Indonesia's Megawati urges climate cooperation with Timor-Leste

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri proposed strengthening bilateral relations with Timor Leste through joint initiatives in climate action and a comparative study on nationalism involving Indonesian institutions.

She conveyed the suggestion during a meeting with Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao in Dili on Friday (July 10), according to a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.

Indonesia’s fifth president argued that both countries could bolster the foundation for sustaining friendship through concrete cooperation across sectors, including research and innovation.

Megawati encouraged collaborative programs on maritime affairs and climate change involving Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), urging joint efforts to tackle the El Nino phenomenon and drought risks.

Currently chairing the supervisory board of the Pancasila Ideology Development Agency (BPIP), she voiced the agency’s interest in conducting a comparative study on nationalism with Timor-Leste.

She highlighted the shared anti-colonialism principle between PM Xanana and Indonesia’s first president, Soekarno, as a foundation for the initiative, which she deems instrumental to offset digitalization’s adverse impacts and to attract young people into reading physical books.

The Indonesian figure went on to address national politics, saying the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP), which she has led since its founding, is open to sharing best practices to strengthen management and cadre development of Timor-Leste counterparts, including the ruling CNRT party.

She expressed confidence that with her party’s school of cadre training and ISO certification, such cooperation could help young people in Timor Leste hone leadership skills and boost women’s representation in parliament.

Furthermore, Megawati used the bilateral forum to emphasize the importance of both Indonesia and Timor Leste nurturing politicians and leaders who bring steadfastness, courage, and revolutionary patience for national progress.

She concluded her speech with a message encouraging Timor Leste to never feel insignificant in geopolitics.

Xanana appreciated Megawati for her visit and for her historic attendance at an event marking the “restoration of independence” of Timor Leste on May 20, 2022.

“You showed the world that once-opposing sides can resort to peaceful and dignified paths. Today, Timor Leste has no closer friends than Indonesia,” he affirmed.

Related news: Indonesia's Megawati receives Timor-Leste's highest state honor

Related news: Megawati hosts Timor-Leste President Ramos-Horta in Jakarta

Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra

Editor: Primayanti

Copyright © ANTARA 2026