÇÁ, 28 July 2025 (TATOLI) — In a powerful display of regional solidarity and agricultural cooperation, Timor-Leste and Indonesia officially launched a joint initiative to curb the spread of the Fall Armyworm (Lakataro Makerek – in tetum language), a destructive pest threatening maize production across Timor-Leste. The program was inaugurated during a handover ceremony and training session attended by officials from both governments, development partners, and technical experts.
The event marked the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at combating one of Timor-Leste’s most urgent food security threats. Indonesia’s contribution includes high-quality pesticides, pest control equipment, and the deployment of agricultural experts to train Timorese extension officers and ministry staff in maize production technologies and pest management strategies.
Speaking at the ceremony, Timor-Leste’s Secretary of State for Fisheries, Domingos da Conceição, emphasized the broader importance of the initiative.
“Excellencies, friends, and partners — this initiative is not just about pest control. It is about protecting the livelihoods of our farmers, strengthening our agricultural system, and building resilience for the challenges of tomorrow. It is a symbol of what we can achieve through true collaboration between nations,” he said.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and joint assessments by FAO and IFAD, the Fall Armyworm has impacted nearly every maize-producing municipality since its detection in 2019. Infestation rates range from 50% to 100%, leading to significant crop losses, threatening rural livelihoods, and undermining national nutrition efforts.
Indonesia’s assistance in pest control complements broader bilateral collaborations, including the joint development of the Malibaca River Basin and the construction of the Maliana II Irrigation Scheme. These projects benefit communities on both sides of the border and highlight an expanding relationship grounded in mutual progress.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Republic of Indonesia, Deputy Director for Bilateral Cooperation, Hariwan Puja Wilapa, reaffirmed this commitment.
“This event marks not the end, but the beginning of much broader opportunities for collaboration between Indonesia, Timor-Leste, and our development partner,” Hariwan Puja stated.
As training activities progress, frontline agricultural workers are receiving essential tools and techniques to respond swiftly to pest outbreaks. The initiative is expected to improve maize productivity nationwide while reinforcing technical capacity and bilateral ties.
The training program features nine Indonesian experts, including:
- Hariwan Puja Wilapa, SS, M. AP – Deputy Director for Bilateral Cooperation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia
- Markwin Hasahatan, SE, M.Si – Head of Asia-Pacific Cooperation Division
- Okta Prastowo Raharjo, ST, M.Sc – Deputy Director of Planning, Directorate General of Agricultural Infrastructure and Facilities
- Dr. Ir. Yohannes Andi Trisyono, M.Sc – Lecturer, Faculty of Agriculture, Gadjah Mada University (UGM)
- Gandi Purnama, SP, M.Si – Deputy Director of Cereal Pest Control
- Shinta Andayani, SP, MP – Senior Trainer, Lembang Agricultural Training Center
- Longginus Lengi, SP, MP – Intermediate Trainer, Kupang Agricultural Training Center
- Fakih Zakaria, SP – Senior Officer for Plant Pest Control
- Reynold P. Sitompul, SP, MSc – Deputy Director of Legal Affairs and Public Relations, Directorate General of Land and Agricultural Water Management
TATOLI
