"We still have not determined the date to reopen our border. We leave the date to the security and immigration authorities of the two countries. But basically, it will happen shortly," Indonesian Consul in Vanimo, PNG, Jahar Gultom, said here on Monday.
The reopening of the Skow-Wutung border, which is economically and socio-culturally beneficial for the two countries, was agreed during a bilateral meeting in Bali in May 8-9.
"In normal conditions, the border gate is opened three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The number of PNGs citizens who enter our territory can reach thousands of people," Gultom said.
The cross-borders trade from PNG with the Indonesia includes food, beverages, clothes, construction components and electronics, with total transactions worth U.S. 13 million dollar per year.
"Our merchants profit from PNGs citizens who shop in our markets," Gultom said.
The delegations of Indonesia and PNG also agreed to establish a coordinated patrol between Indonesian Military and PNGs to maintain security and stability in the Skouw-Wutung border area. (*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2014
