NTT PR – The Indonesian National Border Management Agency (BNPP) carried out a survey to identify state border crossing points on 27 unofficial Indonesia-Timor Leste routes in Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara.
The survey activity was led by the Deputy for Regional Boundary Management at BNPP RI, Nurdin, who revealed that the mapping results showed various characteristics, ranging from routes used for social and family activities to routes that have the potential to be misused for smuggling, human trafficking, illegal crossings and cross-border criminal acts.
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“This survey is not just looking for the existence of the route, but understanding its characteristics in full, starting from utilization patterns, level of vulnerability, to the factors that encourage people to use this route,” said Nurdin in his statement, Wednesday 24 June 2026 as quoted by ANTARA.
The survey, which will last for three days, 23–25 June 2026, is a strategic step for BNPP RI in strengthening state border monitoring that is safe, orderly and based on field data.
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The survey activity began with a team release ceremony at PLBN Motaain, Tuesday (23/6). The rally was attended by elements of the BNPP RI National Cross Border Deputy Team, managers of PLBN Motaain, Motamasin, Wini and Napan, Yonarmed 12 East Sector Kostrad staff, Belu Police, as well as representatives of Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and related agencies.
Nurdin emphasized that border management does not only focus on defense and security aspects, but must also understand the social, economic and cultural realities of border communities that have been going on for generations.
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“Border areas are not just dividing lines between countries, but rather spaces of social, economic and cultural interaction that have lasted for tens or even hundreds of years,” he said.
He explained that BNPP RI has continuously identified unofficial route mapping in various border areas.
According to him, Belu Regency has a strategic position with a border line of more than 100 kilometers and high cross-border dynamics, so it requires integrated border management.
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He explained that the survey results would produce verified data regarding the location and distribution of routes, accessibility, intensity of use, level of vulnerability, and potential threats which would become the basis for formulating proportional control policies.
“The state must have a comprehensive understanding of all crossing patterns, both official, traditional and unofficial, so that policies for monitoring, serving and protecting the public can be formulated appropriately,” he said.
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Nurdin also emphasized that handling unofficial routes does not always result in closure, but can take the form of increasing their status to official routes, strengthening supervision, or tightening control at vulnerable points.
From the results of the initial inventory, there are 27 JTR points in the Belu region which will be handled selectively and based on the bilateral agreement between Indonesia and Timor Leste.
Apart from that, Nurdin appreciated the role of the TNI in maintaining security in border areas and emphasized the importance of standardized cross-border services through the CIQS function at integrated National Border Posts (PLBN).
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Currently, Indonesia and Timor Leste have agreed on nine border crossing points, with four of them having an integrated PLBN.
BNPP RI emphasized that this survey is part of its commitment to strengthening sovereign, safe and humane border management.
By strengthening field data and cross-sector synergy, the government is expected to be able to formulate cross-border policies that safeguard state sovereignty while protecting the safety and welfare of border communities in a sustainable manner.***
