The Limits of the Multiple Institutionalization of Border Control: A Case Study of Immigration, Customs, and the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency in Batam, Indonesia

Abstract

This article explores the limits of the multiple institutionalization of border control within the context of the Singapore-Johor-Riau Islands (SIJORI) interregional border, providing a detailed examination of three border control institutions, i.e. immigration, customs, and the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency (BAKAMLA: Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia) in Batam, Riau Islands Province, Indonesia. This article asks why, in a region with high institutional density and rapid economic growth, illicit practices remain omnipresent, and finds that this stems from incompatible border institution design and overemphasis on individual organizational interests. We find that individual institutions' tendencies to focus on their own goals compromises the common goal of security that justifies their presence. This has been exacerbated by the historical legacy of sectoral egotism that continues to divide Indonesia's public institutions.