Indonesia’s Immigration Policy in NTT Regarding the Handling of Undocumented East Timorese Immigrants at The Indonesia-East Timor Border, 2019–2024
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46799/adv.v4i9.646Keywords:
immigration policy, handling of undocumented immigrants, border security, indonesia-timor-lesteAbstract
This study analyzed Indonesia’s immigration policies and the challenges in managing undocumented East Timorese nationals at the Indonesia–East Timor border between 2019 and 2024. Employing a qualitative case study approach, this research utilized primary data obtained through observations and interviews at three border crossing points—Motaain, Motamasin, and Wini—as well as secondary data from official reports and statistical sources. The findings identified four main challenges: socio-historical factors rooted in cross-border kinship ties, Timor-Leste’s economic dependence on Indonesian goods, the Timor-Leste government’s suspension of Cross-Border Passes, and sectoral interests among border management agencies, including the TNI and POLRI. The study demonstrated that these challenges were interconnected, creating a cycle of vulnerability that weakened the effectiveness of immigration enforcement. The geographical proximity and enduring kinship networks between communities also provided opportunities for bilateral cooperation in socio-cultural, economic, political, and educational fields. This study contributed a novel multi-administration perspective on policy development and provided practical insights for integrated and community-sensitive border governance.
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