KAJIAN HUKUM TERHADAP TRANSPORTASI JAYAPURA–VANIMO DALAM MEMPERLANCAR USAHA DAGANG TRADISIONAL

Abstract

The study titled "A Legal Analysis of Jayapura–Vanimo Transportation in Facilitating Traditional Trade" aims to understand and explain the legal regulations governing cross-border transportation between Jayapura (Republic of Indonesia) and Vanimo (Papua New Guinea), as well as to examine its impact on traditional trade activities in the border region. Cross-border transportation is a crucial element in driving economic growth, enhancing community mobility, and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations. Employing a normative-empirical approach, this research examines applicable laws and international agreements, integrating them with findings from direct observations and interviews with stakeholders in the Skouw–Wutung area. The results indicate that the 2024 bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Republic of Indonesia (RI) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) serves as the legitimate legal basis for supporting the movement of goods and people, particularly regarding commercial and traditional transportation. The policy's implementation is evident in the operation of the Skouw State Border Crossing Post (PLBN) and the Wutung Inspection Gate, which connect traditional traders across both regions. However, structural challenges remain—such as inadequate road infrastructure on the Papua New Guinea side—alongside a need to harmonize cross-border customs, quarantine, and safety regulations. The impact of this cross-border transportation policy is significant within the traditional trade sector. The opening of micro-scale export-import routes and the simplification of cross-border trade administration have fostered economic growth among border communities. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) leverage this transportation access to distribute goods, thereby creating new opportunities for local and regional trade. The study concludes that synergy between legal regulations and technical implementation is essential to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of cross-border policies.