NUNUKAN, E. KALIMANTAN: The Nunukan regency administration inaugurated an Indonesia – Malaysia border monument on Sebatik Island, East Kalimantan, during Indonesia’s Independence Day on Friday, Antara news agency reported.
Nunukan’s Deputy Regent Asmah Gani said the Garuda Perkasa (Mighty Garuda) monument was erected to foster nationalism among Indonesian residents living near the border.
The monument was constructed two months ago.
Sebatik Island is among the country’s outermost islands and is jointly owned by Indonesia and Malaysia. The southern part of the 452.2-square-kilometer island belongs to Indonesia, while the northern part comprises Tawau city in Sabah, Malaysia.
Residents on the island have regularly complained about poor facilities and lack of access to transportation. They must take a two- to three-hour boat ride to reach Tarakan plus a flight to reach Samarinda, both destinations being in East Kalimantan.
Given the long journeys to major cities in Indonesia, local residents opt to trade their natural products like fish, coffee, tea and rice with their Malaysian neighbors.