The Ministry of Planning and Strategic Investment (MPSI) of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, through the Directorate-General of Territorial Planning (DGTP) and the National Directorate of Urban Planning (NDUP), is actively committed to enhancing institutional performance and human resource development in the field of territorial and spatial planning. As part of this strategic agenda, MPSI has initiated a comprehensive training program aimed at strengthening the technical capacity of DGTP personnel in three critical areas: urban planning, resettlement planning, and property business and management.

To support the successful implementation of this program, the School of Architecture, Planning, and Policy Development (SAPPD) of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), Indonesia, has been selected as the training provider. SAPPD ITB brings decades of experience in education, research, and community service in spatial and urban development across Southeast Asia. With a strong academic foundation and practical orientation, the institution is well-positioned to design and deliver a high-quality capacity-building initiative tailored to the needs of Timor-Leste.

The training program is not only intended to improve participants’ technical competencies but also to foster institutional learning by exposing government officials to a range of planning challenges, strategies, and solutions observed in the Indonesian context. By integrating theoretical instruction with hands-on field experience and site visits, the training aims to provide practical insights that are adaptable to Timor-Leste’s socio-political environment, planning frameworks, and developmental goals. The curriculum is designed to support the government’s efforts in aligning national urban and land use strategies with sustainable development principles and inclusive governance.

Moreover, this program represents a broader commitment to regional cooperation and south-south knowledge exchange. Through this partnership, Timor-Leste and Indonesia can strengthen institutional linkages and advance shared learning in urban planning and public policy. The initiative underscores the importance of building a competent and future-ready public sector that is capable of addressing rapid urbanization, managing land effectively, and ensuring equitable service delivery.

In addition, the training will serve as a platform for professional networking between Timorese officials and Indonesian academics and practitioners. These connections are expected to generate future collaboration opportunities, foster a culture of peer learning, and ensure continuous dialogue beyond the training period. Such transnational cooperation will contribute to a more resilient and adaptive urban governance system in both countries.