inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of the Republic of Indonesia held a cross-ministerial/institutional coordination forum to finalize education and trade programs in border areas in 2026 involving a number of technical ministries, Wednesday (5/21/2025).

Acting Deputy for Border Area Infrastructure Management of the BNPP Indra Purnama emphasized the importance of preparing a valid and integrated Master Plan as a guideline for cross-ministerial/institutional programs. This document will also be proposed as the basis for a Presidential Regulation regarding border development.

"We need to ensure that all program proposals are based on up-to-date data and real needs in the field," said Indra in his statement in Jakarta as quoted by Antaranews on Sunday (5/25/2025).

In the forum, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology was asked to submit data on access to higher education in border areas. The Ministry of Religion also reported on the development of madrasah assistance and proposed infrastructure improvements through the Public Works Ministry.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Trade explained that according to Central Government Decree Number 19 of 2022, the development of trade facilities is now the authority of the regions. The Ministry of Trade will no longer receive Assistance Tasks by 2025.

"The distribution and development of trade facilities is the authority of the district/city. Therefore, coordination between levels of government is very important," he said.

The Coordinating Ministry for Infrastructure and Regional Development emphasized its role as a liaison between ministries, although it does not carry out technical tasks directly.

The BNPP emphasized the importance of post-forum follow-up through official communication between agencies so that the 2026 program truly answers the needs of border areas, especially in the education and trade sectors.

(ad/inp/pr/rs)