JAGOI BABANG, Indonesia: The upcoming Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) complex at Sarawak-Indonesia border in Serikin is expected to enhance trade, improve connectivity and strengthen long-standing ties between communities on both sides of the border.
Deputy Minister of Transport (Riverine and Maritime) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep said the project would facilitate smoother movement of people and goods while creating greater economic opportunities for border communities in Bau and neighbouring areas in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
“We are currently in the process of developing the ICQS. Once completed, it will make it easier for people to travel across the border, whether to visit family members, conduct business or participate in social and cultural activities,” he said after attending the Gawia Sowa celebration on Wednesday.
The Tasik Biru assemblyman said the facility would further strengthen ties between communities that have shared ancestral, cultural and family connections for generations despite being separated by an international boundary.
He pointed out that cross-border trade is already taking place, with goods moving in both directions, but current limitations on vehicle movement and border facilities have restricted its full potential.
“Indonesia supplies certain goods to us and we also supply products to Indonesia. However, the movement remains limited because transportation across the border is still restricted.
“With the ICQS in place, transport and logistics services can operate more smoothly, making it easier for businesses and traders on both sides,” he said.
Henry said both Malaysia and Indonesia would benefit from increased customs revenue, tax collection and economic activities generated through greater cross-border movement.
At the same time, he said consumers would have access to a wider range of products and services.
“Whatever is not available in Sarawak can be sourced from Indonesia, while products that are unavailable there can be obtained from Malaysia. This creates opportunities for mutual economic growth and cooperation,” he said.
Meanwhile, Pos Lintas Batas Negara (PLBN) Jagoi-Babang head Misdor Jerry Purba said the volume of cross-border movement recorded during this Gawai celebration highlights the growing need for improved border facilities.
She revealed that authorities recorded between 700 and 1,000 people crossing the border between June 1 and June 3 in conjunction with the annual celebration.
“We have been monitoring the movement for the past three days. The number of people crossing is probably between 700 and 1,000,” she said.
Misdor added that the border authorities maintained strict records of all arrivals and departures to ensure everyone who entered Indonesia through the special arrangement was properly accounted for upon their return.
