South Kayan Road - Boh River Seriously Damaged, Car Stuck in Lumpur

The road connecting the South Kayan District to the Sungai Boh District is severely damaged. (Victor Ratu VOI)

MALINAU - The condition of road access in the Apau Kayan area, Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan (Kaltara), is worrying.

The reason is that the road connecting South Kayan District to Sungai Boh District is severely damaged and filled with thick mud, this condition makes it difficult for the mobility of local residents.

From the video footage of residents circulating, a number of vehicles were seen stuck on a slippery and potholed dirt road. In fact, residents had to work together to push cars that were unable to cross the road. Several other vehicles appeared to be queuing up, waiting for their turn to pass through the difficult road.

The head of Agung Baru Village, Ibrahim Bira, confirmed the condition. He said the road damage was getting worse when it rained with high intensity.

"If it rains, this road can hardly be passed. Vehicles are often stuck, people have to help each other to push," said Ibrahim, Friday (20/3/2026).

Ironically, until now there has been no official statement from the parties concerned regarding the handling of the road. In fact, the Kayan Selatan-Sungai Boh road section is a vital route that connects a number of villages in the border area to the Mahakam Ulu (Mahulu) Regency area in East Kalimantan.

"The community urges that repairs be carried out immediately, considering that this route is the lifeline of the Apau Kayan community's economy," he said.

In line with this, the head of the local adat, Pajang Njuk, also said that the condition of the road had long been complained about by residents.

"This access is very vital for community activities in the Apau Kayan area, this is our main route. If it is damaged like this, all activities will be disrupted, including the distribution of basic necessities," said Pajang.

He explained that in addition to hindering daily activities, this condition also has an impact on the distribution of logistics and basic needs of the community in the hinterland.

"Transportation costs are more expensive and travel time is longer. Residents hope that the government will immediately make serious improvements to infrastructure so that transportation access is smoother and safer," he concluded.