BNPP maps 27 unofficial routes on RI-Timor Leste border
The June 23-25 survey in Belu will guide whether to open new official crossings or tighten controls at risk points.
Badan Nasional Pengelola Perbatasan has mapped 27 unofficial routes along the Indonesia-Timor Leste border, especially in Belu Regency, Nusa Tenggara Timur. The field survey ran from June 23-25 2026 and began at PLBN Motaain. BNPP Deputy Nurdin said each route has different characteristics: some are used for social and family needs, while others are vulnerable to abuse for smuggling, human trafficking, illegal crossings, and cross-border crime. According to BNPP, Belu has a border line of more than 100 kilometers with heavy cross-border traffic. The survey results will include location, access, usage intensity, and risk level as the basis for policy decisions. The response will not always be closure, but may include upgrading to an official route, additional monitoring, or tighter control.