(AseanAll) — Timor-Leste President and Nobel peace Laureate, J. Ramos-Horta, bid farewell to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Timor-Leste, Mr. Okto Dorinus Manik, and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Timor-Leste, Mr. Shri Madan Kumar Ghildiyal.
The farewell ceremony that took place at the Nicolau Lobato Presidential Palace in Dili, on March 25, 2026, celebrated the ambassadors’ personal dedication, their exemplary diplomatic service, and the enduring strength of the partnerships between Timor-Leste and their respective nations.
Ambassador Okto Dorinus Manik has served as Ambassador of Indonesia to Timor-Leste from November 2021 to March 2026. During his assignment in Dili, he worked closely with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and the broader community. His initiatives included facilitating meetings between heads of state, ministry officials, business actors, and providing strong support for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN accession efforts. Under his leadership, several concrete projects were implemented, including the launch of cross-border transportation with a direct bus service between Dili and Kupang in 2023, and technical cooperation across multiple sectors such as the development of an aquaculture center in Aileu, scholarship programs, agricultural support, and other collaborative projects. Ambassador was also actively engaged in social initiatives for both Indonesian citizens and the local community, including a healthcare service at Dare Church in 2024. As diplomatic dean, Ambassador okto strengthened relations within the diplomatic corps in Timor-Leste. In recognition of his accomplishments, Ambassador okto has been appointed to continue his service as Indonesia’s Ambassador to Papua New Guinea.
President Ramos-Horta praised Ambassador Okto Dorinus Manik for solidifying the comprehensive partnership between the two neighbors. In recognition of his exceptional service, the President bestowed upon Ambassador Okto Dorinus Manik the Collar of the Order of Timor-Leste, one of the nation’s highest distinctions, under the Decree of the President of The Republic No.28 /2026.
“Our bond with Indonesia is rooted in geography, shared history, and a growing spirit of cooperation. May this award symbolize the enduring friendship, trust, and shared prosperity between our peoples, “stated President J. Ramos-Horta.
Ambassador Okto Dorinus Manik soon will departs Dili to assume his new role as Indonesia’s Ambassador to Papua New Guinea.
In the same ceremony, President Ramos-Horta also bid farewell to Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of India to Timor-Leste, Mr. Shri Madan Kumar Ghildiyal.
Ambassador Shri Madan Kumar Ghildiyal, a career diplomat with over three decades of service, assumed his post in Timor-Leste on March 28, 2025. During his tenure, India and Timor-Leste deepened cooperation their bilateral cooperation through a range of forward-looking initiatives. Both countries have agreed to establish a Centre of Excellence in Information Technology at the Hera campus of the Universidade Nacional Timor Lorosa’e (UNTL), reflecting their shared commitment to advancing digital capacity. Collaboration in capacity building has also expanded under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, with the Embassy of India facilitating training opportunities for Timorese public servants. Notably, ten officials from the Civil Service Commission, Ministry of Finance, and Ministry of Transport and Communications participated in a specialized cybersecurity training programme in New Delhi during February to March 2026, while eleven diplomats attended a Special Diplomatic Course in March 2026. In the health sector, the Memorandum of Understanding on Healthcare was renewed for a further period of five years, underscoring continued cooperation in public health. Engagement in tourism promotion has also been strengthened, including participation by one Director-level official and two tourism professionals from Timor-Leste in the ASEAN–India Tourism Exchange Programme held in Bangalore and Guwahati, as well as a tourism promotion event organized by the Embassy of India with the participation of the Director General of Tourism. In addition, the Embassy, in association with the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture of Timor-Leste, organized celebrations of the International Day of Yoga, further enhancing cultural ties and people-to-people connections between the two countries.
Ramos-Horta praised Ambassador Ghildiyal for advancing high-level dialogues, defense cooperation, and capacity-building efforts. Although Indian regulations prevented the conferral of the Order of Timor-Leste, the President publicly expressed deep appreciation for Ambassador Ghildiyal visionary diplomacy.
“India’s generous support in health, education, and infrastructure has had a profound impact on Timorese communities. Ambassador’s legacy of friendship, collaboration, and visionary diplomacy will continue to inspire Timor-Leste and India relations for many years to come, “stated President J. Ramos-Horta
The farewell ceremony concluded with President Ramos-Horta expressing his deepest appreciation to both ambassadors and looking forward to building upon their legacies with their successors.
