9-8-2023 (JAKARTA) Puan Maharani, the Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR), and Maria Fernanda Lay, Chair of the National Parliament of Timor-Leste, engaged in discussions regarding Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership during a bilateral meeting held on Tuesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 44th ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) General Assembly in Jakarta. Maharani expressed her hopes that Timor-Leste would fulfill the criteria for full membership before the upcoming ASEAN Summit in September 2023.
Indonesia has been actively advocating for ASEAN countries to support Timor-Leste’s full membership in the organization, emphasizing the importance of their inclusion. Maharani eagerly anticipated more intensive cooperation once Timor-Leste becomes an official ASEAN member. She also underscored the significance of Indonesia and Timor-Leste realizing the Bilateral Investment Treaty, especially considering the increasing collaboration in various areas such as the economy, trade, and investment.
Maharani emphasized that the implementation of the treaty would improve the investment climate and encourage more Indonesian investments in Timor-Leste. Additionally, she expressed her hope that the parliaments of both countries would urge their respective governments to promptly initiate discussions on the Indonesia-Timor-Leste border negotiation.
Resolving the border issue would enhance cooperation in the development of the Border Economic Zone, benefiting both countries. Maharani further called for opportunities of collaboration with the Timor-Leste parliament through inter-parliamentary visits or other platforms, highlighting the diplomatic role of parliament in fostering relations.
During the same meeting, Charles Honoris, the Deputy Head of Commission IX of the DPR, stated that the Timor-Leste delegation sought the DPR’s support for their ASEAN membership. He noted that Timor-Leste currently holds observer status as the 11th member of ASEAN and is unable to vote in ASEAN forums, including AIPA. It is hoped that Timor-Leste will officially be recognized as a full member at the upcoming ASEAN Summit, enabling their parliament to participate fully in AIPA, Honoris added.
