ENTIKONG (Kalimantan Indonesia): The Government of Indonesia will increase cooperation and conduct more serious negotiations with the state government of Sarawak and Malaysian Federal Government to improve infrastructure facilities at the Tebedu / Entikong borders.
Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Kuching, Sarawak Yonny Tri Prayitno, said the meetings that will be held in the nearest time are very important to boost and intensify the various activities and programmes held at the boundaries of these two neighbouring countries.
In addition, with the availability of good infrastructure and various activities held it is also believed that these would ably attract more tourists from Entikong (Indonesia) to Kuching (Sarawak) and vice-versa from Sarawak to Indonesia.
“We here in Entikong are currently implementing various infrastructure projects such as upgrading the roads in Entikong to the border; we are also planning to build a shopping mall and build more government buildings here.
“All of these are crucial in attracting more tourists from Malaysia to Indonesia and today we are holding the Wonderful Indonesia Festival. This festival will continue to be held and improved with more events in the future to attract more tourists to Entikong, “ he said.
Bapa Yonny, who few weeks ago took over the position from Bapa Jahar Gultom, made this comment when met after the Opening Ceremony of the Indonesian Wonderful Festival in conjunction with the Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at Entikong Border, Kalimantan Indonesia, recently.
Meanwhile, negotiations should also be made with the Sarawak Government and Federal Government to facilitate all exits and entries into Entikong / Tebedu border.
Strictly speaking, he said this is important in efforts to increase the number of tourists coming out from the neighbouring country.
“But it does not mean simplifying our in and out process without focusing on tight control as we will also be working on it.
“If all these efforts include more booths or shopping centres in Entikong, various programmes held, it indirectly will increase the number of tourists and help raise the socio-economic status of the people here,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bapa Yonny said he would investigate and obtain various information on medical tourism which is said to make Kuching more popular as a destination for treatment and health examination for residents from Kalimantan Indonesia especially Pontianak.
“Imagine that they said 60 per cent of the passengers on a plane were those who had been treated or sought treatment in Kuching; it might be cheaper or close to it,” he said.
The annual festival was hosted by the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Kuching and the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia.
During the two-day festival, various activities were held including entertainment, traditional games, blowpipe, Indonesian product exhibits, convoys and others.
