Navin Kumar Perianen
The Tebedu-Entikong trade route between Sarawak and West Kalimantan has no reopening date yet. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said both countries agreed to speed it up, Bernama reported on 29 October. He spoke on 9 October, while tabling Budget 2027. It comes as AirBorneo starts Kuching-Jakarta flights on 13 November.
Since 15 May 2014, Indonesia has limited seven categories of goods at the crossing, The Star reported in September. They include food and drink, clothing, footwear and electronics. The reports do not say if those limits will go.
Overall, here is what has been agreed, what Sarawak is building and what traders await. No start date, quota or fee is out yet.
What was agreed on the Tebedu-Entikong trade route
Indonesian Trade Minister Budi Santoso said on 3 September that both sides had settled the main and regulatory points. Only a few admin matters remain, he said. He spoke after a joint trade and investment meeting. Malaysia’s co-chair was Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.
It was the first such trade meeting in nine years. Furthermore, the next one is due in Kuala Lumpur next year. In addition, the minister hoped the remaining steps could be done soon.
The idea is not new. In September 2025, Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg made an announcement. Indonesia had agreed to make Tebedu-Entikong a trading point, he said. He linked it to a July 2025 meeting with President Prabowo Subianto.
Since then, the reports give no opening date. Moreover, they do not list which goods will cross first. Therefore, traders cannot plan shipments yet.
Sarawak’s preparations at the border
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan said on 21 October that Sarawak has widened road access. He is also the state Minister for International Trade, Industry and Investment. He spoke in the State Legislative Assembly.
Other steps are still pending, until funds and approvals come. One is the Sarawak Border Area Development Master Plan, due in the fourth quarter of 2026. Another is a proposed upgrade of the Biawak customs, immigration, quarantine and security complex.
Read more: AirBorneo Kuching-Jakarta flights start 13 Nov from RM399
Read more: Puteri Harbour to Batam ferry opens as Johor draws 1.5m visitors
Read more: IKEA Kuching opens 27 Nov with same prices as Peninsular
Meanwhile, talks with the federal government go on over an upgrade of the Tebedu complex. A proposed Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office in Pontianak is targeted for 2027. However, no budget has been stated for any of these items.
However, these are plans rather than approvals. Likewise, the reports do not say when the road works will end. Equally, they do not say if waiting times will change.
What traders want from the Tebedu-Entikong trade route
The Sarawak Business Federation (SBF) says reopening could lift trade with West Kalimantan. It lists farming, food, factories, shops, transport, storage and tourism as likely winners. In addition, it asks for a joint body to be set up at once.
In addition, the SBF proposes help for small firms. These ideas include a one-stop advice desk, simpler licences, business matching, trade missions and help with customs. However, they are proposals, not announced government measures.
Meanwhile, ceramic makers in Kuching see a gain too. The Kuching Ceramic Entrepreneurs Association (PERSERA) says moving fragile goods by road would cost less than air freight. Its members plan to show their work at the BorneoCraft Global 2.0 expo from 25 to 29 November. Elsewhere, Indonesia links are also growing by sea, as the Puteri Harbour to Batam ferry shows.
In short, the Tebedu-Entikong trade route has no reopening date yet. The goods covered, fees and opening hours are still to be announced.
Yalinie Mathan
Admin
Amirull Salihing
Add comment