Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) awarded an honorary doctorate (Doctor Honoris Causa) to H.E. Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, Prime Minister of Timor-Leste, during an Open Academic Senate Session at Baruga A.P. Pettarani, UNHAS Tamalanrea Campus, on Saturday, 5 September 2026. The honorary degree recognized Xanana Gusmão’s leadership and contributions to Timor-Leste, regional peace, democracy, reconciliation and humanitarian values. UNHAS highlighted his journey from a key figure in Timor-Leste’s struggle for independence to a statesman who helped guide the country through reconciliation and nation-building.
Prof. Hafid Abbas, M.Sc., promoter of the honorary doctorate outlined four main considerations behind the award: Xanana’s role in Timor-Leste’s independence, his commitment to reconciliation after conflict, his transformation from freedom fighter to statesman, and his legacy of peace and humanity. His role in rebuilding relations between Indonesia and Timor-Leste was particularly emphasized. Rather than allowing the experience of conflict to define future generations, Xanana and leaders from both countries helped create a new relationship based on mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation.
For UNHAS, the honorary doctorate also carries broader significance as a platform for strengthening science diplomacy between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. UNHAS Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc. emphasized that education and research can create new opportunities for cooperation between the two countries. “This honorary doctorate has strategic significance for UNHAS. We want to strengthen relations between Indonesia and Timor-Leste through education, research, and academic networks,” Prof. Jamaluddin said. “Knowledge can open wider opportunities for cooperation between the younger generations of both countries. This is a model of science diplomacy.”
Through education, research, knowledge exchange, student mobility, and alumni networks, UNHAS sees opportunities to deepen academic connections with Timor-Leste while complementing the strong diplomatic relationship between the two neighboring countries. The honorary doctorate therefore serves both as academic recognition of Xanana Gusmão’s leadership and as a new momentum for UNHAS to expand its role as an academic bridge connecting Indonesia and Timor-Leste through knowledge, education, and long-term collaboration.