Border post at Wutung re-opens

THE PNG-Indonesian border post at Wutung in West Sepik has been reopened to Papua New Guinea citizens travelling to Jayapura, says PNG Customs Chief Commissioner David Towe.
He said it followed Prime Minister James Marape’s visit to Indonesia in March this year to meet President Joko Widodo.
“It was agreed during the meeting (to have) stronger cooperation and increased trading opportunities between the two countries,” he said.
“It was also agreed that the border at Wutung which had been closed for over two years because of the Covid-19 restrictions be opened as soon as possible.”
The border post was reopened on Monday.
Meanwhile, a Wutung village leader said it was better that the border be opened to stop the illegal trade going on.
Raphael Tungla said the government should encourage people along the border corridor to tap into business opportunities there.
“When will the Government empower its citizen along the border corridor to participate in business to balance the trade here,” he said.
“Otherwise the picture of current border operation is unfair trade.”
Landowner Eddy Tanfa welcomed the opening and urged the Government and Sandaun government to facilitate development to benefit the people.