The Oecussi Ambeno Enclave: part of East Timor isolated inside Indonesia

Most importantly, the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of East Timor passed by the Constituent Assembly in March 2002 created the political space for future debate and legislation pertaining to the circumstances faced by the Enclave. The Constitution provides for unique recognition of the Enclave in three sections. Most importantly, it states that "Oecussi-Ambeno shall be governed by a special administrative policy and economic regime".

In the wake of constitutional recognition of the issue, and as a result of another proposal by the community and the Oecussi District Administration, the Chief Minister of East Timor's government established an Oecussi Task Force. This is a high-level group comprising members of the Council of Ministers. When addressing the challenges that face the Enclave, the Task Force is charged with finding a holistic solution. Border issues with West Timor are linked to its economic development, which is further linked to its security. The lack of transportation and communications facilities with East Timor proper practically demand some measure of administrative flexibility, linking transport and communications with local governance. In short, a Comprehensive Enclave Policy is required - one that recognises the full range of Oecussi's unique circumstances, including security, foreign and trade relations, economic development, and internal administration, to name but a few.

In conclusion, some observers have argued that a suitable Enclave Policy could act as a bridge in the process of developing a harmonious, and mutually beneficial, relationship between East Timor and Indonesia. Any such policy would have to be developed via internal decision-making processes in East Timor, subject very much to the relevant articles in the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of East Timor. However, this process, as necessitated by Oecussi's geography, would also have to include some dynamic negotiations with Indonesia.

Oecussi is on the frontline of East Timor-Indonesia relations. The population of the Enclave are all too aware of this fact and in their daily lives express considerable goodwill and openness to their neighbours in West Timor, be they friends, family or former political adversaries. The Enclave's geographic intimacy and peaceful relations with West Timor and Indonesia between 1999-2002 suggest that not only is a unique relationship possible but that it is desirable.