The findings are significant as Indonesia and Timor Leste continue to expand bilateral cooperation in education, trade, tourism, and regional integration. While official diplomacy is conducted by governments, the study shows that everyday communication among border residents serves as an equally important form of people-to-people diplomacy.
A Shared Language Across National Borders
The Indonesia–Timor Leste border region, particularly in Belu and Malaka Regencies of East Nusa Tenggara Province, is characterized by strong cultural and historical connections. Many residents on both sides of the border share common ancestry, traditions, and linguistic heritage.
Tetun occupies a unique position in this environment. In Timor Leste, it is one of the country's official languages alongside Portuguese. In Indonesia, Tetun functions primarily as a regional language used by communities in border areas.
Despite these different legal statuses, Tetun remains widely spoken in daily life. The language is commonly used in family interactions, traditional ceremonies, local markets, cultural events, and informal cross-border communication.
According to the study, this widespread use has transformed Tetun into an effective tool for maintaining social harmony and strengthening cultural identity among border communities.
How the Research Was Conducted
The research focused on Communication Science students from Belu Regency who study at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences of Widya Mandira Catholic University in Kupang.
Data collection took place between January and April 2026. The study combined several qualitative methods, including group discussions, in-depth interviews, participant observation, questionnaires, and document analysis. Responses from students who actively use Tetun were examined to understand how they perceive language policy and cultural diplomacy in the border region.
The analysis focused on identifying recurring themes related to language use, cultural identity, government policy, and cross-cultural communication.
Students View Tetun as a Language of Identity and Brotherhood
One of the strongest findings is the overwhelmingly positive perception of Tetun among students from Belu.
Participants described Tetun as:
- A primary language of everyday communication.
- A symbol of cultural identity.
- A marker of shared history and kinship.
- A bridge connecting communities across national borders.
- A practical tool for social and economic interaction.
Students reported using Tetun regularly at home, in local markets, during traditional ceremonies, and when interacting with residents of Timor Leste. Many viewed the language as an essential element of their cultural heritage and a key factor in preserving social solidarity.
The study found that Tetun helps create closer interpersonal relationships and facilitates the exchange of information in social, cultural, and economic activities. Its continued use also contributes to preserving local knowledge and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Informal Diplomacy Thrives Even Without Formal Policy
A notable finding is that Tetun's diplomatic role has emerged largely without formal government regulation.
The research found no comprehensive official policy from either national or local governments specifically governing the use of Tetun as a cultural diplomacy instrument in border regions. Nevertheless, the language continues to flourish through community practices.
As a result, Tetun functions as a form of informal diplomacy. Daily interactions between Indonesian and Timorese citizens create opportunities for mutual understanding, trust-building, and cultural exchange.
According to Hendrikus Saku Bouk of Widya Mandira Catholic University, the language serves as a communication bridge that strengthens social and cultural relations between communities on both sides of the border. The study suggests that this grassroots diplomacy contributes to harmonious relations even in the absence of structured diplomatic programs.
Challenges Facing the Future of Tetun
Although the outlook is positive, the study identifies several obstacles that could limit the future development of Tetun.
Among the main challenges are:
- The absence of formal language policies supporting Tetun.
- Limited teaching materials and educational resources.
- Insufficient institutional support.
- The dominance of Indonesian in formal education and government administration.
- Growing influence of globalization and foreign languages.
- Variations in dialects and language proficiency across communities.
Researchers also noted that younger generations increasingly operate in digital environments where national and international languages often dominate communication.
Without stronger support mechanisms, the role of Tetun could gradually weaken despite its cultural significance.
Opportunities for Education, Technology, and Regional Cooperation
The study also highlights substantial opportunities for expanding the role of Tetun in the future.
Researchers suggest that Tetun could be integrated into local education programs, particularly in border regions where the language remains widely used. Increased support for curriculum development, teacher training, and language-learning resources could help preserve linguistic heritage while improving cross-cultural communication.
Technology presents another promising avenue. Digital platforms, language-learning applications, social media, and cultural content digitization could strengthen the visibility and accessibility of Tetun among younger generations.
The research further indicates that a stronger Tetun language ecosystem could support tourism, local economic development, and broader Indonesia–Timor Leste cooperation by facilitating communication and cultural understanding.
As regional integration continues to grow, language may become an increasingly valuable component of soft power and cultural diplomacy.
Academic Insight
Hendrikus Saku Bouk of Widya Mandira Catholic University argues that Tetun functions not only as a communication tool but also as a cultural identity marker and diplomatic bridge. The study concludes that positive perceptions among students provide strong social capital for preserving and developing Tetun as a strategic instrument of cultural diplomacy in border communities.
Author Profile
Hendrikus Saku Bouk is a researcher and academic affiliated with Widya Mandira Catholic University (UNWIRA) Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. His work focuses on communication studies, intercultural communication, border community relations, language policy, and cultural diplomacy in the Indonesia–Timor Leste region.
Source
Article Title: Perception of Communication Science Students from Belu on the Policy of Using Tetun Language in Cultural Diplomacy of the Indonesian–Timor Leste Community in the Border Region
Author: Hendrikus Saku Bouk
Affiliation: Widya Mandira Catholic University (UNWIRA), Indonesia
Journal: Formosa Journal of Science and Technology (FJST)
Year: 2026
Volume and Issue: Vol. 5, No. 5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v5i5.65
Official Journal URL: https://journalfjst.my.id/index.php/fjst
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