Kayan's Apau Infrastructure Is Badly Damaged, Residents Depend On Supply From Malaysia

The condition of Kayan's Apau infrastructure in Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan (Kaltara) is increasingly worrying. A number of national roads connecting four sub-districts on the Indonesia-Malaysia border suffered heavy damage. The axis road to Kayan Hulu, Kayan Hilir, South Kayan, and the Boh River is almost impassable.

Camat Kayan Hulu, Setim Ala, said road damage caused fuel supply (BBM) and basic necessities from Indonesia to stall. Residents were forced to buy daily necessities from Long Bagun, Mahakam Ulu Regency, East Kalimantan.

It used to only take one to two days to travel to Long Bagun. Now it can only penetrate one month because the road is very damaged," said Setim, Sunday, April 20.

According to him, this condition makes people more dependent on supplies from Malaysia, ironic in the midst of the government's efforts to build resilience to border areas.

"Because of poor road access, residents depend on Malaysia to meet basic needs," he added.

However, the road to the Malaysian border through Tapak Mega was also heavily damaged. Even though this route is an important access to the Long Nawang Cross-Border Post (PLBN) and the TNI guard post at the border.

"PLBN Long Nawang stands majestic, but the road to get there is badly damaged," said Setim.

The same thing was expressed by a resident of Long Nawang Village, Robert. He said more than ten points of severe damage on the main road from Long Ampung to the Boh and Long Bagun rivers.

The damaged bridge also threatens the connectivity of the region. At kilometers 122, 136, up to 147 in the direction of Long Bagun to the Boh River, and at kilometers 11 to 14 the other way around, everything was heavily damaged," explained Robert.

He hopes that the government will immediately take firm action to improve the condition of Kayan's Apau infrastructure, which has been neglected for years.