Tempo - 13 February 2023

Indonesia, Timor Leste Agree to establish Bilateral Investment Treaty
By Fajar Pebrianto

Indonesian President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and Timor Leste Prime Minister Taur Matan Ruak agreed on a number of commitments during a meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java on Monday, February 13, 2023. One of the commitments was related to the establishment of a bilateral investment treaty.

"We agreed to push for the start of negotiations," Jokowi said in a press conference, Monday, February 13, 2023.

This agreement was aimed at supporting economic cooperation, particularly the development of economic zones in border areas such as between East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Ouecusse, Timor Leste.

During the meeting, the Indonesian head of state expressed joy over closer land connectivity between the two countries following the launching of the Kupang - Dili bus route operated by Indonesian bus operator DAMRI in November 2022.

"Specifically, I also encourage sea transportation logistics costs for business activities to be lowered," Jokowi added.

On June 25, 2022, Indonesia and Timor Leste agreed to strengthen ties in the border areas in a bid to improve the economy of the people residing in Oecusse Ambeno, an enclave city of Timor Leste which bordering eastern regions of Indonesia, viz. Kupang Regency, Timor Tengah Utara Regency (TTU), Belu Regency, and Malaka Regency.

Previously, President Jokowi also met Timor Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta at the same place, on July 19, 2022. At that time, Jokowi encouraged the two countries to conclude a bilateral investment treaty as soon as possible.