Kota Kinabalu: Improved connectivity between Sabah and Indonesia, coupled with the development of Indonesia’s new capital Nusantara, presents significant opportunities to position Borneo as a premier cross-border tourism destination, said Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.
Joniston, who is also Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman, said the future Serudong Immigration, Customs, Quarantine and Security (ICQS) Complex and the new access road being developed under the Sabah Development Corridor (SDC) through the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority (Sedia) would further strengthen connectivity between Sabah and Indonesia.
He said once completed, the Serudong ICQS would become Sabah’s first permanent international land border crossing with Indonesia, creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
“With Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, continuing to develop in East Kalimantan, Sabah is strategically positioned within a region that is becoming increasingly connected.
“This presents opportunities to further highlight Borneo as a destination where visitors can experience different cultures, landscapes and communities across borders,” he said during a press conference for the “30 Years Tribute to Trans Borneo 2026” expedition at the STB office, here, Monday.
Joniston hoped that improved accessibility would encourage more travellers to explore Borneo overland, while inspiring more initiatives celebrating the island’s shared heritage and unique experiences.
He said the developments also supported the broader vision of regional connectivity under the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (Bimp-Eaga) and Asean.
Earlier, Joniston said the Trans Borneo expedition, first organised in 1996, had inspired adventure, fostered friendships and strengthened cross-border connections across Borneo over the past three decades.
He congratulated Indonesia 4x4 Overland and Borneo Overland Expeditions Sdn Bhd, led by John Kong, for organising the commemorative expedition, while acknowledging the pioneers of the original 1996 Trans Borneo Expedition, Anuar Ghani and Indonesia’s Harry Sanusi.
Joniston said modern travellers are increasingly seeking authentic experiences that allow them to connect with local communities, understand different cultures and create lasting memories.
He said overland and adventure tourism provide an ideal platform to showcase Sabah’s natural attractions, diverse cultures and welcoming communities from a different perspective.
“As we build momentum towards Visit Sabah 2027, authentic travel experiences like this play an important role in creating awareness and inspiring more travellers to discover Sabah.
“The participants also become storytellers. Through their experiences, photographs and shared memories, they help introduce Sabah and Borneo to audiences around the world,” he said.
Joniston wished all participants a safe and memorable journey, expressing hope they would return as ambassadors promoting the beauty and diversity of Sabah and Borneo to the world.
Meanwhile, Anuar said closer cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia was crucial to making responsible cross-border tourism more accessible, while strengthening regional ties and creating greater economic opportunities across Borneo.
The Trans Borneo Expedition 1996 founder and North Borneo Explorer Sdn Bhd (NBE) founder said the spirit of the expedition had always been about more than adventure, serving instead as a platform to foster friendship, mutual understanding and international cooperation.
“I hope Malaysia and Indonesia will continue strengthening cooperation to make responsible cross-border tourism even more accessible in the years ahead,” he said.
He said the original Trans Borneo Expedition, launched in 1996, proved that overland expeditions could connect communities across borders, cultures and challenging terrain, while promoting exploration and lasting friendships.
According to Anuar, the expedition became a symbol of cooperation between Malaysia and Indonesia after a reconnaissance journey undertaken in 1995 with several pioneering teammates from both countries.
He noted that infrastructure development now underway, including plans to connect Sabah directly with North Kalimantan through international land border crossings, would further enhance regional connectivity.
Anuar said studies had identified significant opportunities for cross-border value chains in sectors such as medical tourism, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), the palm oil industry, wood processing, fisheries, organic agriculture and multi-destination tourism linking Sabah and North Kalimantan.
He also urged greater commitment towards improving cross-border connectivity, noting that Indonesia had made substantial progress in developing border infrastructure.
On cross-border travel, Anuar called for the abolition or replacement of the Carnet de Passage (CDP) requirement, saying the current system imposed costly financial guarantees on travellers bringing private vehicles across borders.
He said removing the requirement would support the objectives of Asean agreements on facilitating cross-border transport, simplifying customs procedures and boosting regional tourism and connectivity.
Looking ahead, Anuar announced that North Borneo Explorer Sdn Bhd would organise the Trans Borneo Expedition 2027, featuring a new route that would continue the legacy of the historic expedition.
He also reiterated his long-standing call for the return of the Feri Malaysia (Cruise Muhibbah) service, saying it would enable more travellers from Peninsular Malaysia and elsewhere to explore Sabah and Sarawak with their own vehicles, while promoting tourism, national integration and a better understanding of the unique needs of the two Borneo states.
“Trans Borneo has never been about a single expedition. It has always been about inspiring people to explore, respect nature, appreciate different cultures and build friendships that transcend borders,” he said.
