Continuously Strengthening the Sarawak-Indonesia Cross-border Bus Route Lee Kim Shin: Consolidating Bilateral Connectivity

(Kuching, 4th) It is proposed to open a cross-border bus route passing through the Lubok Antu–Nanga Badau Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security Complex (ICQS) to connect Kuching and Putussibau, West Kalimantan. This is expected to consolidate connectivity between Sarawak and West Kalimantan, thereby revitalizing the fields of tourism, trade, medical services, and cross-border economic activities.

Sarawak Minister of Transport, Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin, stated that this proposal is currently being carefully studied through a working visit to the Lubok Antu ICQS, with the aim of assessing the readiness of the facilities and collecting opinions from relevant agencies and bus operators regarding the implementation of the new route.

He said, according to information provided by Indonesian Consul in Kuching, Musa Derli, the current land journey from Putussibau to Pontianak takes about 20 hours.

"However, if the Lubok Antu–Nanga Badau ICQS route, further connecting the Tebedu–Entikong ICQS, is utilized effectively, the travel time is expected to be reduced by more than half, thus providing users with a faster and more efficient travel option."

Lee Kim Shin made this statement at a press conference after concluding his working visit to the Lubok Antu ICQS yesterday afternoon.

Meanwhile, he revealed that the Ministry of Transport also sees the potential for Kuching to develop into a regional transit hub connecting aviation and land transport networks between Sarawak and Indonesia.

He said that with the opening of direct flights between Kuching and Jakarta, and the future addition of Borneo Airways, this cross-border bus route will enhance a more integrated transport ecosystem.

“Passengers from Indonesia can continue to various destinations via Kuching International Airport, while those arriving in Kuching can also continue to Kalimantan through the cross-border bus service.”

He stated that two bus operators, namely Biaramas Express from Sarawak and DAMRI from Indonesia, have both expressed that they are ready to commence operations as soon as all relevant approvals from the authorities are obtained.

To expedite the advancement of this project, he revealed that the Sarawak Ministry of Transport will issue an official letter to the Malaysian Ministry of Transport to request the acceleration of the approval process for the cross-border bus route proposal.