Timor-Leste's Bilateral Cooperation with Indonesia on Security and Mobility
As Timor-Leste prepares for its full membership in ASEAN in October 2025, strengthening bilateral cooperation with neighboring Indonesia has become a strategic priority, particularly in the areas of security, cross-border mobility, and transnational crime prevention. Recent high-level engagements between the two countries underscore a shared commitment to enhancing border management and facilitating the seamless movement of people and goods in anticipation of deeper regional integration.
On June 9, 2025, Timor-Leste’s Minister of Justice, Sergio Hornai, met with a delegation from Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs (Kemenko Polhukam), led by Deputy for Foreign Policy Coordination Mohammad K. Koba. The discussions focused on improving bilateral services related to migration, asylum, and border control, reflecting the growing need to manage increased mobility as Timor-Leste joins ASEAN.
Minister Hornai emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to monitor and regulate the flow of people across the Timor-Leste-Indonesia border, ensuring that immigration authorities on both sides can effectively verify travel documents and prevent illegal crossings. The meeting also addressed the necessity of exchanging best practices through study visits and capacity-building programs, with Indonesia offering to facilitate training for Timor-Leste’s migration officials to enhance service quality and operational efficiency.
Security cooperation was another critical topic, particularly in combating transnational crimes such as human trafficking, drug trafficking, and other organized criminal activities. Both countries highlighted recent collaboration between the Indonesian National Police (POLRI) and Timor-Leste’s Criminal Investigation Police (PCIC), which recently signed a memorandum of understanding on Interpol-related matters. This partnership aims to strengthen joint investigations and intelligence sharing to disrupt criminal networks operating across borders.
Indonesia reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Timor-Leste’s political, economic, and security development as it integrates into ASEAN. Discussions also included future trilateral cooperation frameworks involving ASEAN digital and technological initiatives, reflecting a forward-looking approach to regional security and governance.
This bilateral dialogue exemplifies the proactive steps Timor-Leste is taking to align its border management and security protocols with ASEAN standards. By fostering close cooperation with Indonesia, Timor-Leste aims to ensure that cross-border economic activities and people-to-people exchanges proceed smoothly, securely, and in a manner that supports sustainable regional integration. These efforts are vital to realizing the full benefits of ASEAN membership while safeguarding national sovereignty and public safety.