Maintaining State Sovereignty from Sebatik Island

SEBATIK ISLAND - Sebatik Island, which has an area of 452.2 km2, is unique because it is divided into two; the northern part belongs to Malaysia and the southern part belongs to Indonesia.

The part owned by Indonesia is in the Nunukan District, North Kalimantan.

With this condition, residents on the border of the country have a long economic and cultural relationship on land and sea borders. When standing at the edge of the island, buildings in Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia, are visible on the other side, especially the center of the Sebatik community's economy is only on the right side of the island. The distance is very close to Tawau rather than Nunukan Island.

The geographical condition makes Sebatik Island one of the strategic areas that require special attention from the state. In addition to infrastructure development and improving the welfare of the community, the presence of security personnel is an important element in maintaining the sovereignty of the border area.

In the midst of the dynamics of border community life, soldiers of the Marine Corps of the Indonesian Navy have an important role in maintaining security while strengthening the state's presence in Sebatik, as a leading region.

Routine patrols in coastal areas and vulnerable points are part of efforts to prevent various cross-border violations, such as smuggling of goods, illegal trade, and activities that have the potential to interfere with Indonesian sovereignty.

Led by Task Force Commander Komandan Satgasmar Pam Puter XXX Kapten Marinir Ahmad Rizwan, the marines carried out ship inspections, sea patrol patrols, and land patrol patrols to ensure the security of the area, monitor activities on the border line, and maintain the integrity of the state border posts.

There are about 144 markers that mark the Indonesian-Malaysian border. The TNI AL Navy together with Yonkaf 13/SL TNI AD and a number of other units collaborate to maintain the security and sovereignty of the country from various threats.

For the TNI AL Marines, they are on guard along the coastal border. Every entrance/exit, especially at small piers, is closely guarded to anticipate the entry of prohibited goods, such as narcotics and liquor. Every incoming item must pass inspection.

Not only that, officers also carried out identity checks for people who came or would go through small piers. The inspection was carried out to prevent illegal residents from entering and leaving the two countries.

With the characteristics of the region dominated by water, the mobility and amphibious operations of the Marine Corps are an advantage in carrying out this task.

State sovereignty

If on Java, the fire department's task is identical, not only putting out fires, such as evacuating snakes, removing cans stuck on the head of a child, evacuating wasp nests, even becoming a school guardian in taking school children's reports, the Marines on Sebatik Island also do the same thing.

Marine soldiers often carry out a wider role. The term "what do you need, I'm here" or "palugada" is a portrait of their daily lives in helping the community in the border area.

Outside the main task of safeguarding state sovereignty, Marine soldiers are often asked for help by the community. The closeness that has been built with the community for years, makes residents not hesitate to ask for help.

As seen from the device of Marine Captain Ahmad Rizwan, he is never silent at any time. At that time, there were residents who contacted them because they needed AB blood when the stock at the health center was not available.

Rizwan then asked members who had similar blood types. It didn't take long, there was a soldier who offered to take his blood.

In addition, health soldiers also provide health counseling for the community, especially the elderly. They visit houses inhabited by the elderly to provide socialization and sometimes provide treatment to them.

At one time, there was an elderly person whose leg was torn by glass fragments and could not walk. The family immediately contacted the Marines to ask for treatment. The soldier, Health Enlisted, immediately rushed to the location and stitched the open wound. The soldier then treated the wound until it was completely healed.

Or how they were asked to pick mangoes because the owner of the house was old and couldn't climb a tree. Sometimes soldiers are asked to teach and provide counseling to schools in Sebatik.

The challenge of guarding the border area does not only come from the geographical conditions, but also from the social dynamics of the community. Therefore, a persuasive and humanistic approach is an important part of every task.

This approach makes the presence of the Marine Task Force accepted well by the Sebatik community. So it's no wonder that there are people who give rice, fruit, and fish to the headquarters, for free without being asked.

Even the intimacy that is so intimate is seen in the afternoon. The volleyball field which is located inside the headquarters complex is always crowded with people's activities to exercise.

In the midst of limited facilities and the long distance from the center of government, as reported by Antara, the presence of soldiers is a symbol of the presence of the state in the forefront.

Maintaining state sovereignty in border areas is not only by raising weapons, patrolling the border, and cross-border coordination, but in people's homes, school classrooms, and people's gardens.