The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of the Republic of\nIndonesia, together with the National Research and Innovation Agency\n(BRIN), has discussed the development of a decentralisation and regional\nautonomy model that is adaptive to the specific characteristics of\nborder regions.<\/p>\n
This forum served as a space to exchange views regarding the need for\nborder governance that can be adjusted to the characteristics,\npotential, and challenges of each respective area. The audience, led by\nthe Secretary of BNPP RI, Makhruability Rahman, took place at the BNPP\nRI Permanent Secretariat Meeting Room on Tuesday (8\/9\/2026).<\/p>\n
Makhruzi stated that the management of border areas has two main\ndimensions: security and prosperity. He noted that the complexity of\nissues in border regions requires the involvement of various ministries\nand agencies, as well as synergy between the central and regional\ngovernments.<\/p>\n
\u201cManaging border areas cannot be handled by a single institution. It\nis the responsibility of cross-ministries\/agencies as well as central\nand regional governments, so coordination is the key word in handling\nborders in Indonesia,\u201d said Makhruzi.<\/p>\n
During the audience, Makhruzi outlined the strategic direction for\nthe management of National Border Areas and Border Regions (BWN-KP) for\n2025\u20132029. This includes the management of national borders,\ncross-border activities, border area development, and institutional\nstrengthening.<\/p>\n
The scope of BWN-KP management covers 204 priority border\nsub-districts, 22 National Strategic Activity Centres (PKSN), and 26\nNational Border Posts (PLBN). Of these, 15 PLBNs have been built, three\nare yet to be constructed, and eight are included in the third phase of\nthe development plan.<\/p>\n
Additionally, there are 111 Outermost Small Islands (PPKT), with\n2abilities 28 of which are under special attention, consisting of 11\nuninhabited and 17 inhabited islands. These conditions demonstrate the\ndiverse characteristics of the regions, which require policy approaches\ntailored to the needs and capacity of each area.<\/p>\n
Makhruzi cited the handling of transportation in inhabited outermost\nislands as an example, which requires an integrated approach considering\naccessibility, logistical continuity, and territorial sovereignty. He\nnoted that such diversity is a key consideration in formulating border\nmanagement policies.<\/p>\n
BRIN Senior Lead Researcher, Prof.\u00a0Siti Zuhro, stated that the\ncomplexity of issues in border areas must be accompanied by a governance\ndesign capable of adjusting authority to regional characteristics. Such\nan approach is necessary because border regions possess different\nconditions, potentials, risks, and needs.<\/p>\n
\u201cBorders include land borders and sea borders. Their characteristics\nand uniqueness differ. Their potentials are also diverse,\u201d said\nSiti.<\/p>\n
Siti explained that BRIN is developing the concept of an \u2018Adaptive\nAsymmetric Decentralisation Model for Border Governance\u2019 as an approach\nthat allows the distribution of authority to be carried out adaptively\naccordingity to the characteristics of border regions. This model\nencompasses policies, institutions, and governmental instruments\ntailored to the conditions and capacity of the regions.<\/p>\n
The model consists of five main components: structural context, core\ngovernance model, adaptive-asymmetric decentralisation mechanism,\ndifferentiated border governance, and governance outcome.<\/p>\n
These components cover aspects of geopolitics and security,\nsocio-economic disparity, legal and institutional frameworks,\ndistribution of authority, fiscal capacity, coordination, supervision,\nand the strengthening of governmental capacity.<\/p>\n
\u201cBorder area management needs to emphasise adaptive authority\ndistribution. We cannot continue with \u2018business as usual\u2019. We must\nutilise digital tools and train our human resources,\u201d said Siti.<\/p>\n
Through the \u2018differentiated border governance\u2019 approach, the\ncharacteristics of land and sea borders are placed within different\nmanagement frameworks. Land borders place more emphasis on security,\nconnectivity, and cross-border social relations, whereas sea borders\nfocus on maritime sovereignty, the marine economy, and maritime area\nsurveillance.<\/p>\n
Siti also emphasised the importance of strengthening regional fiscal\ncapacity, governability, coordination, guidance, and supervision. A\nmultilevel governance approach is deemed necessary to ensure that the\ndivision of roles and the implementation of policies between the central\nand regional governments proceed effectively.<\/p>\n
The audience also discussed several research agendas, including\nidentifying border management issues from the perspective of\ndecentralisation and regional autonomy, gathering stakeholder\nexperiences, and testing the relevance of the Adaptive Asymmetric\nDecentralisation model against empirical field conditions.<\/p>\n
The discussions between BNPP RI and BRIN are expected to provide a\nfoundation for developing border governance that is more suitable for\nthe characteristics of each region, while simultaneously supporting\ndevelopment efforts that address the needs of communities in border\nareas.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/bnpp-and-brin-discuss-adaptive-decentralisation-model-for-border-region-management-1788879306", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }