Identifying determinants of border conflicts between indonesia and east timor in unresolved and un-surveyed segment, Timor Tengah Utara District

This study aimed to identify determinants of border conflicts between Indonesia and East Timor in unresolved and un-surveyed segment in Timor Tengah Utara district. One-on-one in-depth interviews were employed to collect the data from the participants. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling technique. Data were analysed thematically using a framework analysis. The results indicated that colonial-boundary making was one of the factors supportive of the border conflicts between Indonesia and East Timor or communities living around the borders. Indonesian government-boundary making was also reported to be another influencing factor that triggered the conflicts between the people or communities from the two countries. This was because after East Timor became a new province of Indonesia, the government of Indonesia made new border points that disadvantaged communities from West Timor. Another factor reported to escalate the conflicts between communities from the two countries, especially the ones living at the borders, was the lack of involvement of local people and traditional leaders in boundary-making process. The findings show the need to develop conflict resolution strategies that take into account socio-cultural values and norms and historical aspect of the land being disputed, and to involve communities and traditional leaders in boundary-making process. This could lead to great acceptance of the decision in the future as all parties with interests are involved in decision-making process about the borders between the two countries.