"The development of PLBN is not only a gateway but also a central 'embryo' of regional economic growth that can improve the welfare of border communities," Hadimuljono stated in Jakarta, Tuesday.
According to the minister, the development of PLBN is not only the pride of Indonesia as a great nation but also the start of a new economic growth hub in the border region.
The Ministry of PUPR continues to reduce disparities and equalize infrastructure development, especially in border areas. One of the steps is through the development of PLBN that is also an effort by the government to maintain state sovereignty.
After completing seven PLBN in the construction of phase one, the Ministry of PUPR is gradually completing the continuation of construction of the PLBN phase two according to Presidential Instruction Number 1 of 2019.
Director General of Cipta Karya Diana Kusumastuti stated that six PLBN had been completed in wave two, including the Sota Integrated PLBN in Merauke, Papua Integrated PLBN in Serasan in Natuna District, Riau Islands Province, and the districts of Jagoi Babang and Bengkayang in West Kalimantan.
Moreover, the Integrated PLBN of SEI Pancang, Nunukan District, North Kalimantan; Integrated PLBN of Napan, North Central Timor District; and Integrated PLBN of Yetetkun, Boeven Digoel District, Papua, had been completed.
One PLBN that has been completed and been operational since July 2023 is the Jagoi Babang PLBN in West Kalimantan. This PLBN is able to create new economic growth for people at the border.
Manager of the Jagoi Babang PLBN, Misdo Jerry Purba, stated that growth was inseparable from the relatively closer distance to Kuching City, Sarawak, Malaysia.
Currently, most commodities exported to Malaysia through the Jagoi Babang PLBN are agricultural products, such as vegetables comprising parsley, potatoes, and chilies as well as fruits, such as dragon fruit and watermelon, in addition to iron.
The core building work, goods and transit warehouses, mess, offices, Wisma Indonesia, water tower buildings, official houses, guard posts, power houses, Waste Management Sites (TPS), border markets, zero point gates, and other facilities were built during the 2020-2023 period, costing Rp225.7 billion (around US$14.47 million), on 16.4 hectares of land.
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Translator: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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