Kota Kinabalu: Enhanced connectivity between Sabah and Indonesia, alongside the development of Nusantara in East Kalimantan, positions Borneo to become a leading cross-border tourism hub, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Speaking at the launch of the "30 Years Tribute to Trans Borneo 2026" expedition on Monday, Joniston highlighted that the upcoming Serudong Immigration, Customs, Quarantine, and Security (ICQS) Complex will serve as Sabah’s first permanent international land border crossing with Indonesia.
The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman noted that the new infrastructure will drive regional trade, investment, and multi-destination travel, aligning with the broader economic goals of the BIMP-EAGA and ASEAN frameworks.
He commended co-organisers Indonesia 4x4 Overland and Borneo Overland Expeditions Sdn Bhd, alongside expedition pioneers Anuar Ghani and Harry Sanusi, for fostering three decades of cross-border friendship and overland adventure tourism.
Echoing these sentiments, original 1996 expedition founder Anuar Ghani urged both nations to simplify cross-border transport regulations—including replacing the costly Carnet de Passage requirement—to fully unlock economic opportunities across sectors like medical, agricultural, and adventure tourism.
