DILI

also spelled Dilly, or Dilli, city, kabupaten (regency), and capital of Timor Timur provinsi (province), Timor island, Indonesia. It is located on the northern coast of the island on Ombai Strait. It was the capital, chief port, and commercial centre of the eastern half of Timor, which was under Portuguese rule until 1975, except during Japanese occupation in World War II. The population is mostly Timorese and Atonese with minorities of Portuguese, Eurasians, and Arab Muslims. The city manufactures soap, perfume, pottery, and textiles; coffee is processed. Exports include cotton, coffee, rice, wheat, sandalwood, wool, copra, and processed hides. Crafts include plaiting, basketry, and ivory and sandalwood carving. Roads link Dili with Maubara and Atapupu to the west and with Manatuto and Tutuala to the east. It also has an airport. Pop. (1980) city, 60,150; regency, 67,039.