Ingkong Ala: Kaltara border needs support from the TNI and Central Government

BALIKPAPAN - The Chairman of the North Kalimantan Kenyah Dayak Custom Institution (LADKKU) Ingkong Ala emphasized the commitment of the customary institution to continue to play an active role in supporting regional development while maintaining social stability in the North Kalimantan (Kaltara) community.

The statement was made by Ingkong Ala when he held an audience with the Commander of the Regional Military Command (Pangdam) VI/Mulawarman Major General TNI Krido Pramono at the Regional Military Command Headquarters VI/Mulawarman, Balikpapan, Monday (16/3/2026) afternoon.

During the meeting, Ingkong Ala explained the existence of LADKKU as a community organization (ormas) that not only serves to preserve adat and culture, but also has a strategic role in maintaining social harmony and supporting regional development.

According to him, so far the customary institution has always been a mediation space in resolving various problems in the community, both internal conflicts of communities and problems between residents and community groups.

"LADKKU not only serves as a guardian of customs and traditions. We are also a container that strives to maintain social conductivity in society, even often acting as a mediator in resolving social conflicts, both internally within the community and between residents," said Ingkong Ala, who also serves as Deputy Governor (Wagub) of Kaltara.

He added that the customary institution also bears a moral responsibility for the various expectations of the community, especially in fighting for regional development, improving the quality of human resources, and protecting the rights of the community as citizens.

"The public's expectations of the customary institution are quite large. Therefore, we also feel that we have a responsibility to fight for various aspects of development, including the improvement of human resources and the protection of the rights of the community as citizens," he explained.

In addition, Ingkong Ala also highlighted the condition of the community in the border area which until now still faces limitations in access to infrastructure and connectivity.

"We hope that the central government, together with all stakeholders, can encourage an increase in the border development budget," said Ingkong.

"especially to open access to border areas in Apau Kayan such as Long Nawang, Pujungan, and Apau Alango which until now are still relatively isolated," he continued.

He emphasized that the limited connectivity made the distribution of basic necessities and development materials very expensive in the region.

"The limited access makes the distribution cost high. In border areas such as Apau Kayan and Pujungan, the price of solar can reach Rp30,000 to Rp35,000 per liter, while cement ranges from Rp600,000 to Rp700,000 per sack," he said.

He added that this condition is a serious challenge for the community in meeting daily needs while hindering the acceleration of development in border areas.

"Border areas are the front door of the country. It should be the people who live there get more serious attention, especially related to infrastructure development and economic access," he concluded.