The Marginalisation of Border Communities: A Study of Social Inequality in Indonesia

Abstract

Social inequality in Indonesia remains an ongoing issue, particularly in border regions which often face limited access to development and the distribution of resources. A similar situation is found among the communities in the Indonesia–Malaysia border area of Entikong, Kalimantan, which, despite its strategic position as a cross-border region, still faces various forms of social marginalisation. The aim of this study is to analyse the social inequality occurring within the Entikong border community, identify the forms of marginalisation experienced, and examine the factors influencing them. The research used a qualitative approach with a descriptive design to gain a deeper understanding of the social conditions of the community. The research subjects were communities residing in the Entikong border region, Kalimantan. Data collection techniques included observation, interviews, and documentation. Data analysis utilised the Miles and Huberman model, which encompasses data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results show that the marginalisation of border communities is influenced not only by economic factors, but also by the uneven distribution of development, limited infrastructure, suboptimal access to public services, and the geographical and social conditions of the border region. The forms of inequality identified include limited access to education, economic opportunities, and participation in regional development. The development of border regions needs to be directed towards a more inclusive approach through strengthening community capacity, equitable distribution of basic services, and local economic empowerment so that the well-being of border communities can be achieved in a more sustainable way.