Indonesia-Sarawak to Launch Cross-Border Bus Route to Boost Connectivity

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Malaysia’s Sarawak state are set to open a new cross-border bus route, a move aimed at strengthening land connectivity and supporting economic and social integration between the two regions.

The agreement was highlighted during a courtesy call by Indonesia’s Consul General in Kuching, Abdullah Zulkifli, with Sarawak Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin on Monday, July 13, 2026, according to the Indonesian Consulate General in Kuching.

The border between West Kalimantan and Sarawak currently records the highest volume of cross-border land travel among Indonesia’s frontier regions, Antara reported.

To expand transport networks, both sides agreed to establish a new public bus service linking Kuching and Putussibau. The route will operate via the Lubok Antu (Sarawak)-Nanga Badau (West Kalimantan) border crossing.

During the meeting, the Consul General expressed appreciation for the rapidly growing connectivity between Indonesia and Sarawak, both by land and air. Minister Lee reaffirmed Sarawak’s full commitment to working with Indonesia to ensure safety and security standards are upheld on both sides.

To address passenger comfort, the two parties agreed that any issues requiring immediate attention could be reported directly to the Indonesian Consulate in Kuching or to Malaysian authorities for swift follow-up.

The strategic meeting will be followed by a planned field visit by Sarawak’s Transport Minister to the Indonesia–Sarawak border crossing designated for the new route.

The initiative is expected to accelerate technical implementation while fostering closer economic ties and social interaction between communities in both regions. ***