Dili, Timor Leste - Timor Leste Transportation and Communications Minister Pedro Lay da Silva said Indonesian businessmen and investors are playing a pivotal role in bringing progress to the country in the eastern half of Timor island. "It is undeniable that many Indonesian state firms are now investing in Timor Leste for the progress of the country which gained independence only on May 20, 2002," he told Antara on the sidelines of an international conference on investment here on Thursday. The conference brings together participants from eight countries. Among the Indonesian companies taking part in the conference are state airport operator PT Angkasa Pura and surveyor company PT Sucofindo. The two Indonesian companies have signed a cooperation agreement with the Dili-based Kabiran Group to develop an international airport in Dili and a seaport in Tibar some 10 km west of the Timor Leste capital. Timor Leste. formerly known as East Timor, integrated with Indonesia in 1975 through the Balibo Declaration after it had become a Portuguese colony for more than 300 years. However, after 23 years of integration, the vast majority of Timor Leste people voted for independence from Indonesia in a referendum held on August 30, 1999. Describing it as a close neighbor and old brother, da Silva said Indonesia particularly its businessmen and investors is badly needed by Timor Leste to develop its economy. Timor Leste Minister of Industry, Trade and the Environment Antonio da Conceicao shared da Silva's view saying that Indonesian businessmen play a pivotal role in bringing progress to Timor Leste. To date, 54 Indonesian corporate bodies are involved in development projects in Timor Leste. They include eight state-owned companies, namely PT Merpati Nusantara, PT Bank Mandiri, PT Wijaya Karya, PT Perusahaan Perumahan, PT Telkom Internasional, PT Pertamina, PT Angkasa Pura and PT Sucofindo. (*) Reporting by Laurensius Molan, editing by Suharto


Editor : FAROCHA
COPYRIGHT © ANTARA 2026