BNPP RI Identifies Challenges and Potential in Tou Lumbis through IPKP Measurement

KOMPAS.com - The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), through its Deputy for Border Area Potential Management, has carried out an accelerated measurement of the Border Area Management Index (IPKP) in the Tou Lumbis Border Growth Centre (PPKP), Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, on Wednesday (6/5/2026).

This activity represents a strategic step by BNPP RI in mapping the actual conditions of border areas while compiling recommendations for integrated and sustainable development policies.

BNPP RI’s Deputy for Border Area Potential Management, Edfrie R Maith, emphasised that the IPKP measurement is conducted to identify various issues still faced by border communities.

Additionally, the IPKP activity serves as a basis for synchronising programmes across ministries and agencies to accelerate border area development.

“The IPKP measurement is not only an evaluation instrument but also a strategic step to ensure that border area development is on target and capable of improving community welfare,” he stated in a written remark received by Kompas.com.

However, this potential is deemed not yet providing optimal added value because most of the community’s production outputs are still marketed in raw form.

According to Edfrie, developing downstream processing is one of the important solutions to enhance the economic competitiveness of border communities.

BNPP RI encourages the processing of local commodities into higher-value derivative products, such as processed seaweed or cassava-based tapioca flour.

Edfrie explained that the Tou Lumbis area has significant economic opportunities.

In addition to economic issues, BNPP RI also highlights the high dependence of communities on products from Sabah, Malaysia, particularly for staple needs.

This situation is exacerbated by the circulation of illegal goods, which impacts economic growth in border areas.

Edfrie assessed that strengthening regulations and export-import governance is an important step to make border flows more controlled and supportive of local products.

In the security sector, BNPP RI notes the prevalence of illegal cross-border activities, including the presence of non-procedural migrant workers utilising unofficial routes or “rat paths”.