Government of Timor-Leste

Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão received an Honorary Doctorate in Public Administration from Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) at a ceremony held on September 5th, 2026 at the Baruga A.P. Pettarani on the university campus in Makassar, Indonesia, in recognition of his leadership, his contribution to Timor-Leste’s state-building process, and his role in promoting reconciliation and peace. 

The distinction was conferred through the Doctoral Programme in Public Administration at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences at Universitas Hasanuddin. The University based its decision on the Prime Minister’s journey from the struggle for independence to state-building, with particular emphasis on post-conflict leadership, reconciliation, institutional strengthening, the defence of sovereignty through law and diplomacy, and regional cooperation.

During the ceremony, the awarding committee cited four grounds for conferring the degree: Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão’s role in the struggle for Timor-Leste’s independence; the promotion of reconciliation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia; his transition from Resistance leader to statesman and builder of state institutions; and his commitment to values associated with peace and humanity.

In his speech, entitled “Sovereignty and National Resilience in a Contested World”, the Prime Minister thanked the University for the honour and emphasised the significance of receiving it from an institution that has educated successive generations of Indonesians since the early years of the Republic.

“It is a great privilege to receive this honorary doctorate from Universitas Hasanuddin. It is also an honour to follow in the footsteps of the many distinguished leaders and public figures who have received this distinction before me,” he said.

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão recalled the historical journey of Timor-Leste and Indonesia and highlighted the transformation in relations between the two countries after the conflict. He stressed that reconciliation was necessary to build a relationship based on friendship, dialogue, and cooperation.

“We could not build a nation on revenge and hatred. Instead, we needed to lay the foundations of reconciliation and hope,” he stated.

The Prime Minister added, “Today, Indonesia and Timor-Leste are neighbouring countries and close friends. We work together for peace, stability, and the development of our region.”

Education is now a key element of this relationship. Thousands of young Timorese study at higher education institutions in Indonesia, including Universitas Hasanuddin. This month, 57 Timorese students joined a new postgraduate cohort at the university.

“This is what reconciliation means. Today, young Timorese come to Indonesia to study, make friends, and prepare for their future,” the Prime Minister said.

On sovereignty, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão addressed the process of delimiting Timor-Leste’s maritime boundaries. Following the finalisation of the maritime boundary with Australia, Timor-Leste is conducting direct negotiations with Indonesia in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and international law.

“We have made significant progress, and I am confident we will be able to complete this work in the same spirit of friendship and mutual respect that has transformed the relationship between our peoples,” he said.

The Prime Minister also argued that political sovereignty must be accompanied by the economic and institutional capacity to ensure opportunities for the population, create jobs, strengthen food security, and use national resources for the benefit of the people.

“Sovereignty is not just a slogan. It requires political and economic strength,” he said, adding, “We fought for our political independence. Now we must build the economic resilience to sustain that independence across generations.”

In light of rising conflicts and geopolitical tensions, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão called for respect for international law, multilateralism, and cooperation among states, particularly for small and developing countries. In this context, he noted Timor-Leste’s integration into ASEAN and its preparations for the organisation’s chairmanship in 2029.

“A sovereign country does not demonstrate its independence by isolating itself. It demonstrates it by freely choosing how to work with others,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the role of universities in building national capacity and in educating citizens capable of analysing information and making decisions, particularly in light of developments in artificial intelligence.

“Knowledge helps us understand the world. Discernment helps us decide what to do in its face,” he stated.

Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão warned of the risks associated with the use of artificial intelligence in producing and disseminating false content and advocated strengthening education and critical thinking.

“We need people who question the source of information, the evidence, and whether what they’re told is true. We need people who can form their own judgements, rather than simply accepting the answers provided by artificial intelligence,” he said.

At the conclusion of his speech, the Prime Minister emphasised that building a sovereign and resilient nation requires institutions, economic capacity, knowledge, and human resources prepared to make decisions in the national interest.

“A resilient nation needs strong institutions and a productive economy. It also needs people with the knowledge, skills, and judgement to make sound decisions in the national interest,” he said.

The award of an honorary doctorate reinforces the academic dimension of relations between Timor-Leste and Indonesia, against a backdrop of growing exchanges between students and higher education institutions in both countries.