Exports from Indonesia to Timor Leste through the Motaain Border Crossing Post (PLBN) in Belu Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, have been continuously increasing. The efficient services and lower costs make the Motaain gate a preferred choice for many exporters. According to data from PLBN Motaain as of Tuesday morning, July 2, 2024, the highest export value in 2023 was recorded in October, amounting to IDR 82.05 billion, while the lowest was in April, at IDR 36.61 billion. In the first four months of 2024, the highest export value was in March, at IDR 57.83 billion, and the lowest was in April, at IDR 41.78 billion. On average, around 500 export commodity vehicles pass through this post each month.
Engelberthus Klau, Head of PLBN Motaain, mentioned that the export value through Motaain has been increasing since the PLBN was inaugurated at the end of 2016. Although it dipped during the Covid-19 pandemic, the export value has surged since 2022, with an estimated annual increase of 10%. PLBN Motaain is now the PLBN in Indonesia with the highest export value. Exported commodities include laptops, printers, mineral water, medicines, cement, vegetables, concrete blocks, weapons, reinforced steel, rice paper, furniture, chili peppers, eggs, cosmetics, underwear, salt, plastic utensils, soybeans, ceramics, and dog food. Klau noted that the land route through Motaain remains popular due to its cost-effectiveness compared to the sea route. Vehicles from Indonesia can directly reach storage warehouses in Timor Leste via Motaain, with administrative processes at the PLBN taking less than 15 minutes. Exporters prefer this route as sea transport involves expensive loading and unloading processes at ports, longer times, and additional risks.
