PENGELOLAAN POS LINTAS BATAS NEGARA (PLBN) SOTA MELALUI DIPLOMASI EKONOMI PERBATASAN SEBAGAI INSTRUMEN KEBIJAKAN PUBLIK

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the management of the Sota Cross-Border Post (PLBN) as a public policy instrument within the framework of border economic diplomacy. This study uses a qualitative approach with a case study method in the Sota PLBN area, Merauke Regency. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana. The results show that the Sota PLBN functions not only as an administrative facility but also as a hybrid policy space that brings together state intervention and local community economic practices. Informal cross-border trade activities reflect the ongoing practice of people-to-people diplomacy. In this context, local MSMEs play a role as non-state actors bridging economic interactions between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, while contributing to building bilateral relations at the grassroots level. However, PLBN management still faces challenges such as weak inter-agency coordination, the dominance of a security approach, and suboptimal policy integration with informal local economic activities. This research offers a new perspective by positioning the PLBN as a dynamic and multidimensional public policy space, thus requiring a more integrative approach between security, economic, and diplomatic aspects.