RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Amid viral claims on social media suggesting that three villages located along the Indonesia-Malaysia border in Nunukan, North Kalimantan, had been “lost” due to boundary changes with Malaysia, local officials have stressed that the reports are inaccurate.

The North Kalimantan Border Management Agency clarified that ongoing Indonesia–Malaysia boundary negotiations are part of a long-standing, gradual process, not a sudden shift.

Indonesian State Secretary Minister Prasetyo Hadi has confirmed that the government is working to resolve concerns surrounding the three border villages. He stated that officials will conduct on-site inspections to gain a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

“We will look for solutions. We will check directly in the field,” Minister Prasetyo said at the House of Representatives Building in Senayan, Jakarta, on Monday, January 26, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Minister Prasetyo added that discussions with relevant stakeholders will be held to identify the best possible outcome. “We will discuss it,” he noted.

Earlier, the National Border Management Agency (BNPP), in a working meeting with the House Commission II, reported the existence of an Outstanding Boundary Problem (OBP) agreed upon between Indonesia and Malaysia during the 45th Joint Border Committee in February 2025.

BNPP highlighted that three villages in Nunukan Regency, North Kalimantan - Kabungalor, Lipaga, and Tetagas - are currently considered part of Malaysian territory. At the same time, it was noted that approximately 5,207 hectares of Malaysian land have been incorporated into Indonesia for the development of a free trade zone.

Separately, Head of the North Kalimantan Border Management Agency, Ferdy Manurun Tanduklangi, stressed that claims circulating on social media suggesting the villages were “lost” due to boundary changes are inaccurate.

He clarified that the DPR Border Committee meeting on January 22, 2026, did not specifically address Indonesia–Malaysia border disputes in Nunukan, but instead focused on accelerating development and improving welfare in border communities.

“The settlement of the Indonesia–Malaysia boundary in Nunukan is ongoing and follows the agreed process between both countries. This has been a gradual effort over time, not something that happened suddenly,” Ferdy explained in Tanjung Selor over the weekend. ***