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Indonesian border post chief: Speed up Serikin ICQS Complex construction to ease cross-border travel, boost ties
(From third left) Misdo and Henry with delegation members from Sarawak at PLBN Jagoi Babang in West Kalimantan.
KUCHING (Aug 11): Construction of the Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex in Serikin should be expedited to ease cross-border travel as well as boost economic and tourism ties between Sarawak and West Kalimantan.
In saying this, Pos Lintas Batas Negara (PLBN) Jagoi Babang chief administrator Misdo Jerry Purba pointed out the facility is crucial to enable passport processing at the border and replace the current border pass system, which limits travel to Bau.
'At present, residents of Jagoi Babang heading to Kuching have to go through Aruk, which takes more than two hours. With ICQS Serikin, the trip could take less than an hour,' she said during a recent visit by Deputy Minister for Transport (Riverine and Marine) Datuk Henry Harry Jinep to PLBN Jagoi Babang in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.
She said Kuching is a preferred destination for shopping, healthcare, and air travel for many in Jagoi Babang and neighbouring areas such as Siding and Seluas.
'The journey to Pontianak takes seven to eight hours, compared to only one hour to Kuching.
'Having a proper ICQS here would be a far more practical gateway for border communities to access healthcare and economic opportunities in Kuching.
'Without ICQS Serikin, residents from West Kalimantan must take the longer route via the Aruk-Biawak entry point, which can take more than two and a half hours,' she explained.
Misdo stressed it is vital for border inspections at Serikin to meet international standards and allow the use of passports, regardless of whether the building is large or modest in size.
She described the facility as long-awaited by people on both sides of the border and hoped construction could begin by the end of this year.
'Our hope is very high because this project is important for the future of both countries,' she said.
She pointed out cultural and family ties between Jagoi Babang and Bau remain strong.
'During Gawai Sowa and Gawai Dayak, we helped about 700 people with valid documents cross the border to meet their families.
'With passport use through ICQS Serikin, it will be even easier to maintain these relationships,' she said.
According to her, Fridays are the busiest days at PLBN Jagoi Babang due to the Serikin market.
'On Fridays, we see between 100 and 150 visitors from Jagoi Babang, compared to 50 to 60 on regular weekdays. Once passport services are available, this could rise to 500 a day.
'This would not only boost market activity but also bring more customers to local shops and services,' she said.
Tourism could also grow, she added, with waterfalls, rivers, and other natural attractions drawing more visitors.
'Direct transport routes like Singkawang to Kuching could be introduced, offering faster links for both business and leisure.
'Better connectivity can attract more investment, encourage tourism, and create more opportunities for small businesses,' she said.
The Serikin ICQS initiative began in 2018 through a series of discussions led by Henry with relevant authorities including the Bau District Office, Bau District Council, Immigration Department, Customs Department, Ministry of Home Affairs, Public Works Department (JKR), Rural Water Supply Department, police, army, and project consultant.
Meetings were held at the Bau District Office along with site visits to the border area as well as working visits to Indonesia's PLBN Jagoi Babang.
JKR Sarawak recently issued the tender for the construction of the ICQS complex in Serikin. Henry Harry Jinep Jagoi Babang lead Serikin ICQS
