Dini Atikawati, Nuddin Harahab, Nico Rahman Caesar, Dhiana Puspitawati, Dimas Andika Muflihulafi, Supriyadi Supriyadi, Novar Kurnia Wardana, Andy Ilman Hakim, Aulia Lanudia Fathah, Berlania Mahardika Putri, Andik Isdianto, Mohammad Maskan, Alifiulahtin Utaminingsih
Border areas are important to discuss, considering their location affects state sovereignty. This research aims to analyze political and ideological vulnerabilities in Belu and Malaka Regencies, which are important areas along the eastern sector of the Indonesia-Timor Leste land border. An analysis of political and ideological vulnerabilities in the region is used in formulating strategies to strengthen the country's resilience and security. This research is survey research with data collection using questionnaires, in-depth interviews and observations with 204 respondents, and integrating academic literature and ArcGIS spatial analysis. Existing findings indicate that Belu and Malaka districts have low political and ideological vulnerability, as evidenced by increased political awareness and strong resistance to ideological attacks, highlighting the importance of government involvement in ensuring territorial integrity through increased bilateral communications and cooperation with Timor- Leste. The research results recommend increasing political awareness through education, encouraging bilateral dialogue, involving local communities in governance processes, fostering intercultural tolerance, improving infrastructure and economic frameworks, and establishing rapid threat response mechanisms. These suggestions aim to strengthen the country's resilience and border security, while facilitating peaceful and long-term bilateral relations. © 2024 The authors.
Postgraduate School, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Doctoral Program in Law, Faculty of Law, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Faculty of Vocational, Indonesian Defense University, Belu, 85752, Indonesia; Department of International Relations Political Science and Governmental Studies, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Master Program of Environmental Science, Post Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55284, Indonesia; Department of Marine Science, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia; Department of Business Administration, State Polytechnic of Malang, Malang, 65141, Indonesia; Doctoral Program in Sociology, Brawijaya University, Malang, 65145, Indonesia