Deuladeu Elizabeth Florindo Soares

POLITICAL SECURITY OBSTACLES AND CHALLENGES OF TIMOR-LESTE’S ASEAN MEMBERSHIP

Deuladeu Elizabeth Florindo Soares*

Abstract

The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste has implemented its foreign policy by participating in various international organizations. To enhance its relation with other countries, particularly at the regional level, Timor-Leste is working hard to achieve its full membership in ASEAN and has already shown its seriousness to do so, submitting a formal application in 2011. This research focuses on political-security, aiming to find and describe the obstacles and challenges to political security in Timor-Leste, in support of the country joining ASEAN in the near future. Obstacles that have already been resolved by Timor-Leste, include the political security crisis of 2006, a problem of displaced persons, reconciliation and issues regarding veterans. The issues that still need serious attention from the government, in order to be overcome, include unlawful martial arts groups, boundary issues, and comprehensive security. While, political security challenges for the country are good governance, democracy, human rights, the electoral system, and national security.

Keywords: Political Security; Obstacles; Challenges; Timor-Leste; ASEAN; ACCWG.

INTRODUCTION Indonesia. Moreover, the activities of Communist dissidents were continuing The formation of ASEAN in 1967 came problems for countries such as Thailand and about for many reasons; for example, there the Philippines, and even to some extent were a number of states either at war or at Malaysia. These countries felt the need to least in sharp conflict with each other, notably group together in what was seen as a middle the two Vietnams and the two Koreas. There ground between the Communist and non- was also the confrontation between Malaysia, Communist worlds. The first attempts at a supported by the United Kingdom, and regional grouping date from 1961, when the

*Deuladeu Elizabeth Florindo Soares obtains a Master of Arts in International Law and Diplomacy, from the Graduate School of Law, at the Assumption University of Thailand. She received the Scholarship from the Ministry of Education of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

ABAC Journal Vol.38 No.2 (July-December, 2018 pp 172-196) 172 Political Security Obstacles and Challenges of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership

Association of Southeast Asia (ASA) was One of Timor-Leste’s cardinal foreign formed by Malaya, Thailand, and the policies is to maintain its relations with Philippines. Two years later, MAPHILINDO neighbouring countries, as is stipulated in was formed by Malaya, the Philippines, and Timor-Leste’s Constitution: Indonesia. Neither of these organizations was (1) In the conduct of foreign relations, the effective, largely owing to disputes between Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste shall be the members over the formation of Malaysia guided by the principles of national in 1963. Finally, with the end of the independence, the right of the people to self- confrontation, all of these states agreed to form determination and independence, the a regional cooperation, which was established permanent sovereignty of the people over their in Bangkok on 8th August 1967 at a meeting wealth and natural resources, the protection of political representatives from the five of human rights, the mutual respect for founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, the sovereignty, territorial integrity and equality Philippines, Singapore and Thailand (Roberts, among States and the non-interference in 2009). Based on the ASEAN Regional domestic affairs of other States; Forum, the formation of ASEAN was (2) The Democratic Republic of Timor- announced in the ASEAN Declaration, also Leste shall establish relations of friendship and known as the Bangkok Declaration. Another co-operation with all other peoples, aiming at five members later joined ASEAN, including the peaceful settlement of conflicts, controlled Brunei Darussalam on 8th January 1984, disarmament, the establishment of a system of Vietnam on 28th July 1995, Laos and collective security, and the establishment of a Myanmar on 23rd July 1997, and Cambodia new international economic order, all of which on 30th April 1999. should contribute to ensuring peace and justice The objective of ASEAN was to promote in the relations among peoples; political cooperation as well as to foster (3) The Democratic Republic of Timor- regional stability and peace (Chirathivat, Leste shall maintain privileged ties with the 2004), while the root motivation for the countries whose official language is Portuguese; establishment of ASEAN was various security (4) The Democratic Republic of Timor- concerns, occurring during the Cold War era, Leste shall maintain special ties of friendship and with a heavy influence of communism in and co-operation with its neighbouring the region. The basis for membership in countries and the countries of the region. ASEAN is provided in the fourth part of the Another section of the Constitution that Bangkok Declaration: “The Association is supports this foreign policy is Section 115, open for participation to all States in the paragraph 1(h) on the competence of the South-East Asian Region subscribing to the government, which ensures the representation aforementioned aims, principles and of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste in purposes.” As a result of this provision, the international relations. association has expanded its membership to The country’s key foreign policy objectives ten members, the notable exception being the consist of pursuing cooperation with other Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste states, both in bilateral and multilateral bases, (Abdulrahim, 2013). especially through membership in the United

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Nations and several other international with the agreement to transform the organizations; integration into ASEAN; organization into an ASEAN Community with restoring relations with Indonesia; and one vision, one identity and one community. membership in the Community of Portuguese The ASEAN Political Security Community Language Countries, known as CPLP. In (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community addition, Timor-Leste also assigns significant (AEC), and ASEAN Socio-Cultural importance to respect for human rights and Community (ASCC) are very important for fundamental freedom, democracy, and the rule ASEAN member states. The purpose of the of law (Soares, 2011). At the present time, APSC is to ensure that countries in the region the primary focus of Timor-Leste’s foreign live at peace with one another and with the policy is to join ASEAN. However, it is not world in a just, democratic and harmonious easy to become an ASEAN member. There environment. The APSC blueprint was are several requirements for membership, both adopted by ASEAN leaders at the 14th explicit and implicit. The explicit requirements ASEAN Summit on 1st March 2009 in Cha- can be seen in the ASEAN Charter, Article am/Hua Hin, Thailand. The characteristics of 6:2, which reads: admission shall be based on the AEC include: 1) a single market and the following criteria: production base with free flow of goods, a) Location in the recognized geographical services, investment, capital and of skilled region of Southeast Asia; labour; priority integration sectors, including b) Recognition by all ASEAN Member food, agriculture and forestry; a highly States; competitive economic region with competitive c) Agreement to be bound and to abide policies, consumer protection, intellectual by the Charter, and property rights (IPR), infrastructure d) Ability and willingness to carry out the development, taxation, and e-commerce; 2) obligations of Membership. a region of equitable economic development that supports the development of small and The implicit requirements are, among other medium enterprises (SME), and an Initiative things, to act and be seen as an ASEAN for ASEAN Integration (IAI); and 3) a region member, with all necessary administrative fully integrated into the global economy with a structures (Ortuoste, 2011). Timor-Leste is coherent approach towards external economic facing several obstacles and challenges to fulfil relations and enhanced participation in global the above-mentioned requirements. These supply networks. This community has a goal obstacles and challenges as a whole, inhibit its for regional economic integration by 2015. The progress toward membership with respect to AEC blueprint was adopted in the Cebu various aspects of political security, the Declaration on 13th January 2007. economy, and socio-cultural affairs. The ASCC aims to contribute to realising ASEAN has three pillars, namely the as ASEAN Community that is people-oriented political-security community, economic and socially responsible with a view to community, and socio-cultural community. achieving enduring solidarity and unity among These pillars were initiated by the ASEAN the people and ASEAN Member States. It leaders through the Bali Concord II in 2003, seeks to forge a common identity and build a

174 Political Security Obstacles and Challenges of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership caring and sharing society which is inclusive the sustainable management of natural and where the well-being, livelihood, and resources and biodiversity, promoting the welfare of the people are enhanced. The sustainable use of water resources, agriculture ASCC blueprint was adopted in 2009. The and environment, responding to climate change characteristics and elements of the ASCC are: and addressing its impacts, and promoting 1) human development through advancing and sustainable forest management (SFM); 5) prioritising education, investing in human building an ASEAN identity with the promotion resource development, promotion of decent of ASEAN awareness and a sense of work, promoting information and community, preservation and promotion of communication technology (ICT), facilitating ASEAN cultural heritage, promotion of access to applied science and technology cultural creativity and industry, and engagement (S&T), strengthening entrepreneurial skills for with the community; and 6) narrowing the women, youth, elderly and persons with development gap. disabilities, and building civil service capability; Based on the roadmap for building an 2) social welfare and protection through ASEAN Community 2009-2015, the three poverty alleviation, a social safety net and pillars are expected to work in tandem to protection from the negative impacts of establish the ASEAN Community in 2020. integration and globalization, enhancing food Among the three pillars of ASEAN, political security and safety, access to healthcare and security is the one that is of the utmost concern promotion of healthy lifestyles, developing to ASEAN member states for granting improved capabilities to control communicable membership to the organization. diseases, ensuring a drug-free ASEAN and US legal online defines political security building disaster-resilient nations and safer as the defence against any form of political communities; 3) social justice and rights oppression. It is concerned with whether through the promotion and protection of the people live in a society that honours their basic rights and welfare of women, children, the human rights. A secure community is defined elderly, and persons with disabilities; protection as a group whose members can maintain and promotion of the rights of migrant workers, dependable expectations of peaceful change and promoting corporate social responsibility for a long time (Archarya, 2001). Theories on (CSR); 4) ensuring environmental sustainability security describe political security in terms of by addressing global environmental issues, organizational stability and social order, managing and preventing transboundary whereby non-military threats are contained by environmental pollution, promoting sustainable political units other than states, and political development through environmental education security in defence of system-level referents, and public participation, promoting such as international law and society. environmentally sound technology (EST), Prior to or after joining the Association of promoting the development of high quality of Southeast Asian Nations, ASEAN countries living in ASEAN cities or urban areas, face various political and security related harmonizing environmental policies and obstacles and challenges, often related to the databases, promoting the sustainable use of shift of leadership power, frequently dubbed coastal and marine environments, promoting leadership crises in several ASEAN countries,

175 Deuladeu Elizabeth Florindo Soares such as those that occurred in the Philippines cooperate, bargain, and compromise (SAGE, and Indonesia (Keling, M. F., Som, 2014). Political is an adjective that describes Hishamudin Md., Saludin, M. N., Shuib, Md. belonging to or concerned with the form, S., & Ajis, M. N., 2010). The security organization, and administration of a state or development in this region has the aim of part of a state, and with the regulation of its stopping external intervention and internal relations with other states. Political also pertains rebellion. The expansion of membership and to public life and affairs involving authority and function of ASEAN members involves 10 government; relating to or concerned with countries with Southeast Asian backgrounds, political theory and practice (Brown, 1993). and the target is to keep the peace and maintain The term security is derived from the Latin the security of the region. Before Timor-Leste securus meaning safe and secure. This term restored its independence, the country’s can be used with three meanings: 1) the political security obstacles and challenges traditional meaning of security as an attribute mostly came from outside, such as the invasion of state, the absence of military conflict; 2) of Indonesia, which became a barrier for security used in a broader sense, yet still Timor-Leste to achieve its freedom. Even after referring directly to the phenomena taking the country obtained international recognition place in international relations, or directly and of its independence, it still faces obstacles and indirectly caused by inter-state relations; and challenges in the political security sector. These 3) security in a universal sense of a unit and of obstacles and challenges to political security a social entity, i.e., human security (Mesjasz, in Timor-Leste are further elaborated in the 2006). The design of security might be findings. expanded in various directions through the combination of the following features (Mesjasz, REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2006): - Reference object – state, region, alliance, Politics is a peaceful means of determining society, various social groups – nations, who holds the power and influence in society minorities, ethnic groups, individuals, and the (SAGE, 2014). Harold Lasswell defines global system politics as a way of determining, without - Areas or sectors in which existential recourse to violence, who receives power and threats are emerging – political, military, resources in society, and how they get them. economic, ecological, societal Power is the ability to get other people to do - Methods of prediction and identification what you want them to, while resources might of threats – beginning with the search for include government jobs, tax revenues, laws “objective” threats and ending with subjectively that help you get your way, or public policies perceived threats, and resulting from social that work to your advantage. The tools of discourse (“securitization”) politics are compromise and cooperation, - Methods of planning and accomplishing discussion and debate, and sometimes bribery extraordinary actions aimed at monitoring, and deceit (SAGE, 2014). Politics is a preventing or eliminating existential threats fundamental and complex human activity, This shows that all directions of reflecting our capacity to be political – to development of the concept of security provide

176 Political Security Obstacles and Challenges of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership a method for the prediction and identification statesmen either try to acquire, or preserve, in of threats, and for the planning and preparation order to guard the various components of their of actions that are the main goals of any policy- polities from either external or internal threats. oriented investigations into security (Mesjasz, This research concentrates on the political 2006). Security must be interpreted in the security area and focuses on previous studies, broadest possible sense; if national or regional which can be categorized into two groups security is viewed as the overall strength and based on the opinions of the scholars. The first capacity of a nation or region in coming to group consists of supportive opinions, and the grips with perceived threats, there are two second group is critical opinions. dimensions of security. First, external security: Ortuoste wrote that Timor-Leste has there are political and military dimensions that struggled to achieve sovereign statehood and are involved in security, to cope with and deter to gain regional acceptance from the members potential and perceived external threats. of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Second, internal security, with the sense of (ASEAN) since 1975, when Timor-Leste reducing and even solving internal sources of declared its independence from Portugal. insecurity, as well as building and strengthening There were obstacles and challenges for its stability and resilience through development. membership, due to ASEAN’s position This could be termed the development towards Timor-Leste at that time, namely: dimension of security (Xuto, 1983). considering East Timor as an imminent The concept of security from the communist threat and rejecting its claims of Department for Disarmament Affairs of the independence in the 1970s, until finally United Nations describes security as a reluctantly accepting its sovereign statehood condition in which states consider that there is in 2002; not interfering in Indonesia’s no danger of military attack, political pressure incorporation of its ‘twenty-seventh province,’ or economic coercion, so that they are able to but later contributing peacekeepers to United pursue their own development freely and make Nations missions in the country; and rejecting progress. Other examples of security include Timor-Leste’s overtures for ASEAN the balance of power, deterrence, equal membership, before granting it observer status. security, collective security, neutrality, non- Ortuoste argues that after the 1999 referendum alignment, and peaceful coexistence. Various in Timor-Leste, ASEAN had to develop ways concepts of security have a common purpose; to re-engage with Timor-Leste, not only it is for the protection of national security in because of widespread international changing political, military, economic and other recognition of the new state, but also because circumstances. The concept comprises of ASEAN’s success in maintaining the different elements such as military capabilities, region’s peace and security. As a result, each economic strength, social development, ASEAN country slowly began to recognize technological and scientific progress, as well Timor-Leste’s sovereign statehood and, three as political co-operation through the use of years after independence in 2002, ASEAN bilateral and multilateral diplomacy, also formally welcomed Timor-Leste as a ‘new involving international organizations. Security member of the international community,’ but may be defined as a protective condition that did not offer immediate ASEAN membership.

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She quoted some statements from ASEAN report in 2010 that the significance of Timor- leaders in 2006 in the Shangri-La Dialogue, Leste bid to ASEAN is not only for economic where Timor-Leste was one of the topics benefits, but also for security-building as well discussed. The Australian Defence Minister, as identity formation. ASEAN membership for Brendan Nelson, stated that the “region Timor-Leste would also help secure the cannot afford Timor-Leste to become a failed identity of that country by emphasizing its state which could ‘become a haven’ perhaps, political and cultural difference from its two for transnational crime, for terrorism, and powerful neighbours: an independent, indeed humanitarian disasters and injustice.” Portuguese-speaking country and Southeast Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Asian nation. In addition, the political situation Minister Najib Tun Razak argued that there during the 2012 election has shown that Timor- were concerns about the potential disintegration Leste is capable of guaranteeing its internal of Timor-Leste’s political structure, and that politics and security sectors to the international ASEAN needed to be part of any peace community, and is seen as one of the process in Timor-Leste in accordance with its achievements of its government in maintaining vision of an ASEAN Security Community. She peace, stability and sustainable development further added her strong positive opinion of in the country and in the region as well. Timor-Leste’s existence in the region such that, Suáres (2011) posits that the stability and by 2009, ASEAN had included Timor-Leste security situation in Timor-Leste is one of the in the geographic scope of Southeast Asia. The issues that must be resolved for the country to region’s political identity is in flux to become the 11th member of ASEAN. There accommodate a more diverse membership as are concerns that the organization will be well as to lay the foundation for a ‘new’ burdened with a fragile state, prone to unrest ASEAN community. It is within this context and internal conflict. He argues that those that Timor-Leste has sought to improve its concerns might be misplaced, giving a strong capabilities to participate in ASEAN activities, opinion that in this past decade, there were as well as to demonstrate the positive also areas of unrest and political turbulence in contributions it could make in this ASEAN some ASEAN member states as well. integration effort. Moreover, the conflict in Timor-Leste seems Sahin (2012) discusses how Timorese to be more amenable to a solution by means leaders delivered a statement that the Timor- of dialogue and mediation. The result of these Leste government’s strategic plan for the efforts has decreased the level of violence. He ASEAN membership was based on a promise argues that in terms of regional security, it that its presence would not become a “burden” makes sense to incorporate Timor-Leste into for ASEAN. Thus, Timorese politicians ASEAN due to the international attention paid convinced ASEAN member states that their to its natural resources. He assumes that if the country would not be looking for any financial country is admitted into ASEAN, it will open assistance but would depend on their own a door for Papua New Guinea to join ASEAN resources in order to participate in all activities as well. of ASEAN’s community building. Sahin Horta (2013) opines that Timor-Leste is enhances her argument by showing the UNDP incapable of fulfilling some basic requirements

178 Political Security Obstacles and Challenges of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership for admission into ASEAN. He provides the A crisis erupted in 2006, proximately concrete example that the country has not caused by the dismissal of 591 members of developed proper security procedures for Timor-Leste’s military (FFDTL) in March protecting its borders and airport. For 2006. This group came to be known as “the instance, Timorese passports, including petitioners,” and its members were almost diplomatic passports, lack basic security exclusively from western districts. They alleged measures, and immigration services are unable that members of FFDTL from the east of the to read them electronically. country had discriminated against members In her research, Sahin also offers some from the west. The conflict resulted in critical opinions on the readiness of Timor- widespread fighting both between and within Leste for ASEAN membership. She argues Timor-Leste’s two uniformed security forces. that the application raises questions about Members of the army and police forces, whether the country is capable of preparing including their respective oversight ministries, its human resources and fulfilling basic the Ministries of the Interior and Defence, were requirements to integrate into the organization. directly involved in the violence of April and She also argues that Timor-Leste does not May 2006 (Wilson, 2013). This crisis caused have diplomatic representation in all ASEAN instability within the country, which resulted in countries, and thus it is doubtful whether the persons being displaced and houses being country has enough qualified officials who are burned. Many people were worried that the fluent in English to attend the many annual country could become a failed state. However, meetings of ASEAN. Timor-Leste was able to resolve the crisis in three months, due to the great commitment of FINDINGS its people to the process of independence. This demonstrates Timor-Leste’s capacity to Obstacles achieve and maintain political security, one of the three pillars of ASEAN, and serves as an An obstacle is something which blocks, example of why Timor-Leste should be stands in the way of, or obstructs progress admitted as an ASEAN member, because it (Brown, 1993). The current research found was not easy to resolve such a crisis in such a that issues such as the political security crisis short period of time.1 of 2006, persons displaced by that crisis, According to the Handbook for the reconciliation between Timorese people who Protection of Internally Displaced Persons, the supported and opposed independence from meaning of the term internally displaced Indonesia, internal disturbances caused by persons (IDPs) is the persons or groups who martial arts groups and veterans, boundary have been forced or obliged to flee or leave issues and comprehensive security may have their homes or places of habitual residence as implications for the political security of Timor- a result of, or in order to, avoid the effects of Leste. Some of these issues have been armed conflict, situational violence, violations resolved, while others may present challenges of human rights or a natural or human-made for the future. The details of these issues are disaster, and who have not crossed an presented here. internationally recognized state border. Timor-

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Leste experienced problems with IDPs, as a integration into the region. result of the 2006 crisis, as this caused the A veteran is an old soldier of long service, displacement of approximately 150,000 or a former member of the armed forces people. The government was able to (Merriam Webster Dictionary). In other successfully overcome the crisis. However, words, a veteran is someone who was in the some of the IDPs remain in Dili, the capital armed forces, especially during wartime. Since city of Timor-Leste, and appear to be unwilling achieving its independence, Timor-Leste has to return to their homes in their native districts. had three well-known veterans groups, This has given rise to a slight increase of the centred around the old resistance army or population in the country’s capital. former guerrilla leaders. These veteran groups Reconciliation is a key objective in building are the Council for the Defence of the sustainable peace and preventing a relapse Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste into conflict. Reconciliation entails rebuilding (Conselho Popular pela Defesa da relationships among people and groups, and República Democrática de Timor-Leste, between the state and its citizens (UN, 2012). known as the CPD-RDTL), the Sagrada In this regard, Timor-Leste has established a Familia and the Comando Libertasaun successful policy of reconciliation and peace Maubere (Colimau 2000). The CPD- at the national level by healing wounds across RDTL’s main platform is the declaration of the previous deep divide between Timorese independence on 28th November 1975 and who decided to integrate with Indonesia, and the reinstatement of the original Constitution. those who opted for independence (Horta, The leaders of this group are Olo-Gari Asswain 2013). The reconciliation process, led by and Paulino Gama also known as Mauk Maun Bo’ot Xanana Gusmao, was a unique Moruk (Scambary, 2013: 199-200). This process involving courage, determination, and group claims, that it is the true Revolutionary compassion. It was conducted among people Front for an Independent Timor-Leste, known from all 13 of its districts. These reconciliation as Frente Revolucionário de Timor-Leste efforts demonstrated to the world that the (FRETILIN) and the umbrella body for the Timorese people have great heart in resisting resistance; that Timor-Leste is not yet ready the temptation to exercise revenge in the name for a multiparty electoral system; and that of justice (Horta, 2013). Timor-Leste Timor-Leste should form an interim continues to promote the spirit of government of national unity composed of reconciliation. Although Timor-Leste has had eminent people including veterans, academics, a gloomy history with Indonesia, it has and political leaders (Scambary, 2013: 201- undertaken reconciliation with Indonesia. In a 202). Mauk Moruk has also formed an short period of time, the two countries have organization called the Revolutionary Council overcome the problems between them and of Maubere (Consellu Revolusionario have left their past behind. Both countries Maubere, or CRM). Sagrada Familia is an promote friendship and have become good independent armed movement in the neighbours. Timor-Leste places extraordinary hinterlands of Baucau District formed by value on reconciliation in the process of state Cornelio Gama (also known as L7, or Elle consolidation and construction, and also in its Sete) as a result of a clash with the Falintil

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High Command. This group formed a political would not threaten the stability of the country party called UNDERTIM in June 2005 (Everingham, 2015). Timor-Leste has made (Scambary, 2013: 202-204). Colimau was efforts to overcome the issues of veterans originally formed in the mid-1980s by groups. For example, the National Parliament Martinho Vidal in the Hatu Builico of Ainaro issued Law No. 3/2006 on the Status of the District. When the founding members of this National Liberation Combatants (NLC). group became inactive, a new generation arose Chapter IV of the Law defines the rights and in 2000. The followers of Colimau 2000 have obligations of NLC, particularly Article 22 been characterized as poor, illiterate peasants regarding the rights of NLC, and Articles 24 from rural areas. Some members of this group to 26 regarding the special pension for NLC. are ex-guerrillas from the fight for NLC obligations are also described in Article independence. Colimau 2000 also claims to 31. have members from other clandestine groups A martial art is any of the traditional forms like Seven-Seven, Five Five, Buamalus and of oriental self-defence or combat that utilizes ORSNACO (Scambary, 2013: 205). physical skill and coordination without Of these three main groups of veterans, weapons, such as karate, aikido, judo, or Kung the CPD-RDTL in particular, led by the ex- Fu, often practiced as sport (Webster guerrilla commander Mauk Moruk, recently Encyclopaedic, 1996: 1180). Generally, the became an obstacle to the political security of purposes of the martial arts are pragmatism Timor-Leste. Data from the Local Media (getting the job done), sportsmanship (fair Monitoring informed that the government fighting), personal honour or responsibility considers the CPD-RDTL to be an illegal (fighting your own fight, defending yourself), group, and the Baucau District Court issued pacifism (avoiding conflict), nationalism and an arrest warrant for the capture of Mauk sacrifice (defending the country), and civic Moruk and his followers, due to their responsibility or keeping the peace (Buckler, engagement in acts of violence in that district. Scott and Castle, Paul and Peters, D.M., The joint operations forces were initially unable 2009). There are various martial art groups to capture the fugitives because they were (MAGs) in Timor-Leste, including groups supported by their families. Meanwhile, the practicing Taekwondo, Karate, Aikido, Kung President of the Republic, Taur Matan Ruak, Fu, Kempo, Persaudaraan Setia Hati Terate called on Mauk Moruk to surrender for the (PSHT), Ikatan Kera Sakti (IKS), and good of the country’s stability. After several Korka. The MAGs in Timor-Leste have grown months of operations, the joint operations significantly in size and influence in recent years, forces finally stopped the movement of the with an estimated total membership between rebel group after Mauk Moruk and three of 20,000 and 90,000 spread across all 13 his followers were killed in a confrontation with districts. Dili has become the main battleground armed forces in the area of Fatulia, Baucau for MAGs, and fighting is public and frequent. during the first week of August 2015. Jose The main factors precipitating these conflicts Ramos Horta, the former president of Timor- are property disputes, self-defence, Leste, described the death of Mauk Moruk unemployment, predatory crimes, political as sad and unfortunate, but assumed that it grievances, and payback killings (revenge)

181 Deuladeu Elizabeth Florindo Soares among the groups (Scambary, 2010). The was initiated by Indonesia and the United internal disturbance caused by MAGs is one Nations Transitional Administration in East of the security obstacles confronting Timor- Timor (UNTAET) in 2000, with reference to Leste. The government of Timor-Leste is the 1904 Treaty between the Dutch and working hard to overcome the issue of MAGs. Portuguese, and the Permanent Commission It has been reported that some members of Award of 1914 (PCA 1914). The joint the army and police forces of Timor-Leste are organization was started in 2001 with the Joint involved in MAGs. Therefore, on 13th January Ministerial Commission (JMC), including 2015 the government of Prime Minister Foreign Ministers of both Indonesia and Xanana Gusmao conducted a swearing-in Timor-Leste (Liebenberg, E., Collier, P., & ceremony at the Government Palace for 288 Torok, Z. G., 2012). members of F-FDTL and PNTL who were At the beginning of the joint border previously members of martial arts cooperation between the countries, there were organizations. This event aimed to remind problems with eight segments of the border. members of the security forces not to become By October 2004, five of these problems had involved in martial arts organizations. This event been resolved, including the segments of Mota was organized in accordance with government Malibaca, and Noel Ekat (Sutisna, S & resolution 16/2013, issued on 22nd July 2103 Handoyo, S., 2006). The issues in the to disassociate the elements belonging to remaining three segments of Noel Besi/Citrana MAGs from any oaths they have provided to and Bijael Sunan-Oben/Manusasi in the West those organizations whose activities are illegal. Sector and Dilumil/Memo in the East Sector The resolution prohibits martial arts activities were still unresolved (Sutisna, S & Handoyo, across the entire national territory. S., 2006: 178). Through cooperation between The Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste Timor-Leste and Indonesia, the dispute over has two neighbouring countries, Indonesia and one of these final three segments, Dilumil/ Australia. Timor-Leste shares a land border Memo, was resolved in 2013. In 2015, the with Indonesia, and the two nations have had countries adopted an agenda calling for the border issues since Timor-Leste achieved its other two segments to be resolved (KBRI Dili, independence. Studies on the current border 2015). Despite minor tensions over these security issues found that most of the disputes small, unresolved stretches of the land border, involve demarcating the border lines, but other Indonesia continues to be the key supporter problems in border areas involve cultural and and sponsor of Timor-Leste’s primary foreign political conditions, poverty, inadequate policy and ambition of accession to ASEAN infrastructure, and lack of natural and human (Leach, 2014). resources. Some of these land border issues Timor-Leste also has maritime boundary have been resolved, but those that remain issues with both Australia and Indonesia. The require urgent solutions. Timor-Leste and maritime border of Timor-Leste is clearly Indonesia have undertaken efforts to finalize delimited in Law No. 7/2002 on the Maritime their land boundary through the implementation Borders of the Territory of the Democratic of joint border demarcation (Sutisna, S & Republic of Timor-Leste, which came into Handoyo, S., 2006). This joint cooperation force on 20th May 2002 (National Parliament,

182 Political Security Obstacles and Challenges of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership

2002). However, Timor-Leste, Indonesia and However, Timor-Leste expects to take Australia have yet to sign any maritime advantage of its participation in ARF meetings, boundary treaty (Abidin, et al, 2005). In the particularly on security matters, to talk about case of Australia, Timor-Leste has signed three international best practices in handling maritime agreements: the Timor Sea Treaty, which was disputes and other matters among states in the signed on 20th May 2002; the International region, such as its permanent boundaries with Unitization Agreement (IUA) in July 2002; and Australia and Indonesia (SEAA-MNEC, Certain Maritime Arrangements in the Timor 2013). Sea (CMATS) on 12th January 2006. These The problem of political security for Timor- agreements are concerned with management Leste is no longer traditional security, but of petroleum development and revenues, and comprehensive security. Comprehensive do not define the permanent maritime security is mentioned in the ASEAN Charter boundary between the two countries (La’o (Chapter I, Article 1, Paragraph 8), focusing Hamutuk, 2008). The maritime boundary with on drug trafficking and human trafficking. Australia is a complicated issue. The CMATS Timor-Leste must seek to resolve these issues; treaty, which has a term of 50 years, forbids otherwise, the country could become a centre both parties from raising maritime border for these kinds of activities.2 The country issues (Neves, 2014). should also develop its police force and army Since achieving independence, Timor- (PNTL and F-FDTL) in terms of quantity and Leste has aspired to exercise full sovereign quality, particularly in the area of intelligence. powers over its national territory and the Timor-Leste needs to guarantee internal maritime area that is under its jurisdiction under security so that investors will feel safe investing international law. Accordingly, the government in the country. of Timor-Leste enacted Decree-Law No.2/ The unresolved obstacles discussed 2015 on 14th January 2015 to create a Council above, such as MAGs issues, veteran for Definitive Delimitation of Maritime problems, boundary disputes and Boundaries (La’o Hamutuk, 2008). This comprehensive security, may affect Timor- council has the powers and functions Leste’s application for ASEAN membership described in the Article 6 of the Decree Law. in both negative and positive ways. The In essence, this article states that the negative impact can be seen from the APSC government may specifically delegate blueprint, which states that by 2020, ASEAN responsibilities to other departments or shall establish a peaceful and stable Southeast government agencies to negotiate international Asia where each nation is at peace with itself treaties. and where the causes for conflict have been The slow pace of resolving land boundary eliminated through abiding respect for justice disputes, such as Noel Besi/Citrana and Bijael and the rule of law and through the Sunan-Oben/Manusasi, and maritime strengthening of national and regional resilience. boundary issues with Indonesia and Australia, Timor-Leste faced a difficult challenge in stems in part from the absence of institutions solving issues relating to veterans, since the at a national level that specifically manage and veteran group was led by an ex-guerrilla handle all aspects of border management. commander who had no intention of accepting

183 Deuladeu Elizabeth Florindo Soares the government’s invitation for dialogue. reconciliation among its people, and issues with However, the government was able to finally veterans, it is likely that Timor-Leste is capable resolve this matter through the hard work of of handling these obstacles. its joint operations forces. The MAGs issue could also affect its ASEAN membership, as Challenges the issue could appear to be resolved by Timor-Leste, only to explode again any time A challenge is a demanding task or there is a group that wants to create instability situation (Soanes, 2006: 620), one that in the country to further their own interests. requires a great deal of skill, energy, and Investors will think twice about investing in the determination to deal with or achieve; it can country if the political security of Timor-Leste also be an action or idea that questions is unstable. whether something is true, accurate, or legal. On the other hand, Timor-Leste’s The challenges confronting the political security membership in ASEAN could have a positive of Timor-Leste are discussed below. impact for the country in terms of finding The United Nations Economic and Social solutions for boundary issues and Commission for Asian and the Pacific, comprehensive security issues. Timor-Leste describes governance as the process of and Indonesia may refer to the ASEAN decision-making, and also the process by Charter, Chapter I, Article 23 regarding which decisions are either implemented or not dispute settlement for assistance in resolving implemented. Governance can be used in their land and maritime boundaries. several contexts, such as corporate Furthermore, in the same chapter, Article 1, governance, international governance, national paragraph 8 indicates that one of the objectives governance and local governance. Good of ASEAN is to respond effectively, in governance has eight major characteristics: (1) accordance with the principle of participation, (2) rule of law, (3) transparency, comprehensive security to all forms of threats, (4) responsiveness, (5) orientation toward transnational crimes and trans-boundary consensus, (6) equity and inclusiveness, (7) challenges. Thus, Timor-Leste will be required effectiveness and efficiency, and to tackle all these issues effectively. Timor- (8) accountability. Good governance assures Leste will make more important positive that corruption is minimized, that the views of impacts, in resolving its problems with minorities are taken into account, that the comprehensive security, once it joins ASEAN. voices of the most vulnerable in society are Moreover, ASEAN countries will also obtain heard in the decision-making process, and that benefits from Timor-Leste’s presence in the the government is responsive to the present organization, due to wider cooperation in and the future needs of society. combating organized crime and transnational Transparency is the basis of good crimes that threaten stability at national and governance and the first step in fighting regional levels. corruption. It provides a universal rationale for Based on the country’s experiences in maintaining good records management overcoming other obstacles such as the political systems, archives, and financial regulatory and security crisis in 2006, issues with IDPs, monitoring systems (IFLA, 2014). According

184 Political Security Obstacles and Challenges of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership to a report from the Asian Development Bank countries based on how corrupt their public (ADB) in 2015, Timor-Leste made sector is perceived to be (ETLJB, 2012). The improvements between 2005 and 2009 on government of Timor-Leste is striving to accountability, political stability, government achieve good governance through various effectiveness, and regulatory quality, rule of efforts to ensure transparency and fight against law and control of corruption. In 2010, Timor- corruption (TLMFA, 2012). Leste became the third country to comply with Democracy is a form of government in the Extractive Industries Transparency which the supreme power is vested in the Initiative, which measures government people and exercised directly by them or by disclosure practices in the extractive sector, their elected agents under a free electoral with a score of 70.5/100. The country was system (Webster Encyclopaedic, 1996: 530). rated as one of the top three countries in Asia Timor-Leste’s democracy is young and against the index, and also as having therefore imperfect. However, the government comprehensive revenue transparency. and opposition have found common ground Corruption is an insidious plague that has on key strategic priorities for the country and a wide range of corrosive effects on societies. have been able to work together to It undermines democracy and the rule of law, consolidate peace and national reconciliation, leads to violations of human rights, distorts creating an enabling environment for markets, erodes the quality of life and allows sustainable development (Horta, 2013). organized crime, terrorism and other threats The United Nations Human Rights, states to human security to flourish (UNCAC, 2011). that human rights are rights inherent to all Corruption is a phenomenon with negative human beings without regard to nationality, consequences for social and economic life that place of residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, affects the principle of the Democratic State colour, religion, language, or any other status. of Rule of Law. Therefore, Timor-Leste’s IV All people are equally entitled to human rights Constitutional Government proposed to the without discrimination. These rights are all National Parliament the establishment of a legal interrelated, interdependent and indivisible. framework for an Anti-Corruption Timor-Leste has a National Human Rights Commission. This commission was established Institution (NHRI), a governmental on 29 June 2009, based on the United Nations organization named the Provedoria de Convention against Corruption. The Direitos Humanos e Justiça (Office of the commission is an independent body that Ombudsman for Human Rights and Justice), conducts its own investigations and makes which is empowered to deal with complaints decisions independently and objectively to (La’o Hamutuk, 2012). There is also a Human combat corruption effectively. Following this Rights Adviser’s Unit (HRAU) that was development, Transparency International established in 2013. HRAU works in ranked Timor-Leste 127 out of 178 countries partnership with the NHRI, civil society in 2010, an improvement from a rank of 145 organizations and the United Nations Country in 2009. In 2012, Timor-Leste was ranked Team (UNCT) to support efforts to further 113 out of 176 countries and territories in the develop the capacity of partners to promote, Corruption Perceptions Index, which ranks protect and mainstream human rights. Abuses

185 Deuladeu Elizabeth Florindo Soares of human rights are mostly focused on (CCPR), the International Covenant on marginalized groups, such as women and Economic, Social and Cultural Rights children, and especially on their ability to (ICESCR), the Convention against Torture access justice on an equal basis (OHCHR, and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading 2010). Treatment or Punishment (CAT), the Gross human rights violations committed Convention on the Elimination of Racial from 1974 to 1999 remain a challenge for the Discrimination (CERD), the Convention on the government. The national parliament, Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination particularly members of Committee A, Against Women (CEDAW), the Convention proposed a set of draft laws that would create on the Rights of the Child (CRC), and the a national reparation program. However, this International Convention on the Protection of legislation is still pending (OHCHR, 2010). All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Timor-Leste is included in the Working Group Families (ICRMW). on the Universal Periodic Review, which was According to the Minister of Justice, established in accordance with the Human Dionísio Babo, Timor-Leste has ratified the Rights Council resolution 5/1 of 18th June International Convention on Human Rights. 2007. The country’s review was held at the Furthermore, Timor-Leste’s Constitution 15th meeting on 12th October 2011. It was guarantees human rights, even though Timor- observed that, before its independence was Leste does not have a guide for dealing with recognized, Timor-Leste was invaded and human rights issues. Therefore, on 25th annexed by Indonesia, leading to widespread September 2014, the Timorese Ministry of human rights violations. Moreover, the country Justice launched the Annual National Action is one of the few examples in the world where Plan for Research on Human Rights. It is a self-determination of a people was guide for all citizens and institutions on human accomplished simultaneously with the building rights. Respect for human rights and gender of the state, based on the rule of law, balance, at all levels of the government and democratic principles and respect for human the nation, is one of the big challenges for the rights. Both Timor-Leste and Indonesia have government of Timor-Leste. However, this made efforts to normalize their bilateral young democratic country has shown its relations, based on mutual respect and seriousness and commitment to promoting and friendship. Timor-Leste stressed that it cannot protecting human rights and ensuring the and should not antagonize its closest neighbour, fundamental freedoms of all the people in the and that it had created mechanisms for country. diplomatic dialogue which would permit past The electoral system is the bedrock of a wounds to heal, leading to a more promising strong democratic state (Lao Hamutuk, 2006). future (UNGA, 2012). To ensure that elections are conducted in a The Human Rights Handbook for free and democratic manner, Timor-Leste has Journalists in Timor-Leste clearly informed that two election management bodies: the National Timor-Leste has ratified seven international Electoral Commission, known as Comissão human rights conventions: the International Nacional de Eleições (CNE), and the Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Technical Secretariat for the Administration of

186 Political Security Obstacles and Challenges of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership

Elections, known as Secretariado Técnico de gained international trust, and in September Administração Eleitoral (STAE). Free, fair 2013 it received a request from the Transitional and regular elections constitute the foundation Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the of accountable and transparent government. electoral process in that country. Timor-Leste The requirement of free and fair elections is officials contributed to the preparation of the enshrined in the Constitution of the Democratic electoral process, namely the voter registration Republic of Timor-Leste. Elections are phase, which is crucial for credible democratic regulated by the Law on the Election of the outcomes so that elections may proceed in a National Parliament (Law No. 6/2006) and fair and transparent way and receive national the amendments to this law, Law No. 6/2007 and international recognition. The Timorese and Law No. 7/2011. The country has held support for the electoral process in Guinea- six national elections that were free and fair. Bissau was a success. The first election was on 30th August 2001, National security can be most fruitfully selecting the members of the new parliament defined as the ability of a nation to protect its who were charged with writing the Constitution internal values from external threats (Herman, for the new democracy (Horta, 2013). The C.F). According to Tun Dr. Mahathir, security second election was conducted under the is not just a matter of military capability. auspices of UNTAET’s Independent Electoral National security is inseparable from political Commission (Lao Hamutuk, 2006), and was stability, economic success and social held on 14th April 2002. In this election, the harmony. Without these, all the guns in the Timorese people voted for the first time for a world cannot prevent a country from being President. The third election was held on 9th overcome by enemies whose ambition can be April and 9th May 2007, again to elect a fulfilled sometimes without firing a single shot president. The fourth election, held on 30th (Keling, M.F., Som, Hishamudin Md., Saludin, June 2007, was to elect members of M. N., Shuib, Md. S., & Ajis, M. N., 2010). parliament. The fifth election was the There have been positive signs that the political presidential election held on 16th and 17th leaders of Timor-Leste are committed to March 2012, followed by the sixth election mutual respect for the promotion of peace, held that same year for members of parliament. respect for the rule of democracy, and stability Another election that takes place in Timor- during the electoral process (UNSC, 2011). Leste, known as the suco election, is held in The positive outcomes in Timor-Leste include: villages (sucos) to select local community (1) strengthening and improving national leaders. The country has conducted two suco security; (2) increasing national and political elections for local authorities. The first, stability to meet ASEAN standards; (3) conducted in October 2005, was held in 442 continued progress in the capacity of its villages and 2,228 hamlets (aldeias), and was national security forces, both military and generally said to be free and fair. The second police, to cope with national and regional suco election was held in 2009. security issues in accordance with the existing As the country has conducted almost all rules and regulations of ASEAN; (4) improving of its elections in a free and fair manner in and strengthening Timor-Leste’s national accordance with democratic values, it has immigration, customs and quarantine systems

187 Deuladeu Elizabeth Florindo Soares to meet ASEAN standards; (5) maintaining a The formal application of Timor-Leste was firm commitment to the peaceful settlement of submitted in 2011 during Indonesia’s term as disputes; and (6) increasing the quality of chair of ASEAN (Saragih, 2013). From the human resources in all government ministries beginning, Indonesia has shown its and in civil society to respond to the needs statesmanship by fully supporting Timor- and requirements of ASEAN (TLMFA, 2012). Leste’s accession to ASEAN, even though Indonesia and Timor-Leste have a bitter Analysis on Timor-Leste’s Admission history (Ximenes, 2014). The Indonesian Based on ASEAN Charter, Article 6:2 President, H.E. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, reaffirmed Indonesia’s strong support for Timor-Leste is situated in the Southeast Timor-Leste during the visit of Timor-Leste’s Asian region, and occupies the eastern part of Prime Minister, H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Timor Island, which itself, is one of the eastern Gusmao, to Indonesia on 20th March 2013 islands of the Indonesian archipelago. Timor- (Soares, 2013). Leste is bounded by Indonesia to the west, The Government of Thailand established the Timor Sea to the south, and the Banda diplomatic relations with Timor-Leste when Sea to the north (Molnar, 2010: 6). Thus, the the country restored its independence in 2002. country is geographically part of the region of Both countries have enjoyed close and cordial Southeast Asia. relations through the technical cooperation Since Timor-Leste officially submitted its under the Thailand International Development application to join ASEAN, there have been Agency (TIDA), (National Multimedia, 2012). reactions from ASEAN member states, as well The government of Thailand has firmly as other countries located outside ASEAN. supported the admission of Timor-Leste to These can be summarized as follows: ASEAN on at least two occasions: first, when The full support of the Cambodian the Foreign Minister of Timor-Leste, H.E. Mr. government for Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Zacarias Albano da Costa, visited Thailand in membership was expressed by the February 2012 (National Multimedia, 2012); Cambodian Prime Minister, H.E. Akka Moha and second, during the visit of Timor-Leste’s Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen on two occasions. Prime Minister, H.E. Kay Rala Xanana The first statement by the Prime Minister came Gusmao, on 25th - 29th April 2013 (Soares, on 30th March 2011, when the President of 2013). Timor-Leste, H.E. Jose Ramos Horta, made At first, Singapore was one of the a three-day visit to Cambodia. The Prime countries that rejected Timor-Leste’s bid to Minister stated that Cambodia’s support does join ASEAN, citing Timor-Leste’s lack of not depend on whether Timor-Leste is poor development (Padden, 2011). However, or rich, small or big, but reflects the equal rights during the visit of the Timorese Prime Minister of the countries in the region (Nimul, 2011). to Singapore on 3rd - 6th June 2013, the This expression of support was reaffirmed by Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong Mr. Hun Sen during the visit of the Timorese noted that Timor-Leste naturally wants to Prime Minister to Cambodia on 5th - 9th strengthen its ties with the region and desired September 2013 (Soares, 2013). to join ASEAN. He reaffirmed Singapore’s

188 Political Security Obstacles and Challenges of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership commitment to the ASEAN Coordinating Leste’s accession to ASEAN in September Council Working Group process and 2013. Singapore’s continued assistance in capacity- Malaysia expressed its support for Timor- building for Timor-Leste (Pereira, 2013). Leste’s accession to ASEAN in April 2014 During the official visit of Timor-Leste’s (Rajoo, 2006). Prime Minister, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmao, Brunei Darussalam continues to support to the Philippines on 5th - 9th June 2013, Timor-Leste’s efforts to join ASEAN. This President Benigno Aquino III expressed the support was expressed by His Majesty, Sultan Philippines’ support for Timor-Leste’s bid to and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam join the ASEAN community, and stated that Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin he looked forward to working more closely Waddaulah, when the Prime Minister of with Timor-Leste in the future, and advancing Timor-Leste made a three-day visit to the regional dialogue, which will redound not only country on 16th - 18th March 2014 (Kassim, to the growth of the people and their countries, 2014). but also contribute to the stability and continued The United States of America expressed development of the region (Pereira, 2013). support for Timor-Leste’s membership in Vietnam expressed strong support for ASEAN on 5th September 2012 (Soares, Timor-Leste’s admission to ASEAN in 2013). Australia has recognized the potential September 2013 (Soares, 2013). The for the development of Timor-Leste if it joins People’s Democratic Republic of Lao initially ASEAN, stating that this will foster greater expressed concern regarding Timor-Leste’s opportunities for further political, economic economic development, claiming that admitting and social integration into its immediate region Timor-Leste to ASEAN could potentially and would give it a stronger voice in regional represent a backward step in ASEAN’s and world affairs (Armitage, 2011). The movement toward the ASEAN Community in Community of Portuguese Language 2015 (Initiatives for International Dialogue, Countries (CPLP) consists of nine member 2013). Lao finally manifested its support, and states: Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Equatorial stated that it was ready to share lessons learned Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, in relation to Timor-Leste’s application for Portugal, Sao Tome and Principe, and Timor- ASEAN membership, in September 2014 Leste. This community fully supports Timor- (Initiatives for International Dialogue, 2013). Leste’s membership in ASEAN. A statement Prior to Timor-Leste submitting its official of support was released when Timor-Leste application for ASEAN membership, hosted the CPLP Summit in Dili on 23rd July Myanmar had rejected the idea of its 2014 (Soares, 2013). membership in ASEAN, stating an issue with ASEAN Member States shall be bound President Gusmao’s past relationship with and abide by the Charter. This is called the Myanmar’s opposition movement leader, regional universal principle: when Timor-Leste Aung San Suu Kyi (Rajoo, 2006). However, or another nation signs the ASEAN Charter, following the submission of the application, it is automatically integrated into the Myanmar gave its full support to Timor- community, and gains the legal status given to

189 Deuladeu Elizabeth Florindo Soares all ASEAN member states, with equal rights Common Effective Preferential Tariff (CEPT), and obligations. Timor-Leste will need a large number of trained Some areas of work remain for Timor- technical officers with knowledge in economics, Leste before joining ASEAN. For example, finance and trade in order to understand, the requirement that members accede to all introduce and enforce compliance with all the ASEAN Declarations, Treaties and rules and regulations related to ASEAN’s Agreements will require the introduction of Economic Cooperation projects (Abdulrahim, legislation or ratification by the Timorese 2013: 56). National Parliament. This is no easy task, given Timor-Leste’s obligation to keep other the vast amount of Declarations, Treaties and ASEAN countries informed of all trade- Agreements and the fact that they are not in related laws, regulations and requirements, and Timor-Leste’s national languages of Tetum and any subsequent changes thereto, necessitates Portuguese (Abdulrahim, 2013: 55-56). the establishment of diplomatic missions in all Timor-Leste has taken steps to integrate ten ASEAN member states. This will also itself into the ASEAN region. The country has enable Timor-Leste to be informed by other been a full participant in ARF since 2005 and ASEAN member states of any changes to a member of the Southeast Asia Ministers of their respective rules and regulations Education Organization (SEAMEO). Timor- (Abdulrahim, 2013). Based on the Overview Leste has signed the Treaty of Amity and on Timor-Leste’s Preparation towards Cooperation and has also served as an ASEAN Membership (Soares, 2013), Timor- observer of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Leste has already accomplished this step by Assembly (AIPA). Also, in this region of the establishing diplomatic relations with all ten world, Timor-Leste is a member of the members of ASEAN. It had previously ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), the established embassies in Indonesia, Malaysia, Southeast Asian National Forum on Human Thailand, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam; Rights (SEANF), the ASEAN Cooperative and Timor-Leste has recently installed four new Organization (ACO) and a founding member embassies in Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, of Asian Peace and Reconciliation (APRC), Lao PDR and Myanmar to complete its (Soares, 2013). representation in all ASEAN member states. Once Timor-Leste obtains permanent The expectation that Timorese officials will member status, it will have rights and attend and participate in the more than one obligations under the Charter equal to those thousand ASEAN meetings held annually of the other ASEAN member states. Member means that Timor-Leste will require a large states shall take all necessary measures, number of civil servants with an adequate including the enactment of appropriate command of English, the working language of domestic legislation, to effectively implement ASEAN in order to provide sufficient the provisions of the Charter and to comply representatives (Abdulrahim, 2013: 57). with all obligations of membership (ASEAN Furthermore, the expectation that Timor-Leste Charter). will one day take the ASEAN Chair and take To prepare for and meet the obligations responsibility for hosting the ASEAN summit, of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and ARF, East Asian Summit and other meetings

190 Political Security Obstacles and Challenges of Timor-Leste’s ASEAN Membership during that year will require significant upgrades National Secretariat demonstrated to the in financial and human resources (Abdulrahim, ASEAN member states the seriousness of its 2013: 57-58). Since its official application was intention to join the organisation. submitted in 2011, Timor-Leste has Based on these findings and the foregoing undertaken many of the preparations for its discussion, the Democratic Republic of Timor- admission to ASEAN, particularly in building Leste has resolved the main obstacles in the its human resource capacity, as well as the political security sector, which are mainly installation of embassies in ASEAN member internal political security issues consisting of states. the political security crisis of 2006, the problem of IDPs, national reconciliation and issues CONCLUSION regarding veterans. The remaining obstacles that the country has not yet overcome are the ASEAN member states and the MAGs issues, boundary issues, and Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste have comprehensive security issues, such as drugs experienced a similar history of colonization and human trafficking. Timor-Leste will need by western powers. The main aim of the to undertake additional efforts to overcome establishment of ASEAN was to enhance and these problems. The challenges for Timor- maintain political security. The ASEAN Leste are good governance, democracy, community was initiated by the ASEAN human rights, the electoral system and national Concord II, in which ASEAN leaders agreed security. Timor-Leste has applied democratic to establish the community in accordance with values and showed its capabilities in managing three pillars: the ASEAN Political Security good governance through transparency, and Community, the ASEAN Economic combating corruption. Moreover, it has Community, and the ASEAN Socio-Cultural succeeded in conducting free and fair elections. Community. These three communities are However, the issues of human rights and expected to be formed in 2015. national security are ongoing challenges for the Timor-Leste has shown its willingness to country that will require more effort. participate in and contribute to the global In sum, Timor-Leste has no major community, particularly within its region, as is remaining obstacles or challenges to its political stipulated in its Constitution regarding its security and is ready to be admitted as a foreign policy. The country has officially member of ASEAN. However, the country submitted a formal application to join ASEAN, must undertake further preparations in the and in response the ASEAN member states sectors of human resources, infrastructure and have formed the ASEAN Coordinating the economy, as these issues might interfere Council Working Group, whose main task is with Timor-Leste’s membership in ASEAN. to discuss all relevant aspects of the application This, newest country in the region has gained by Timor-Leste, and its possible implications support from many countries around the world for ASEAN. Political security is listed in Timor- for its efforts to integrate into ASEAN. Leste’s Strategic Development Plan as one of Furthermore, Timor-Leste can contribute more the government’s priorities, and the as a full member of ASEAN in terms of establishment by Timor-Leste of an ASEAN reconciliation, human rights, peace-building,

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