STRATEGIK BIMP-EAGA: MENGIMBANGI EKONOMI, KESELAMATAN DAN KELESTARIAN ALAM BORNEO

BIMP-EAGA STRATEGIES: BALANCING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SECURITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY IN BORNEO

Abstract

Inisiatif Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) telah diwujudkan sebagai platform kerjasama serantau untuk memperkukuh pembangunan ekonomi, keselamatan, dan kelestarian alam sekitar di Borneo dan kawasan sekitarnya. Namun, pelaksanaannya berdepan dengan pelbagai isu dan cabaran, termasuk ketidakseimbangan pembangunan antara wilayah, ancaman keselamatan rentas sempadan, serta tekanan terhadap ekosistem semula jadi akibat eksploitasi sumber. Isu-isu ini menuntut pendekatan strategik yang mampu mengimbangi kepentingan ekonomi dengan keperluan keselamatan dan kelestarian alam. Objektif kajian ini adalah untuk mengenal pasti isu dan cabaran utama yang dihadapi oleh BIMP-EAGA, mengkaji potensi serta strategi pembangunan Borneo melalui kerangka kerjasama tersebut, dan menganalisis pendekatan seimbang antara ekonomi, keselamatan, dan kelestarian. Kajian ini menggunakan metodologi kualitatif dengan menekankan analisis dokumen, kajian literatur, serta temu bual pakar bagi mendapatkan gambaran menyeluruh tentang dinamika serantau. Kajian ini menggunakan teori pembangunan serantau. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa BIMP-EAGA mempunyai potensi besar dalam memperkukuh integrasi ekonomi serantau melalui pembangunan infrastruktur, pelaburan, dan perdagangan. Namun, kejayaan inisiatif ini bergantung kepada keupayaan negara anggota menangani isu keselamatan seperti penyeludupan, pemerdagangan manusia, dan ancaman maritim. Selain itu, kelestarian alam sekitar perlu dijadikan teras dalam setiap strategi pembangunan, khususnya dalam pengurusan hutan tropika, biodiversiti, dan sumber maritim Borneo. Kajian ini menegaskan bahawa keseimbangan antara ekonomi, keselamatan, dan kelestarian adalah prasyarat utama bagi memastikan BIMP-EAGA benar-benar berfungsi sebagai model pembangunan serantau yang inklusif dan mampan.

The Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) was established as a regional cooperation platform aimed at strengthening economic development, security, and environmental sustainability in Borneo and its surrounding regions. However, its implementation faces various issues and challenges, including uneven development among participating regions, cross-border security threats, and increasing pressure on natural ecosystems resulting from resource exploitation. These challenges necessitate a strategic approach that balances economic interests with security and environmental sustainability requirements. This study aims to identify the key issues and challenges faced by BIMP-EAGA, examine the potential and development strategies for Borneo within the framework of this regional cooperation initiative, and analyse a balanced approach to economic growth, security, and sustainability. The study adopts a qualitative methodology, emphasising document analysis, literature review, and expert interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of regional dynamics. The research is guided by Regional Development Theory. The findings indicate that BIMP-EAGA possesses significant potential to strengthen regional economic integration through infrastructure development, investment, and trade expansion. Nevertheless, the success of this initiative depends on the ability of member states to address security challenges such as smuggling, human trafficking, and maritime threats. Furthermore, environmental sustainability must be embedded as a core principle in all development strategies, particularly in the management of Borneo's tropical forests, biodiversity, and maritime resources. This study argues that achieving a balance between economic development, security, and environmental sustainability is a fundamental prerequisite for ensuring that BIMP-EAGA functions as an inclusive and sustainable model of regional development.