Timor Leste is inching closer to full membership in ASEAN. After years of participating only as an observer, the small country at the eastern tip of the Indonesian archipelago received in-principle approval from ASEAN in 2022.
If all goes according to plan, Timor Leste is expected to become the eleventh full member of ASEAN by the end of 2025.
However, the road to membership has not been without hurdles. Despite Indonesia's strong and consistent support, several ASEAN member states, including Singapore, previously voiced reservations about Timor Leste's readiness to join the bloc.
Why Indonesia Strongly Supports Timor Leste
Indonesia has been one of the most vocal supporters of Timor Leste's accession to ASEAN. As a close neighbor with deep historical and cultural ties, Indonesia views Timor Leste's inclusion as both natural and strategically important.
International relations analysts point to three main reasons for Indonesia's position. First, it aims to prevent Timor Leste from becoming overly dependent on Australia, which has long played a central role in Timor Leste’s development. By bringing Timor Leste closer to ASEAN, Indonesia seeks to promote geopolitical balance in the region.
Second, Indonesia has a vested interest in enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in managing border areas and facilitating economic access. Third, Indonesia sees strong potential in expanding its market presence, as Indonesian products already dominate many sectors in Timor Leste.
From Observer to Full Member
Timor Leste officially applied for ASEAN membership in 2011 and has since actively participated in regional activities as an observer.
The country regularly attends ASEAN Summits and other multilateral forums hosted by the organization.
Despite this involvement, Timor Leste's application was delayed for years. The primary concern has been whether the country meets the necessary criteria for full membership, particularly in terms of institutional readiness, economic stability, and human capital development.
Singapore: From Reluctance to Support
Singapore was among the countries that initially opposed Timor Leste’s admission. The city-state cited concerns about economic capability and workforce readiness. In Singapore’s view, Timor Leste still faced major challenges in education and lacked a sufficient number of skilled professionals to sustain productivity.
These concerns were not unfounded, considering Singapore’s emphasis on efficiency and capability as guiding principles for regional cooperation. Nevertheless, Singapore's stance has softened in recent years.
Following ASEAN’s in-principle approval in 2022, Singapore began to express support for Timor Leste’s transition toward full membership. This shift aligns with ASEAN’s broader goal of maintaining inclusivity while preserving regional stability.
End of 2025: A Historic Milestone?
With political momentum building and the foundational approval already granted, many believe that Timor Leste’s full membership will be formalized by the end of 2025. This development would mark a historic milestone for the nation.
Timor Leste’s entry would not only expand ASEAN’s geographic reach but also serve as a test of the bloc’s solidarity and its ability to integrate a member with distinct development challenges.
For Indonesia, this is more than a diplomatic win. It represents a commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive ASEAN. For Timor Leste, membership offers a chance to accelerate national development and affirm its identity as part of the Southeast Asian community.
