Some 1,000 Indonesian pilgrims are anticipated to journey through the Mota Ain Cross-Border Post into Dili, Timor Leste, this weekend to attend a Mass led by Pope Francis, according to Indonesian immigration authorities.
The pilgrimage coincides with the Pope’s extensive apostolic journey across Southeast Asia, with Timor Leste serving as one of the key destinations.
In preparation for the influx of pilgrims, an immigration official said that additional measures are being implemented at the Mota Ain border.
“We have deployed about 80 personnel to ensure the smooth transit of pilgrims. They will be on duty from today until September 12,” said Indra Maulana Dimyati, head of Atambua Immigration in an interview with CNN.
A local newspaper in Timor Leste reported that the Archdiocese of Kupang and the Diocese of Atambua in Indonesia have registered at least 947 pilgrims to attend the Holy Mass.
“Based on the recent coordination meeting report, the total number of pilgrims from the two dioceses was 947,” said Yosef M.L. Hello, secretary general of the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Atambua.
The border post between the two nations will extend operational hours to 18 per day to accommodate the travelers expected for the papal Mass on September 10.
This logistical adjustment comes as many pilgrims face accommodation shortages in Dili, leading authorities to facilitate easier returns to Atambua City post-event.
