AGP Executive Report

Diplomatic Push: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto met Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta in Jakarta, with Prabowo agreeing to plan an official visit and both sides pointing to cooperation in environment, research, higher education, science and innovation. Nobel-Backed Science Links: Ramos-Horta brought around 20 Nobel laureates to Indonesia; Prabowo urged them to work with Indonesian researchers and academics, framing it as part of a “good neighbor” policy. Regional Security Cooperation: Japan says it will expand official security assistance to at least 12 like-minded countries in fiscal 2026, including East Timor, with a focus on maritime surveillance and dual-use supplies. Blue Economy & Research: Timor-Leste and OceanX held a Dili symposium on translating marine science into action for a sustainable blue economy, including conservation, fisheries management and marine spatial planning. ASEAN Engagement: Pacific Partnership 2026 wrapped up its third Dili stop, supporting disaster preparedness and engineering upgrades with Timorese partners. Maritime Law Reference: Cambodia’s foreign minister cited the Timor-Leste–Australia maritime conciliation as a model while discussing UNCLOS compulsory conciliation with Thailand.

Indonesia–Timor-Leste diplomacy: President Jose Ramos-Horta invited Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to visit Timor-Leste, and Prabowo agreed to put it on the agenda, as both leaders met in Jakarta and discussed cooperation across environment, research, higher education, science and innovation. Nobel laureates push for research ties: Prabowo also urged Nobel laureates to collaborate with Indonesian researchers and academics, with BRIN saying the goal is to strengthen the regional research ecosystem and talent pipeline. Regional connectivity and development: Indonesian officials said Papua could help deepen Indonesia–Timor-Leste cooperation, especially on economy, connectivity and human resources. Australia–Timor-Leste business push: Timor-Leste and Australia, with Property Council NT, announced a four-day Dili business program (Darwin to Dili Business & Investment Summit / Invest Timor-Leste 2026) to link business and government from 27–30 October. Blue economy science: The Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium: Science for a Blue Future will translate OceanX marine mission findings into practical steps for conservation, fisheries, tourism and future research. Security cooperation: Japan is considering expanding its Official Security Assistance to at least 12 countries, including East Timor, with a focus on maritime surveillance and monitoring.

Bilateral Diplomacy: Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has accepted Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta’s invitation to visit, with both sides signalling expanded cooperation under a “good neighbor” approach. Science & Innovation: Prabowo also urged Nobel laureates visiting Jakarta to collaborate with Indonesian researchers, as BRIN prepares to deepen research links with Timor-Leste’s delegation. Regional Engagement: Timor-Leste participated in the Third ASEAN Parliamentarians Seminar in China’s Hainan, where lawmakers discussed shared legislative priorities including environment, agriculture, and the digital economy. Economic Cooperation: Timor-Leste and Australia, with Property Council NT, announced a Darwin-to-Dili business and investment program in October to connect businesses and government, timed around Timor-Leste’s recent ASEAN entry. Maritime & Security Context: Japan plans to expand official security assistance to at least 12 countries in fiscal 2026, including Timor-Leste, as Indo-Pacific maritime concerns grow. Governance Update: Dili’s Council of Ministers approved renewing Steering Committee 25 for five years to complete a major youth and student resistance history project.

Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta has invited Indonesia’s Prabowo Subianto for an official visit, with Prabowo agreeing to plan the trip after meeting Ramos-Horta in Jakarta; the two sides also pushed a “good neighbor” agenda and floated deeper cooperation with Nobel laureates and research institutions. Science & Human Capital: Prabowo welcomed a Nobel delegation and urged collaboration with Indonesian researchers to strengthen the research ecosystem, while Indonesia’s BRIN and higher education officials framed the effort around practical science links and talent development. ASEAN Integration: Timor-Leste’s Council of Ministers approved renewing Steering Committee 25 for another five years to complete a national history project on youth and student resistance, and received an ASEAN membership roadmap update. Blue Economy: The Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium: Science for a Blue Future is set for Dili, aiming to turn marine survey findings into policy action for conservation, fisheries, tourism, and future research. Security & Maritime Law: Cambodia’s FM Prak Sokhonn said Cambodia and Thailand are pursuing UNCLOS compulsory conciliation on maritime issues, pointing to the Timor-Leste–Australia maritime dispute as an example of constructive resolution through international law. International Cooperation: Pacific Partnership 2026 wrapped up its third Dili mission stop, continuing engineering, disaster management, medical and community outreach work with Timorese partners.

Defense Cooperation: Japan is set to expand its Official Security Assistance this fiscal year, considering defense equipment and supplies for at least 12 partner militaries—up from eight—while listing East Timor among countries under review. Parliament & Governance: Timor-Leste’s National Parliament President Maria Fernanda Lay arrived in Phnom Penh for the 2nd Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, as regional legislative ties keep deepening. ASEAN Membership Progress: The Council of Ministers reviewed the ASEAN Secretariat’s report on Timor-Leste’s roadmap toward full ASEAN membership, covering progress from May 2025 to January 2026. Permanent Secretaries Sworn In: Three new Permanent Secretaries took office—David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism)—tasked with delivering government priorities. Blue Economy & Science: The Government and OceanX will hold a Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium in Dili to turn marine research into action for conservation, fisheries, tourism, and future planning. Disaster Preparedness: Pacific Partnership 2026 wrapped up its third Dili stop, delivering engineering and medical support with Timorese partners. Education & Development: A government-backed AI and national development dialogue highlights how policy is being shaped around digital skills and research.

Diplomatic & regional engagement: Timor-Leste’s ties and policy agenda get a boost as Pacific Partnership 2026 wraps up its third Dili mission stop, highlighting disaster preparedness and engineering cooperation with Timorese partners. Government operations: The Council of Ministers approved renewing Steering Committee 25 to complete the book on youth and student resistance, and heard updates on ASEAN membership roadmap progress. Public administration: Three Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries—Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Correctional Services, and Culture and Tourism—signaling a fresh push on fiscal discipline and service delivery. Science & development: The Government and OceanX will convene a Timor-Leste OceanX Symposium on 28 August to turn marine research into practical steps for a sustainable blue economy. International cooperation: Australia and Indonesia used the Jakarta treaty framework to deepen practical defence and foreign-policy cooperation, with implementation arrangements moving forward. Economic diplomacy: The Darwin to Dili Business & Investment Summit and Invest Timor-Leste 2026 are set to bring Australian and Timorese firms together for matchmaking and investment discussions. Leadership & state capacity: A visit by Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck in Dili underscores continued diplomatic outreach alongside development-focused summits.

ASEAN & Diplomacy: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. hailed a new report saying ASEAN’s economic and strategic influence is rising, framing the Philippines’ chairship as a chance to push deeper regional integration. Disaster & Community Resilience: Pacific Partnership 2026 wrapped its third Dili stop, delivering engineering upgrades and disaster-preparedness work with Timorese partners after a ribbon-cutting at a renovated school. Mining & Investment Signals: Tivan launched a high-tech drone magnetic survey over its Timor-Leste copper-gold projects, aiming to sharpen drilling targets. Government Operations: The Council of Ministers approved renewing Steering Committee 25 for five more years to complete a multi-volume history project on youth and student resistance, and heard updates on Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership roadmap. Permanent Secretaries Sworn In: Three new (and reappointed) Permanent Secretaries were sworn in to lead key ministries, including Finance and Treasury, Police/National Security/Corrections, and Culture and Tourism. International Links: Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck visited Dili, meeting officials and taking part in the Science for Development Summit 2026.

Government Appointments: The Council of Ministers approved renewing Steering Committee 25 for another five years to finish the book “History of the Youth and Student Resistance in Timor-Leste,” while the government also swore in three new Permanent Secretaries—David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism). ASEAN Engagement: Timor-Leste’s Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão joined regional leaders at the ASEAN summit in Cebu, as officials highlighted ASEAN’s growing economic and strategic role. Diplomacy: Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck visited Dili, meeting Timorese officials and taking part in the Science for Development Summit 2026. ASEAN Membership Roadmap: The Vice Minister for ASEAN Affairs presented progress on Timor-Leste’s ASEAN membership roadmap to the Council of Ministers. Public Notice: Timor-Leste announced public day-offs on September 1 (all day) and September 10, 2026 afternoon to mark the repatriation of Catholic prelates’ remains. Regional Development: Australia–Timor-Leste partners moved to drive investment and trade, with business and market briefings tied to the Darwin to Dili Business & Investment Summit and Invest Timor-Leste 2026.

Permanent Secretary Swearing-Ins: Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer swore in three new Permanent Secretaries—David Teika Dennis (Finance and Treasury), Trevor Unusu (Police, National Security and Correctional Services), and Bunyan Sivoro (Culture and Tourism)—urging stronger leadership, fiscal discipline, and delivery of national development priorities. Diplomacy in Dili: Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck visited Timor-Leste, meeting Acting Foreign Minister Jesuína Ferreira Gomes and taking part in the Science for Development Summit 2026, as Dili and Thimphu deepened ties. Government Dialogue on AI: Timor-Leste promoted a government dialogue on artificial intelligence and national development, signaling policy attention to how AI can support public services and planning. Regional Cooperation: Timor-Leste’s ambassador to Brussels Maria Bessa highlighted ASEAN solidarity during ASEAN Family Day 2026, with cultural and culinary exchanges bringing the bloc’s embassies together. Education and Development: The week also featured a push to link science, innovation, and skills to development, including youth-focused initiatives tied to agrifood systems and future leadership.

Government Appointments: Timor-Leste’s Acting Governor-General Sir Albert Rocky Palmer swore in three Permanent Secretaries today—David Teika Dennis to Finance and Treasury, Trevor Unusu to Police, National Security and Correctional Services, and Bunyan Sivoro reappointed to Culture and Tourism—urging stronger leadership, fiscal discipline, and delivery of national priorities. Diplomacy & Regional Links: Bhutan’s Princess Sonam Dechan Wangchuck visited Dili, meeting Acting Foreign Minister Jesuína Ferreira Gomes and taking part in the Science for Development Summit 2026, reinforcing Bhutan–Timor-Leste ties. International Engagement: Timor-Leste’s Ambassador to Brussels Maria Bessa highlighted ASEAN solidarity during ASEAN Family Day 2026, as embassies across the bloc shared cultural and culinary exchanges. Security & Governance Context: A week of coverage also underscored the wider regional push for stronger public institutions and accountability—setting the backdrop for Timor-Leste’s new senior appointments.

AI Governance Dialogue: Timor-Leste is set to host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug. 24 under “Artificial Intelligence for State-Building and National Development,” bringing together the 9th Constitutional Government and international AI experts to discuss responsible use of AI to modernise public services. Regional Defence Cooperation: The CPLP’s joint military exercise FELINO 2026 concluded in Brazil, with Timor-Leste among participating forces, aimed at boosting interoperability and joint peacekeeping/humanitarian response. ASEAN Cultural Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s ambassador to Brussels highlighted ASEAN solidarity during ASEAN Family Day 2026, underscoring people-to-people cultural exchange across the bloc. Health Policy Watch: APLMA CEO said malaria elimination remains achievable in the region, pointing to Timor-Leste’s recent progress and urging sustained action. Sports Talent Pipeline: Asian Athletics Association president stressed school-based athletics talent programmes, linking early identification and scientific training to future regional champions.

Confidential Funds Under Scrutiny: Former OVP special disbursing officer Gina Acosta told the Senate impeachment court she handed confidential funds to Army Col. Raymund Dante Lachica even after admitting he was not a bonded officer, raising questions about compliance with COA rules on fidelity bonds and the handling of public money. Minimum Wage Hearings: Central Visayas wage board hearings began in Cebu, with a decision expected by the third week of September on possible minimum wage increases for private and domestic workers, after employers signaled only “measured” adjustments. 2028 Politics Watch: Former Cebu governor Gwendolyn “Gwen” Garcia said it’s “too early” to commit to any 2028 election bid, focusing instead on education and job opportunities for underprivileged communities. Regional Diplomacy & Culture: Timor-Leste’s ambassador in Brussels highlighted ASEAN solidarity at ASEAN Family Day 2026, underscoring people-to-people exchange across the bloc. AI for State-Building: Timor-Leste will host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence for state-building and national development, bringing international AI experts to Dili.

Government AI Dialogue: Timor-Leste will host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug. 24 (10:00–12:00) at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium, aiming to shape AI governance for state-building, public services, and national development, with international AI and high-performance computing experts in attendance. Aero Dili Expansion: Aero Dili says limited aircraft availability may delay a planned Dili–Kupang route, with a possible third aircraft addition only in 2027. Regional Diplomacy: Timor-Leste’s ambassador in Brussels, Maria Bessa, highlighted ASEAN solidarity at ASEAN Family Day 2026, underscoring people-to-people ties alongside cultural exchange. Public Service Media: The “Government Page” TV show will feature the Secretary of State for Livestock, José Vieira de Araújo, discussing livestock policy priorities including animal health, food security, and support for producers and milk for school meals. Security & Schools (Regional context): Coverage across the region highlights renewed school safety measures after shootings, including tighter campus security and revised cellphone rules.

AI for State-Building: Timor-Leste’s Council of Ministers will host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug. 24 (10:00–12:00) at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium, aiming to shape responsible AI governance for better public services and national development. Government & Economy: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis has resigned to become Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, citing the need to address weaknesses in public financial management. Defense & Diplomacy: China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun praised Timor-Leste for upholding strategic autonomy and backed deeper military-to-military ties, after meeting President José Ramos-Horta. Regional Security Cooperation: CPLP’s joint military exercise FELINO 2026 wrapped up in Brazil with Timor-Leste among participating forces, focused on peacekeeping and humanitarian assistance drills. Aviation: Aero Dili is considering adding a third aircraft in 2027, but says fleet limits may delay new routes like Dili–Kupang. Health Policy: APLMA CEO said malaria elimination remains achievable, pointing to Timor-Leste as an example of progress despite regional challenges.

AI for State-Building: Timor-Leste will host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug. 24 (10:00–12:00) at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium, bringing together the 9th Constitutional Government and international AI experts to discuss responsible AI use for modernising public services and national development. Aero Dili Expansion Watch: Aero Dili says it is considering a third aircraft in 2027, but limited fleet availability is currently constraining plans like a Dili–Kupang route. Strategic Autonomy Diplomacy: China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun met President José Ramos-Horta, praising Timor-Leste for upholding strategic autonomy and backing deeper military-to-military cooperation. Government Finance Change: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis has resigned to become Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, citing the need to address public financial management weaknesses. Regional Military Cooperation: CPLP exercise FELINO 2026 concluded in Brazil with Timor-Leste among participating forces, aimed at boosting interoperability and peacekeeping/humanitarian capabilities. Cultural Memory in Dili: A feature highlights the Chega Centre, a former prison turned human rights museum, preserving evidence of resistance-era detentions and killings of journalists during the 1999 referendum.

AI for State-Building: Timor-Leste will host a Government Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence on Aug. 24 (10:00–12:00) at the Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão Auditorium, aiming to shape responsible AI governance for better public services and national development, with international AI and computing experts joining the 9th Constitutional Government. Strategic Autonomy & Defense Ties: China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun met President José Ramos-Horta in Dili, praising Timor-Leste’s strategic autonomy and backing deeper military-to-military cooperation while noting Timor-Leste’s one-China policy. Public Finance Leadership Change: Auditor-General David Teika Dennis has resigned to become Permanent Secretary for Finance and Treasury, effective Aug. 25, citing the need to address gaps in public financial management capacity identified by recent audits. Government Dialogue on Livestock Policy: The “Government Page” TV show will feature the Secretary of State for Livestock, José Vieira de Araújo, discussing livestock production, animal health, food security, and support for milk in school meal programmes. Regional Governance & Anti-Corruption: ICAC Commissioner Woo Ying-ming led ASEAN-PAC efforts in Malaysia to strengthen cross-border anti-graft cooperation and integrity in major infrastructure projects. Aero Dili Expansion Watch: Aero Dili says limited fleet availability may delay a third aircraft plan until 2027, affecting potential new routes such as Dili–Kupang.