<![CDATA[Border villages in West Kalimantan are experiencing growth and increased vibrancy, particularly in their coastal and riverine areas, driven by cross-border trade. The coastal region serves as a natural tourist attraction, highly sought after by adventure enthusiasts. This paper focuses on the village of Temajuk in Kalimantan, Indonesia, which borders the village of Telok Melano in Sarawak, Malaysia. Cross-border trade in both villages remains traditional and operates legally through t`he Border Crossing Post. This study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the impact of the 2025 import policy on cross-border trade in the border villages of Sambas, West Kalimantan. Employing ethnographic qualitative methods, the research investigates whether socio-cultural changes have occurred within the communities of the two countries’ villages, which share ethnic, cultural, and kinship ties, as a result of the import policy. The findings reveal that the policy has not resulted in fundamental changes, as cross-border trade continues to be conducted traditionally. Family ties often suffice to navigate challenges posed by the policy. This activity is supported by the 1970 Cross-Border Trade Agreement, which allows border communities to trade without undergoing complex import procedures to meet their daily needs. Most policy-related obstacles are typically resolved through kinship networks. The research findings indicate that the policy did not bring about fundamental changes because cross-border trade remains traditional. Various hindering policies resolve through kinship. This activity is supported by the 1970 Cross-Border Trade Agreement, where border communities can trade without having to go through complex import policies to meet their daily needs. There is a unique phenomenon: local and global economies integrate. The two governments have plans to open the legal border gates. These research findings can inform policy recommendations upon the formal reopening of border gates. The enforcement of import regulations should include special provisions for essential goods that are unavailable in the district capital, Sambas]]>
