Indonesia Denies Malaysian Border Encroachment Claims in North Kalimantan

Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has denied reports claiming that two villages in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, have been annexed by Malaysia. Karnavian clarified that the issue is not about entire villages falling under Malaysian territory, but rather that portions of land within these villages extend into Malaysian territory. Speaking at a working meeting with Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR), he stated, "So sometimes the issue is reported that two villages have detached and entered Malaysia, but that is not the case. What exists is that a part of the land from that village has entered Malaysia." However, the minister also noted that the territory from Malaysia that falls into Indonesia is considerably larger, asserting that Indonesia holds an advantageous position in border matters between the two countries. "But the land that has entered Indonesia from Malaysia is also far greater. So, we are actually at an advantage," he said. He detailed that the total area of land from the two villages that has entered Malaysia amounts to 127 hectares, and in some cases, houses within these villages are situated within the neighboring country's borders. Nevertheless, he emphasized that beyond this 127 hectares, Indonesia has gained an additional 5,700 hectares from Malaysia. "But we have received compensation of 5,700 hectares entering the Indonesian side, I want to clarify this in this forum, because it has become an issue in the public as if we have lost two villages," he stated, expressing concern over public perception. This situation highlights the complexities of border management between Indonesia and Malaysia and the potential for information dissemination challenges within local communities. Border regions are particularly susceptible to issues concerning land ownership and administrative boundaries, which can directly impact residents' lives.