

Border of Indonesia – PNG – Suplied
Jayapura, Jubi – The border between Merauke and Papua New Guinea (PNG) is prone to drug and fuel smuggling, a Papua legislator said.
A member of Commission I of the Papua Legislative Council on politics, foreign relations, governance, law and human rights, Kusmanto said, to minimize smuggling, surveillance in the border region of Merauke-PNG needed to be strengthened.
“Yes I think supervision should be tightened not only in official entrances but also the unofficial entrances,” said Kusmanto onTuesday (20/10/2015).
He said smugglers often brought their illegal goods from PNG to Marauke through the unofficial entrances that often escape observation border services.
“During this time Merauke residents often transact with residents of PNG. For example people of Merauke sell antlers or meat to the people of PNG or sometimes barter for goods from PNG,” he said.
This happened not only on the Merauke-PNG border, but also in border areas in Skow, Muara Tami District, Jayapura City.
Early September, the chairman of the Council of Indigenous Keerom, Papua, Herman Yoku told reporters that in the area of Keerom there are three unoffiical entrances for carrying illegal goods to Jayapura and the surrounding areas which are in the District of Waris, Senggi, and Komratoro.
“Remember there are four border crossings in Keerom district. Three of them are footpaths. Three of the area is timber business competition, alcohol and even drugs, “said Yoku at the time. (Arjuna Pademme)