BNPP RI Receives Malaka DPRD Delegation, Discusses Border Free Trade Zone Development

The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of Indonesia received an audience with the Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD) of Malaka Regency to discuss the proposal for a free trade zone in the border area between Malaka Regency and the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste (RDTL). Led by BNPP Deputy for Border Area Potential Management, Inspector General Pol. Edfrie R Maith, the meeting served as a strategic forum to convey the aspirations of border regions regarding the acceleration of economic growth and improvement of community welfare through the development of a free trade zone. The discussion focused on the potential of the Malaka border area, which is considered to have significant opportunities to be developed as a hub for cross-border trade activities. Deputy Chairman of the Malaka Regency DPRD, Lambertus Bria, explained that the idea of establishing a free trade zone stemmed from the urgent need to stimulate the border economy, especially after Malaka was separated from Belu Regency. He noted that cross-border economic activity in the Malaka region still lags behind other border areas. ‘Our goal is to encourage job creation, entrepreneurship, and economic equality in the border region. With a free trade zone, border communities can more optimally utilise cross-border economic opportunities,’ said Lambertus. He also highlighted the limited transaction value at the Motamasin Cross-Border Post and the need for infrastructure and regulatory support for sustainable trade growth. Lambertus added that the East Nusa Tenggara Provincial Government has responded to the idea by drafting a plan for a free trade zone in the border area. The Malaka DPRD hopes BNPP’s support can strengthen inter-ministerial and institutional coordination to follow up on the plan concretely, including improving road access to Motamasin and reactivating the border market. In response, Inspector General Edfrie Maith stated that BNPP, in principle, supports efforts to improve the economy of border communities, including through a free trade zone scheme. However, he emphasised that the policy’s realisation requires a comprehensive study and a bilateral agreement between countries. ‘We have studied free trade zone practices on the borders of other countries. Conceptually, it is very possible to implement, but it must begin with an inter-state cooperation agreement as it involves neutral territory and sovereignty,’ Edfrie explained. He mentioned that BNPP has prepared an initial master plan for the Motaain border area as a pilot location, considering it is one of the busiest routes. Inspector General Edfrie also stressed the importance of strengthening supervision and law enforcement in border areas to prevent smuggling practices that could harm the state. According to him, optimising the role of security forces and coordination with local governments is key to ensuring that border economic zone development goes hand in hand with regional security and order. In addition to the free trade zone issue, the meeting also discussed the follow-up to development programmes in the border area, including central government support for the renovation of uninhabitable houses through the Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance (BSPS) programme, which is also allocated for Malaka Regency. Through this audience, BNPP and the Malaka Regency DPRD agreed to strengthen synergy and communication in promoting inclusive and sustainable border area development. Going forward, BNPP will accommodate and review regional proposals as material for cross-sector coordination, with the hope that the Malaka border area can grow as a developed, safe, and prosperous front porch of the nation.