KUCHING: Malaysia can learn from Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, in terms of connectivity.
In stating this, Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Indonesia’s extensive network of airports, trains, and toll roads connect over 17,000 islands.
“The year 2024 marks a significant time in history of the Brunei Darussalam–Indonesia–Malaysia–Philippines East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) as Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines collaborate towards cross border bilateral ties and inter-connectivity in transportation.
“Therefore, the country has much to learn from Indonesia’s archipelago connectivity.
“This is also important as Indonesia is moving her capital from Jakarta to Nusantara in Kalimantan, Borneo, the bilateral relationship between Indonesia and Malaysia, especially Sarawak will prosper in social and economic activities,” he said.
He said this before flagging off the Trans Nusantara 4×4 Expedition 2024 at the Kuching Waterfront on Saturday (Aug 10).
Abdul Karim, said Sarawak presently has three Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) facilities to Kalimantan namely at Biawak, Tebedu and Lubok Antu.
“CIQ points are still in the planning stages in Sabah with the southwest linking Kalimantan and Sabah through Serudung.
“The state therefore presently has the only CIQ points between Malaysia and Indonesia and is presently the only gateway to Nusantara by land,” he said.
He added that the expedition is timely because Indonesia has planned an extensive train network linking Borneo Island, Brunei has built the longest bridge in South East Asia, and Malaysia is now completing the Pan Borneo Highway which connects Sarawak and Sabah.
“The opportunity to discover the true beauty of Borneo Island overland has really inspired this Trans Nusantara Expedition.
“This event will raise awareness of the major transformation of our transport and cross border system that lies ahead of us.
“Innovation and partnership between the public and private sectors, and internationally across borders, will be critical ingredients in this effort,” he said.
Abdul Karim also said the expedition will be a platform for the nations to make meaningful connections that can spark new ideas and collaborations especially in the areas of tourism and social economic activities.
“The expedition with the inclusion of Sarawak will also help to promote the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of Borneo through such a unique and exhilarating experience,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 40-day expedition which enters its second edition, begins on Aug 10 starting and ending in Kuching.
Organised by Borneo Overland Expeditions and Indonesia 4×4 Overland, it includes 60 team members and 25 4WD vehicles and they will traverse through more than 8,000 kilometres (km) of land and sea by ferry to Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Flores, Lombok, Bali and Java.
The group will be also arrive at historical, nature and world heritage sites across the Indonesian archipelago such as Mount Bromo, Borobudur Temple, Danau Kalimutu, Labuan Bajo, Pontianak, Mount Rinjani, Bali, Toroja Land, Komodo Islands and many more.
Among those present during the flag-off were the event’s main organiser, who are also Epic Borneo directors Robert Tan and Jeremy Tay.
