JAKARTA, SUDUTPANDANG.ID – Timor-Leste resmi menjadi anggota penuh ASEAN, menandai awal babak baru dalam kerja sama regional di kawasan Asia Tenggara. Keanggotaan ini memperkuat persatuan, solidaritas, dan dinamika kerja sama di kawasan, sekaligus menjadi pencapaian diplomatik penting bagi Timor-Leste.
“Kami menyampaikan rasa terima kasih yang tulus kepada para Pemimpin ASEAN atas kebijaksanaan dan konsensus mereka. Terima kasih khusus kepada Malaysia, sebagai Ketua ASEAN 2025, atas kepemimpinan yang tegas dalam memfasilitasi penerimaan Timor-Leste sebagai Negara Anggota ke-11 pada KTT ASEAN ke-47 di Kuala Lumpur. Kami juga menghargai dukungan konsisten dari mitra dialog eksternal ASEAN,” ujar Dubes Timor Leste untuk Indonesia, Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, dalam keterangan resmi yang diterima Asosiasi Media Konvergensi Indonesia (AMKI) Pusat di Jakarta, Minggu (26/10/2025).
Berikut pernyataan selengkapnya:
On behalf of the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Indonesia, we proudly extend our heartfelt congratulations to the Government and the people of Timor-Leste on our historic accession to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This milestone marks a transformative chapter for our nation, reinforcing our commitment to unity, prosperity, and shared progress within Southeast Asia.
Timor-Leste’s journey to full ASEAN membership reflects the resilience and determination of its people, while enhancing the country’s contributions to peace, stability, and sustainable development across the region.
As ASEAN’s newest member state, Timor-Leste is committed to:
Safeguarding the ASEAN Charter: Supporting stronger regional policies and promoting ASEAN’s vision of unity, identity, and community.
Advancing Economic Integration: Collaborating on climate resilience, digital transformation, and fostering inclusive growth.
Upholding Human Rights and Democracy: Promoting international law while adhering to ASEAN mechanisms, guided by the principle of “making friends only and no enemies.”
The Embassy expresses sincere gratitude to the ASEAN Leaders for their wisdom and consensus. Special thanks go to Malaysia, the Chair of ASEAN 2025, for its decisive leadership in facilitating Timor-Leste’s acceptance as the 11th Member State during the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur. The steadfast support of ASEAN’s External Dialogue Partners is also acknowledged and appreciated.
Timor-Leste honors its founding fathers and national leaders who proclaimed and restored the nation’s independence. Gratitude is extended to the institutions and individuals whose dedication made this achievement possible, including His Excellency President José Ramos-Horta, His Excellency Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, the Minister and Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, the Timor-Leste Mission to ASEAN, all line ministries and government institutions, civil society, business and private sectors, academia, and many others who played pivotal roles in defining and safeguarding Timor-Leste’s regional identity and diplomatic success within ASEAN.
Together, we celebrate this historic moment as a significant achievement in diplomacy and nation-building.
Ambassador Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares emphasized the statement of H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão:
“History has made for Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN is a testament to the resilience of the Timorese people in their struggle for freedom and independence. It signifies our national dedication, collective efforts, and commitment to safeguarding our country’s regional identity and a shared vision for a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Southeast Asia. Timor-Leste stands ready to contribute constructively to fortifying ASEAN’s dynamism, solidarity, cooperation, and unity.”
Gloria aos Nossos Patrióticos, Heróis e Mártires da Pátria!
Honor, Homeland, and People!
Viva Timor-Leste!
Viva ASEAN!
Together, We Rise!
The Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta, 26 October 2025.(PR/01)
