The Long Nawang border crossing post has a strategic value
Tarakan, North Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Development of the Long Nawang cross-border post (PLBN) in Malinau District, North Kalimantan, has a strategic value to demonstrate the presence of the central government in border regions, according to Deputy Governor Yansen TP.

"The Long Nawang border crossing post has a strategic value. We have seen the road link from Mahakam Hulu, East Kalimantan, then we entered the Long Nawang road link that ends at the PLBN. This demonstrates the government's presence in border regions," Yansen stated in Tanjung Selor, Bulungan District, North Kalimantan, on Thursday.

Yansen said he does not question the nationalism of residents in the border areas, yet he highlighted that some residents had yet to observe immigration regulations while conducting cross-border activities.

Yansen was optimistic that through the development of the cross-border post, residents could register the immigration document that would help them visit Malaysia legally and receive legal protection from authorities of the country that they are visiting.

He pointed out that the Long Nawang PLBN is one out of the four cross-border posts developed by the central government in North Kalimantan Province.

The deputy governor expressed optimism that relevant authorities would fully commit to developing the border crossing post and additional facilities, such as places of worship, a sports centre, and a library that could also be developed in the border checkpoint.

"I hope the Public Works and Public Housing Agency that handles the construction process will commit to readying all facilities before handing over the border crossing complex to the border management agency," Yansen remarked.

Meanwhile, North Kalimantan Regional Housing Development Agency (BPPW) Implementation Department Head Asmirandi noted that construction of the PLBN is expected to be completed this year.

"As per April 9, 2022, the work to construct the border crossing post has reached 38-40 percent completion," Asmirandi stated.

The department head said that the border crossing complex would include the employees' dwelling and a two-storey main building for immigration services and border crossing office

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Translator: Susylo Asmalyah, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Sri Haryati
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