National defense in the resolution of border disputes: the experience of Indonesia and Malaysia

Abstract

The issue of national defense predominantly refers to the protection of the sovereignty of an independent state. This article addresses such aspect country’s power as the inviolability of borders. The report aims to consider the problem of the settlement of border disputes between Indonesia and Malaysia. In this case, the dimensions of national defense are not only determined by the presence of military forces but also by non-military forces such as aspects of economic growth and infrastructure in the borderlands. The methodological basis of the research constitutes а qualitative method, triangulation technique, and purposive techniques (interviews and focus group discussions). The authors draw conclusions that institutions to handle problems at the border already exist, but there are still some obstacles at the technical level; for example, centers and regions have problems with their coordination. Furthermore, today when solving border issues, it is also necessary to pay attention to economic well-being and the threat of transnational crime, if the last is considered from a non-traditional security perspective.