Indonesia’s Border Security Policy in the Natuna Islands (2014-2020)

Abstract

This paper aims to describe Indonesia's border security policy in the Natuna Islands between 2014 and 2020. The state used to play an active role in moderating tensions in the South China Sea, yet paid less attention to its own security while the Natuna was one of the vulnerable borderlines. The rise of domestic interest orientation in the new presidency of Joko Widodo brought about the importance of border security. The research applied the qualitive method with a descriptive analysis. In order to understand the border security policy in the Natuna, the research applied Wendtian constructivist approach suggesting the role of identity and institution to analyze the state's behavior and policy in international politics. The research found that Indonesia increased military and defense capability as the form of its border security policy in the Natuna made up by deploying troops and military equipment, building defense infrastructure, and strengthening constabulary function and boarding patrols. Such border security policy portrays Indonesia's rising awareness as a maritime state amid the perceived regional structure of East Asia.