The Pandemic Subsides, Indonesia Reopens The Motaain PLBN, To Timor Leste Is Easy Again

A number of border crossers from Timor Leste walked to the Motaain State Border Crossing Post (PLBN) in Belu Regency, NTT. (photo: doc. between)

JAKARTA – During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Indonesian government closed many cross-border posts with other countries, including Timor Leste. Now that the pandemic has gradually improved, the post has begun to reopen.

Even the Head of the Motaain State Border Post (PLBN), Engelberthus Klau, said that the RI-Timor Leste border crossing service at Motaain PLBN, Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, was reopening normally.

"Services for cross-border activities, both people and goods, have now resumed normal operations every Monday-Sunday at 08.00-16.00 WITA," he said when contacted from Kupang, Saturday.

He said this was related to cross-border activities at Motaain PLBN in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation.

He explained previously that when the condition of COVID-19 cases increased, cross-border services at Motaain PLBN were limited in service time.

Engelberthus gave an example such as the service time on Mondays and Wednesdays only takes place at 09.00-14.00 WITA. Meanwhile Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 09.00-12.00 WITA.

Meanwhile, the crossing service at the Batugade Post in Timor Leste is only open on Mondays and Wednesdays. While on other days it is only opened with certain considerations.

Engelberthus said that now services at the Motaain PLBN have been opened normally, making it easier for people to cross and export goods vehicles.

Engelberthus hopes that economic activity will also run more smoothly for economic recovery in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic situation.

He explained that foreign travelers from Timor Leste who entered Indonesia through the Motaain PLBN still had to follow the implementation of health protocols according to the Circular of the National COVID-19 Handling Task Force Number 15 of 2022.

"We urge the people of state border crossing to follow the official crossing path in order to pay attention to the existing provisions so that the journey is not hampered," he said.