The Cross Border Post Sota marks the border with Papua New Guinea (PNG). This modern facility in South Papua is designed to promote significant economic growth. It represents a new vision for the Indonesia-PNG border, reflecting stronger national border management. The Cross Border Post Sota stands as a proud showcase for the nation. President Joko Widodo inaugurated the post in October 2021, and it has since become a new front porch for the country. This structure represents Indonesia’s progress and national pride.
The Indonesian government aims for border areas to reflect the nation’s advancement. Thus, it directed officials to rebuild border posts nationwide. The Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing constructed the Sota facility. Their construction plan included building new markets. This encourages the post to become a center for economic activity. The ultimate goal is to improve the welfare of border communities.
Indonesia’s National Border Management Agency manages all cross-border posts. This responsibility comes from the 2008 State Territory Law. In 2021, the agency issued new regulations for post typology. The Sota post falls into category C classification. This means it handles fewer than 5,000 crossers per month. On an average day, about 20-30 people pass through this post.
A Vital Gateway for Border Communities
The post has operated for over two years now, and it serves as more than just a crossing point. Many PNG citizens enter Indonesia for essential services. They access local education, healthcare, and places of worship. This makes the Cross Border Post Sota a vital lifeline.
Papua New Guinean Traditional Leader Slasianay confirmed this dependence. “We sell goods inside to make money,” he explained. He mentioned selling items like deer meat and fish. They receive Indonesian rupiah from their sales. Then, they use this currency to buy necessary supplies. “It is closer to buy sugar and salt in Sota,” Slasianay added. This access is much more convenient than traveling within PNG.
Post head Ni Luh Puspa Jayaningsih said the market is busy. It operates from Monday to Friday with steady traffic. The benefits also extend beyond commerce and basic necessities. Many children from Wariaber Village, PNG, attend school in Sota. The district provides education from elementary to high school. Residents also cross to access clean water and medical facilities.
