Kasus Sengketa Perbatasan Indonesia-Timor Leste

Summary

The presentation discusses the border dispute between Indonesia and Timor Leste, focusing on key historical events and ongoing conflicts. The dispute traces back to Timor Leste's separation from Indonesia in 1999, and the establishment of conflicting territorial claims, including disputed border regions like Wepoli and Binjai. Issues such as road construction, land disputes, and cross-border tensions have led to recurring conflicts. Despite various efforts, including the 2012 agreement on border coordinates, unresolved territorial issues continue to create friction, hampering relations between the two nations and causing social and economic unrest in the border areas.

Takeaways

• 😀 Timor Leste was once part of Indonesia, but international disputes and political crises led to its eventual separation following a 1999 referendum.
• 😀 The border dispute between Indonesia and Timor Leste is centered around two main contested areas: Wepoli and Binjai, both of which involve issues over land boundaries.
• 😀 In October 2013, a conflict arose when Timor Leste built a road near the border, which Indonesia claimed crossed into its territory and damaged infrastructure.
• 😀 The dispute over the road construction in 2013 led to an escalation, with 19 cattle being driven across the border, further straining relations between the two countries.
• 😀 Previous conflicts occurred in 2012, when a border incident involved the construction of a customs office by Timor Leste in a contested neutral zone, violating agreed boundaries.
• 😀 There have been multiple reports of illegal agricultural activities by Timor Leste citizens in neutral zones, further intensifying the border dispute.
• 😀 The region of Besi or Citra has been a long-standing contested area, with historical claims dating back to the 19th century under Portuguese rule.
• 😀 The disputed areas are fertile agricultural lands, making them economically important and a point of contention, especially for local farmers.
• 😀 Border conflicts have been exacerbated by poverty and the desire for access to productive land, leading to violent confrontations between local populations on both sides.
• 😀 Efforts to resolve the issue have led to some agreements, such as the 2012 land boundary agreement between Indonesia and Timor Leste, which resolved 96% of the disputed border points.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the presentation?

The main topic of the presentation is the border dispute between Indonesia and Timor Leste, focusing on the chronology of the conflict and its ongoing issues.

Why was Timor Leste initially part of Indonesia, and when did it seek independence?

Timor Leste was initially part of Indonesia after Indonesia invaded the region. However, following international pressures regarding the legitimacy of Indonesia's military actions and human rights violations, Timor Leste sought independence. A referendum held on August 30, 1999, resulted in Timor Leste's decision to separate from Indonesia.

What are some of the key border areas disputed between Indonesia and Timor Leste?

The main disputed border areas are in Wepoli Village, Kupang Regency, and in Binjai Zone, Oben Village, Timor Tengah Utara Regency, both of which have unresolved boundary issues.

What triggered the conflict in October 2013 near the border between Indonesia and Timor Leste?

The conflict in October 2013 was triggered by the construction of a road by Timor Leste near the border, which allegedly crossed into Indonesian territory by 500 meters, affecting landmarks, boundary pillars, and local graves. This led to increased tensions between Indonesian and Timorese villagers.

What incident further escalated the conflict between the two nations in 2013?

The situation escalated when 19 cattle owned by Indonesian citizens were allegedly driven into Timor Leste by its citizens, leading to a cross-border search by Indonesian citizens and military personnel. This sparked further tension and conflicts.

How did the construction of the customs and immigration office in 2012 lead to a border dispute?

In 2012, the construction of a customs and immigration office by Timor Leste on neutral ground was perceived as an encroachment into Indonesian territory. The office was built in a contested zone, leading to clashes between Indonesian and Timorese villagers.

What is the significance of the 'Neutral Zone' in the border dispute?

The 'Neutral Zone' is a designated area along the border where both Indonesia and Timor Leste agreed not to carry out any activities. Despite this agreement, there have been violations such as agricultural activities by Timorese citizens, further fueling the dispute.

What role does the river and land disputes play in the conflict?

The dispute over the river and surrounding land, such as the Besi River in Kupang and the delta areas, has been a longstanding issue due to differing perceptions of borders and the presence of natural resources, leading to tensions over land use and ownership.

What actions were taken in 2012 to address the border issue between the two countries?

In 2012, both Indonesia and Timor Leste agreed on 97 border coordinates, resolving about 96% of the total border. However, some areas, such as the Kupang and Timor Tengah Utara regions, remain unresolved.

How does the poverty in the border areas contribute to the ongoing conflict?

The poverty in the border areas, where fertile land is contested, contributes to the conflict as citizens from both sides attempt to farm in these disputed areas, leading to clashes over agricultural rights and territorial control.