By Mickey Kavera – EM TV, Port Moresby
There is growing abuse of the Traditional Border Crossing Permits, or TBC, issued to locals along the PNG-Indonesia border.
Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel manning the Wutung Border Posts say, Traditional Border Crossing Permits are no longer restricted to the traditional border crossers, but other individuals as well.
They say, at this stage it is difficult to tell who are the genuine traditional border crossers as there has been an influx of people crossing the border using the traditional border crossing permits.
It has always been the case where non-traditional border crossers are allowed access through the border to Indonesia, accompanied by traditional border crossers.
However, Papua New Guinea Defence Force personnel say, restrictions need to be tightened to effectively monitor the movement of people along the border.
The lack of restrictions by Immigration has posed serious challenge to their operations, and may give rise to other illegal activities such as human trafficking.
They are appealing for cooperation from all border agencies to assist them monitor the border in an efficient and effect manner.
