Delegation in Sanggau for cross-border goodwill visit
TEBEDU: A 61-member delegation from Sarawak made the trip across the border to the town of Sanggau, West Kalimantan for the ‘ Malam Titian Muhibbah’ ( Bridging Goodwill Night) programme last weekend.
Led by Tebedu District Officer Raymond Achen, the delegation comprised 35 staffers of Serian Resident Office, Tebedu District Office and Tebedu Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security ( CIQS) complex, as well as 26 members from the cultural troupe of the Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Ministry.
According to Raymond, the delegation was received on arrival by Bupati ( Resident) of Sanggau, Paolus Hadi and wife Arita Apolina, his deputy Drs Yohanes Ontot and Entikong district officer Henrikus Suparman.
He mentioned that he had led the delegation on behalf of Serian Resident Johnathan Lugoh, who was unable to join the trip.
“It was the 12th time the programme was held, on an alternate basis between us and our Indonesian counterparts, in our joint effort to maintain good ties between the two border districts. Last year it was held in Tebedu, and this time in Sanggau.
“It is more of a cultural event whereby each country will present three songs and three cultural dances each,” he said.
Raymond also thanked his Indonesian counterparts for the great hospitality during the group’s stay there.
For next year’s event in Tebedu, he expressed his belief that it will again receive full support from Tebedu assemblyman Dato Sri Michael Manyin Jawong to ensure it is successfully organised.