Fundasaun Mahein, which first questioned the government’s prioritisation of “high level politics over sovereignty and community rights” in its dealing over unresolved border issues with Indonesia on 24 January 2024, said the handling of potential border change at Naktuka “further exemplifies how decisions are often made without adequate community consultation.”

“While the Prime Minister has stated that the final border agreement will respect the wishes of communities, doubts linger over whether the border issue has already been decided without public input,” said Fundasaun Mehein Director Nélson Belo.

“ FM asks the Government to respond to the request from the Naktuka community for further consultation, and hope that the Government will not simply rush to sign the agreement in its pursuit of “high level” interests.”

“It is also essential that the agreement follow proper legal procedures, including sending it for debate in the National Parliament before it is signed, rather than simply being handed to the Parliament for ratification after being signed.”

Indonesian media reported that the border dispute has been solved and that Timorese citizens are illegally settled on Indonesian land.

The community of Naktuka have increasingly sought transparency about the future of their land.

The Naktuka border dispute centres on 270 hectares of forest and rice fields on the western edge of Oecussi. It’s home to around 60 Timorese families who farm the area.

When the Indonesians invaded Timor-Leste in 1975, Naktuka, along with the rest of Portuguese Timor, become part of current Timor-Leste.

Indonesia argues that Naktuka should never have become part of Portuguese Timor, and it should not be part of Timor-Leste now.

In one of CNRT Media Centre’s announcements posted 31 January 2024, the mouthpiece of Timor-Leste’s ruling party said a “win-win” solution for Naktuka community and Indonesia could involve dividing the region in half and giving away around 500 hectares.