JOINT MARITIME SECURITY EFFORTS BETWEEN INDONESIA AND SABAH IN COMBATING HUMAN SMUGGLING (2023-2025)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55197/qjssh.v7i3.1056Keywords:
maritime security, joint patrol, human smuggling, Sebatik-Tawau, Indonesia-MalaysiaAbstract
This study analyzes Indonesia–Sabah maritime security efforts through joint patrols in the Sebatik–Tawau waters in addressing human smuggling practices during the 2023–2025 period. This region has high vulnerability due to geographical proximity, open sea routes, and socio-economic inequality exploited by transnational criminal groups. The border’s porous maritime characteristics and the intensity of cross-border mobility further increase the risk of irregular migration and organized smuggling networks. This study applies a descriptive qualitative method, with data collected through document analysis, official government reports, policy papers, and credible news sources related to maritime security and border governance. The findings indicate that joint patrols have contributed to strengthening maritime surveillance, increasing deterrence, and enhancing operational coordination between Indonesian and Sabah authorities. These patrols also support faster response mechanisms to suspicious activities at sea. However, the effectiveness of these efforts remains constrained by several challenges, including the adaptive strategies of smuggling networks, limited monitoring of unofficial routes, resource constraints, and suboptimal cross-border intelligence sharing. Differences in legal frameworks and operational procedures also affect coordination. This study concludes that addressing human smuggling in the Sebatik–Tawau waters requires a more comprehensive and sustainable strategy through stronger bilateral cooperation, improved inter-agency coordination, institutional capacity building, and community-based prevention initiatives in border areas.
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