Understanding social cohesion at the border through communication lens [Memahami kesepaduan sosial di sempadan menerusi lensa komunikasi]

Border between countries is an important area for both countries. nowadays,it has become more important as a community meeting center,the zone for bilateral cooperation and routes in and out route for legal and illegal activities. thus,communities in the border areas are usually very close to each other. this happens because they share similarities in terms of ethnicity,language,and culture. the proximity also affects the close relationship that exists in addition to the existence of communication infrastructure system that has been developed by the governments of both countries. settlements in border communities in sarawak,malaysia and west kalimantan,indonesia are located far from the capital or major cities of both countries and this also caused the residents to have closer relationship with each other. this paper presents the issue of community relations in the residential area on the border of sarawak and west kalimantan based on field studies that have been carried out. this study used observations and survey through questionnaires to look at the relationship between the three ethnic populated areas namely kampung mongkos,lubuk antu,ba'kelalan and telok melano in sarawak. the study found that the population in the study area has a close relationship with each other as a result of blood and social ties which has long been established. this close relationship is further strengthened with easy entry and exit for social affairs in their respective areas through the existing road and the rules of border crossing points are so easy. thus,the interdependence between these communities to meet the needs of life makes the communication between them more intimate and close despite occasional emergence of the issue of national boundaries. the results of this study show that social relationships in the community here with their family and neighbours are very closed. overall,it can be concluded that the daily life of the communities in the border areas is quiet,simple and happy. the dynamics of community relations at the border should be viewed as a model for understanding ethnic relations,prosperity and social cohesion of the country. © 2016,universiti kebangsaan malaysia press. all rights reserved.