Indonesia claims 127.3 hectares on Sebatik Island as theirs following border agreement

INDONESIA has asserted that 127.3 hectares of land on Sebatik Island, previously regarded as part of Malaysia, now formally falls within its territory following the completion of a bilateral land boundary demarcation.

Chief of the Presidential Staff Office, Muhammad Qodari told Kompas TV that the adjustment was the outcome of peaceful diplomatic negotiations between Indonesia and Malaysia aimed at resolving longstanding boundary issues.

"The demarcation of the land boundary between Indonesia and Malaysia on Sebatik Island has been fully completed.

"The resolution of the boundary confirmation on Sebatik Island is a manifestation of successful peaceful diplomacy that strengthens Indonesia’s territorial sovereignty.

"With the agreement on the new boundary line, an area of 127.3 hectares that was previously part of Malaysia is now legally part of Indonesia," he said.

He added that the resolution also involved a minor territorial adjustment in the opposite direction, with a smaller area of Indonesian land now falling within Malaysia’s territory.

"Only 4.9 hectares of land along the former Indonesian boundary are now part of Malaysia," he said.

Qodari emphasised that the demarcation marks a significant milestone in bilateral relations, describing it as a clear demonstration of successful peaceful diplomacy that clarifies the official boundary line and strengthens Indonesia’s territorial sovereignty.

He further noted that Indonesia’s Ministry of Home Affairs has established a special task force to assess compensation for Indonesian citizens who now reside within Malaysian territory as a result of the boundary realignment.

The agreement is expected to provide greater legal certainty over the border area and reduce the risk of future disputes between the two neighbouring countries. - April 16, 2026