“The Embassy has taken follow-up action by reporting the matter to Timor-Leste authorities for investigation,” said Director of Protection for Indonesian Citizens at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Judha Nugraha in a statement on Thursday.
He added that the embassy also urged both sides to conduct a joint evaluation to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The incident occurred on Monday (Aug. 25) around 09:00 local time, when 24 residents of Inbate Village, North Central Timor (TTU), East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), were clearing land for corn planting near Province 36’s border area.
During the activity, a Timor-Leste border survey team—comprising two land service officials and five armed border police (UPF)—arrived at the site.
“The survey was part of a joint field effort between Timor-Leste and Indonesia. However, the Timor-Leste team arrived ahead of the Indonesian team,” Nugraha explained.
Based on field visits and information from relevant parties, the embassy concluded that the incident stemmed from miscommunication and misunderstanding between the Timor-Leste team and local residents, who opposed the construction of boundary markers.
“The Timor-Leste team arrived without Indonesian counterparts, while the local community still rejected the marker’s placement, leading to tensions,” Nugraha said.
Following the tension, an Indonesian citizen from North Central Timor District, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), was shot near the Indonesia–Timor-Leste border on Monday, said Commander of the RI–RDTL Border Security Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Arh Reindi Trisetyo Nugroho.
He said the victim, Paulus Oki, sustained a minor injury from what appeared to be a rubber or blunt-force bullet, not a live round.
The Indonesian Embassy has submitted a diplomatic note to Timor-Leste, proposing the postponement of surveys in 12 locations to prevent further escalation along the Indonesian-Oecusse border.
The Indonesian Ambassador to Dili also raised concerns directly with Timor-Leste Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino.
Both sides agreed to delay joint survey activities, urged citizens to remain calm, and called on media outlets to report responsibly to avoid exploitation by unauthorized parties.
Embassy representatives in Oecusse have visited the site and coordinated with all relevant stakeholders.
The Indonesian Embassy in Dili, through its Police and Defense Attachés, continues to work closely with the Border Security Task Force and the NTT Regional Police to follow up on the investigation.
Related news: Indonesian citizen shot on Indonesia–Timor-Leste border
Related news: Indonesia, Timor-Leste probe fatal shooting near border
Translator: Katriana
Editor: Aditya Eko Sigit Wicaksono
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
