Atambua, 17 September 2025 – Borders are not only about entry and exit points, but also shared living spaces that unite the people of Indonesia and Timor-Leste. This was emphasized by the Expert Staff to the Minister for Interagency Cooperation at the Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, Anggiat Napitupulu, S.H., M.Si., during the Sharing Session with Stakeholders on Indonesia–Timor-Leste Border Crossing at the PLBN Motaain Hall.
In his presentation, Anggiat stressed that border management is not only related to security issues, but also to social, cultural, and economic factors. “Border regions hold enormous potential, including cross-border public markets. If managed properly, these markets could be one of the answers to supporting food security for communities at the nation’s eastern frontier,” Anggiat stated.
According to him, traditional border markets such as the Motaain traditional market need to be revitalized, not only as centers of economic transactions, but also as spaces that strengthen bonds between citizens of both nations. He believes that the existence of public markets on both sides—Indonesia and Timor-Leste—would provide a concrete solution to the issue of unofficial crossing points often used by residents for economic reasons.
The Head of the Regional Office of the Directorate General of Immigration for East Nusa Tenggara, Arvin Gumilang, added that border management must be directed toward balancing security and community welfare. “Building cross-border markets is not just an economic project, but part of a larger strategy to maintain regional stability. If people prosper, security will be easier to safeguard,” Arvin emphasized.
Similarly, the Head of the Class II Immigration Office TPI Atambua, Putu Agus Eka Putra, highlighted the importance of operational steps to realize the cross-border market initiative. “Immigration is ready to provide support in terms of immigration regulations, including more targeted issuance of cross-border passes. That way, market activities can proceed legally, safely, and to the mutual benefit of both parties,” he explained.
The Regent of Belu also emphasized that the Indonesia–Timor-Leste border is one of the safest borders in the world, where people share cultural and linguistic ties. Therefore, strengthening public markets at the border also means strengthening brotherhood and opening up healthier economic exchanges.
The event also involved representatives from the TNI (Indonesian Armed Forces), Polri (Indonesian National Police), Customs, Quarantine, BNPP PLBN Motaain, the Belu Regional Government, as well as stakeholders from Timor-Leste.
The discussion produced several recommendations, including extending PLBN operating hours with strengthened security, enhancing interagency coordination, and proposing revisions to bilateral agreements that have been in effect for more than 10 years.
In conclusion, Anggiat stressed that the best solution to various border issues lies in the active involvement of communities in managing cross-border economic activities. Public markets, he said, will become engines of food security, vessels of friendship between the two nations, and a natural barrier to illegal practices through unofficial crossing routes.
“From the nation’s eastern border, we send a strong message: collaboration, food security, and community welfare are the true bulwarks of national sovereignty,” Anggiat concluded optimistically. (*)
