Dili, June 10, 2025 (Média Democracia) – The Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Justice, together with the Government of Indonesia, continues discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation in migration services and addressing transnational crimes. This meeting was held at the Ministry of Justice on Monday.
The Minister of Justice, Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai, stated that migration issues are a political matter within the responsibilities of Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Justice. Likewise, Indonesia’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Policy Coordination is working to identify with the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) and relevant institutions ways to improve future migration services.
“Today’s consultation is highly important. A large delegation from Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs came to discuss how we can strengthen bilateral cooperation between our two countries, especially in areas such as transnational crimes and migration services,” said Minister of Justice Sérgio de Jesus Fernandes da Costa Hornai.
The Minister added that migration and political asylum issues are part of the Ministry of Justice’s responsibilities, just as they are for Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry. Together with POLRI and other relevant institutions, efforts are being made to identify ways to improve these services.
“I am grateful to the Indonesian delegation that visited the Ministry of Justice to address issues of political, economic, cultural, and judicial cooperation. They also examined registration and migration, so that in the future we can work together more effectively,” said the Minister.
He noted that Timor-Leste is just months away from becoming a full member of ASEAN. As such, it is not only Indonesia that will engage in mobility with Timor-Leste, but also other ASEAN member states. Therefore, bilateral meetings and ASEAN consultations are crucial to discuss these important matters.
“The Governments of Indonesia and Timor-Leste, through their Ministries of Justice, aim to jointly develop migration services at the border, including mutual recognition of documents between the two countries. This would allow the mobility of people from both sides to occur within each country’s jurisdiction,” he explained.
The Minister of Justice affirmed that joint efforts will continue to promote exchange and observe best practices from other nations to improve the quality and effectiveness of services in both countries.
During the event, Deputy for Coordination of Foreign Policy Affairs, Mohhamat K. Koba, stated that the meeting was very important as it allowed for in-depth discussions with the Timor-Leste Ministry of Justice and reaffirmed Indonesia’s support for Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN.
“Our President has already expressed that Indonesia must support Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN. In today’s discussion, we explored this matter further, as Timor-Leste is expected to become a permanent member in the coming months. We also discussed cooperation in border migration services between the two countries,” said Deputy Mohhamat K. Koba.
The Deputy added that the meeting also explored ways to improve border migration services, emphasizing the need for both nations to foster peace and stability by working together and building capacity for the future.
He further explained that this consultation between the Government of Indonesia and the Government of Timor-Leste, through the Ministry of Justice, aims to prevent any misunderstandings between the two nations and to create long-term peace and stability through cooperation in migration services at the border.
Reporter: Nelfiano
Photo: Nelfiano