BNPP Coordinates Temajuk Border Crossing Opening as Tourism SEZ
The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of Indonesia, through its Planning and Cooperation Bureau, held a Coordination Forum to accelerate the opening of the Temajuk-Telok Melano border crossing and discuss Temajuk’s potential as a Tourism Special Economic Zone (SEZ) on Tuesday, 26 May 2026.
The forum brought together stakeholders from various ministries, agencies, and local governments to formulate concrete steps to expedite the reactivation of the Temajuk Border Crossing Point (PLB) in Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan Province.
BNPP Secretary General Komjen Pol Makhruzi Rahman emphasised that reopening the Temajuk-Telok Melano border crossing is not merely about physical infrastructure development. Instead, it is expected to serve as a gateway for strengthening various strategic sectors.
‘We hope that if the Temajuk-Telok Melano border gate reactivates, it is not only physically opened but also unlocks economic, social, cultural, trade, and tourism opportunities, yielding tangible benefits in line with Temajuk’s strengths,’ Makhruzi stated in a press release received by Kompas.com on Wednesday, 27 May 2026.
First, an action plan agreement was reached to accelerate the opening of the Temajuk border gate and propose Temajuk as a Tourism SEZ, including developing similar concepts in other border areas such as Motaain, which borders East Timor.
Second, consensus on the optimal schedule for the reopening ceremony of the Indonesia-Malaysia border crossing at Temajuk and Telok Melano. The process is expected to receive full support from the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including in drafting the Tourism SEZ proposal that can be developed synergistically with Malaysia.
The coordination forum also coincided with the first anniversary of President Prabowo Subianto’s directive, as outlined in a letter from the Minister of State dated 20 May 2025, regarding the continuation of the Phase III National Border Crossing Point (PLBN) development plan as a priority for border area strengthening.
According to Budi, cross-sector coordination is key to realising the long-awaited reopening of the border crossing for communities on both sides.
The BNPP believes Temajuk has significant potential to be developed as a Tourism Special Economic Zone due to its proximity to Sarawak, Malaysia’s prime tourist destinations.
Malaysia is also embracing cross-border economic zone development through the SEZ concept, as seen in the Johor-Singapore initiative. This presents mutually beneficial opportunities for Indonesia and Malaysia to manage transnational tourism areas.
The forum was attended by representatives from the Coordinating Ministry for Political and Security Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Immigration and Corrections, Ministry of Tourism, National Special Economic Zone Council, Indonesian Quarantine Agency, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agrarian Affairs and Spatial Planning/Badan Pertanahan Nasional, Ministry of Public Works, as well as the West Kalimantan Provincial Government and Sambas Regency Administration.
The reopening of the Temajuk PLB aligns with two national priorities under President Prabowo’s Asta Cita: strengthening the national defence and security system and developing rural and peripheral regions.
Moving forward, Temajuk is expected not only to serve as a barrier safeguarding national sovereignty but also as a bridge for new economic growth, enhancing border community welfare and sustainable Indonesia-Malaysia relations.