National

Wirajuda and Horta Dedicate First Monument on Indonesia East Timor Border
Wednesday, 31 August, 2005 | 01:21 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara:Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda and East Timorese Foreign Minister Ramos Horta dedicated the first monument that separates the land of both countries on the borders of Motaain, Belu regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on Tuesday (30/08).

This dedication, and an agreement that was signed by both ministers, was a follow to a MoU on both countries’ borders that was agreed on April 8, in Dili, East Timor as well as a joint agreement by Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and East Timorese President Xanana Gusmao in Denpasar, Bali.

Overall, only 97 percent of the land border area has been agreed on by both countries.

The remainder is still being reviewed and surveyed by both countries as some areas are the subject pf lawsuits.

“Three segments under dispute will be fully reviewed following the taking of new photos using special planes as the border areas are on the steep mountainside as well as a river that has experienced several changes through evolution,” stated Wirajuda at El Tari airport, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara.

With the dedication of the border monument and the signing of the agreement, Wirajuda said, the government would form traditional border permits for the citizens of Indonesia and East Timor who live near the border.

“With border permits, citizens in border areas will no longer need a passport and a visa each time they visit each other,” stated Wirajuda. (Jem's de Fortuna-Tempo News Room)