BORDER POLITICS IN TRANSMIGRATION AND BORDER AREAS: A CASE STUDY OF THE NUNUKAN BORDER

Nunukan Regency, situated in North Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, directly borders the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak. Despite its geostrategic significance, development in Nunukan remains considerably behind that of neighboring Tawau City, Malaysia, amid illegal border crossings, the Ambalat Sea dispute, poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and limited public services. To analyze border politics in transmigration and national border zones, with a particular focus on Nunukan Regency. A qualitative research design was adopted using field observations and semi-structured interviews conducted between August and December 2025, together with government reports, statistical publications, and peer-reviewed literature. Data validity was ensured through triangulation. Border governance combines hard- and soft-power strategies. Military deployment, patrols, and territorial surveillance support sovereignty and mobility control, but gaps in surveillance technology, infrastructure, and defense capacity limit effectiveness. Inadequate education, healthcare, and transportation deepen development disparities and economic dependence on Malaysia.  Transmigration policy extends beyond population redistribution and functions as a territorial-development instrument that strengthens state presence and stimulates socioeconomic activity in border areas.