In the deep southern reaches of Papua, where Indonesia’s rugged frontier meets Papua New Guinea’s vast wilderness, life unfolds at the edge of two nations. Here, in the remote jungles and river valleys of Papua Selatan (South Papua), the Indonesian state faces one of its most enduring challenges—keeping its borders safe, visible, and economically vibrant. Amid rising concerns over cross-border crime and illicit trafficking, the House of Representatives (DPR) has called on the government to expand the number of Pos Lintas Batas Negara (PLBN), or National Border Crossing Posts, across the province.
The proposal is more than just a matter of infrastructure; it’s a call to reaffirm Indonesia’s presence in one of its most strategic yet vulnerable regions. According to several DPR members, the Papua Selatan border—stretching hundreds of kilometers with only two official PLBNs—has become a porous gateway for smuggling, especially narcotics. As illegal activities proliferate along unmonitored “rat routes (jalur tikus)”, lawmakers warn that the region risks becoming a corridor for transnational crime unless stronger enforcement and economic opportunities are established.
A Fragile Borderline Between Two Worlds
The Papua Selatan Province shares a 249 km land boundary with Papua New Guinea, marked by thick forests, winding rivers, and isolated villages. Officially, Indonesia maintains two border checkpoints: the Sota PLBN in Merauke Regency and the Yetetkun PLBN in Boven Digoel. These facilities, though vital, are simply too few to control such a vast frontier.
During a recent inspection visit, DPR Commission II member Indrajaya voiced deep concern over the lack of adequate border infrastructure. “Smuggling still occurs frequently, especially cannabis smuggling, through unguarded routes,” he explained, highlighting the growing challenge faced by both law enforcement and local authorities. These illicit pathways, known locally as “rat tracks”—allow smugglers to move goods, drugs, and even people across the border undetected.
Multiple reports, including from Tempo, Metro TV News, and Merdeka, have confirmed that Papua Selatan’s remote geography makes it particularly vulnerable. Illegal crossings happen not only for narcotics but also for everyday goods such as fuel, food supplies, and timber. For local communities struggling with limited infrastructure and economic opportunities, the allure of informal cross-border trade is hard to resist. The government’s challenge, therefore, is twofold: securing the border while creating legal and sustainable livelihoods for its people.
The DPR’s Proposal: Building Beyond Security
Recognizing these challenges, members of the DPR are urging the central government to construct more PLBNs across Papua Selatan. Their proposal envisions a network of modern, well-equipped facilities capable of regulating both security and trade. “The addition of border posts is crucial, not only to stem smuggling and cross-border crimes but also to open new legal gateways for economic activity,” Indrajaya told Media Indonesia.
Under the proposed plan, each new PLBN would serve as a multi-functional hub: a customs and immigration checkpoint, a logistics center, and a catalyst for community development. The DPR has recommended that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the National Border Management Agency (BNPP) conduct comprehensive feasibility studies to determine ideal locations for these new posts. The focus, according to lawmakers, should be on strategic accessibility—ensuring each post can be reached by road and linked to nearby settlements.
The idea reflects a broader shift in Indonesia’s border management philosophy. Rather than viewing frontier areas solely through a security lens, policymakers now see them as engines of regional development. The expansion of PLBNs would not only deter illicit flows but also transform the borderlands into zones of opportunity—connecting Indonesia’s easternmost provinces with cross-border trade networks.
Drugs, Smuggling, and the Shadow Economy
The urgency of the DPR’s proposal is rooted in the growing prevalence of drug trafficking in Papua Selatan. Reports from Metro TV News revealed that cannabis smuggling from Papua New Guinea has become a routine threat, exploiting weak surveillance and limited manpower at official crossings. In several cases, smugglers were caught ferrying packages of marijuana through jungle trails that bypassed inspection points entirely.
Beyond narcotics, smuggling extends to consumer goods, wildlife, and timber—all facilitated by the absence of adequate border infrastructure. These underground networks not only threaten national security but also distort the local economy. Informal trade undermines tax revenue, fuels corruption, and leaves communities dependent on illicit channels for their livelihoods.
Lawmakers argue that increasing the number of PLBNs will strengthen monitoring capacity and close loopholes in border enforcement. A well-distributed network of posts, equipped with technology and staffed by trained personnel, could drastically reduce illegal movement while offering legitimate alternatives for cross-border interaction.
Economic Development Through State Presence
For decades, the southern border regions of Papua have been emblematic of Indonesia’s struggle to extend the benefits of statehood to its peripheries. The lack of infrastructure—from paved roads to basic utilities—has left many Papuans feeling isolated from the nation’s economic progress. The expansion of PLBNs is therefore seen as an opportunity not only to control illegal trade but also to spark inclusive development.
Each border post, if designed effectively, can become a nucleus for local growth. Around PLBN Sota, for example, small traders and local entrepreneurs have begun to flourish thanks to increased cross-border traffic with Papua New Guinea. The presence of customs, immigration, and transportation services attracts vendors, investors, and tourists, generating much-needed income for the community.
“The presence of the state must be truly felt in the frontier,” Indrajaya emphasized. “PLBNs are not just security checkpoints—they represent Indonesia’s commitment to prosperity, connectivity, and dignity for its border citizens.”
This vision aligns with President Prabowo Subianto’s broader agenda of equitable development under the “Indonesia-Centric” paradigm, which prioritizes infrastructure expansion beyond Java. For Papua, and especially for its southern frontier, this means investing in facilities that can both protect and empower.
Challenges on the Road to Implementation
While the DPR’s proposal has been met with widespread support, several challenges loom on the horizon. Building and maintaining border posts in Papua is no simple task. The terrain is formidable—dense rainforests, swamps, and mountainous ridges make transportation and construction costly. Many areas lack road access entirely, meaning materials must be flown in by helicopter or shipped along rivers.
Budget constraints are another concern. The construction of a modern PLBN can cost hundreds of billions of rupiah, and sustaining operations requires consistent funding for staff, maintenance, and technology. Moreover, coordination among multiple agencies—immigration, customs, police, military, and local government—will be essential to avoid bureaucratic inefficiency.
Equally critical is community engagement. Border posts will only succeed if local residents see tangible benefits from their presence. Without parallel investments in education, health, and local enterprise, new PLBNs risk becoming isolated outposts disconnected from the lives they aim to improve. Lawmakers are therefore pushing for a holistic approach that combines security measures with economic and social programs.
Strategic Importance and National Identity
Strengthening border infrastructure in Papua Selatan is not merely a local issue—it carries deep national significance. Indonesia’s borders are more than geographic lines; they symbolize sovereignty, unity, and the reach of governance. For a country that spans over 17,000 islands and borders multiple nations, border management is a matter of both security and national identity.
The proposed expansion of PLBNs reflects Indonesia’s growing awareness of its geopolitical position in the Pacific. As transnational threats evolve—from narcotics and trafficking to illegal resource extraction—border resilience becomes an essential component of national defense. Yet beyond the security logic lies an equally powerful narrative: one of inclusion and belonging. For Papuans living at the edge of the republic, a visible state presence signifies recognition, development, and hope.
A Path Forward
Moving forward, the DPR has urged the Ministry of Home Affairs, BNPP, and local governments to collaborate in drafting a master plan for Papua Selatan’s border management. This roadmap should identify high-risk zones, prioritize infrastructure needs, and integrate technological tools such as surveillance drones, digital customs systems, and early warning networks.
Equally important is the human dimension. Border development should prioritize the empowerment of indigenous Papuans through training, employment, and entrepreneurship programs. A thriving border economy, supported by legal trade and strong governance, can serve as a powerful antidote to smuggling and other illicit activities.
The success of this initiative will depend on one crucial factor: the state’s ability to sustain long-term commitment. Building the posts is only the beginning; maintaining their operations, ensuring inter-agency coordination, and continuously engaging communities will determine whether Papua Selatan’s borders become walls of separation or bridges of progress.
Conclusion
In the story of Indonesia’s frontier, Papua Selatan stands as both a challenge and an opportunity. Its porous borders have long been a source of concern, but with the DPR’s renewed push to expand the number of PLBNs, the region could soon witness a transformation. The initiative promises not only to shut down illegal corridors but also to open up legal avenues for prosperity, trade, and human connection.
If realized, the new border posts will symbolize more than security infrastructure—they will embody Indonesia’s enduring commitment to protect its sovereignty while uplifting its most remote citizens. In a land where the border was once divided, it may soon begin to unite—turning the southern frontier from a line of vulnerability into a lifeline of growth and national pride.
