BNPP RI Surveys Unofficial Cross-Border Routes in Belu to Strengthen Border Governance
The National Border Management Agency (BNPP RI) is carrying out a survey of unofficial cross-border routes (Jalur Tidak Resmi/JTR) along the Indonesia–Timor Leste border in Belu Regency, Nusa Tenggara Timur. The survey, taking place from 23 to 25 June 2026, represents a strategic move by BNPP RI to strengthen border oversight that is secure, orderly, and grounded in field data.
The activity was led by BNPP RI Deputy for State Border Management Nurdin, commencing with a team dispatch ceremony at the Motaain Integrated Cross-Border Post (PLBN) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026. The ceremony was attended by elements of the BNPP RI Cross-Border Deputy Team, managers of the Motaain, Motamasin, Wini, and Napan PLBNs, personnel from the 12th Kostrad Artillery Battalion Eastern Sector, Belu Police, as well as representatives from Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and other relevant agencies.
In his briefing, Nurdin stressed that border management must not focus solely on defence and security aspects, but also needs to comprehend the social, economic, and cultural realities of border communities that have existed for generations. ‘Border areas are not merely lines separating countries, but spaces of social, economic, and cultural interaction that have been ongoing for decades, even hundreds of years,’ he stated.
He explained that BNPP RI has continuously identified and mapped unofficial routes across various border regions. The results show diverse characteristics, ranging from routes used for social and family activities to those with potential for misuse, including smuggling, human trafficking, illegal crossings, and transnational crime.
‘This survey is not just about locating the routes, but understanding their full characteristics, from usage patterns and vulnerability levels to the factors that drive communities to use them,’ Nurdin said.
According to him, Belu Regency holds a strategic position with a border line exceeding 100 kilometres and high cross-border dynamics, necessitating integrated border management. He explained that the survey will produce verified data on the location and distribution of routes, accessibility, intensity of use, vulnerability levels, and potential threats, which will serve as the basis for formulating proportional control policies.
‘The state must have a comprehensive understanding of all crossing patterns, whether official, traditional, or unofficial, so that policies on supervision, service, and community protection can be formulated accurately,’ he said.
Nurdin also emphasised that handling unofficial routes does not always result in closure, but could involve upgrading their status to official routes, strengthening supervision, or tightening controls at vulnerable points. Based on initial inventory, there are 27 unofficial crossing points in the Belu area that will be handled selectively and based on bilateral agreements between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. He also expressed appreciation for the Indonesian National Armed Forces’ (TNI) role in maintaining border security and stressed the importance of standardised cross-border services through the Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Security (CIQS) functions at integrated PLBN posts. Currently, Indonesia and Timor-Leste have agreed on nine official crossing points, four of which already have integrated PLBN posts.
BNPP RI affirmed that this survey is part of its commitment to strengthening sovereign, secure, and humane border management. Through enhanced field data and cross-sector synergy, the government is expected to formulate cross-border policies that safeguard national sovereignty while sustainably protecting the safety and welfare of border communities.