Border security must be targeted to encourage and expedite development in border regionsJakarta (ANTARA) - Law and Human Rights Minister Yasonna H. Laoly drew attention of the ministry's officials to the importance of border security to safeguard local economic and social development in border areas.
"Border security must be targeted to encourage and expedite development in border regions," Laoly noted in a written statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday.
Indonesia shares a land border with Malaysia in the north, Papua New Guinea in the east, and Timor Leste in the south as well as maritime borders with some ASEAN countries and Australia, he noted.
The ministry will continue to partake in efforts to maintain border security with the assistance of the Directorate General of Immigration to execute immigration duties in Indonesia, the minister affirmed.
The directorate general is tasked with executing immigration control for residents and foreigners seeking to enter or leave Indonesia at immigration checkpoints and to monitor activities of foreigners nationwide, he affirmed.
"Immigration control at the national borders is also essential to prevent the entry of the new variants of the COVID-19 disease through unsuspecting visitors," Laoly remarked.
Proper immigration security and control will ensure the country is safer from criminal acts committed by foreigners during their stay in Indonesia, the minister stated.
Laoly urged the ministry's officials, primarily the Directorate General of Immigration, to enrich their experience and knowledge as well as consolidate cooperation and networking with other institutions to ensure effective law enforcement while fulfilling their duties.
The minister drew attention to some programmes currently pursued by the directorate general comprising the implementation of mobile passports and QR codes in stay permits, development of an immigration control room, and improvement in the immigration control system at the country's eight border posts.
The agency has also been tasked with supporting the organisation of international events at the Mandalika Circuit, West Nusa Tenggara, and during the G20 Summit, he added.
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Translator: M Zulfikar, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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