Papua can drive closer Indonesia-Timor-Leste ties : Official

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4 hours ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Papua region has the potential to facilitate Indonesia in strengthening cooperation with Timor-Leste to advance development in its eastern part, the Executive Committee for the Acceleration of Special Autonomy Development in Papua stated.

Committee chair Velix Vernando Wanggai made the statement while participating in a bilateral engagement between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta in Jakarta on Friday.

Speaking at the Presidential Palace complex, he expressed confidence that Papua would grow into a “center of gravity” in the context of Indonesia’s relations with Timor-Leste.

Wanggai said Papua and Timor-Leste share close ties, noting that the Indonesian region could play a significant role in strengthening cooperation on regional connectivity.

More broadly, the official emphasized that Indonesia and Timor-Leste have long shared bonds of brotherhood and strategic ties.

He added that the two neighboring countries have ample room to expand cooperation, particularly in the economy, connectivity, and human resource development.

Furthermore, he voiced belief that Timor-Leste holds President Prabowo in high regard.

The Indonesian head of state on Friday received a courtesy call from President Ramos-Horta, who brought a delegation of some 20 Nobel laureates.

Indonesia’s Cabinet Secretariat wrote on Instagram that the meeting represented a platform for the two countries to step up relations and explore cooperation across sectors, such as environmental sustainability, research, innovation, and higher education.

Speaking after the engagement, Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon noted that President Prabowo used the occasion to reaffirm his commitment to maintaining amicable ties with surrounding countries through the good neighbor policy.

The president also promoted key initiatives oriented toward food and energy self-sufficiency, including the Free Nutritious Meals program, he added.

Meanwhile, President Ramos-Horta invited the Indonesian leader to visit Timor-Leste.