The Motaain Border Crossing Post (PLBN) has recorded a continuous increase in exports from Indonesia to Timor Leste. In June 2024, exports amounted to IDR 75.675.548.199, utilizing 650 vehicles for transportation. "The trend of increasing exports is expected to continue, driven by rising prices of key commodities and export volumes," stated Engelberthus Klau, Head of PLBN Motaain, on Sunday, July 7, 2024. He explained that the contributing export commodities include basic necessities, vegetables, cement, mineral water, snacks, electronic goods, furniture, cosmetics, ornamental fish, household appliances, kitchen utensils, office supplies, spare parts, vehicles, and building materials.
In addition to the rise in exports, Engelberthus also revealed an increase in the number of crossings between Indonesia and Timor Leste through PLBN Motaain. The number of crossers at PLBN Motaain in Silawan Village, East Tasifeto District, Belu Regency, NTT, reached 28,029 people in June 2024. Engel detailed that based on data, both Foreign Nationals (WNA) and Indonesian Citizens (WNI) at the PLBN Motaain arrival terminal totaled 13,977 people, while the departure terminal recorded 14,115 people. "The number of International Border Crossing Transportation (ALBN) passengers also increased from the previous month, rising from 1,483 to 1,651 people," Engel explained. Compared to May 2024, there was a significant increase in the number of crossers. In May 2024, the total number of crossers, both WNA and WNI, was 25,724 people. Engel emphasized that his team, in collaboration with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the National Police (POLRI), and Customs, Immigration Quarantine (CIQ), remains committed to enhancing supervision, services, and security to support safe and orderly mobility between Indonesia and Timor Leste.
