BNPP Opens Dialogue with Neighbouring Nations to Discuss Border Management
The National Border Management Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BNPP RI) is strengthening communication and cooperation regarding border management with neighbouring countries. This reinforcement was conducted through the Indonesia Border Partnership Coffee Morning forum held at the BNPP RI Permanent Secretariat Office in Jakarta today.
Led by the Head of BNPP RI, Tito Karnavian, the forum served as a space for dialogue to discuss the role of BNPP RI, border area development programmes, and various issues related to border management and international relations.
The forum also provided a momentum to further introduce the functions and roles of BNPP RI to partners from neighbouring countries, including future border area development programmes.
“Essentially, we reviewed the functions and roles of BNPP. I introduced in depth what BNPP actually is, considering this agency may not yet be widely known by our partners. I outlined the functions and roles of this agency, as well as future development programmes,” Tito stated in his remarks on Wednesday (16/09/2026).
In addition to discussing BNPP RI’s programmes, the meeting addressed efforts to maintain and develop Indonesia’s relations with neighbouring countries, particularly in border regions.
Tito stated that cooperation between parties should be directed towards resolving issues peacefully while providing benefits to the populations of both nations.
“We also discussed how to ensure that relations between Indonesia and neighbouring countries, especially in border areas, can continue to be developed together for the benefit of the people in both countries,” he explained.
Tito, who also serves as the Minister of Home Affairs, added that representatives from friendly nations welcomed the strengthening of partnerships in various fields, including trade and culture. He noted that such cooperation is part of the effort to build relationships that benefit people in border regions.
“I am very pleased because all representatives of friendly nations welcomed and were willing to strengthen partnership relations, whether in trade, culture, or other fields, for the common welfare of the people and the progress of countries in border areas,” said Tito.
Tito revealed that Indonesia shares borders with 10 neighbouring countries, consisting of three land borders—Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor-Leste—and seven maritime borders, namely Singapore, Australia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Palau.
Meanwhile, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste, Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, welcomed the forum as a space for dialogue to strengthen neighbourly relations between the two nations. He stated that Timor-Leste is committed to continuing cooperation with Indonesia, including in human resource development.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity that Minister Tito Karnavian has facilitated a warm, open, and very profound dialogue among neighbouring countries,” said Roberto.
On the other hand, the Australian Border Force Adviser for Indonesia, Ian Kelly, stated that the forum was an opportunity to reinforce cooperation between Indonesia and Australia. He assessed that the partnership between the two nations can continue to be developed, including in maintaining regional stability and meeting the needs of the community.
In attendance at the forum were the Ambassadors of Malaysia Dato’ Muzaffar Shah Mustafa, Papua New Guinea Simon Namiss, Timor-Leste Roberto Sarmento de Oliveira Soares, Vietnam Ta Van Thong, Singapore Kwok Fook Seng, and the Philippines Christopher B. Montero. Also present were the Australian Border Force Adviser for Indonesia Ian Kelly and the Political Consul of the Indian Embassy Vikram Vardhan.
The forum is part of BNPP RI’s efforts to build cross-border communication in border management, considering not only territorial aspects but also inter-community relations and the developmental benefits for citizens in border regions.