David Wilson, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara – The regent of North Timor Tengah (TTU) in East Nusa Tenggara accused Jakarta of ignoring repeated warnings about potential unrest in a disputed border area, after an Indonesian villager was shot and wounded by Timor Leste security forces during a clash.
The incident took place on Monday in Inbate village, Bikomi Nilulat subdistrict, where residents protested against the installation of a boundary marker on land they claim belongs to Indonesia. The victim, identified as Paulus Oki, was shot when Timor-Leste's Border Patrol Unit (UPF) opened fire during the protest.
TTU Regent Yoseph Falentinus Delasale Kebo, widely known as Falen Kebo, said his administration had alerted the central government as early as June about rising tensions in the area. Official letters were sent to the Home Affairs Ministry on July 29 and to the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs on August 1, warning of possible disputes over 12.8 hectares of land in Inbate that was mapped into Timor Leste's Oecusse district.
"We made it clear in our letters that the situation in Inbate carried the risk of conflict," Kebo told reporters in Kupang. "During a meeting in Jakarta on Aug. 5, attended by ministries, the military and police, and our regional government, we again stressed the risk. Twenty days later, it happened exactly as we feared: our resident was shot."
Jakarta requests Timor-Leste's clarification after Indonesian gets shot at border
The violence stemmed from the installation of boundary marker 36 in contested territory. Fifteen households in Inbate opposed the move, arguing their land had been wrongly assigned to Timor-Leste. Kebo said he had urged authorities to delay the marker's placement until Jakarta issued a formal decision, but Timor Leste pressed ahead.
"The forced installation triggered anger from villagers. UPF personnel fired warning shots, and one of them struck our citizen," he said. Communication difficulties worsened the situation, as UPF officers reportedly did not understand the local Dawan language spoken by residents.
Local authorities have since worked with Indonesian security forces to calm tensions and ensure medical care for the injured villager. "Both sides agreed to peace, and now the military, police, and border task forces are stationed in the area to prevent further clashes. We are also educating residents so they won't be provoked," Kebo said.
He urged Jakarta to move quickly with a coordinated diplomatic response, stressing that the dispute is not just a matter for the Home Affairs Ministry but also involves the Foreign Ministry, the Defense Ministry, and the National Border Agency.
"This is not only about marker 36. There are issues with markers 35 and 37, and similar disputes could flare up in Haumeni Ana," he warned. "If left unresolved, these boundary problems could spark larger conflicts. We need a swift, firm, and fair settlement through diplomacy with Timor Leste."