Call for reassessment of cross-border bus access to boost Sarawak-Kalimantan tourism

KUCHING: The accessibility of buses across the Sarawak-Kalimantan border needs to be reassessed to enhance cross-border tourism. Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts principal assistant secretary Dr. Elena Gregoria Chai Chin Fern stressed that while the ministry remains committed to fostering regional cooperation in tourism, arts, and culture, stakeholders must work together to […]
Access roads at Sarawak-Kalimantan border prioritised

KUALA LUMPUR: Road development at the Sarawak-Kalimantan border is currently focused on access roads for entry and exit to Kalimantan, said Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib. She said the government is prioritising infrastructure development that facilitates border access. “If we were to follow through with constructing roads along the border, we would […]
Special Economic Zones can foster regional growth: Awang Tengah

KUCHING: Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan has called for Special Economic Zones (SEZ) to foster regional growth, especially along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border. In making this call, he said there is potential of establishing SEZ at key gateways, particularly at the Tebedu-Entikong area. “This effort would enhance cross border trade, unlock resource development […]
Lukewarm response to RM1b for border facilities

KUCHING: The government’s allocation of RM1 billion to develop basic infrastructure along the Malaysia-Kalimantan border has seen a slow uptake. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof assured that he will be discussing the matter with the Sarawak and Sabah state governments, as well as the implementing agencies, to get a detailed update. As such, […]
Happy buses operating again

TEBEDU: The resumption of the ICQS Tebedu bus operation between Sarawak and Pontianak has brought various emotions among the people who commute using the buses. Reporters from Sarawak Tribune were able to interview our friendly neighbour from Pontianak, Indonesia on their reactions and feeling when they are able to cross to Sarawak using a bus. […]
Full valuation required much earlier

KUCHING: To prepare for the relocation of the Indonesian capital to East Kalimantan, national defence readiness in the Sarawak border region needs to get thorough assessment in advance. The Chief of the Defence Forces General Tan Sri Datuk Seri Affendi Buang said that efforts to improve security in the border area, whether in terms of […]
In search of ‘Upai Semaring’, the Leaping Giant

The study of folklore is largely the study of particular folklore genres: myth, folktale, legend, ballad, proverb, riddle, superstition, etc. – Alan Dundes, American interpreter A remote tribe sharing the Sarawak-Kalimantan border claims that a “giant” from the central highlands of Borneo founded the Kingdom of Brunei 700 years ago. I was able to trace the […]
Ba’kelalan: Gateway to North Kalimantan

Men want a battle to fight, an adventure to live, and a beauty to rescue. That is what is written in their hearts. That is what little boys play at. That is what men’s movies are about. You just see it. It is undeniable. – John Eldredge, American author A ramble into the heart of […]
Kalimantan Escapade – journey to ‘Kota Amoi’

Everybody has their own story; everybody has their own journey. – Thalia, Mexican singer After Pontianak we left for Singkawang better known as ‘Kota Amoy’ (City of Chinese damsels) – famous for fair and lovely Teo Chew and Hakka girls. Over the past two decades or so, many Sarawak Chinese have patronised the city’s eating […]
Sarawak to enhance border trade with East Kalimantan

WITH Indonesia confirming its plan to relocate its capital city to Nusantara in East Kalimantan, Sarawak needs to position itself and develop its competitive advantages, said Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. He pointed out that Sarawak stood to gain from the rapid development with the relocation of Indonesia’s capital city because […]