Timor-Leste Set to Become ASEAN’s 11th Member, Achieving Long-Held Political Goal

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: AFP

Timor-Leste, Southeast Asia’s youngest nation, is poised to become the 11th member of ASEAN this weekend, marking the culmination of a decades-long aspiration. Analysts view the move as a political victory, though the economic benefits for the country remain uncertain.

Home to 1.4 million people, Timor-Leste is slightly larger than Qatar and ranks as the poorest nation in the region. The country applied to join the ten-member bloc in 2011 and gained observer status in 2022. It won independence from Indonesia in 2002 following a UN-supervised referendum and shares a border with the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara.

The nation is led by two of its independence heroes. President Jose Ramos-Horta, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao have both championed ASEAN membership, with Ramos-Horta first proposing the idea in the 1970s. The formal accession will take place at the ASEAN leaders summit from October 26 to 28, chaired by Malaysia.

Timor-Leste faces the challenge of diversifying its nearly US$2 billion economy, which remains heavily reliant on declining oil and gas reserves. Analysts warn that as ASEAN’s smallest economy, it may struggle to fully benefit economically from membership. Experts also note that the country may need to implement institutional reforms to attract foreign investment and improve productivity.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn highlighted that membership will amplify Timor-Leste’s voice in international forums and secure its strategic interests through established diplomatic and economic networks. Ramos-Horta described the milestone as a long-held dream, emphasizing the significance of political legitimacy and regional recognition.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim drew parallels to ASEAN’s early years, noting that several founding members were also economically modest. Observers suggest that the country’s integration will provide some protection against geopolitical pressures from major powers, while offering avenues for diplomatic support and regional collaboration.

While the political gains are clear, questions remain about the tangible economic outcomes. Timor-Leste’s accession represents a historic achievement in regional diplomacy, but its success within the ASEAN economic framework will depend on governance reforms and strategic economic planning.