ILLEGALISATION OF TRADITIONAL BORDER CROSSING AT SEBATIK MARITIME BORDER AREA BETWEEN INDONESIA AND MALAYSIA

Abstract

This study examines the illegalisation of traditional border crossing practiced by local residents on Sebatik Island since 2012 and analyzes its socio-economic impacts on borderland communities. Sebatik is an island divided into two territories: the northern part belongs to Malaysia, while the southern part falls under Indonesian sovereignty. Historically, Indonesian and Malaysian communities around Sebatik have engaged in traditional cross-border mobility via maritime routes since 1967. These movements allowed border residents to meet their basic needs, including selling agricultural and fishery products, purchasing essential goods, and visiting relatives. However, between 2011 and 2013, Malaysia gradually closed its border gate in Tawau to travelers arriving directly from the Indonesian side of Sebatik, citing security and safety concerns. Since then, all traditional cross-border movements via the Sebatik–Tawau maritime route have been deemed illegal. Using a qualitative approach, this study traces the process of this illegalisation from 2011 to 2024 through interviews and field observations involving cross-border travelers, traders, and local government officials from both the Indonesian and Malaysian sides. The findings indicate that the illegalisation of traditional border crossing has significantly disrupted the lives of border residents. It has made it more difficult for people to visit their relatives due to the long distance to official exit and entry points, resulting in higher transportation costs and longer travel times. It has also eliminated opportunities for barter and traditional border trade, leading to reduced incomes, and restricted the supply of basic goods, thereby increasing prices. This study recommends border governance that reaffirms the traditional cross-border route between Tawau and Sebatik with improved facilities that adequately address security and safety concerns.