BNPPDT Makes ‘Independent Papua’ a Pilot Programme to Accelerate Development in Border Regions
JAKARTA — The National Agency for Border and Remote Area Management (BNPPDT) is preparing to accelerate efforts in remote areas through regional mapping and the setting of development priorities. The measures include strengthening infrastructure and empowering communities, and were discussed with the Presidential Staff Office (KSP) at the BNPPDT’s permanent secretariat office in Jakarta on Monday (26 October 2026).
Nurdin, BNPPDT deputy for national border management, said efforts in remote areas would begin with mapping and the development of criteria to determine priority locations. The results would provide the basis for an integrated master plan and action plan for managing national borders and border areas.
“For remote areas, we first map them and determine the criteria, then set priorities. Based on those priorities, we draw up an integrated master plan for management that links to national border and border-area management,” Nurdin said.
He added that efforts to accelerate development in remote areas were intended to open up access to places that remain isolated. BNPPDT is promoting cross-sector co-operation so that the measures can be implemented over the next two to three years.
Alongside infrastructure development, BNPPDT is preparing community empowerment programmes based on local needs. One initiative is to organise support for fishermen, including registration, assistance, guidance and safety measures while they are at sea.
The approach is expected to strengthen local economies and improve the preparedness of residents on outer small islands for extreme weather and high waves, which could disrupt economic activity and transport access.
In land border areas, BNPPDT is preparing the ‘Building an Independent Papua Village at the Nation’s Front Porch’ pilot programme, one of the agency head’s initiatives to accelerate development. It targets seven villages near State Border Crossing Posts (PLBN), with measures to improve connectivity, build bridges and boreholes, and expand agriculture by establishing rice fields and gardens.