JAKARTA, Indonesia, 20 November 2025 – In a significant step to strengthen bilateral ties, the human rights institutions of Timor-Leste and Indonesia have signed two pivotal cooperation agreements set for a two-year duration. The Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice of Timor-Leste (PDHJ), represented by its Executive Secretary, Ambrosio Graciano Soares, and the National Commission on Human Rights of Indonesia (KOMNAS HAM), represented by its General Secretary, Henry Silka Innah, formalized the partnership. The first agreement focuses on the advancement and protection of the human rights of communities living along the shared Timor-Leste-Indonesia border. The second is dedicated to mutual capacity-building and institutional development to enhance both bodies’ effectiveness.
This signing ceremony, held at Le Méridien Hotel in Jakarta on November 20, 2025, marks the concrete implementation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the heads of the two institutions on November 20, 2023. The event was elevated by the presence of PDHJ Chairperson Virgilio da Silva Guterres, the Chairperson of KOMNAS HAM Anis Hidayah and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to Indonesia, Roberto Soares, underscoring the strategic importance both nations place on this collaboration.
The newly activated agreements establish a robust framework for joint initiatives over the next two years, directly addressing the unique challenges faced by border communities while simultaneously fortifying the institutional prowess of PDHJ and KOMNAS HAM. This fixed term provides a clear timeline for achieving concrete outcomes, ensuring focused efforts to foster a cross-border culture of human rights and justice. The partnership sets a new standard for targeted, results-oriented regional cooperation in safeguarding fundamental freedoms.
This post is also available in: Tetun