YOGYAKARTA-The biggest consequence in the failure in managing border areas has the risk to become a failed state. In this context, border management between Indonesia-Malaysia became a micro-illustration of the border management in Southeast Asia. Border issues grow very rapidly, often signifying the tip of the iceberg in Asian border issues.
This was delivered in the workshop, the Search for Management of Borders Based on Connectivity and Common Prosperity: Study of Land Borders between Indonesia-Malaysia, in the Seminar Room of Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada on Friday (9/11).
Present as keynote speaker was Dr. M. Baiquni, M.A, lecturer in Faculty of Geography UGM. Other speakers were Deputy to Head of Border Management of the National Borders Management Agency/BNPP, T.H. Soesetyo, Director General for ASEAN Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, and Prof. Madya Abdul Rahim Anuar from the Center for Inter-Nations Studies, Universitas Utara Malaysia.
M. Baiquni, M.A said the on-going development often caused others left behind. Therefore, one of the strategies in the border area development is to accommodate local issues.
“The centre does not have to be Jakarta, but there are other centres in the outskirt that need to be accommodated,” Baiquni said.
Geographical characteristics need to be considered, so suitable areas can be mapped out whether for conservation areas or business areas. Baiquni hoped development also considered some important issues, namely development of technology innovation, investment, information and building spirit.
T.H. Soesetyo explained issues in the border management beween Indonesia and Malaysia, including people who tresspass the borders, infrastructure and management.
“On the other side, there is the need for increased border controlling, but the limited resources are still found,” said Soesetyo.
I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja said that the border management is a connector rather than a separator. Therefore, the ASEAN Connectivity by 2015 is expected to help resolve the gap and help resolve common, security political issues.