Bali, Indonesia, 27–28 August 2025 – Timor-Leste’s Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice (PDHJ) and Indonesia’s National Human Rights Commission (KOMNAS HAM) met in Bali to map out joint actions for protecting human rights along the Timor-Leste–Indonesia border and to advance the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in Jakarta on 20 November 2023. The agreement aims to address human rights concerns in border communities and strengthen both national human rights institutions.The discussions focused on two priorities:
- Promoting and protecting human rights in border communities through training programs and dialogue with local leaders, Timor-Leste’s National Police (PNTL), Indonesia’s National Police (POLRI), Timor-Leste’s Defense Forces (F-FDTL), and Indonesia’s Armed Forces (TNI). This includes joint studies and advocacy on civil, social, economic, and cultural rights.
- Building institutional capacity by developing human rights training materials, conducting capacity-building programs for trainers and staff of both institutions, carrying out comparative studies, and providing technical assistance to improve public service mechanisms.
The meeting resulted in a concept note and two draft cooperation agreements, which are expected to be formally signed in the near future.
The discussions were held at the Four Points Hotel in Bali and brought together senior representatives from both sides. The KOMNAS HAM delegation included Vice Chair for Internal Affairs Prabianto Mukti Wibowo; Commissioner for Education and Outreach Abdul Haris Semendawai; Commissioner for Research and Studies Atnike Nova Sigiro; Secretary-General Henry Silka Innah; Head of Legal, Public Relations and Cooperation Bureau Gatot Ristanto; Head of Human Rights Enforcement Support Bureau Imelda Saragih; Head of Human Rights Advancement Support Bureau Endang Sri Melani; and Head of Planning and Internal Oversight Bureau Noviati Listiyasningsih, along with other officials and technical experts.
The PDHJ delegation was led by Ombudsman Virgílio da Silva Guterres “Lamukan,” accompanied by Deputy Ombudsman for Good Governance Rigoberto Monteiro, Chief of Staff Áureo José António Savio, Director of Promotion Joanita Silvira da Costa, and Planning and Program Specialist staff, Martinho Moniz.
The forthcoming agreements are expected to strengthen cross-border collaboration and reinforce both institutions’ commitment to protecting and promoting human rights in the region.
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