Government of Timor-Leste

JAKARTA, 12 August 2026, the Secretary of State for Art and Culture (SEAC), Jorge Soares Cristóvão, accompanied by the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Timor-Leste to Indonesia, Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, and a delegation, paid a courtesy visit today to the Indonesian Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, in Jakarta to discuss bilateral collaboration and cooperation between the two countries, with a view to the future development of the arts and culture.

The meeting focused on expanding collaboration between Timor-Leste and Indonesia through the exchange of knowledge, technical expertise and cultural initiatives that will contribute to the preservation, promotion and development of the cultural heritage of both countries. The discussions also reaffirmed the shared cultural and historical ties between the two neighbouring countries.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the mutual commitment to finalise and sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia and the Secretariat of State for Art and Culture of Timor-Leste. The agreement is expected to establish a formal framework for cooperation in areas such as cultural preservation, museum and library development, cultural exchanges, capacity building and the promotion of creative industries.

During the discussions, Minister Fadli Zon also expressed Indonesia’s commitment to providing technical support for the implementation and institutional development of the National Museum and National Library of Timor-Leste. The assistance is expected to include the sharing of specialised knowledge, professional training and technical cooperation, with the aim of strengthening the country’s cultural infrastructure and safeguarding its documentary and historical heritage.

The National Library Project, whose construction officially began in July 2026, is a strategic cultural initiative of the Government of Timor-Leste aimed at preserving the country’s documentary heritage, supporting education and research, and providing future generations with greater access to knowledge and historical records.

Secretary of State Jorge Soares Cristóvão welcomed Indonesia’s commitment, stressing that stronger regional cooperation in the field of culture contributes not only to the preservation of national identity, but also to strengthening relations between peoples, the exchange of knowledge and sustainable cultural development throughout Southeast Asia.

In addition to the meeting, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which will be signed by the Indonesian Minister of Culture and the Secretary of State for Art and Culture, was also discussed. This courtesy meeting reflects the shared commitment of Timor-Leste and Indonesia to further strengthen bilateral relations through culture, foster cooperation that benefits both countries, and simultaneously preserve and promote their cultural heritage, which constitutes a valuable legacy for future generations.