Megawati Visits Timor Leste to Receive Highest Honour for Reconciliation Efforts

Former Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri arrived at Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport in Dili on Wednesday for a state visit to Timor Leste. The visit will last until 10 July 2026.

Upon arrival, Megawati was greeted by Timorese officials, including Vice Prime Minister and Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Tourism, and Environment Francisco Kalbuadi Lay, as well as the Indonesian Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires ad Interim, Mardiana Warnares. She was escorted by traditional Moradores troops and walked a red carpet before being welcomed by President Jose Ramos-Horta, Prime Minister Rala Xanana Gusmao, and Foreign Minister Bendito dos Santos Freitas.

Megawati, accompanied by family members and PDI Perjuangan officials including Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto, was also greeted by schoolchildren waving Indonesian and Timorese flags along the route from the airport.

The highlight of the visit will be the conferment of the Grand Collar of Timor Leste by President Ramos-Horta. According to Hasto Kristiyanto, the award recognises Megawati’s crucial role in opening a path to reconciliation between the two nations, particularly her attendance at Timor Leste’s independence commemoration on 20 May 2002 while serving as President of Indonesia. During her stay, Megawati is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with President Ramos-Horta and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, and to visit historical sites.