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The delimitation of Timor-Leste´s maritime boundaries and the utilization of natural resources in the new development area
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Timor-Leste, a small coastal country located in Southeast Asia has recently gained
notoriety due to its initiative in commencing an International Dispute against Australia
in regards to the delimitation of its maritime borders.
Australia, alongside Indonesia are Timor-Leste's direct neighbors who have had
interests in what lays within the Timor Sea for a long period of time. This “Interest” has
created waves of uncertainty that is felt in all sectors of Timor-Leste's development
namely Economy and Sovereignty, in particularly, the rights of exploration of maritime
resources in its own waters.
Thus, the need to have a defined maritime boundary that is set out according to the
International Law was imperative and a National Priority.
The process was rough and exhausting but it was necessary, as it finally put an end to
the long years of maritime boundaries dispute with Australia as well as a first step
towards a better and clearer future.
Timor-Leste have managed to see profitable gains through the Joint Petroleum
Development Area (JPDA), however this occurrence placed a delay on the definition of
Timor-Leste's Maritime Borders for over 40 years as a reciprocal exchange from
Australia, which in turn has generated less profitable gains of oil revenue for TimorLeste.
A turn of events happened in favor of the Country in 2018 with the signing of a historic
treaty regarding the permanent delimitation of the Maritime Borders in the Timor Sea,
this new agreement brought an end to the decade long dispute between Timor –Leste
and Australia in relation to rights to the sea's rich oil and gas reserves.
This new deal further laid a foundation for a new chapter in the relationship between the
two countries, with the newly signed Maritime Boundary Treaty (MBT) between
Australia and Timor-Leste, the latter will finally gain the majority of any future
revenue.
This new deal means that Timor-Leste should receive at least 70% of the largest oil
field, Greater Sunrise, which is worth an estimated $40b (in 2018), which was a
significant achievement compared to the previous agreement which to be split evenly
between the countries and because of this, East Timor being one of the world’s poorest
nations and is heavily reliant on oil and gas revenues for its economy, was running out
of resources.
The MBT not also establishes a permanent maritime boundary between Australia and
Timor-Leste in the Timor Sea but it also contributes to the definition of a stable and
legal framework for resource development, providing certainty and stability for business
and investors. In addition, the MBT provides for both countries the opportunity to develop the Greater
Sunrise gas field together but also the recognition of both countries in having legitimate
sovereign rights as coastal states under the UNCLOS.
Without a doubt it was not an easy process; it was the culmination of all the hard works,
commitment and dedication of the Timorese people in legitimizing our rights.
Thus, I invite you to join me in relieving one of Timor-Leste's golden memories, to
witness the journey and commitment of a nation in attaining international recognition
that the Seas on Timor-Leste's side belongs to the Timorese people.
Through this paper, you will be further provided with the historical context of the
struggle Timor-Leste had to face, against all the odds, for its maritime sovereignty, in its
longstanding dispute with Australia over maritime boundaries through the first-ever
compulsory conciliation under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.