This is certainly very beneficial for both partiesPontianak, W Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Consul General in Kuching, Malaysia, applauded the resumption of cross-border bus services between West Kalimantan, Indonesia, and Sarawak in Malaysia that were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The resumption of cross-border bus services would boost both countries' economic recovery, Raden Sigit Witjaksono stated in Kuching, Malaysia, on Friday.
"Thank God, with the support of all parties, the Consulate General in Kuching continues to encourage and make efforts to improve economic conditions, one of which is the opening of land transportation from West Kalimantan to Sarawak, Malaysia, and vice versa that was closed for more than two years due to the impact of COVID-19," he remarked.
He said, since the border between the two countries was reopened, the consulate general has continued to coordinate with the Sarawak Government to open land transportation crossings.
"Initially, we started with private vehicles and since June-July, we have continued to encourage the opening of (means of) public transportation," he stated.
According to Witjaksono, transport operators as well as people in Sarawak and West Kalimantan have awaited the reopening of public transportation.
"This is certainly very beneficial for both parties, and we hope that everything would run smoothly. Thus, the economy, trade, and tourism of these two countries can recover soon and continue to develop," he remarked.
Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin launched the ceremony for the resumption of the service on Thursday, September 1, at the Tebedu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (IQCS) centre in Serian.
Lee stated that the reopening of passenger bus service was the fruit of close cooperation between the Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching and the government of Sarawak, Malaysia.
He remarked that for the first phase, both sides had agreed to operate cross-border buses five times a week.
Currently, five bus permits have been approved by Indonesia’s transport authority to Sarawak-based bus operator, Biaramas Bus Express, to operate along the Pontianak-Kuching route.
Other express bus companies in Sarawak are in the process of applying for permits to operate along the Pontianak-Kuching route.
In a reciprocal move, the Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (CVLB) Sarawak has also approved five bus permits to Indonesian bus company, Damri Express.
Lee stated that in addition to the express bus services, both countries would discuss the resumption of air transportation connecting Pontianak in West Kalimantan and Kuching in Sarawak.
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Translator: Andilala/Slamet Ardiansyah, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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