KUCHING: Tebedu has the potential to emerge as a major economic gateway along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border through stronger cross-border trade, improved logistics facilities, tourism and local business development.

Tebedu Assemblyman Dr Simon Sinang Bada said the area’s strategic location bordering West Kalimantan, Indonesia, presented opportunities to strengthen trade relations and regional economic cooperation.

He said economic developments in Kalimantan, including the development of Indonesia’s new capital, Nusantara, also created opportunities for Tebedu to benefit from cross-border economic growth.

“These opportunities include cross-border trade, logistics, tourism, small businesses and the marketing of agricultural produce,” he said.

He was speaking during the debate on the Supply (2027) Bill, 2026, at the 19th Sarawak Legislative Assembly (DUN) Sitting here on Thursday.

However, Dr Simon stressed that a strategic location alone was insufficient without adequate infrastructure and comprehensive trade facilities.

In this regard, he called for greater attention to be given to the provision of trade infrastructure, efficient border management systems, logistics facilities and policies that support the participation of local entrepreneurs.

He said border economic development must also ensure that local residents benefited directly, particularly through job creation, business expansion and wider market access for agricultural produce.

“This development can create job opportunities, increase business activities and open up new markets for local agricultural produce.

“Tebedu should not merely serve as a trade route but must develop into a centre that generates economic opportunities and prosperity for its people,” he stressed. -UKASnews

Translator: Uilson Ng