Jakarta, Sept. 18 -- Indonesia's Home Affairs Minister Muhammad Tito Karnavian has urged the National Border Management Agency (BNPP) to focus border development on economic growth, public welfare and national defense.

"We want border areas to no longer be seen as the backyard, but as the front yard and centers of economic growth and equitable development," Tito said here Friday.

Tito, who also heads BNPP, made the remarks during the agency's 16th anniversary, urging it to use the occasion to evaluate its achievements and strengthen its role.

He emphasized the need to strengthen BNPP's capacity as a coordinating agency that brings together ministries, government institutions and other stakeholders in developing border areas.

Tito said...