IMPLEMENTATION OF DEFENSE POLICY IN ADDRESSING NONMILITARY THREATS IN THE BATAM SEA BORDER AREA WITH MALAYSIA

Abstract

Batam's strategic position, which evolves directly with Malaysia, has resulted in several challenges in the field of defense and maritime security, namely nonmilitary threats such as cross-border. Therefore, securing the sea border area is very important. Therefore, a defense policy is needed regarding defense improvement and concrete steps, especially in border areas, as well as the fulfilment of the TNI's Main Weaponry System according to the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) concept. The research objective is to analyze the implementation of the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) in dealing with non military threats in the maritime border area of Batam and Malaysia in aspects of defense equipment development and to analyze the optimization of the Minimum Essential Force (MEF) in dealing with nonmilitary threats in the maritime border area between Batam and Malaysia in aspects of defense equipment development. The type of research used is descriptive qualitative with a phenomenological approach, using the IITCA theory (Integrative, Interactive, Transparent, Controlling, Accountability). The informants' data were then analyzed using qualitative analysis techniques. The results showed that MEF's policy in the field of defense equipment had not reached its target fulfilment in its implementation, and the condition of the patrol boats, which were not following Batam geographical conditions, proved that security had not been implemented optimally.