Indonesia to Open its Borders to Timor Leste

In a surprising move Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said the Indonesian government will selectively open its border with Timor Leste.

According to Antara News sources the opening of the border selectively will be conducted for the sake of social and economic consideration as well as to smooth traffic between the two countries. SBY stressed the border would be opened even though the security situation in Timor Leste had yet to return to normal. He also pointed out that the Indonesian government fully supported the steps taken by TimorLeste's leader in settling his country's problem soon.

Indonesia closed its border with East Timor recently in anticipation of a possible exodus of Timor Leste people into Indonesian controlled West Timor but no significant border crossings have been seen so far since the unrest. It is estimated that more than 1,500 of about 3,000 Indonesian nationals residing in Dili and other areas had been evacuated after unrest. Timor Leste was plunged into violence in March after Prime Minister Alkatiri dismissed 600 of the 1,400 strong army for mutiny when they protested about alleged discrimination against soldiers from the west of the country.

Meanwhile, Timor Leste President Xanana expressed his gratitude and respect to high attention and sympathy of Indonesian government and people. Xanana's visit to Indonesia took place a day after rebels began disarming in what could be a breakthrough for peace. On Friday 12 rebels handed over their weapons to Australian peacekeeper. In all a total of 500 so far and more expected but it is known there are many caches hidden in the city area.