The Transport Minister said the proposed route would enhance connectivity between Sarawak and Indonesia while supporting tourism, medical tourism, trade and cross-border economic activities.

“Everyone is ready.

“Therefore, we hope the approval process can be expedited so that the route can be opened as soon as possible to provide better transport facilities for the people of both regions,” he said after a working visit to the Lubok Antu Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex on Monday.

The visit was aimed to assess the operational aspects and facilities at the ICQS Complex, as well as gathering feedback from relevant agencies and bus operators regarding the proposed service.

Lee said that two bus operators — Sarawak-based Biaramas Express and Indonesia’s DAMRI — had expressed their readiness to begin operations once approval was obtained.

Citing Indonesian Consul in Kuching Musa Derek Sairwona, Lee said the current road journey from Putussibau to Pontianak takes about 20 hours.

“However, by utilising the Lubok Antu–Nanga Badau route and subsequently Tebedu–Entikong, travel time is expected to be reduced by more than half,” he added.

Lee added that the proposed route would further strengthen Sarawak’s position as a regional transit hub by linking air and land transport networks between Sarawak and Indonesia.

Also present were Deputy Minister Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Sarawak Commercial Vehicle Licensing Board (LPKP) director Cornelia Wong Chui, JPJ Sarawak senior head (Management and Corporate) Christopher Alex Boniface Barau and representatives from Biaramas Express and DAMRI Indonesia.

Credits: Kentigern Minggu, The Borneo Post 2026