The Pandemic Challenges for Traditional Communities at the Cross-Border Post Areas of the Republic of Indonesia-Papua New Guinea

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a threat to the border area of the Republic of Indonesia-Papua New Guinea (RI-PNG). To prevent the spread of the virus, both countries closed border posts and border markets in January 2020. This article aims to analyse the challenges faced by traditional communities in Indonesia who share cultures and traditions with their counterparts in Papua New Guinea and are used to crossing borders without restraint before the pandemic. From the view of community security, the emergence of COVID-19 in the border areas of the RI-PNG is a threat to people in the vicinity. The closure of cross-border posts and border markets has implications for native Papuan communities, affecting their ability to maintain their traditional relationships and values. Through qualitative descriptive research using field study as a research method, primary data were collected through interviews, supplemented with secondary data from library research. This research reveals that the closure of cross-border posts and border markets has disrupted the sustainability of culture, traditions, kinship, and traditional economic activities among traditional communities in the border area. Dissatisfied with the lockdown imposed by the Indonesian and Papua New Guinean governments, the traditional border crossers took advantage of illegal routes to continue their traditional activities. However, they were also very concerned about cross-border criminals exploiting the same track. A growing concern was emerging that the security measures implemented to safeguard citizens during the pandemic would persist, thereby hindering the restoration of traditional cross-border movement to normal conditions.