The School of Strategic and Global Studies at University of Indonesia (UI) and the Region Administrasaun Especial Oecusse Ambeno of Timor-Leste (RAEOA-TL) have signed a Memorandum of Intention (MoI) to foster cooperation in gender equality, women's empowerment, and inclusive development initiatives.

The agreement outlines several areas of cooperation, including training programs for municipal officials, educators, and community leaders on gender analysis, mainstreaming, and inclusive policy-making. The collaboration will also include joint research projects and knowledge exchanges between academics, students, and local practitioners.

“This partnership signifies a mutual commitment to address gender-related challenges through education, research, and policy,” Acting Director of UI’s School of Strategic and Global Studies, Supriatna, said while addressing the signing ceremony in Jakarta on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.

Further support will be provided for policy development and the implementation of gender-sensitive programs, aiming to strengthen institutional capacities and promote sustainable development within Timor-Leste’s Oecusse Ambeno municipality.

The MoI was signed by Supriatna from UI and Rogerio Tiagio de Fatima Lobato representing the Oecusse Ambeno Special Region.

Inacia Tamele, Secretary for Education and Social Affairs at RAEOA-TL, said the program, developed in coordination with UI’s Gender Studies division, seeks to equip officials with the knowledge and tools to address gender inequality and promote inclusive policies.

“This is a crucial first step. We aim to build stronger governance and empower both women and men − including those with disabilities − through this training initiative,” she said.

The training, linked to the ongoing program in Timor-Leste, will run through August 2025 and emphasizes equality for all groups, including children, women, and vulnerable population. Participants will gain deeper insight into gender justice and strategies for inclusive development.

Raiwa, a special administrative zone within the Oecusse-Ambeno enclave of Timor-Leste, is known for its autonomous governance and social market economy model. With a population of over 800,000 and a strong tradition of community development, the region is striving to integrate inclusive principles into public service and policy.

The collaboration reflects constitutional principles of Timor-Leste that uphold equality, children’s rights, and women’s participation in political, economic, and social life.

Leaders from both parties expressed optimism that this partnership will lead to further joint projects, enhancing bilateral cooperation and contributing to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region.

“We are honored to host this delegation at our historic Salemba Campus, established in 1849,” Supriatna said. He emphasized UI’s commitment to inclusive education and collaborative development through academic exchange, scholarships, and research partnerships.

The visit also explored further educational opportunities for Timor-Leste students to pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies at UI, with scholarship programs such as UI GRID Global Reach and Internationalization and Development, and the Developing Country Partnership (KNB) highlighted as viable paths.

UI hopes this partnership will lead to impactful bilateral cooperation, research collaboration, and strengthened cultural and academic ties between Indonesia and Timor-Leste.