Penang, Malaysia — The Malaysian government is considering adopting a border single barrier model along its border with Indonesia, following the proven success of a similar approach on the Malaysia–Thailand border, which has enhanced security and streamlined cross-border monitoring.
This initiative was revealed by Puan Azizah binti Mohamed Said, Director of State Security at Malaysia’s National Security Council, during the 18th Malaysia–Indonesia Socioeconomic Joint Committee (Sosek Malindo) Conference held from July 20 to 23, 2025, in Penang, Malaysia.
Puan Azizah emphasized that Malaysia’s experience in managing the 646 km-long border with Thailand—consisting of 551 km of land border and 95 km of river boundary—serves as a key reference in strengthening border management efforts with Indonesia.
“One of the approaches we’ve implemented is through Operasi Taring Wawasan Kedah/Perlis,” said Puan Azizah.
This operation involves a combination of static observation posts, foot patrols, motorcycle patrols, and armored vehicle patrols, all focused on strategically sensitive areas along the security fence.
One of the key zones under this operation covers 105.9 km, stretching from Martak Bukit Kayu Hitam to Pos Batu Putih. Along this stretch, Malaysia has implemented a combination of security structures, including:
29.8 km of double fencing from Martak to BP15,
5 km of single fencing from BP15 to BP3,
24.8 km of security wall from PB3 to TS8B,
with additional fenced areas at Wang Kelian (0.75 km) and Batu Putih (2 km).However, there remains a 44.55 km unfenced stretch, which presents its own set of challenges and remains a focus for enhanced security measures.
Recognizing the effectiveness of this model, Malaysia has proposed similar collaboration with Indonesia, particularly in managing high-risk border zones vulnerable to smuggling and illegal crossings.
Indonesia’s National Border Management Agency (BNPP) welcomed the proposal. BNPP Secretary Commissioner General Makhruzi Rahman expressed Indonesia’s readiness to cooperate and explore technical collaboration similar to Malaysia’s partnership with Thailand.
This initiative is expected to pave the way for a more integrated, efficient, and mutually beneficial border management model, while also strengthening bilateral ties between Indonesia and Malaysia in regional security and cross-border cooperation.
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