ATAMBUA |BUSERKOTA.COM) – True brotherhood knows no borders. This was the spirit that filled the informal meeting between the Government of Belu Regency and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the 3rd Floor Hall of the Motaain State Border Post , Silawan Village, Tasifeto Timur District.
Far beyond formalities and agendas, the gathering became a space to reaffirm cultural bonds, shared history, and future hopes on both sides of the border.
Present at the meeting were Belu Deputy Regent Vicente Hornai Gonsalves, S.T, and Timor-Leste Deputy Prime Minister Mariano Assanami Sabino, accompanied by the Regent’s Special Staff, Belu’s Forkopimda, heads of local government agencies, representatives of the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government, the Head of PLBN Motaain, the CIQ team, Yonif 741/GN Task Force, and the official delegation from Timor-Leste.
Borderlines Do Not Define Brotherhood
In his address, Deputy Regent Vicente Hornai emphasized that what connects the people of Belu and Timor-Leste is far deeper than lines on a map—it is shared heritage.
“Brotherhood and culture know no borders. Today I am from Belu, but I was born in Timor-Leste. We are all brothers and sisters,” he declared, drawing heartfelt applause.
Echoing this sentiment, Deputy Prime Minister Sabino reaffirmed their commitment to turning the border into a bridge—not a barrier.
“Borders are not just dividers. We want to transform them into spaces of friendship and reconciliation. People along the border should feel protected and empowered,” he said with conviction.
Six Strategic Initiatives: Toward a Shared Future
Amidst the warm dialogue, six key initiatives emerged—planting seeds of tangible cooperation between the two nations:
Extended Operational Hours at PLBN Motaain to ease the flow of trade and human mobility.
A Priority Lane for Emergency Ambulances from RDTL, ensuring that life-saving medical services are not delayed by bureaucracy.
Revitalization of Traditional Markets in Turiskain (Raihat) and Henes (South Lamaknen) to reinvigorate the people’s economy.
Joint Cultural Events such as “Tour the Timor” and the 2026 Winter Festival, highlighting cross-border heritage and boosting tourism.
Quarterly Informal Meetings alternating between Belu and Dili, to sustain open and constructive dialogue.
Proposal for a Weekend Night Market near PLBN, complete with a cross-cultural culinary hub to attract tourists and stimulate local income.
More Than a Meeting—A Legacy in the Making
The gathering was more than just a diplomatic event. It was a symbol of shared identity and a shared dream—to see both sides of the border thrive not just through trade and transit, but through mutual understanding and community-building.
“We want our future generations to know that this land once witnessed a brotherhood stronger than boundaries,” said Deputy Regent Vicente in closing.
Beneath the sky of Motaain, this gathering etched a new chapter—an enduring commitment to unity, friendship, and sustainable cooperation that transcends political lines. A hopeful step forward, hand in hand, for two nations born of the same island heartbeat.
