Indonesia Gains 127.3 Hectares in Sebatik Island

The Indonesian government has affirmed its territorial sovereignty on Sebatik Island in North Kalimantan following the completion of the land border delimitation with Malaysia, which adds 127.3 hectares to the official territory of the Republic of Indonesia. “The resolution of the border delimitation on Sebatik Island is a tangible manifestation of the success of peaceful diplomacy that strengthens Indonesia’s territorial sovereignty,” said the Presidential Chief of Staff Muhammad Qodari at the Bina Graha Building in the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, on Wednesday. Based on the agreement, an area of 127.3 hectares that was previously part of Malaysia under the old border is now legally Indonesian territory. Meanwhile, only about 4.9 hectares from the previous Indonesian border area now becomes part of Malaysian territory. Since December 2016 until October 2024, Indonesia has constructed and inaugurated 15 PLBN out of a total of 18 planned posts in various regions. The operational PLBN include Entikong, Motaain, Skouw, and the newly delimited PLBN Sebatik. Qodari explained that the function of PLBN has transformed into centres of new economic growth in border areas. More than 2.4 million people have been recorded crossing through these 15 PLBN, with a total trade value reaching Rp13.5 trillion. The presence of strategic PLBN such as Motaain in NTT and Skouw in Papua has proven to increase visits by foreign tourists as well as export activities of local products. The government is committed to making border areas the nation’s front porch that is safe, well-ordered, and has high economic competitiveness.