Government of Timor-Leste

On July 9^th, the former President of the Republic of Indonesia, Megawati Soekarnoputri, was awarded the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the highest award of the Timorese state, presented by President José Ramos-Horta in recognition of her contribution to strengthening friendship, reconciliation, and cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. The ceremony took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili as part of the former Indonesian head of state’s official visit to the country.

At the ceremony, the President of the Republic emphasised that the award recognises Megawati Soekarnoputri’s role in normalising bilateral relations after the Restoration of Timor-Leste’s Independence and in promoting lasting peace between the two countries. José Ramos-Horta also emphasised that the relationship built between Timor-Leste and Indonesia serves as an international example of post-conflict reconciliation, grounded in mutual respect, forgiveness, and cooperation.

In acknowledging the award, Megawati Soekarnoputri stated that she welcomes it not as the culmination of her career but as “the beginning of a new responsibility,” because the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste symbolises the commitment of current and future generations to preserving and deepening the friendship between the two countries.

Following the ceremony, Megawati Soekarnoputri delivered a lecture on “Nation-Building, Reconciliation, and Brotherhood in Southeast Asia as a Path to Global Civilisation,” in which she recalled the reconciliation process between Timor-Leste and Indonesia and called for stronger regional cooperation in the face of current geopolitical challenges. The former Indonesian president emphasised the importance of Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN, cooperation between institutions in both countries, investment in science and technology, and women’s participation in building peace and democracy. She also called for deeper exchanges among young people, universities, parliaments, and political parties to ensure that the friendship between the two peoples continues to grow stronger for generations to come.

At the conclusion of the ceremonies, Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão praised Megawati Soekarnoputri as an exemplary leader for her contribution to promoting peace, reconciliation, and friendship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. He emphasised that the former president played a decisive role in strengthening bilateral relations through dialogue, mutual respect, and cooperation, and highlighted her commitment to Indonesia’s development during her presidential term.

The Head of Government also stated that Megawati’s experience, vision, and leadership serve as an inspiration for new generations, particularly Timorese women leaders. “It is not only Timorese women who should learn from this woman. We men also have a lot to learn. We need to have a broad, long-term vision and think in terms of vision and mission, rather than limiting ourselves to day-to-day concerns,” he said.

At the press conference, Megawati Soekarnoputri expressed satisfaction with the changes she had observed in Dili since her last visit in 2002 and reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening the friendship between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. She also expressed her willingness to support training initiatives for Timorese women. She advocated for the creation of support programmes for women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, as well as the protection of intellectual property rights for national handicrafts.

Megawati Soekarnoputri’s official visit will continue until July 10^th, with tributes to Timor-Leste’s national heroes and to Indonesian military personnel buried at the Seroja Cemetery, underscoring the two countries’ shared commitment to reconciliation, friendship, and cooperation.