Basically, every country obviously has territorial boundaries. Some are adjacent to the seas and oceans. However, some of them are directly adjacent to the territory of other countries. For example, like in the easternmost region of Indonesia that is West Papua. West Papua borders Papua New Guinea.
Even though they are situated on the same island, Papua and Papua New Guinea are two different countries. The reason is because the western part of Papua is included in the territory of Indonesia. The situation is the same as the Sarawak, Sabah, and Brunei Darussalam area in the island of Kalimantan.
So, here are some interesting facts about the borders in New Guinea Island that you need to know!
The Border Posts of the Two Countries Are Facing Each Other
In general, the relations between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are equally good. This is reflected in the position of the border posts of the two countries that are facing each other. There is a boundary line in the form of a border gate in both the West Papua area and also in Papua New Guinea area.
Between the two borders is a neutral area for both countries. People from West Papua can freely enter the area, as well as Papua New Guineans. You can go back and forth from and to the area without having to apply for a passport and visa.
The Name of the Two Border Post
Just like the border posts in general, the West Papua border post also has a name. People know it as Pos Lintas Batas Negara Terpadu Skouw in Jayapura. In English, it means Skouw Integrated Cross Border Post. The building design is inspired by Tangfa. It is one of the traditional houses in Papua.
Aside from the building, the gate building is also very magnificent. You can see two big pillars when you enter the territory of the Republic of Indonesia. The color is red and white, according to the national flag. Then, there is also the Garuda logo in the middle, which is the symbol of the country.
Then, to the east, there is a border gate belonging to Papua New Guinea. Right when you enter the Papua New Guinea borders, you can see a lot of traders there. Most of them sell t-shirts and any other merchandise related to Papua New Guinea. You can freely buy it, even in rupiah currency.
After that, you will see a border post belonging to Papua New Guinea called Vanimo Border Post. You can even visit the nearby Papua New Guinea area without having a passport. For example, like Vanimo Beach. However, you need a passport if you want to explore Papua New Guinea even further.
Facilities at PLBN Terpadu Skouw
As a state post whose presence is very important, there are various facilities that you can find at PLBN Terpadu Skouw. Aside from the post borders and the borders gate, there are also various things here. For example, like the checkpoint area, ATM machines, and integrated terminals.
Then, there are also economic centers, such as markets that you can find in the border area. Besides that, there are also various other facilities such as a power source. The workers at the border also have their own official residences. Then, there is also a TNI post that is in charge of maintaining security.
So, this border post that exists in the easternmost region of Indonesia has a fairly complete infrastructure. In addition, there is already a road that facilitates the mobility of the local residents.
It is probably one of the most grand and magnificent West Papua borders. Aside from the border in Jayapura, there is also a post in another area. For example, the border in the Merauke area. It is probably the most easternmost part of the Republic of Indonesia that is directly adjacent to Papua New Guinea.
