This article aims to shed light on the impacts of peri‐urbanisation processes across two case studies in Port Numbay within the Province of Papua. Five methods were used to gather data: focus group discussions, semi‐structured interviews, archival research, ethnographic observations, and remote sensing imagery and geospatial analysis tools. The results generated insights into: (1) the lasting legacy of historical transmigration and decentralisation policies that have influenced the processes of peri‐urbanisation in shaping the social and economic conditions within peripheral communities; (2) how peri‐urbanisation has impacted biophysical environments including social‐ecological systems and environmental health systems; (3) a range of peri‐urbanisation trends (land clearing, deforestation and expansion of settlements over time). The article tests an interdisciplinary method for monitoring processes of peri‐urbanisation. It concludes that approaches to decentralisation, health service delivery and sustainable development interventions into peri‐urban zones should consider local conditions. Recommendations for policy and further research are also provided.

This article aims to pinpoint the East Arso District’s existing economic conditions and identify factors contributing to devising the region as the center of economic growth in the Indonesia–Papua New Guinea (PNG) border. Data were collected through focus group discussion, observation, and a literature review conducted between October and November 2021. By using a qualitative approach, this study found that the East Arso District offers the potential to be developed as the center of economic growth in the Indonesia–PNG border. The region community’s commodities are considered including agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and livestock goods. The scope of the study also examines the condition of PNG’s neighboring communities in Sandaun Province, road infrastructure, and cross-border and security. This article proposes a model of economic development for the East Arso District: the establishment of Transnational Border Posts (PLBN), border market, road infrastructure, a multi-purpose cooperative society and improvement of access to commodities, education, and health. Additionally, the plans to create the East Arso district the center of economic growth are also expected to strengthen ties and cooperation between Indonesia and PNG, which, in turn, can prevent misunderstanding and conflict in the future. KEYWORDSBorder; East Arso; Indonesia; Keerom; PNG

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