Indonesia's BNPP Strengthens Human Resources and SMEs at Motaain Border Crossing
The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) continues to promote the strengthening of human resources (HR) and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in border areas through training held at the Motaain State Border Crossing (PLBN), Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, on 14-15 April 2026.
Through the Assistant Deputy for Land Border Area Potential (Assistant Deputy PKPD), BNPP organised a two-day intensive training focused on improving the technical skills and creativity of ikat weaving artisans. The programme is directed at enabling MSME actors to produce independent products with high added value and competitiveness in the market.
Assistant Deputy PKPD of BNPP Indonesia, Brigadier General TNI Topri Daeng Balaw, representing Deputy for Border Area Potential Management Inspector General of Police Edfrie R. Maith, emphasised that this training does not end with the activities alone, but will be followed by ongoing mentorship up to the marketing aspect.
“This two-day training does not stop here. BNPP Indonesia will promote ongoing mentorship up to the marketing aspect, so that products are truly ready to compete and have a direct impact on increasing the income of border communities,” he said.
He explained that this activity is an implementation of the mandate of the President of Indonesia in the sixth Asta Cita, which emphasises development from villages and from the bottom to realise economic equality and poverty alleviation. The training materials provided include natural dyeing techniques, thread drying, development of distinctive Belu weaving motifs, and the creation of derivative products such as wallets made from woven fabric.
With this strengthening, the artisans are expected to be able to improve product quality while developing innovations based on local wisdom. In addition, BNPP is also collaborating with various strategic partners such as BAZNAS, Pertamina Foundation, Bank Rakyat Indonesia, and the local government to strengthen the MSME ecosystem in border areas.
Head of PLBN Motaain, Maria Fatima Rika, appreciated the steps taken by BNPP Indonesia, which makes PLBN not only a centre for cross-border services, but also an engine for driving the economy of the surrounding community. “PLBN is the front porch of the state. In line with the directions of BNPP Indonesia, its presence must provide direct economic impact to the surrounding community,” she stated.
She hopes that this training can elevate Belu ikat weaving as a flagship commodity that is not only culturally valuable, but also economically strong. With improvements in HR quality, Belu ikat weaving products are expected to penetrate border markets up to Timor Leste.
Through the strengthening of HR capacity and the development of MSMEs based on local potential, BNPP Indonesia reaffirms its commitment to bringing inclusive and sustainable economic development to border areas, while improving the welfare of communities in Indonesia’s outermost regions.