Batugade, Timor-Leste – A high-level joint visit to the Batugade, Sakato, and Salele border crossing points has identified joint priorities and opportunities of strengthening Timor-Leste’s border management ahead of the country’s ASEAN accession this October. Over two days, partners highlighted the urgent need for stronger infrastructure, closer cross-border cooperation, and greater capacity to address issues such as irregular migration, human trafficking and health concerns linked to cross-border movement.
The visit was led by the Migration Service of Timor-Leste, together with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Timor-Leste, the Embassies of Indonesia and Australia in Dili, and the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRC) in Timor-Leste. The delegation included senior officials and representatives from Migration Services, the Border Control Unit (UPF), the Commission to Combat Trafficking in Persons (KLATU), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation (MNEC), the Government of Australia from Timor-Leste and Indonesia, the Embassy of Indonesia in Timor-Leste, and IOM Indonesia.
“A strong border management system will not only foster safe and seamless movement of persons, trade and regional connectivity, but also opens up economic opportunities for Timorese and ultimately, the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, said Funmi Balogun, UN Resident Coordinator in Timor-Leste.
At Batugade, where the Migration Information and Data Analysis System (MIDAS) is already in place, officials pointed out risks linked to the high volume of cross-border movements. Across all sites, participants agreed that border management must not only protect sovereignty but also encourage cultural and economic exchange between neighboring communities.
“It’s not often we have a strong team of international partners and local law enforcement agencies undertaking such an important visit that sits at the heart of our engagement with the host country. Effective border management, especially at the land borders, is complex to navigate. This visit provided the platform for us all to better understand the gaps and challenges, whilst also examining some of the work Australia is already doing with the host government to strengthen border management capabilities,” said George Kpakima, First Secretary and Principal Migration Officer of the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs in Timor-Leste.
Building on the discussions, participants also called for formalizing cooperation through Memoranda of Understanding and sustaining momentum through regular exchanges on border management. They emphasized the need to expand coordination to other partners, while ensuring resources deliver tangible benefits for border communities. Together, these steps reflect a shared commitment to translate dialogue into action and strengthen border governance in ways that both protect communities and promote regional connectivity.
“On behalf of the Ministry of Interior and the Migration Service, I wish to thank our international partners—the Australian Government, the Indonesian Embassy, and IOM—for investing in stronger border management toward our ASEAN accession. Our officers face real challenges every day and support through systems like MIDAS has strengthened their capacity, giving them the tools and skills to perform their duties more effectively and with greater confidence,” emphasized Adelaide da Rosa, Director General of Migration Services.
The exchanges in Batugade, Sakato, and Salele offered practical insights into infrastructure needs, capacity gaps, and community concerns, while reinforcing the value of continued dialogue among Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Australia, and international partners. This shared perspective will guide collective efforts to strengthen border governance and support the country for deeper regional integration through ASEAN.
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