TANJUNG SELOR - The head of the North Kalimantan Regional Border Management Agency (BPPD), Ferdy Manurun Tanduklangi, welcomed the success of the central government in returning 127.3 hectares of Indonesian territory on Sebatik Island from Malaysia.
According to Ferdy, this achievement is a tangible proof of the government's diplomatic success in asserting state borders while strengthening sovereignty in border areas, especially in Nunukan Regency.
"This is good news for us in border areas. This border confirmation gives legal certainty and strengthens Indonesia's position, especially in Sebatik," he said, Wednesday, April 15.
Ferdy explained that the results of the agreement showed an increase in the area of the Republic of Indonesia of 127.3 hectares, although on the other hand there was an adjustment of around 4.9 hectares which became part of Malaysia.
"The results of this agreement remain beneficial to Indonesia as a whole, both in terms of the area of the territory and the certainty of the administrative boundaries of the country," said Ferdy.
Ferdy emphasized that the local government was ready to support further steps, especially in handling the impact on people affected by the change in boundaries.
"The most important thing now is to ensure that the community is not harmed. The government must be present, both in data collection, compensation, and re-arrangement of the area," he said.
He also revealed that until now, the local government is still waiting for official regulations from the central government and related ministries, especially regarding the mechanism for compensation for people affected by the change in state boundaries.
"We are still waiting for regulations from the central government or relevant ministries regarding the compensation scheme. This is important so that the handling is clear and does not cause problems in the field," he said.
He also emphasized the importance of accelerating border area development after the border demarcation. According to him, this momentum must be used to encourage the improvement of infrastructure, basic services, to the strengthening of the economy of the people in Sebatik.
"Borders are no longer a backyard, but the front porch of the country. With the clarity of this border, development must be more directed and have a direct impact on the community," he said.
Previously, the Presidential Chief of Staff (KSP) M Qodari said that an area of 127.3 hectares on Sebatik Island, which was previously part of Malaysia, now belongs to Indonesia. He said the change was the result of diplomacy related to the settlement of the land border between Indonesia and Malaysia.
Qodari also emphasized that the Ministry of Home Affairs had formed a team to calculate compensation for Indonesian people who now live in Malaysian territory.
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