Megawati and Ramos Horta Strengthen Indonesia-Timor Leste Diplomacy
Former Fifth President of Indonesia Megawati Soekarnoputri received a visit from the President of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste, José Ramos-Horta, at her residence on Jalan Teuku Umar, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Monday, 23 March 2026. The meeting, which lasted more than two and a half hours, was held behind closed doors with a strong historical and strategic atmosphere.
Ramos-Horta arrived in the afternoon and was welcomed by a delegation of PDI Perjuangan elites, led by General Secretary Hasto Kristiyanto along with several party officials. The warm atmosphere intensified when Megawati personally greeted him at her residence.
The warmth peaked as Megawati emerged from her study and immediately shook Ramos-Horta’s hand firmly. “Come, please sit down,” Megawati greeted amiably, initiating a lengthy dialogue that only concluded towards the evening.
For around 150 minutes, the two leaders discussed various issues reflecting the close relations between Indonesia and Timor Leste, not only in the context of formal diplomacy but also humanitarian values. The meeting concluded with an exchange of symbolic gifts.
Megawati presented traditional Indonesian batik cloth and her book titled “Spirit of Humanity”, representing her commitment to global humanitarian values. In return, Ramos-Horta gave a handmade bag and Timor Leste’s signature Arabica coffee, reflecting his country’s cultural richness and economic potential.
This meeting is a continuation of their previous interactions at the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity 2026 in Abu Dhabi in February. The relationship between Megawati and Ramos-Horta has long been closely intertwined, even transcending formal diplomacy.
For Ramos-Horta, Megawati symbolises reconciliation between the two countries. Her presence during the early moments of Timor Leste’s independence in 2002 marked a significant milestone in thawing post-conflict relations. This personal closeness is also evident in the various emotional stories Megawati has often shared about Timor Leste figures.
As a gesture of respect, Ramos-Horta had previously invited Megawati to Dili to receive the Grand Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, the nation’s highest award for individuals who have contributed to international peace.
The meeting at Teuku Umar residence ended with a group photo session with all participants, signifying the enduring brotherhood between Indonesia and Timor Leste, maintained through diplomacy, history, and humanitarian values.