Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia's National Border Management Agency (BNPP) and Malaka District lawmakers discussed a proposal to establish a free trade zone along the border with Timor Leste to boost economic activity and employment.Malaka District Deputy Council Speaker Lambertus Bria said the proposal was driven by the need to accelerate economic growth in border communities following the district's separation from Belu.”Our goal is to increase jobs, entrepreneurship and economic equality in border areas. A free trade zone would help residents better utilize cross-border opportunities,” Bria said on Friday.He said cross-border economic activity in Malaka remained below that of several other border regions.Bria also highlighted the limited volume of transactions at the Motamasin Border Crossing Post and the need for stronger infrastructure and regulatory support.He added that the East Nusa Tenggara provincial government had responded positively by preparing a free trade zone development plan.The council hopes BNPP support will strengthen inter-agency coordination, including efforts to improve road access to Motamasin and reactivate the border market.BNPP Deputy for Border Area Potential Management Edfrie R. Maith said the agency supports initiatives to improve the welfare of border communities, including through a free trade zone scheme.However, he said implementation would require comprehensive studies and bilateral agreements between Indonesia and Timor Leste.”We have reviewed free trade zone practices elsewhere. The concept is feasible, but it must begin with cooperation agreements because it involves sovereignty and border management issues,” Maith said.He said BNPP had prepared an initial master plan for the Motaain border area as a pilot project because it is among the busiest crossing routes.Maith also stressed the importance of stronger supervision and law enforcement to prevent smuggling and other illegal activities.He said coordination among security agencies and local governments would be crucial to balancing economic development with border security.The meeting also discussed broader border development programs, including central government support for housing rehabilitation through the Self-Help Housing Stimulus Assistance (BSPS) program in Malaka.BNPP and the district council agreed to strengthen coordination to support inclusive and sustainable border development and advance proposals for further cross-sector review.