By Jacintha Jolene & Alexandra Lorna
KUCHING: The Teluk Melano-Temajuk border crossing, which is set to open this year, is expected to strengthen connectivity and economic ties between Sarawak and Indonesia.
Indonesia’s Consul General in Kuching, Dr Abdullah Zulkifli, said the new crossing will connect the Malaysian and Indonesian coastlines, allowing people to travel between the two areas more easily.
“Malaysian beach and Indonesian beach can connect, people can just walk across. With more border points, there will naturally be more movement of people, and we hope trade will also improve,” he said when met at his residence here today (Mar 21).
Indonesia’s news portal, Detiknews, reported that the inauguration of the Temajuk Border Crossing Post in Sambas, West Kalimantan, is targeted for mid-2026, awaiting completion of road access to Temajuk, which is still in the upgrade process.
He noted that existing active land border crossings between Sarawak and Indonesia include Biawak-Aruk and Tebedu-Entikong, while the Serikin-Jagoi Babang route is currently under development.
Dr Abdullah added that Kuching remains a popular destination among Indonesians, especially during festive periods such as Hari Raya, with many travelling long distances to visit the city.
He said Kuching’s clean environment, spacious surroundings, and diverse food offerings continue to attract Indonesian visitors, while Sarawakians also frequently travel to Pontianak for its vibrant food and café scene.
Highlighting growing ties, he said connectivity between the two regions has improved significantly, with flights between Pontianak and Kuching operating twice daily, while the Kuching-Jakarta route runs five times a week.
In addition, land travel between West Kalimantan and Sarawak remains active, further facilitating cross-border movement of people.
Dr Abdullah also pointed to increasing academic cooperation, noting that more Indonesian students are pursuing studies in Sarawak at institutions such as Swinburne University of Technology, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), University of Technology Sarawak (UTS), Curtin University and i-CATS University College.
He emphasised that enhanced connectivity and collaboration would benefit both sides, particularly in trade and development.
“With Sarawak progressing rapidly, we are working to ensure that neighbouring regions in Kalimantan can also collaborate and grow together for mutual benefit,” he added.
Earlier, Dr Abdullah said about 200 Indonesians, including those working here and those on holiday, attended Aidilfitri prayers at the Consulate General before proceeding to his residence for Aidilfitri gathering.
