BNPP Strengthens the Role of Da'i in Border Area Development
Synergy among da’i is essential to support the development of the country’s border areas. This was stated by Nur Kholis, an expert group member of the Indonesian National Border Management Agency (BNPP), representing BNPP Secretary Komjen Pol. Makhruzi Rahman.
This synergy is expected to produce an active role for da’i as development agents who help maintain unity, strengthen welfare, and reinforce national values at the forefront of the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.
According to BNPP expert group member Nur Kholis, representing BNPP Secretary Komjen Pol. Makhruzi Rahman, Indonesia’s current border management no longer relies solely on a security approach. Indonesia, he continued, prioritises a dual approach of security and prosperity as the foundation for managing border areas.
“Indonesia does not build walls at the borders, but builds prosperity. State borders must be firm in terms of sovereignty, but economically, borders should support the strengthening of the economies of both countries’ communities,” said Nur Kholis on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. According to him, this is the essence of the border policy promoted by BNPP RI together with relevant ministries and agencies.
BNPP RI, said Nur Kholis, serves as the coordinator for managing state border areas, covering land and sea segments. In this context, the development of State Border Crossing Posts (PLBN) is not only seen as a symbol of the state’s presence but also as a centre for new economic growth in border areas.
The future paradigm of border development is directed towards making border areas no longer synonymous with underdeveloped or isolated regions, but rather as the advanced and prosperous front porch of the nation. Sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and cross-border trade are considered to have great potential for optimal development.
BNPP hopes that through the International Seminar and Da’i Upgrading themed “Synergy of Da’i in Development in State Border Areas,” previously held at the Main Hall of the Sambas Regency Regent’s Office on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, a common perspective will be built between the central government, local government, academics, and religious figures in viewing border areas as a strategic space for national development.
Previously, at the seminar, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs (Wamendagri) Akhmad Wiyagus emphasised that the role of da’i should not be limited to religious guidance but needs to be expanded to encourage community self-reliance. According to him, da’i have a strategic position as social movers capable of fostering collective awareness among the community, especially in border areas like Sambas Regency.
“Da’i must help promote economic self-reliance, food self-reliance, and self-reliance in various aspects of community life,” said Akhmad Wiyagus. According to him, the Prabowo Subianto administration places border areas as a national development priority through various strategic programmes.
Several national programmes, he said, have been and continue to be rolled out to accelerate progress in border areas, including the Free Nutritious Meals Programme (MBG), People’s Schools, Red and White Village/Urban Ward Cooperatives (KDMP), and strengthening community economies based on local potentials. These programmes are expected to sustainably improve the welfare of border residents.
Meanwhile, Sambas Regent Satono stated that human resource development (HRD) is the main focus of the local government in welcoming progress in border areas. The quality of human resources is key to maximising and sustaining the management of various regional potentials.
“Sambas Regency has great potential in the agriculture, fisheries, and cross-border trade sectors. This potential must be supported by superior human resources to improve community welfare,” said Sambas Regent Satono, who is also the Chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Brotherhood (Parmusi) of West Kalimantan Province.
He also appreciated and congratulated all seminar participants, especially da’i from within and outside the country. It is known that participants came from various countries; besides Indonesia, participants included those from Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Brunei Darussalam. The seminar serves as an effort to strengthen the strategic role of da’i in development, particularly in border areas.