Commander Orders Tight Surveillance of Indonesia-Malaysia 'Rat Routes'

Pontianak (ANTARA) - The Commander of Kodam XII/Tanjungpura, Major General TNI Novi Rubadi Sugito, has ordered the Indonesia-Malaysia border security task force to tighten surveillance of ‘rat routes’ in West Kalimantan to prevent the smuggling of illegal goods, narcotics, and the crime of human trafficking. “Tighten supervision of the rat routes, anticipate illegal border crossers, and enhance early detection of narcotics smuggling and human trafficking,” Novi said while presiding over the task force handover ceremony for Batalyon Armed 13/Nanggala and Batalyon Armed 19/Bogani at the Sudirman Hall of the Kodam XII/Tanjungpura headquarters in Kubu Raya on Monday. The two units officially replaced the previous task forces to carry out security operations in the western and eastern sectors of the Indonesia-Malaysia border in West Kalimantan. Novi stated that unofficial crossing points in the border area remain vulnerable spots frequently exploited for various transnational illegal activities. In addition to their security duties, soldiers were also instructed to actively conduct territorial development and strengthen social communication with local communities as part of efforts to reinforce the state’s presence in the border region. The commander acknowledged several ongoing challenges in the field, including limited narcotics detection equipment, ageing operational vehicles, and a lack of basic infrastructure such as communication networks, electricity, and clean water at several border posts. Despite these constraints, he urged all personnel to adapt quickly to their area of operations, understand the characteristics and culture of the local population, and uphold the Sapta Marga, the Soldier’s Oath, and the Eight Mandatory Principles of the TNI. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the security of personnel and materiel during the assignment and ensuring a smooth handover of posts so that security operations can run optimally. With this assignment, Batalyon Armed 13/Nanggala and Batalyon Armed 19/Bogani officially become the frontline guardians of state sovereignty along the Indonesia-Malaysia border, particularly in West Kalimantan.