Strengthening Indonesia–Malaysia Border Management Synergy
The National Border Management Agency (BNPP) of Indonesia is strengthening synergy in the management of the Indonesia–Malaysia border area through its participation in the opening of the 39th Technical Meeting and Session of the Sosek Malindo Joint Working Group/Joint Committee (KK/JKK) for the West Kalimantan Province–Sarawak State level in Pontianak on Wednesday (29/7).
This bilateral forum serves as a strategic platform to align policies and strengthen cross-sectoral coordination to support sustainable border area development. The Vice Governor of West Kalimantan, Krisantus Kurniawan, emphasised that the Sosek Malindo forum plays a vital role in strengthening bilateral cooperation. “This forum is highly strategic for strengthening coordination, formulating responsive policies, and consolidating synergy between relevant delegations and agencies,” he stated.
Krisantus explained that the discussions cover various strategic sectors, ranging from socio-culture, economy, trade, and transport to safety, security, and border area management. He noted that geographical proximity and shared culture are essential assets in strengthening the relationship between West Kalimantan and Sarawak. “We are only separated by national border markers. The land is one, and the culture is relatively the same. We hope this momentum further tightens the bond between West Kalimantan and Sarawak,” he added.
The Regional Secretary of West Kalimantan and Head of the Indonesian Delegation, Harrison, stated that the 39th Sosek Malindo session was attended by 257 delegates, consisting of 151 from Indonesia and 106 from the State of Sarawak. This high level of participation reflects the commitment of both parties to deepen friendship and strengthen cooperation in addressing strategic issues in the border region. Harrison added that this year’s forum prioritises strengthening border area cooperation, improving community welfare, resolving Indonesian labour issues in Malaysia, and promoting cultural diplomacy and the creative economy.
On the other hand, the Malaysian Delegation Head, Ir. Ts. Awang Mohammad Fadillah, assessed the meeting as a strategic step in strengthening cross-border cooperation that provides tangible benefits to the people of both Indonesia and Malaysia. “This meeting is a concrete and strategic joint step in increasing the welfare of both countries,” he concluded.
He also revealed several developments of mutual interest, including the preparation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for the handling and cross-border transport of deceased persons, increasing the capacity of electricity supply from Sarawak to West Kalimantan, and plans to open the Telok Melano Border Control Post (PKS) – Temajuk Border Crossing Post (PLB) in August 2026.