Indonesia, Timor Leste deepen border research, language partnership

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3 hours ago

Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara (ANTARA) – Indonesia’s Nusa Cendana University (Undana) and the Timor-Leste Consulate in Kupang have agreed to cooperate on border research and Portuguese-language education in East Nusa Tenggara.

Speaking in Kupang on Tuesday, Rector Jefri Bale said Undana has pursued academic partnerships with Timor-Leste because the two sides share geographic and cultural ties.

Bale said closer higher education cooperation could help both countries achieve shared progress, given their common regional and cultural connections.

During a meeting with Consul Espedito da Conceição Ribeiro and Education Attaché Gregorio do Santo, Undana officials agreed to strengthen research cooperation on border issues.

The two sides will conduct joint research along the Indonesia-Timor-Leste border, focusing on watershed environmental issues and potential sites for new border crossings.

They will also explore establishing a Portuguese language center in Kupang, with Undana offering courses and teachers from the National University of Timor-Leste.

The university and consulate agreed to expand student exchanges, community engagement programs in border areas and cross-border student service programs.

They also agreed to open postgraduate study opportunities at Undana for Timor-Leste students and hold regular international scientific forums.

Ribeiro said the Timor-Leste side would present the meeting’s outcomes to relevant ministries and agencies for follow-up.

He said the consulate would also facilitate discussions with the National University of Timor-Leste on Portuguese classes, including support from its lecturers.

The cooperation is expected to strengthen universities’ roles in border-region development, improve human resources and deepen academic ties between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.