Border Infrastructure and Cross-Border Trade: Policy Implementation at the Sota State Border Crossing Post

This study aims to analyze the implementation of the Sota Cross-Border Post (PLBN) development policy and identify supporting and inhibiting factors in the context of cross-border trade activities between Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The study used a qualitative approach with a case study design. Data were obtained through semi-structured interviews with six purposively selected informants, limited participant observation, and documentation. The analysis used the Edwards III policy implementation framework, which includes communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. The results show that the implementation of the Sota PLBN policy has generally gone well, primarily supported by inter-agency coordination, clear division of authority, the availability of basic infrastructure, and the commitment of the apparatus. However, implementation still faces limitations in human resources, trade support facilities, access to information, transportation, distribution costs, and community business capital. The existence of the PLBN also supports more structured cross-border services and the development of formal trade activities, as indicated by increased export transactions and the growth of community businesses. The findings indicate that the ability of border infrastructure to support cross-border trade is related to the quality of policy implementation, administrative capacity, institutional coordination, and community economic capacity. Strengthening these aspects is necessary to optimize the function of the Sota PLBN in supporting trade activities in the border area.