By Nur Ashikin Louis
LUNDU, Sept 25: All roads leading to the Sarawak-Kalimantan border must be upgraded to dual carriageways to encourage tourism in both regions ahead of the completion of Nusantara, the future capital of Indonesia.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Dato Sri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said in Indonesia, all roads leading to Malaysia, that is Sarawak, are dual carriageways.
“That is why we have brought up this matter in the recent federal cabinet meeting to urge the federal government to upgrade all roads near the border such as Tebedu, Biawak and Lubok Antu.
“We should upgrade these roads to connect with their Indonesian counterparts in the near future,” he told reporters during the Batang Kayan Lundu Festival 2022 closing ceremony here today.
He further stressed early preparation from the Malaysian side within the next two to three years is necessary in view of Indonesia’s ongoing progress on the relocation of its capital from Jakarta on Java island to the new Nusantara located in East Kalimantan.
Nusantara is set to be inaugurated in August 2024 in conjunction with celebrations of the country’s national day.
Wan Junaidi who is also Santubong MP further said that the accessibility provided by dual carriageway roads at the border will facilitate the promotion of local tourism products including sport fishing in Lundu.
“If we are able to attract foreign tourists with our sport fishing (events), we can promote our local fish such as barracuda and so on,” he added.
Also present were Tanjung Datu assemblyman Azizul Annuar Adenan Satem, Opar assemblyman Billy Sujang, Lundu District Officer Gustian Durani and Pemanca Benjamin Gersit Jais. — DayakDaily
