Yetetkun Border Post Finalises Preparations for Indonesia-PNG Cross-Border Connectivity
The Yetetkun National Border Post (PLBN) recently hosted a delegation from the Government of Papua New Guinea (PNG) to discuss the readiness of Indonesia-PNG cross-border connectivity via the Merauke-Yetetkun-Butmambin corridor. The visit also served to survey the readiness of facilities and border management in the border area.
The Head of PLBN Yetetkun, Issak Mewed, stated that the visit is part of ongoing discussions regarding connectivity readiness and the crossing mechanisms required if the Yetetkun-Butmambin corridor is developed. “The PNG delegation reviewed the cross-border service flow within the core area of PLBN Yetetkun and the access roads leading to the Indonesia-PNG border markers. From this inspection, we identified several technical aspects that still need to be prepared and coordinated together,” Issak said in a written statement.
According to Issak, the PNG Government is currently preparing supporting infrastructure and coordinating with Customs, Immigration, Quarantine, and Security (CIQS) elements to meet cross-border service standards. “Road access on the PNG side is still temporary and not yet fully intended for full-scale daily crossing activities,” he added.
In addition to connectivity, the discussions highlighted logistics needs within PNG. Issak noted that the PNG Government requires supplies of several food commodities from Indonesia, particularly rice and flour. This demand is seen as having the potential to open cross-border trade opportunities.
Issak stated that to support the movement of goods, trucks, and heavy machinery, further regulations are needed regarding vehicle standardisation and border management agreed upon by both nations. These aspects require further discussion with technical agencies and CIQS elements from both Indonesia and PNG to ensure crossing mechanisms operate according to regulations.
The discussions also covered instruments for controlling community crossings. In this regard, the PNG side proposed the implementation of a Traditional Border Card (TBC) as one instrument to reduce the potential for illegal crossings. Furthermore, both parties discussed the use of PNG’s Yellow Card as well as Indonesia’s Border Pass or ‘Buku Merah’. Discussions also included the need for synchronising data for residents and travellers in the border region.
Issak added that the PNG Government has also requested that Indonesia appoint an official contact person or focal point to accelerate technical coordination between the agencies of both countries. This step is particularly necessary in preparation for the opening and management of the Yetetkun-Butmambin crossing route. “This development shows that the Yetetkun-Butmambin cooperation is moving from the exploration stage towards the preparation of more concrete connectivity and border management,” he emphasised.
Through continuous coordination between the two nations, PLBN Yetetkun, managed by the National Border Management Agency of the Republic of Indonesia (BNPP RI), is becoming a vital point in supporting the arrangement of Indonesia-PNG cross-border connectivity.
Additionally, the visit involved delegations from the PNG Department of Foreign Affairs, Border/Lands, Biosecurity, Royal PNG Constabulary, Department of Defence, PNG Customs, Immigration and Citizenship Authority, Department of Transport, Road Traffic Authority, as well as representatives from Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML). The meeting was also attended by the Indonesian Consul in Vanimo, the South Papua Provincial Government, the Boven Digoel Regency Government, and officials from PLBN Yetetkun.