Three villages in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan, have reportedly fallen under Malaysian administration following an adjustment of the Indonesia–Malaysia border line, according to a report by Kompas.
The matter was disclosed by Indonesia’s National Border Management Agency (BNPP) Secretary, Police Commissioner General Makhruzi Rahman, during a meeting with Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) at the Parliament Complex in Senayan on Wednesday.
Makhruzi explained that the change resulted from the resolution of several Outstanding Boundary Problems (OBP) that had long remained unresolved between Indonesia and Malaysia, particularly in areas surrounding Sebatik Island, which is divided between the two countries.
He said three OBPs were officially settled through the signing of a memorandum of understanding at the 45th Indonesia–Malaysia Joint Meeting held on Sebatik Island on Feb 18, 2025.
“The agreement involved boundary points B-2700, B-3000 and the Simantipal area. As a result, approximately 127 hectares on Sebatik Island were confirmed to remain within Indonesian territory,” he said.
Makhruzi added that four OBP segments in western West Kalimantan — D-400, Mount Rayan, Sibuan and Batu Aum — have yet to be fully resolved. These areas are currently undergoing unilateral field surveys by Indonesia’s technical negotiation team, along with data exchanges to discuss terms of reference (TOR) and standard operating procedures (SOP).
He further confirmed that parts of three villages located in the former Sinapat OBP area and Lumbis Hulu District, Nunukan Regency, are now under Malaysian administration.
“The three villages are Kabungalor, Lepaga and Tetagas,” he said.
However, Makhruzi stressed that Indonesia also gained additional territory following the border adjustment.
“Overall, Indonesia obtained approximately 5,207 hectares of land. This area was previously within Malaysian territory and is now proposed to support border development, including as replacement forest land for the construction of the State Border Post (PLBN) and the development of a Free Trade Zone,” he said.
The border adjustment issue is expected to continue drawing attention from both countries, as it involves national sovereignty, local administration, and socio-economic development in border communities.
