Kaltara-Sarawak Strengthen Collaboration, Focus on Border Economy and Infrastructure

APAU KAYAN - The bilateral meeting between the North Kalimantan Provincial Government (Pemprov) and the Government of Sarawak, Malaysia, in Long Nawang, Hulu Kayan District, Malinau Regency, Wednesday (25/3/2026), resulted in a number of strategic agreements to strengthen the development of the border area in Apau Kayan.

Deputy Governor (Wagub) of Kaltara, Ingkong Ala said that this cross-border coordination meeting (Rakor) was not just a ceremony, but a concrete step to answer the real needs of the people in the border area.

"This meeting is a reciprocal visit after a similar agenda was held in Kuching in June 2025. The results of the agreement reached in Long Nawang are expected to be immediately followed up in the form of a real program," said Ingkong Ala.

"There are several cooperation agreements that we concluded in the case, and this must have a direct impact on the community. We want the border to no longer be left behind, but to become a front porch that is advanced and prosperous," he continued.

According to him, the proximity of the Kaltara region to Sarawak is a great opportunity to encourage new economic growth, especially through cross-border trade, investment, and strengthening the community's flagship sectors.

"In this Rakor meeting, both parties also agreed to form a mini Sosek Malindo as a direct coordination forum between regions to accelerate decision-making and implementation of programs on the borders of the two countries," said Deputy Governor Ingkong.

In addition, in this cluster, they also agreed on a number of direct cooperation schemes that were considered important so that development was not hampered by long bureaucracy.

"We want this cooperation to be faster, more effective, and really answer the needs of the border community," he said.

In addition, cooperation in the fields of education and health is also a concern. Student exchange and cross-border health service improvement are expected to improve the quality of human resources in the region.

In the economic sector, the Kaltara and Sarawak governments agreed to encourage increased trade and open market access for local products. Flagship commodities such as cocoa, coffee, pepper, cloves, and vanilla are considered to have great potential for joint development.

"What we encourage is not only production, but also market certainty. People must be sure that their results can be absorbed," explained Ingkong.

The Deputy Governor emphasized the importance of infrastructure development as the main key to regional connectivity, including the acceleration of the road connecting Sarawak to Apau Kayan and the construction of the State Border Crossing Post (PLBN).

"If connectivity is open, then the economy moves, public services improve, and people's welfare is lifted," he explained.

In terms of security, Ingkong Ala ensured a joint commitment to maintain the stability of the border area, including preventing the circulation of narcotics and other illegal activities through coordination between the two countries' authorities.

"Ease of access for border communities is also a concern, especially in meeting daily basic needs. Both parties agreed not to complicate people who want to shop for basic necessities. As long as it remains within the legal corridor and the sovereignty of the state, access must be facilitated," he said.

He added that social and cultural relations that have long been established between people across borders must continue to be maintained and strengthened through joint activities.

"This is not the end, but the beginning of our great work together to build a border that is advanced, safe, and prosperous," he said.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister (Wamen) of Sarawak Digital, Datuk Wilson Uga Anak Kumbong, revealed that his party gave the opportunity for border children to study at universities in Malaysia.

"In addition to cultural and economic cooperation, we will also submit a proposal to accelerate the construction of PLBN in Sarawak by the central government of the Kingdom of Malaysia," he concluded.

During his visit, Wilson was accompanied by the Resident of the Kapit Division, Elvis Anak Didit, the Resident of the Miri Division, Galong Anak Luan, the Bukit Mabong District Officer, Jabang Anak Juntan, and the Kanowit District Officer, Cerislogo Anak Sabut. The entourage was also accompanied by the Kapit civil service and Wilson's wife, Datin Lita.

Then the delegation of the Provincial Government of North Maluku was represented by Assistant II of the Provincial Government of North Maluku, Bustan, Head of the Regional Planning, Research and Innovation Agency (Bapperida), Bertius, Head of the Regional Border Management Agency (BPPD), Ferdy Manurun Tanduklangi and Karo Administration (Adpim), Jaini.

Also present were the Deputy Regent of Malinau, Jakaria, the Head of the Malinau DPRD, Ping Ding Yansen