CRIMINAL LAW ENFORCEMENT IN BORDER AREAS CASES OF VIOLATIONS OF STATE SECURITY AND SOVEREIGNTY

Abstract

Legal diplomacy and joint patrol protocols are important instruments for mitigating potential conflict. However, the success of such diplomacy requires technical and administrative readiness at the national level to ensure prompt implementation of agreements on the ground, including emergency communication channels and local dispute resolution mechanisms. Misaligned economic and political interests between neighboring countries often complicate practical compromises at the operational level. Actual case studies Border areas represent strategic zones that serve as the frontline in maintaining a nation’s sovereignty and security. However, these regions are also highly vulnerable to various forms of criminal activity, such as smuggling, illegal trade, and unauthorized migration. These challenges demand an effective criminal law enforcement framework that not only emphasizes repressive measures but also integrates aspects of national security and international cooperation. This study aims to analyze the policy and implementation of criminal law enforcement in Indonesia’s border regions in addressing threats to state sovereignty. Using a normative juridical approach combined with legislative, conceptual, and case studies, the research examines the correlation between national legal instruments (such as the Criminal Code (KUHP), the State Territory Law, and sectoral security regulations) and the practical enforcement mechanisms on the ground. The findings reveal that while Indonesia’s legal framework is relatively comprehensive, weaknesses remain in institutional coordination, enforcement capacity, and the harmonization of domestic law with international agreements. This study concludes that an adaptive and balanced criminal law policy is essential to ensure the protection of national sovereignty while upholding international legal principles in the context of border security.