TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Maluku provincial government is mulling economic and health cooperation with Indonesian neighbour Timor-Leste.
“We are mulling cooperation with Timor-Leste, who used to be part of the Republic of Indonesia,” Maluku Regional Secretary Bin Thahir said Monday, September 5, in Ambon, as quoted by Antara.
The geographical position of Timor-Leste, which shares the border with South West Maluku (MBD) district, has been a factor for the provincial government in the study ahead of the cooperation.
In fair weather, Dili, the capital city of Timor-Leste, can be seen from Wetar island. The people of MBD and Timor-Leste have a good relationship as they shared the same culture, along with the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).
“Our relationship remains [despite Timor-Leste’s exit from Indonesia], MBD and Timor-Leste people carry out transactions in the waters between the two countries. Therefore, an official cooperation is needed to tackle possible issues that could put the people in disadvantaged position,” said the Regional Secretary.
Timor-Leste can be reached by plane within 30 minutes from South West Maluku.
“Maluku Governor Said Assagaff is considering to schedule a visit to Timor-Leste in the near future,” the Regional Secretary said.
ANTARA
