Visiting Jokowi in Solo, PM Xanana: We Are Impressed by His Vision to Build Outside Java

The meeting between Indonesia’s 7th President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi), and Timor-Leste Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão was a warm affair. The closeness between the two was evident during a luncheon at Jokowi’s private residence in Sumber, Banjarsari, Solo, Central Java, on Friday (4/9/2026).

A variety of Indonesian dishes were served, including fried noodles, fried chicken, black pepper beef, fried rice, and omelettes. During the lunch, the two leaders appeared friendly, sharing laughter at jokes made by Xanana to Jokowi.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister of Timor-Leste offered praise for the direction of development policies during Jokowi’s leadership. He assessed that the development strategy, which extends beyond the island of Java, provides valuable inspiration for his country in managing rural areas.

“We are very impressed, very impressed with the vision. The vision to build outside Java, to go to the outermost islands,” said Xanana during the lunch, Friday (4/9/2026).

According to Xanana, such steps are essential to uphold the principle of justice for all people, ensuring that development is not concentrated in a single region.

“We are very impressed with this vision, to ensure that no one is left behind, because otherwise, it would only be Java, Java, Java, Java, Java, Java,” he stated.

Similar praise was directed towards the infrastructure sector, such as the opening of road access and the equitable distribution of electricity and energy to remote villages, which he noted also inspires Timor-Leste.

“And it reminds us also not to only have large cities here and there, but to bring roads, to rural levels, to bring electricity, to bring energy to everyone, so that independence is for us all,” he said.

Furthermore, Xanana expressed appreciation for the close bilateral relationship and the positive influence of Indonesia’s development vision on his country.

“So, for your very impressive visit, the great work that you bring to Timor-Leste, and indirectly, you also influence our citizens with your vision for development. Thank you, Mr. President,” he concluded.