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The establishment of national territorial boundaries is a strategic priority to safeguard sovereignty, maintain security stability, and strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Malaysia as well as Timor-Leste. As of 2024, there remain nine Outstanding Boundary Problems (OBP) with Malaysia and two unresolved segments with Timor-Leste. These issues stem from the continued relevance of outdated colonial agreements, limited diplomatic capacity, weak inter-agency coordination, and minimal support from modern surveying technology. Based on an analysis of four policy alternatives using the criteria of effectiveness, efficiency, and long-term impact, the Strengthening of Intensive Bilateral Diplomacy has been identified as the priority policy. Implementation is directed to the Badan Nasional Pengelola Perbatasan (BNPP) as the main coordinator, supported by regulatory frameworks, diplomatic resources, and cross-ministerial/institutional coordination. Through this strategy, the resolution of pending boundary segments can be accelerated, legal certainty over national territory can be strengthened, security stability in border areas can be improved, and bilateral relations can become closer. Furthermore, Indonesia needs to strengthen diplomatic strategies, leverage technology, and enhance inter-agency coordination to accelerate the resolution of national border disputes. This policy directly contributes to achieving territorial sovereignty and sustainable development toward Indonesia Vision 2045.

This research analyzes the Indonesian government’s policy responses to combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing in the Arafura Sea during 2023-2024, focusing on the case of the Run Zeng 03 and Run Zeng 05 vessels. These foreign-flagged vessels, owned by a Chinese company but registered under the Russian flag, were involved in illegal fishing and human rights violations against Indonesian fishery crew members. Using a qualitative descriptive approach supported by literature studies and official government data, this research analyzes how Indonesia implemented its maritime sovereignty through legal enforcement, inter-agency coordination, and international maritime diplomacy. The findings reveal that Indonesia’s measures, such as vessel monitoring AIS/VMS technology, law enforcement through arrests and seizures, and diplomatic engagement with flag states reflect a progressive but still reactive approach. The study identifies key challenges, including limited foreign authorities. This research highlights the need for an integrated policy framework that combines hard power (law enforcement and patrols) with soft power (international cooperation, economic diplomacy, and labor protection). The study concludes that a comprehensive and collaborative approach is essential to strengthen maritime governance and ensure sustainable, equitable management of Indonesia’s marine resources.