AGP Executive Report

Education & Infrastructure: The government monitored construction of nine new classrooms and four toilet facilities at 12 de Outubro Filial Basic School in Tasitolu using modular “Block Solutions” technology, aiming to cut time and costs where materials are hard to transport. Water Access: In Laleia, Manatuto, Public Works inaugurated a new water supply system serving about 2,700 people across 450 households, with groundwater extraction, four supply zones, and connections for homes plus schools, the health centre, police and community institutions. National Planning: Prime Minister Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão launched the 2027–2030 National Medium-Term Plan and the PED 2011–2024 monitoring report, setting ten national priorities across economic diversification, infrastructure, social/human capital, and institutions. Climate Diplomacy: World powers and Pacific states are preparing for pre-COP31 talks in Fiji, with East Timor among the confirmed outside-region leaders, as negotiators push for 1.5°C, better climate finance, and urgent action on rising seas. ASEAN Resilience Finance: ERIA and Vietnam’s ISPAE held a regional workshop on innovative disaster finance for climate-resilient growth, with Timor-Leste participating as a full ASEAN member. Oil & Gas Surveys: Timor-Leste’s petroleum ministry selected TDI-Brooks to run a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore to support TLNG pipeline routing, with field work due to start mid-January 2027.

UN Rights Watch: The UN Child Rights Committee released findings on Timor-Leste and six other countries, flagging major concerns and urging stronger child-rights protections. Oil & Gas Watch: Timor-Leste approved the Environmental Impact Statement for Finder Energy’s Kuda Tasi and Jahal offshore oilfields, a key step toward final investment decisions. Pipeline Survey Update: MPRM selected TDI-Brooks (with Taka Hydrocore Indonesia) for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline routing, with field work due to start mid-January 2027. Diplomacy & Regional Ties: Prime Minister Matthew Cooper Wale met President José Ramos-Horta to discuss strengthening links with Solomon Islands, including Ramos-Horta’s account of Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund model. Water & Food Security: UNSW and Permatil trained Timor-Leste university staff and students to survey water catchment topography for catchment modelling under an ACIAR-linked project. ASEAN Climate Focus: Singapore’s Grace Fu says ASEAN should prioritize a regional power grid, climate finance and resilience as the region weighs the costs of the climate transition. Sports Note: Timor-Leste’s Jennifer Maia da Cruz advanced in archery at the Asian Games Aichi–Nagoya 2026 before a later loss.

Sovereign Wealth & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Matthew Wale met President José Ramos-Horta in New York to discuss deepening ties with Solomon Islands, with Ramos-Horta praising Timor-Leste’s sovereign fund as “prudent” and shielded from political interference. Oil & Gas Progress: Timor-Leste approved the Environmental Impact Statement for Finder Energy’s Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, clearing a major step toward final investment decisions. Offshore Surveys for TLNG: The Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources selected TDI-Brooks (with Taka Hydrocore Indonesia) for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support Greater Sunrise and Bayu-Undan pipeline routing, with fieldwork due to start mid-January 2027. Water Security Training: UNSW and Permatil trained UNTL staff and students in surveying water catchment topography for catchment modelling, aimed at improving rural water access. Regional Finance & Climate: ASEAN leaders were urged to prioritize a regional power grid, climate finance, and resilience as Southeast Asia faces rising energy costs and climate risks. Digital Payments Cooperation: Timor-Leste and Indonesia’s central banks strengthened cross-border digital payments links, including QRIS expansion.

Oil & Gas Regulation: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, clearing a key step toward final investment decisions and setting out environmental management for the project’s full lifecycle. Offshore Survey Contracts: Fugro won additional Timor-Leste Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources awards for heavy geotechnical and metocean surveys supporting the Greater Sunrise TLNG gas export pipeline and the Bayu-Undan pipeline highway, with fieldwork planned for early 2027. Energy Infrastructure Planning: The Council of Ministers endorsed the Timor-Leste State Report for the Universal Periodic Review and authorised budget spending for the Tasi Mane Project on the south coast, including procurement for project management and supervision. Diplomacy: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste presented credentials to President José Ramos-Horta, signaling deeper bilateral ties and cooperation through ASEAN and UN forums. Geology & Mining Watch: Estrella Resources reported new assays strengthening the case for a copper-gold porphyry system at its Laleno Dome project, with follow-up work expanding copper hotspots. International Spotlight: Timor-Leste welcomed Morocco’s Western Sahara Autonomy Plan at the UN General Assembly, while reiterating support for self-determination and dialogue. Digital Payments & Regional Links: Central banks of Timor-Leste and Indonesia strengthened cooperation to develop cross-border digital payments, aiming to improve connectivity for people and businesses. Sports Note: At the Aichi–Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, Timor-Leste’s archer Aisha Al Ali advanced in the women’s individual event before exiting later rounds.

Energy & Industry: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo has approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, clearing a major regulatory step as the project moves toward final investment decisions. Offshore Surveys: TDI-Brooks has been selected for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support TLNG pipeline routing, with fieldwork set to begin mid-January 2027. More Survey Work: Fugro also won additional Timor-Leste contracts for heavy geotechnical and metocean surveys tied to Greater Sunrise TLNG and the Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, with offshore work planned for early 2027. Diplomacy: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste, Pham Binh Dam, presented credentials to President José Ramos-Horta, pledging deeper cooperation and support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN integration. Regional Payments: Bank Indonesia signed an MoU with Timor-Leste’s central bank to explore cross-border QRIS payments, aiming to improve digital payment connectivity between the two countries. Politics & Society: Timor-Leste welcomed Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan at the UNGA, while reiterating the need for consultation with the people concerned.

Oil & Gas Regulation: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo approved Finder Energy’s Environmental Impact Statement for the Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, setting the environmental framework as the project moves toward final investment decisions. Pipeline Surveys: TDI-Brooks, with Taka Hydrocore Indonesia, was selected for a light geotechnical and environmental baseline survey offshore Timor-Leste to support routing for the Greater Sunrise gas export pipeline and the Bayu-Undan pipeline highway, with fieldwork planned to start mid-January 2027. Digital Payments: Banco Central de Timor-Leste and Bank Indonesia signed an MoU to explore cross-border QRIS payments, aiming to deepen payment and settlement cooperation and build connectivity between the two countries. Diplomacy: Vietnam’s first resident ambassador to Timor-Leste presented credentials to President José Ramos-Horta, pledging closer cooperation as Timor-Leste prepares for deeper ASEAN integration. International Spotlight: World Heart Day coverage highlighted cardiovascular disease burdens across Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Island communities, including high rates of undiagnosed diabetes and CVD risk factors.

Oil & Gas Milestone: Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo approved the Environmental Impact Statement for Finder Energy’s Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) offshore oilfields, setting the environmental framework for development through decommissioning and clearing a key step toward final investment decisions. Energy Surveys: Fugro won additional heavy geotechnical and metocean survey contracts for Greater Sunrise TLNG pipeline routes and the Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, with fieldwork planned to start in early 2027 after earlier geophysical work. Digital Payments: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank moved to strengthen cross-border QR payments, with plans to explore cross-border QRIS connectivity and deeper cooperation on payment and settlement systems. AI & Language Access: A new discussion highlights how AI often underrepresents minority languages, while communities are using AI-enabled tools to preserve and build local language resources. UN Diplomacy: Timor-Leste signaled a shift at the UN General Assembly by welcoming Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy plan while stressing consultation and self-determination.

Oil & Gas Regulation: Finder Energy says Timor-Leste’s Autoridade Nacional do Petróleo has approved the Environmental Impact Statement for its Kuda Tasi and Jahal (KTJ) project, completing key environmental steps after the earlier Field Development Plan and moving the project closer to final investment decision. Diplomacy at UNGA: President José Ramos-Horta told the UN General Assembly that Timor-Leste welcomes Morocco’s Western Sahara autonomy proposal, while stressing consultation with the people concerned and support for self-determination through dialogue. Payments & Digital Finance: Bank Indonesia and Banco Central de Timor-Leste signed an MoU to deepen cooperation on payment and settlement systems, including exploring cross-border QRIS connectivity. Regional Media Influence: A report says Australia and New Zealand are using public broadcasters as “soft power” across the Pacific, including agreements with Timor-Leste’s broadcaster. Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed Timor-Leste as one of 10 countries eligible for its Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) work placement scheme.

Cybercrime & Rights: Timor-Leste signed the UN Convention against Cybercrime, a move aimed at strengthening international protection for civil and political rights. Digital Payments: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank (BCTL) signed an MoU to deepen payment and settlement cooperation, including exploring cross-border QRIS links. Energy & Infrastructure: Fugro won new geotechnical and metocean survey contracts for Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise TLNG and Bayu-Undan pipeline highway routes, with fieldwork planned to start in early 2027. Diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta renewed support for India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat, citing India’s democratic record and “living civilisation.” Labour & Cost of Living (regional): Philippines labor groups criticized a ₱42 minimum wage hike as “not enough” amid rising prices—an echo of the pressures Timor-Leste workers also face. Maritime Rescue: A 75-year-old Timor-Leste sailor was found adrift in Darwin after a freak wave destroyed his equipment, ending a voyage that turned into weeks-long survival. Tourism (regional): Intrepid Travel’s 2027 “Not Hot List” includes Dili, spotlighting the city as a less-visited destination ready for more visitors.

Central Bank Cooperation: Bank Indonesia and Banco Central de Timor-Leste signed an MoU to strengthen payment and settlement links, including exploring cross-border QRIS connectivity between the two countries. Digital Payments for Tourism: Indonesia says QRIS cross-border expansion is boosting inbound spending and aims to make it easier for international visitors to pay local merchants. Energy Infrastructure Surveys: Fugro won two more offshore survey contracts for Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise TLNG and Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway plans, with geotechnical and metocean work set to start in early 2027. Diplomacy: Timor-Leste and Kazakhstan formally established diplomatic relations, with both sides discussing trade, education, tourism, agriculture and UN cooperation. Work Mobility: Australia confirmed Timor-Leste is among the 10 countries eligible for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, opening legal work placement pathways. Elections Tech & Integrity: Australia’s electoral commissioner met Timor-Leste officials on election organisation and new challenges from disinformation, social media and AI. Sports: Timor-Leste’s presence was noted in regional football and athletics coverage, including East Timor athletes advancing in sprint heats.

Cross-Border Payments: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank (BCTL) signed an MoU to deepen payment and settlement cooperation, including exploring cross-border QRIS links between the two countries. Regional Digital Finance: BI also reported a surge in inbound cross-border QR payments, showing how QR connectivity is boosting tourism and small-business spending across the region. UN Diplomacy: Timor-Leste President José Ramos-Horta renewed support for India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat, praising India’s democratic record and role in working with developing countries. Elections Tech & Democracy: Timor-Leste’s Minister Agio Pereira met Australia’s Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope to discuss election organisation and new challenges from disinformation, social media, and AI. Energy Infrastructure: Fugro won more offshore survey work for Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise TLNG and Bayu-Undan pipeline plans, with geotechnical and metocean studies set to start in early 2027. Work Opportunities: Australia confirmed Timor-Leste is eligible for its Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, opening legal work placement pathways. Health Gains: A WHO update highlighted Timor-Leste’s validation for eliminating trachoma as a public health problem.

Central Bank Cooperation: Bank Indonesia and Banco Central de Timor-Leste signed an MoU to deepen payment and settlement collaboration, including potential cross-border QRIS connectivity. Cross-Border Payments Boom: Indonesia reported 17.8 million inbound cross-border QR transactions worth about $345.7M through August 2026, driven by QRIS adoption and new payment links with partner countries including Timor-Leste. Energy Infrastructure Surveys: Fugro won new offshore survey contracts for Timor-Leste’s Greater Sunrise TLNG and Bayu-Undan pipeline routes, with geotechnical and metocean work planned to start in early 2027. Diplomacy and UN Agenda: President José Ramos-Horta backed India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and reiterated support for a two-state solution on Gaza/Israel. Regional Mobility: Australia confirmed Timor-Leste among the 10 countries eligible for its Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) work placements. Sports: Timor-Leste’s national team featured in regional football coverage, including a match referenced alongside AFC financial developments.

Central Bank Payments: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank (BCTL) signed an MoU to boost payment innovation and explore cross-border QRIS-style connectivity, aiming for faster, cheaper, more secure transactions. Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed Timor-Leste as one of 10 countries eligible for the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) work placement scheme, opening legal pathways for workers into Australian industries. Energy Infrastructure: Fugro won new Timor-Leste offshore survey contracts—heavy geotechnical and metocean work—to support Greater Sunrise TLNG and the Bayu-Undan pipeline route planning, with fieldwork slated for 2027. Diplomacy & UN: President José Ramos-Horta backed India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and also reiterated Timor-Leste’s support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Elections Tech & Democracy: Australia’s Electoral Commissioner met Timor-Leste officials on election organisation and the risks posed by disinformation, social media, and AI to democratic processes.

Central Bank Cooperation: Bank Indonesia and Banco Central de Timor-Leste signed an MoU to boost payment innovation, including possible cross-border links for QRIS-style payments. Energy Infrastructure: Fugro won new Timor-Leste offshore survey contracts for the Greater Sunrise TLNG and Bayu-Undan pipeline routes, with geotechnical and metocean work planned to start in early 2027. Diplomacy & UN Stance: President José Ramos-Horta renewed support for India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat, praising India’s democratic record and role with developing countries. Elections & Tech Risks: Timor-Leste’s Minister Agio Pereira met Australia’s Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope on election planning, focusing on disinformation, social media, and AI challenges. Labour Mobility: Australia’s PALM scheme confirmed Timor-Leste among eligible countries for legal work placements, aimed at filling labour shortages. Cultural Heritage: Timor-Leste designated Tutuala’s cultural landscape and Portuguese-origin architecture in Dili and Liquiçá as National Cultural Heritage. Regional Trade Push: Timor-Leste debuted as ASEAN’s 11th member at the China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, seeking wider cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, and the digital economy.

Labour Mobility: Australia confirmed Timor-Leste is one of 10 countries eligible for its PALM work-placement scheme, aiming to plug labour shortages with legal placements via official channels. Central Banking & Payments: Bank Indonesia and Timor-Leste’s central bank signed an MoU to boost payment innovation and settlement cooperation, including possible cross-border links for QR payments. Diplomacy: Kazakhstan and Timor-Leste formally established diplomatic relations, with talks covering trade, education, culture, tourism and UN cooperation. Energy & Infrastructure: Fugro won new offshore survey contracts for Greater Sunrise TLNG and the Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, with geotechnical and metocean work planned to start in early 2027. Elections & Tech Risks: Timor-Leste’s election authorities met Australia’s electoral commissioner to discuss election organisation and new challenges from disinformation, social media and AI. Environment Policy: Malaysia and Timor-Leste backed work on transboundary haze efforts, with plans to review mechanisms and draft stronger regional action. Sports: East Timor’s Mouzinho Belo advanced in the men’s 100m at the Asian Games, while the wider tournament continues in Japan.

Offshore Energy Planning: Fugro won two more Timor-Leste survey contracts for Greater Sunrise TLNG and the Bayu-Undan Pipeline Highway, adding a six-month geotechnical and a 12-month metocean campaign starting in Q1 2027 after earlier geophysics—data meant to guide route choice and engineering in ultra-deep waters. Elections & Tech: Australia’s Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope met Timor-Leste officials in Dili to discuss election organisation and how disinformation, social media and AI are reshaping democratic processes. UN Diplomacy: President José Ramos-Horta backed India’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat and also reiterated support for a two-state solution on the Israel-Palestine conflict. Human Rights Accountability: Indonesia’s Komnas HAM says serious human rights violation cases, including the East Timor Incident, remain unresolved as Human Rights Court files bounce between bodies. Women’s Local Business Push: Timor-Leste is urging women to scale up enterprises using local resources, with many still informal and small-scale. Online Scams Response: Timor-Leste joined regional talks in Phnom Penh calling for stronger laws and cross-border enforcement against online fraud networks. Cultural Heritage: Timor-Leste designated Tutuala’s cultural landscape and Portuguese-origin architecture in Dili and Liquiçá as National Cultural Heritage.