Draft:Borneo Merdeka Movement

The concept of "Borneo Merdeka" (Free Borneo) emerged as a reaction to the perceived inequities. Similar to separatist movements in Aceh, Maluku, and Papua, the idea of Borneo Merdeka has been driven by the lack of government attention and development in the region. Some sources trace the origins of this movement to 1999. In recent years, the separatist sentiment gained notable support, including from the regional government of West Kalimantan Province. The Governor of West Kalimantan once suggested that independence might be the solution to better manage their region. The development strategy carried out by the central Indonesian government has often been perceived as uneven by various communities. Many people feel that the central government focuses development efforts predominantly on Java Island. This centralization of development dates back to the era of President Soekarno and even earlier during the Dutch colonial period, where significant infrastructure projects, such as land transportation routes and railway lines, were concentrated on Java. This trend continued through the New Order era to the current reform era.

Public Opinion

According to a survey by Folks of Dayak, a significant majority (71%) of respondents expressed a desire for Kalimantan to be independent. This sentiment is particularly strong among the indigenous Dayak population, who feel marginalized and believe that their natural resources are being exploited without adequate benefits to the local communities. In contrast, immigrants in urban areas tend to support the national ideology of Pancasila.

The primary driving force behind the Borneo Merdeka movement is economic disparity. The indigenous Dayak people feel that they have been sidelined while immigrants dominate key sectors such as government and business. This economic marginalization has fostered a sense of injustice and fueled separatist sentiments.

Government Response

The Indonesian government maintains that national unity and integrity are paramount and has taken measures to suppress separatist movements. Security forces have engaged in operations against groups advocating for Borneo's independence. Despite these efforts, underlying issues related to economic disparity and regional neglect persist.

Addressing the root causes of separatism in Kalimantan requires more than just military intervention. It necessitates fair and equitable government policies that promote development across all regions of Indonesia. By improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities in Kalimantan, the government can help mitigate the grievances that drive the separatist movement. Ensuring that the benefits of natural resource exploitation are shared with local communities is also crucial in fostering a sense of inclusion and national unity.

The Borneo Merdeka movement highlights the challenges Indonesia faces in balancing development across its diverse archipelago. While the government's focus has historically been on Java, there is a pressing need to address the disparities experienced by regions like Kalimantan. By adopting more inclusive and equitable development policies, Indonesia can work towards maintaining its national unity and preventing the rise of separatist movements.