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Jokowi's cross-border facilities upgrade
The upgrade of the two posts bordering with Malaysia was part of the government’s effort to boost economic growth.
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Economic center: President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo walks in front of the newly-renovated Aruk integrated cross-border post (PLBN) in Sambas regency, West Kalimantan, on March 17. (Courtesy of the Presidential Office/File)
T
he dates of March 16 and 17 were historic, particularly for residents living around Nanga Badau in Kapuas Hulu regency and Aruk in Sambas regency, both in West Kalimantan.
After several decades, locals finally saw major renovations of the integrated cross-border posts (PLBN), followed with upgrades of immigration checkpoints and customs offices.
The projects also included improvement of trade facilities, the electricity power supply and road quality, which would halve travel time to and from the border posts.
On those dates President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo inaugurated the cross-border posts and the new facilities nearly two years after he issued an executive order for the projects.
So remote was Nanga Badau that President Jokowi and his entourage, which included First Lady Iriana, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono and Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Puan Maharani, found it impossible to locate a proper restaurant for lunch. Eventually, the President and his entourage enjoyed a meal at a modest food stall.
The upgrade of the two posts bordering with Malaysia was part of the government’s effort to boost economic growth.
The two were among seven posts to be upgraded this year. The five other cross-border posts were in West Kalimantan, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) and Papua.
