Kota Kinabalu: A total of 25 vehicles with 64 participants took off for the Trans Nusantara Expedition 2024 in front of Sabah Tourism Board building here on Monday.
The convoy was flagged off by Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who is also Sabah Tourism Board chairman.
The participants included foreign entries from Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Australia, and Norway are taking part in the expedition scheduled to begin on August 10 in Kuching, Sarawak.
Joniston said the multi-national convoy symbolises unity and will cover over 10,000 km across Indonesia by visiting Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Flores, Lombok, Bali, and Java over the period of more than 46 days.
“The highlight of the expedition is the visit to the new Indonesian capital, Ibu Kota Nusantara, during its opening ceremony on August 17, which is the Independence Day of Indonesia.
“As the third-largest island in the world, Borneo’s natural beauty, diverse ecosystems, and rich cultural history make it a compelling destination for global travellers.
“The ongoing development of the Pan Borneo Highway is a significant milestone, enhancing connectivity and fostering deeper ties among Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesia.
“This infrastructure will not only facilitate smoother travel but also open up Borneo’s hidden gems to the world. For us it’s in Sabah, the strategic relocation of Indonesia’s capital to Kalimantan presents new opportunities for cooperation and growth,” he said.
He added that Sabah’s CIQ point to Kalimantan at Serudung in Kalabakan, currently under development will play a crucial role in facilitating cross-border tourism.
“Borneo has the potential to be a major draw for international tourists and it is important for Sabah, Sarawak, and Kalimantan to work cohesively to ensure that Borneo’s tourism industry flourishes, bringing economic benefits and fostering cultural exchanges.”
He also congratulated Borneo Overland Expeditions Sdn Bhd, a Sabahan company, for organising the event as well as thanking convoy leader John Kong and his team, and the 4x4 clubs for their support.
