Analysis of Indonesia - Malaysia Socio-Economic Cooperation (SOSEK MALINDO) in the Management of Border Areas in Riau Islands Province: A Case Study of the Regional Border Management Agencyof Riau Islands Province

Abstract

Indonesia is the largest archipelagic country in the world that has very strategic land and sea boundaries with neighboring countries. The existence of border areas makes Indonesia play an important role in geopolitics and regional security. One of the regions that represents the complexity of the border is the Riau Islands Province (Riau Islands), which borders Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The Riau Islands is a strategic point that holds great potential as well as challenges, ranging from security issues, smuggling, to economic diplomacy. The Riau Islands Regional Border Management Agency (BPPD) plays an important role in managing this dynamic, especially in the context of bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and Malaysia through the Malaysia-Indonesia Socio-Economic Forum (Sosek Malindo). This study aims to analyze the role of the Riau Islands BPPD in implementing Sosek Malindo cooperation, the actors involved, the form of cooperation, as well as the supporting and inhibiting factors. Using a qualitative descriptive method, data was obtained through in-depth interviews, direct observation, and documentation studies. The results of the study show that inter-institutional synergy between the Riau Islands BPPD and vertical and horizontal agencies plays a central role in the implementation of cross-border cooperation. The Sosek Malindo Forum is divided into three main Working Papers covering the social, economic, and security fields. However, obstacles such as the lack of budget allocation and the imbalance of profits between Indonesia and Malaysia are the main challenges in optimizing this cooperation. This study recommends increasing budget support and the formulation of mutually beneficial cooperation policies as strategic steps to strengthen the sustainability of border cooperation. These findings are expected to be a contribution to the Riau Islands BPPD in formulating more effective and sustainable policies.