(AseanAll) —  Timor-Leste President and Nobel Peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, conferred Medal of the Order of Timor-Leste and a Certificate of Recognition upon Prof. Dr. Ikhfan Haris, Director of the Indonesian Cultural Center (Pusat Budaya Indonesia) in Dili, in a ceremony held at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace on July 24, 2025. The prestigious award honors Prof. Haris’s exceptional contributions to fostering friendship, cultural exchange, and educational cooperation between Timor-Leste and Indonesia.

A distinguished scholar, educator, and diplomat, Prof. Dr. Ikhfan Haris has dedicated over two decades to advancing cross-border collaboration in higher education, research, and cultural diplomacy. As Indonesia’s Education and Culture Attaché in Dili, he has spearheaded initiatives that strengthen people-to-people ties, including academic exchanges, language programs, and joint research projects benefiting Timorese institutions.

Ramos-Horta emphasized Prof. Haris’s transformative impact stated “Prof. Dr. Ikhfan Haris has dedicated years of service to strengthening the bonds between our nations through cultural and educational exchange. His efforts have benefited many Timorese people over the years and deserve to be recognized and valued by the State.

The Order of Timor-Leste is the nation’s highest honor conferred upon individuals whose contributions significantly advance Timor-Leste’s development and international relations. Timor-Leste recognizes that fostering friendship and cooperation between the peoples of Timor-Leste and Indonesia is vital to peace, national stability, and development of the nation.