The Influence of Government Policy on Individual Decision to Migrate Across the Border between Timor Leste and Indonesia

Abstract

Cross-border migration between Timor Leste and Indonesia continuously occurs and becomes an important public problem, although the government of Indonesia firmly implements policy to restrain it. This research examined the influence of government policy on individual decision of Timor Leste people to migrate across the border to enter Indonesia. It used quantitative method to analyse causal correlation between government policy and individual decision to migrate across the border of the two countries. Research subjects amounted to 165 including Timor Leste migrants, immigration and security officials in the cross border points. Data obtained from questionnaire were analysed through descriptive statistic, Pearson correlation and simple linear regression techniques. This research found that passport/visa service is very expensive, the implementation of regulations on immigration services is very strict, while the providing of safe atmosphere, fair security and immigration service to migrants is at high level. Social, cultural and economic benefits being obtained in Indonesia are very important criteria, while clarity of objective, commitment to attain the objective, expenses of migration, security assurance, availability of transportation tools and infrastructures are important criteria that determine individual decision to migrate across the border of the two countries. This research also found that government policy has weak correlation, but have positive influence on individual decision to migrate across the border of the two countries, and its influence is 12.9%. The government of Indonesia needs to improve the quality of its public policy to manage the cross-border migration effectively and efficiently.