Pebbles on the Border
The border markers separating Malaysia and Indonesia in Kalimantan change every year. The culprits are the log thieves and the local population. As a result, our forest products end up across the border in Malaysia without paying the required customs duties. The local population, however, feel they have the right to do so because the land they live on is adat or traditional land. Fighting over fortunes is not the only typical phenomenon at the border. There is grim poverty, and there are social, economic and educational disparities, with the grass always greener on the other side. TEMPO reporter Darmawan Sepriyossa visited the Serawak State border recently, and wrote his report. TEMPO contributor in North Kalimantan, Harry Daya, provided additional information before the article was rewritten by Yusi A Pareanom and Raihul Fadjri.
January 8, 2002
The Malaysian customs official at the Entikong, West Kalimantan border was happily stamping the inspection seal on the logs before him. He said he didn't really care whether the timber coming in from Indonesia was legally or illegally cut. "Encik, even if they came from hell, as long as they've been paid and there is a legal document, well, why shouldn't I put my stamp on them?" asked the official.
Malaysia's Serawak State is the easie
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