Motaain Border Post introduces "money changer" to strengthen border economy
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The State Border Crossing Post (PLBN) managed by the National Border Management Agency (BNPP) in Motaain, Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), has introduced a money changer service, or foreign currency exchange facility, owned by Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), as part of efforts to strengthen economic activities in the border region.
The inauguration represents a strategic step in bolstering economic services while facilitating access to foreign currency transactions for border communities between Indonesia and Timor Leste.
“With the money changer service at PLBN Motaain, the public can now conduct foreign currency transactions quickly, safely, and reliably. This certainly provides comfort while supporting cross-border economic activities,” said Assistant Deputy for Land Border Area Potential (PKPD), Brigadier General TNI Topri Daeng Balaw, in a statement received in Jakarta on Friday.
The facility is expected to meet the needs of the community, border crossers, and business actors who have previously faced limitations in accessing official currency exchange.
Topri stated that the money changer service at PLBN Motaain is a concrete manifestation of the state’s presence in providing ease and protection for border communities’ economic activities.
According to him, the community has often had to travel considerable distances to city centres or even use unofficial routes to exchange money.
He added that the existence of this facility also aligns with the role of PLBN Motaain as part of the Atambua Border Area Development Centre (PPKP).
The PLBN is expected not only to function as a gateway for the entry and exit of people and goods but also as a node for economic growth in the border region.
Meanwhile, the Head of PLBN Motaain, Maria Fatima Rika, welcomed the introduction of BRI’s money changer service as part of strengthening facilities and services in the PLBN area.
She assessed that the service would greatly assist border communities, crossers, and business actors in conducting official foreign currency transactions.
“We appreciate the support from Bank BRI in bringing the money changer service to PLBN Motaain. The presence of this facility is very much needed and complements existing services, particularly in supporting cross-country economic activities,” said Maria.
She also stated that the management of PLBN Motaain will continue to strive to optimise the utilisation of the facility so that its benefits are truly felt by the community.
According to her, synergy between the government and the banking sector is key to driving economic growth in the border region.
“We hope this service is utilised to the maximum and can trigger an increase in trade and service activities in the border area. Thus, PLBN Motaain can increasingly play a role as a centre for inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” she concluded.