ASIATODAY.ID, TARAKAN — The expression “Garuda in My Heart, Malaysia in My Stomach” voiced by North Kalimantan Governor Zainal Arifin Paliwang paints a painful picture of life along Indonesia’s northern border.
Despite the deep sense of patriotism symbolized by Garuda—the nation’s emblem—many border residents remain economically dependent on Malaysia due to poor infrastructure and limited local opportunities.
During an official recess visit on October 27, 2025, Deputy Chair of Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Syaiful Huda, led a working team to Tarakan, North Kalimantan, to monitor infrastructure and transportation development programs funded by the State Budget (APBN).
Huda emphasized that Indonesia’s border regions must be treated as a national development priority.
“North Kalimantan isn’t just a new province carved out of East Kalimantan—it’s Indonesia’s front line facing Malaysia. Infrastructure here represents the nation’s image and sovereignty,” Huda said during the field inspection.
Commission V is closely overseeing programs from several ministries, including the Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR), Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Villages and PDT, BNPP, and Basarnas.
Huda underlined that every government initiative in the area must directly improve people’s welfare and reduce economic inequality.
Weak Infrastructure, Widening Gap
Huda stressed that North Kalimantan’s basic infrastructure remains severely underdeveloped, despite its rich economic potential in fisheries, agriculture, and renewable energy.
“Foundational infrastructure such as raw water dams, inter-regional roads, and reliable public transport are essential. Without them, North Kalimantan’s growth will lag far behind, even though its potential is extraordinary,” said the PKB Party politician.
Huda also highlighted delays in the construction of the Binuang Bridge, a strategic connector between Malinau and Krayan. The project was stalled due to a Rp50 billion budget block under Presidential Instruction No. 1 of 2025.
“We must ensure that key projects like Binuang Bridge are not continuously delayed. This bridge is vital for connectivity and to reduce the local population’s economic dependence on Malaysia,” he said.
National Pride on the Line
For Huda, infrastructure development in border regions is more than a matter of economics—it’s a question of national dignity.
“The phrase ‘Garuda in My Heart, Malaysia in My Stomach’ is a wake-up call. North Kalimantan must become a top priority so that people living on the border truly feel the presence and protection of their nation,” he concluded. (AT Network)
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