Sarawak Deputy Digital Minister Visits Long Nawang Border Post to Discuss Strengthening Border Connectivity
The State Border Crossing Post (PLBN) Long Nawang in Kayan Hulu District, Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan, managed by the National Border Management Agency (BNPP), received a visit from the Deputy Minister of Digital Sarawak, Datuk Wilson Uga Anak Kumbong, on Wednesday (25/3/2026).
The visit was part of efforts to strengthen Indonesia-Malaysia synergy, particularly in improving cross-border services and connectivity in the border area.
During the visit, Wilson assessed that the existence of the PLBN plays a strategic role as a driver of economic, social, and cultural activities. The PLBN also serves as a hub for strengthening cross-country community relations.
“The development of Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, Security (ICQS) or PLBN facilities in Sarawak is under the authority of the Malaysian central government. However, we will consolidate this request and bring it to the relevant authorities in the central government so that development in Sarawak can be realised,” Wilson said in a press release received by Kompas.com on Sunday (29/3/2026).
“I am impressed with the development of the PLBN in Indonesia. I will report this to the Malaysian government as a reference,” he added.
On that occasion, he also conveyed plans to develop supporting facilities on the Sarawak side, such as service buildings, shared stations, and minimarkets, to encourage cross-border trade activities.
“(The development of these facilities is intended) so that both countries can easily connect, communities can visit each other, from Kapit to here and vice versa. This interaction will attract tourists and boost the socio-economic area,” Wilson explained.
He added that cross-border trade involving local communities on both sides is believed to improve welfare and strengthen the regional socio-economic impact.
North Kalimantan’s Deputy Governor Ingkong Ala emphasised that the development of border posts is an important instrument for creating new economic growth centres.
He stated that the government’s commitment to building the PLBN has provided great hope for border communities with kinship and shared cultural ties.
“It is hoped that the acceleration of PLBN development in Sarawak can be realised. If that happens, I am confident it will trigger accelerated economic development in our region,” said Ingkong.
He also affirmed that the central and regional governments continue to strive to improve infrastructure quality, including road access connecting Long Nawang to Malinau and East Kalimantan Province.
“The central and regional governments, God willing, continue to strive to improve the quality of infrastructure connecting Long Nawang with Malinau Regency and East Kalimantan, so that accessibility not only leads to the provincial capital of North Kalimantan but also connects to the Nusantara Capital, which is about 700 kilometres away,” stated Bustan.
Through cross-government synergy and accelerated development on both sides of the border, the Long Nawang PLBN is expected to drive connectivity, strengthen cross-country interactions, and improve the welfare of border communities.