Indonesia-Malaysia Strengthen Border Cooperation

Pontianak: Indonesia’s National Border Management Agency (BNPP) reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Indonesia-Malaysia border cooperation during the 39th Joint Working Group Meeting of the Indonesia-Malaysia Socio-Economic Cooperation at the Novotel Pontianak Hotel.
 
The forum took place from July 27 to 30, 2026, featuring preparatory meetings, technical sessions, an opening ceremony, and a presentation of Pontianak’s tourism and cultural potential to Malaysian delegates.
 
The meeting was attended by 257 delegates, comprising 151 Indonesian representatives and 106 Malaysian representatives. Among the attendees were BNPP RI Secretary Makhruzi Rahman, Head of the BNPP RI Planning and Cooperation Bureau Budi Setyono, and Heads of the Aruk, Entikong, Jagoi Babang, Badau, and Serasan Cross-Border Posts.
 
West Kalimantan Deputy Governor Krisantus Kurniawan said discussions covered several strategic sectors, including socio-cultural affairs, the economy, trade, transportation, safety, security, and border management.
 
Regional Secretary of West Kalimantan and Head of the Indonesian Delegation, Dr. Harrison, added that the forum reflected both countries’ shared commitment to strengthening border cooperation, improving community welfare, addressing strategic issues in border areas, and advancing cultural diplomacy between West Kalimantan and Sarawak.
 
Head of the Malaysian Delegation, Ir. Ts. Awang Mohammad Fadillah, echoed Dr. Harrison’s remarks, describing the meeting as a “concrete and strategic joint effort to foster the well-being of both nations.”
 
He highlighted several shared developments interests, including the drafting of standard operating procedures for the repatriation of remains across borders, increasing electricity supply capacity from Sarawak to West Kalimantan, and plans to open the Telok Melano Border Control Post and the Temajuk Cross-Border Post in August 2026.
 
Moving forward, the Indonesian government hopes to further deepen ties with Malaysia as part of efforts to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth in border areas.
 
(Jonathan Sianto)