RATIFICATION AGREEMENT OF THE CERTAIN MARITIME ARRANGEMENTS IN THE TIMOR SEA (CMATS) BY THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF TIMOR-LESTE (RDTL)

Abstract

The ratification agreement of the Certain Maritime Arrangement In The Timor Sea—CMATS Agreement is an agreement between the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (RDTL) government and the Australian government regarding certain marine provisions in the Timor Sea. This agreement was ratified by the RDTL parliament on February 20, 2007. The ratification of the CMATS agreement caused various controversies in various fields, many parties considered that this agreement represented the national interests of Australia and oil companies more than the national interests of Timor-Leste, but many also believed that the CMATS agreement is the best that Timor-Leste can accept at this time. The RDTL Parliament issued a decision to ratify the CMATS agreement, after receiving various inputs in the form of demands and support received from both the internal and external environments. In writing this thesis, the writer uses the descriptive-analysis method by collecting data and facts. The preparation of this thesis proposal also uses literature study research techniques. The analytical tool used is the theory of political system analysis according to David Easton and is supported by the interest group theory by Rod Hague. The results obtained from this research were to explore the negotiation process between the Australian government and the RDTL government, where even though the two countries had experienced a deadlock in the negotiations regarding the Timor Sea boundary, in the end, the two countries agreed to ratify the CMATS agreement. This was considered acceptable to both countries because it could protect the national interests of both parties. Therefore, the CMATS agreement is considered by the two countries as a win-win solution.