The International Freight Terminal (TBI) in Motaain, Silawan Village, Tasifeto Timur District, Belu Regency, serves as an economic catalyst at the border, playing a crucial role in infrastructure development and transportation connectivity between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. Constructed by the Indonesian Ministry of Transportation (MoT), the terminal was inaugurated on September 17, 2023, by the Director-General of Land Transportation, MoT, Drs. Hendro Sugiatno, MM, accompanied by the Acting Governor of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), Ayodhia GL Kalake, and Belu Regent, Dr. Agus Taolin. In an interview with Pos Kupang, TBI Motaain's Manager, Jeffry Ragawino S.Si.T, highlighted the strategic role of TBI Motaain as a vital hub for strategic import-export activities, bridging connectivity between Indonesia and Timor-Leste. He emphasized that TBI is part of MoT's efforts to provide comfortable, safe, and lawful transportation, in line with the Land Transportation Law of 2009. Jeffry underlined TBI Motaain's contribution to economic inequality reduction, logistical needs fulfillment, and the creation of job opportunities for locals, particularly addressing entrepreneurship and mitigating urban migration for employment. Through warehouse management personnel, porters, and food kiosks operated by third parties, the terminal aims to actively involve local communities in economic activities.
Furthermore, coordination efforts have been made in 2024 with the Motaain Border Crossing and Road Agency for the construction of a Dedicated Line for Goods Vehicles, presenting additional employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled laborers. Through these initiatives, TBI Motaain strives to establish safe and convenient transportation conditions while advancing the economic development of border areas, aligning with the government's focus on improving the welfare of communities in 3TP (Outermost, Frontier, Least Developed, and Border) regions of Indonesia. Ferdi, an export entrepreneur from Belu Regency, welcomes the presence of TBI Motaain, recognizing its facilitation of cargo shipping processes and the potential for business expansion. He hopes for continued government support in border infrastructure development to foster more inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Previously, in February 2024, export and import activities through the Motaain Border Crossing, Belu Regency, generated over USD 3.9 million in foreign exchange, involving 600 vehicles with a total net weight of 3,919,831 kilograms.
